1: A supportive one-piece that goes everywhere

Consider this the anchor of your travel capsule. A genuinely supportive one-piece is the unsung workhorse that bridges the gap between active beach days and resort dressing.

The key is neutrality: choose minimalist silhouettes like a square or scoop neckline in premium, UPF 50+ fabric that doesn't scream ‘swimwear’ when dry. 

Once off the sand, simply tuck it into high-waisted linen pants for lunch, layer a silk maxi skirt over it for dinner, or drop an oversized button-down over your shoulders for the walk back to your hotel.

• Sheila pick: Mina One Piece

2: Swim shorts you'll actually wear off the beach

If there's a piece that earns its place in your bag three times over, this is it.

The old logic was that swim shorts belonged to surfers… or your dad. The new logic? They're one of the most versatile things you can pack. Wear them in the water. Wear them on the walk to the cafe. Pair them with an oversized tee for a casual lunch and no one would know you swam laps in them an hour earlier.

Look for high-waisted designs for support, and a mid-thigh length for coverage that can take you anywhere – indoors or out.

• Sheila pick: Alyssa Mid Swim Short

3: A bikini top that works as a crop

Here's where the styling math really starts to add up.

A well-cut bikini top (structured, longline, or with a clean silhouette) doubles as a crop top on warmer evenings. Adjustable straps mean you can change up the look from day to day. Pair it with wide-leg trousers, high-waisted shorts, or a sarong knotted at the hip. Suddenly your swimwear is your dinner outfit – magic!

• Sheila pick: Nellie Scoop Bikini Top

4: High-waisted bikini bottoms

High-waisted bottoms are the quiet achiever of active travel days. Paddleboarding, snorkelling, hiking to that hidden cove you read about on a niche travel blog at 11pm three weeks ago – these are the days when low-rise bottoms become a liability. 

A higher rise means you can move freely without constantly adjusting (or worse, losing them mid-wave).

• Sheila pick: Grace Mini Swim Short

5: A rash vest for sun-smart coverage

The most underrated piece in your luggage.

A rash vest is your best defense against a brutal 3pm sunburn, giving you reapply-free UPF 50+ protection on long beach days or walks. But if you choose one with a clean, minimal cut and a matte finish – rather than shiny athletic gear – it easily handles a few extra tasks on dry land.

Instead of burying it at the bottom of your bag, it becomes a handy extra layer for air-conditioned flights, breezy evening walks, or a casual outdoor dinner when the temperature drops.

• Sheila pick: Cate Rash Vest

6: How to pack Sheila

Fitting hard-working pieces into your bag is incredibly easy when you know the tricks of the trade. Keep these quick notes in mind before you zip up your suitcase:

• Roll, don't fold
  Swimwear is compact, forgiving, and can roll down to nearly nothing.
  
• Pack a wet bag
  Essential for the return trip so a damp swimsuit doesn't take your favourite linen down with it.