For a warm-weather beach day in Perth, wear swimwear beneath a loose cotton shirt and shorts, or an easy pull-on dress, with sandals, a protective hat and sunglasses. Add a rashie for swimming coverage, and pack a dry change if you’re staying for lunch. For a coastal walk, choose supportive shoes and clothes that stay comfortable in the wind.
The outfit should work for the parts of the day around the swim, too: getting across the sand, sitting on the grass and walking to a café. My starting point is a simple shirt-and-shorts combination, with one useful layer if the evening forecast calls for it.
Choose your outfit around what you’re doing
| Your beach plan | What to wear | What to bring |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming and relaxing | Swimwear, a rashie when wanted, and an easy cover-up | Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, towel and sandals |
| Coastal walk and coffee | Light shorts or trousers, a breathable top and walking shoes | Sun protection and a light layer if it’s breezy |
| Beach followed by lunch | Swimwear for the water; a dry shirt and shorts or dress afterwards | Dry underwear, clean sandals and a bag for wet swimwear |
| Sunset picnic | Comfortable dry clothes you can sit in, with sandals or sneakers | A light jacket or knit if the temperature drops |
| Cool-weather beach walk | Long trousers, a top and wind-resistant jacket | A warmer layer or rain shell to suit the forecast |
Swimwear: choose something you can move in
A bikini, one-piece, swim shorts or more covered swimwear can all work. Choose the cut you like, then check that it stays secure when you reach, bend and move.
If you’ll swim actively or play in the water, secure straps and a comfortable waistband matter more than decorative details. A long-sleeved rashie is useful when you want more coverage; choose a UPF-rated option for stated sun protection.
For men, swim shorts with a comfortable lining and secure waist are a straightforward choice. Add a rashie for time in the water and a dry cotton shirt when you leave the sand.
You don’t need to match anyone else’s amount of coverage. Choose swimwear that lets you enjoy what you came to do.
Cover-ups that work beyond your towel
A loose shirt and shorts are my most useful combination. You can wear the shirt closed, use the pieces separately and change into something dry without rebuilding the whole outfit.
An easy cotton dress is another good option. Look for enough room to pull it on comfortably and a hem that stays clear of the sand. For a breezy afternoon, consider whether a wrap or very light skirt will need constant adjusting.
A sarong is handy for a short trip from towel to changing area. If you want to walk further or sit down for lunch, shorts or a dress may feel more secure.
Sheer linen, crochet and open-weave cover-ups can be attractive, but don’t assume they provide reliable sun protection. For extended outdoor time, choose protective clothing rather than relying on the appearance of coverage.
What to wear at Cottesloe, Scarborough and City Beach
Cottesloe: swimming, grass and a café stop
Cottesloe lends itself to a day that moves between the beach, grassy banks and somewhere to eat. Choose an outfit you can sit in comfortably as well as walk in.
Try: navy swimwear, sand cotton shorts, an opaque blue shirt, flat sandals and a secure sun hat. After swimming, change into dry underwear and put the shirt back on for lunch.
If you prefer a dress, an easy knee-length or midi style with secure sandals does the same job. Keep trailing hems out of the plan.
Scarborough: walking as well as swimming
For a day exploring Scarborough’s beachfront, give your shoes some thought. If you expect to spend plenty of time walking, supportive sandals or sneakers make more sense than thin thongs.
Try: lightweight olive shorts, a loose white cotton shirt and walking sandals, with swimwear and a towel in your bag. If you’re wearing sneakers, carry beach footwear so you can keep sand out of your walking pair.
City Beach: a swim followed by a meal
If your City Beach plan includes a restaurant booking, pack a dry outfit that suits that booking. A beachside address doesn’t tell you the venue’s dress expectations.
Try: lightweight trousers and an open-collar shirt, or a simple cotton midi dress with neat sandals. Check the restaurant’s guidance if you’re unsure, and change out of wet swimwear before sitting down.
Dress for Perth’s sea breeze
Perth’s summer afternoon sea breeze, often called the Fremantle Doctor, can bring welcome relief from the heat. Its timing and strength vary, so check the forecast rather than assuming every morning will be calm or every evening cool. Tourism Australia’s Perth weather guide explains the seasonal pattern.
Choose a hat with a secure fit, shorts or a skirt you can move in easily, and a bag that closes. A loose scarf that needs rescuing every few steps won’t add much to the day.
If you’re staying for sunset, change into a dry top first. Add a light jacket if the forecast calls for it. A closely woven layer is more useful for blocking wind than an open-knit cardigan.
Which shoes should you wear?
- For a short trip onto the sand: thongs or washable slides are simple to remove and rinse.
- For beach paths and cafés: choose secure sandals with a comfortable footbed.
- For a longer coastal walk: wear broken-in sneakers and carry your beach footwear.
- For a restaurant afterwards: clean, neat sandals or casual shoes may suit; check the venue when needed.
Leave delicate suede and shoes you’re worried about getting sandy for another outing. On a hot day, keep footwear handy for the trip back across exposed sand and paving.
Sun protection belongs in the outfit
Cancer Council WA’s MyUV recommends sun protection at UV 3 and above: protective clothing, SPF50 broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen, a protective hat, shade and sunglasses.
Check the UV forecast even when the breeze feels cool. Keep your sunscreen accessible and follow its label for application and reapplication, including after swimming or towelling.
For swimming conditions, check Surf Life Saving WA’s beach guidance, choose a patrolled beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
What to wear when it isn’t swimming weather
A Perth beach visit can simply be a walk and coffee. In cooler weather, wear long trousers, comfortable closed shoes and a jacket that handles wind. Add a knit underneath when needed; use rain protection if showers are forecast.
For a mild spring or autumn day, a cotton shirt, light trousers and sneakers are a useful starting point. Let the conditions decide whether you carry a jacket, rather than dressing for the word “beach”.
A small beach bag is enough
- A towel.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a protective hat.
- A water bottle.
- Dry underwear and a dry top or simple outfit if you’re staying out.
- A bag for wet swimwear.
- A light layer when the forecast calls for it.
For a whole holiday wardrobe, use our Perth packing list. For city and evening outfit ideas, see what to wear in Perth.
My easiest beach day starts with swimwear, a loose shirt, comfortable shorts and sandals. The small extra that makes the biggest difference is a dry change for whatever comes next.
