Outfit ideas
What Bag to Bring to a Pool Day with Kids (5 Outfit Ideas)
Short answer: Bring a large, lightweight tote in a water-resistant fabric, ideally with a zip top and a strap you can wear crossbody so your hands stay free for the kids. Pockets for sunscreen, keys and your phone make the day easier.
A pool day with kids means towels, snacks, sunscreen, goggles and one more spare outfit than you planned. The bag matters more than the swimsuit. Our totes were designed as work bags, but the roomy, water-resistant ones below carry pool gear well, and each comes with an outfit to match.
Black One-Piece, Linen Shirt and the Purple Waterproof Carry-On Tote
Start with a black one-piece, an oversized white button-down as a cover-up, slide sandals and a wide straw hat. The bag is a purple nylon waterproof tote with two wide webbing handles, a top zipper and a large capacity. The lower section looks expandable, which helps when the towel count grows. It is sold as a carry-on travel bag, but the zip top keeps snacks and sunscreen contained on a busy deck. Check the size chart on the listing for exact dimensions.
Large Tote Bag with Zipper for Travel Carry on · Pink · $79
See the dressStriped Swim Top, Denim Shorts and the Cream and Black Canvas Waterproof Tote
Try a navy striped swim top under denim shorts, flip-flops and a ball cap. This tote is listed as waterproof, lightweight and large capacity. It has a large front pocket, side pockets, two top handles with lettered webbing and a detachable adjustable crossbody strap. Put your phone and sunscreen in the front pocket so you are not digging while a toddler waits. Wear it crossbody when you are holding a small hand, and carry it by the handles once you are set up on a chair.
Canvas Waterproof Tote Bag for Work · Black · $69
See the dressTerracotta Swimsuit, Tan Shorts and the Brown Waterproof Zip Tote
A terracotta swimsuit, tan linen-style shorts, leather sandals and tortoise sunglasses look good with this brown tote. It is a waterproof nylon tote-style bag with two top handles, a detachable crossbody strap, a top zip and a front zip pocket. The leather-look handle accents keep it from looking like a gym bag. The roomy shape fits books and papers in its original use, so it has plenty of space for towels and a kids' change of clothes. Keep keys in the front zip pocket.
Waterproof Tote Bag for Teachers with Zipper · Black · $69
See the dressBlack Swimsuit, Wrap Skirt and the Black Tote with Zipper Pockets
Pair a black swimsuit with a printed wrap skirt, black slides and small hoop earrings for the snack-bar run after swimming. This soft black PU tote has two top handles, zipper pockets on the front and sides, side slip pockets and a detachable crossbody strap. PU is water-resistant, but the listing does not say waterproof. Use it for the dry things and pack dripping suits in a separate wet bag. It has sold 5000 pieces at a 4.9 rating.
Waterproof Tote Bag for Work with Crossbody Strap · Coffee · $99
See the dressPink Gingham Cover-Up, Sandals and the Pink Quilted-Look Nylon Tote
A pink gingham cover-up, woven sandals and a canvas visor suit this lighter, brighter option. The tote is a soft pink, quilted-look water-resistant nylon bag with two slim shoulder straps, side pockets and a roomy open top. It is stated to fit a 13-inch laptop, so a stack of folded towels fits easily. The top is open with no zipper, so put valuables in a zip pouch inside. It is a nurse-style tote, but the washable, lightweight fabric works well for pool days.
Tote Bag for Nurses with Pockets and Laptop Compartment · Dark Red · $109
See the dressPack Wet and Dry Separately
Even a water-resistant bag is not a place for soaking suits. Bring one reusable wet bag or a plastic zip bag for dripping swimwear, and keep towels, snacks and phones on the other side. Put sunscreen, lip balm and keys in an outside pocket so you can reach them with one hand. Pack the heaviest items, like water bottles, at the bottom so the tote stays upright on a lounge chair. Rinse sand off the bag's base before it goes in the car.
Choose Strap, Closure and Size Before You Order
For kids, a crossbody strap is the most useful feature because it frees both hands. A zip top is the second, since it stops a spill from reaching your wallet. Look at the size chart on each listing and compare it with the biggest towel you own. Shipping is free to the US and takes 7 to 14 business days, so order before the season starts. All sales are final, so check the size and strap details first.
Want more options? Browse all work tote bags.
Questions, answered
Can these totes go in the water or sit in a puddle?
No. Some are listed as waterproof and others are PU, which is water-resistant, but none are made for being submerged. They are for splashes and damp towels, not for sitting in a puddle.
Which bag has the most room for towels?
The purple nylon carry-on tote is the largest of the five, and its lower section looks expandable. Check the size chart on each listing for exact dimensions before you order.
What if my bag arrives damaged or I change my mind?
Damaged, defective or wrong items are replaced or refunded within 14 days of delivery. All sales are final for fit or change of mind, so check the size chart before you buy.