Whether you’re planning a beach vacation, a leisurely day at the pool or even an afternoon outing to the local splash pad, you’re going to need the right gear (and accessories!). The good news? You don’t have to go far to stock up. From a beach towel that doubles as a cover up to Janet & Jo’s summer fun nail polish colors, these DC companies (and one not-so-local business) will have you beach (or pool) ready in no time. Scroll down for the best beach and pool products from local companies (and beyond) to fill your summer tote with.
Wear Your Towel to the Beach (or Pool)
Beach cover up, beach towel, beach tote.... roll those all together and you get the Go Go Towel, the original wearable beach towel. Created by the same DC company that brought you the Dad Vest and the Dad Hoodie, the Go Go Towel is made of a quick drying, odor resistant and sand-free microfiber that comes in both kid ($29.95) and adult ($39.95) sizes so the whole family can match!
Online: gogotowel.com
Bust Beach House Boredom
Rainy days at the beach can be a drag! Bust beach house boredom with an illustrated educational game by DC company Little Likes Kids. These picture puzzles come packaged in their own cardboard tote so you can easily pack an activity for your beach rental or Airbnb pool house. Splash Park is a 24 piece set perfect for kids 3 & up featuring everyone's favorite summertime activities: the playground, splash pad and ice cream truck.
Online:amazon.com
Suit Up in Style
Suit up for summer fun in a swimsuit from Tea Collection. Tea offers peplum and flutter top style one pieces and tankini-style bikinis for girls and short, mid and full-length swim trunks for boys. They also have a range of both long and short-sleeve rash guard tops for girls and boys. Tea swimwear features bold, vibrant patterns and all are made from 40+ UPF fabrics. Mom-and-Pop shops Wee Chic in Fairfax VA and Kindhaus Toys in Alexandria, VA carry the line.
Online: teacollection.com
Keep Tender Toes Safe
Protect little feet with these Montessori-inspired footwear by DC's Auggie Froggy. This company specializes in "cool stuff for creative kids" with handmade products featuring pops of color and bold, fun prints. Auggie Froggy products are available online and at Shop Made in DC stores.
Online: auggiefroggy.com
Protect Your Face in Style
A sun hat is an essential summer accessory to protect your face (and neck) from harmful rays. Also, they look cute! Bonus: these hats let you bring your message to the beach! Get matching mommy and me hats (and let grandma in on the fun, too) and personalize each with names or fun sayings. Wining & Designing, a McLean-based business, will customize your hat with sequin writing!
Online: etsy.com
Leave the Sand at the Beach
This one isn't DC based. In fact, far from it (it's Australian), but it made the list because of its superpower to repel sand. These microfiber towels are also fast drying, so you can dry off at the pool (or beach) over and over again). They also offer an XL size that is so massively oversized it is large enough for a family of four to sit on.
Online: tesalate.com
Get Pool-Side Ready with a Pedi
Get your pedi pool-ready with Black woman-owned nail polish company Janet & Jo. Named as one of the top nail lacquers on the market by beauty magazines like Allure, Nylon and Cosmopolitan, this DC-based business boasts bright, vivid colors perfect for the pool or beach. You can purchase Janet & Jo at The Wharf's Shop Made in DC shop or online at JanetandJo.com.
Online: janetandjo.com
All images, except those credited, courtesy of retailers. Featured photo: iStock
Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase.
—Meghan Yudes Meyers
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