Stick with synthetics for beachwear.

Nylon, polyester, and spandex blends. Cotton holds water like a sponge and takes forever to dry — wet cotton is heavy, cold, and a recipe for chafing. Synthetics are engineered to shed water, dry in minutes, and they don’t stretch out when wet.

Most swim trunks, rash guards, and quick-dry towels are already made from these fabrics. Look for labels that say “100% polyester” or “nylon/spandex.” If you’re buying a beach cover-up, skip the cotton sundress and grab something in a quick-dry knit.

One catch: synthetics can get funky if you don’t rinse them after salt or chlorine. Give them a quick freshwater rinse and they’ll last longer and smell better. Worth it for the half-hour dry time.