The best vacation outfits for men do three things: keep you cool, take you from the beach to dinner without a full change, and fit in a small suitcase. Most men pack too much and still feel underdressed on the one evening that matters, because their bag is full of T-shirts and nothing with a collar. A little planning fixes that. This guide covers vacation outfits for men for every kind of trip, with a full explanation of resort wear for men, 15 complete outfits, beach outfits that work off the sand, what “resort chic” and other hotel dress codes mean, the best fabrics and colours for heat, a packing list for one week, and outfits for boys and kids travelling with you.
Vacation outfits for men: the quick answer
- Choose light, breathable fabrics: linen, cotton, seersucker and light blends.
- Pack a palette: white, navy, beige and one or two colours, so everything combines.
- Bring three shirts with collars. They turn shorts and trousers into evening outfits.
- Two pairs of swim shorts, one pair of tailored shorts, one pair of light trousers.
- Three pairs of shoes: sandals or slides, canvas trainers or espadrilles, and loafers.
- One light layer for evenings, air conditioning and the flight.
- Sun protection: sunglasses, a hat and a long-sleeve shirt.
What is resort wear for men?
Resort wear for men is warm-weather clothing that is relaxed and polished at once. It began as the wardrobe wealthy travellers took to the Riviera and the Caribbean in winter, and it now describes anything smart enough for a hotel restaurant and cool enough for the tropics.
| Element | Resort wear | Ordinary holiday clothes |
|---|---|---|
| Shirts | Linen, camp-collar and knitted polos | Graphic T-shirts and sports tops |
| Shorts | Tailored, ending above the knee | Long cargo or sports shorts |
| Trousers | Linen or light cotton | Jeans |
| Shoes | Loafers, espadrilles, leather sandals | Rubber flip-flops and running shoes |
| Colours | White, sand, navy, soft colours, tasteful prints | Anything |
| Fit | Relaxed but clean | Loose and baggy |
You don’t need a new wardrobe. Two linen shirts, one pair of tailored shorts and a pair of loafers turn ordinary holiday packing into resort wear.
The essential pieces
| Piece | Colours | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Linen shirt | White, light blue | Day and evening, sleeves up or down |
| Camp-collar shirt | Plain, stripe or a quiet print | The relaxed holiday shirt |
| Knitted or piqué polo | Navy, cream, olive | Smart without effort |
| Plain T-shirts | White, navy | For the beach and travel days |
| Tailored shorts | Navy, stone | Smart enough for lunch |
| Swim shorts | Plain or printed, mid-thigh | Tailored styles double as shorts |
| Linen or cotton trousers | Beige, navy, white | Evenings, flights and smart restaurants |
| Unstructured blazer or overshirt | Navy or sand | One smart layer |
| Light knit | Cream or navy cotton | Cool evenings and air conditioning |
| Loafers or espadrilles | Brown, tan, navy | Evening shoes |
| Leather sandals or slides | Brown or black | Pool and beach |
| Canvas trainers | White | Walking and travel |
15 vacation outfits for men
1. The linen shirt and tailored shorts
A white linen shirt with rolled sleeves, navy tailored shorts and tan leather sandals. It works for lunch, sightseeing and a sunset drink.
- White linen shirt Shirt
- Navy tailored shorts Shorts
- Tan leather sandals Shoes
- Tortoiseshell sunglasses Accessory
2. The camp-collar shirt
A camp-collar shirt in a plain colour or subtle print, stone shorts and white canvas trainers.
3. The evening linen
A light-blue linen shirt, beige linen trousers and brown suede loafers. The standard resort dinner outfit.
- Light-blue linen shirt Shirt
- Beige linen trousers Trousers
- Brown suede loafers Shoes
- Brown woven belt Accessory
4. All white
A white linen shirt and white or cream trousers, with tan loafers. Striking against a tan, and popular for beach parties.
5. The polo and chinos
A navy knitted polo, stone chinos and loafers.
6. Pool to bar
Tailored swim shorts, an open linen shirt over a white T-shirt and slides. Button the shirt and you’re dressed for the bar.
7. The striped jersey
A navy and white striped top, white shorts and espadrilles. A Riviera classic.
8. The travel day
Stretch chinos, a plain T-shirt, an overshirt and trainers. Comfortable, with pockets, and warm enough for the plane. See airport outfit ideas.
9. City sightseeing
A short-sleeve shirt, tailored shorts or light trousers and cushioned trainers. See walking shoes for Europe.
10. The smart dinner
An unstructured navy blazer, a white shirt, beige trousers and loafers, without socks showing.
11. The matching set
A matching shirt and shorts in linen or terry cloth, in one plain colour. See matching sets for men.
12. The boat day
A long-sleeve linen shirt for the sun, swim shorts, deck shoes with pale soles and a hat.
13. The beach club
A printed camp-collar shirt worn open, plain swim shorts, leather slides and sunglasses.
14. The cool evening
A cream cotton jumper over a shirt, navy trousers and loafers. Coastal evenings are often breezy.
15. The active day
A technical T-shirt, hiking shorts, a cap and trail shoes, for walks, cycling and excursions.
Beach outfits for men
A good beach outfit works on the sand and on the walk to lunch.
- Swim shorts that end at mid-thigh, in a plain colour or a small print.
- A shirt to cover up: linen, cotton or terry cloth.
- A T-shirt or vest for the beach itself.
- Slides or sandals you can rinse.
- A hat with a brim, and sunglasses.
- A beach bag or tote.
| Beach type | Wear | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resort beach | Tailored swim shorts, linen shirt, slides | Cover up at the bar and restaurant |
| Beach club | Smart swim shorts, open shirt, sunglasses | Dressier than a public beach |
| Public or family beach | Swim shorts, T-shirt, cap, sandals | Practical comes first |
| Windy Atlantic beach | Swim shorts, sweatshirt, windbreaker | Warm layers for after the swim |
| Beach wedding or party | Linen shirt, light trousers, loafers or bare feet | Check the invitation |
In much of southern Europe, swimwear is for the beach only. Put a shirt on before you walk into town. See our guides to Spanish, Italian and Portuguese fashion.
Resort chic and other hotel dress codes
Hotels and restaurants use a handful of terms.
| Dress code | What it means | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| Resort casual | Neat, relaxed daywear | Polo or short-sleeve shirt, tailored shorts, sandals or trainers |
| Resort chic | Polished evening resort wear | Linen shirt, light trousers, loafers. A light blazer is welcome |
| Resort elegant or formal | The smartest level | Blazer, shirt, trousers and leather shoes |
| Smart casual | No beachwear | Collared shirt, trousers or smart shorts, closed shoes |
| Beach formal | For weddings | Linen or light suit, open collar, loafers |
Resort chic attire is the one that causes most confusion. Think of it as smart casual for the heat: a collar, long trousers, proper shoes and no swimwear, sportswear or flip-flops. Many hotel restaurants ask men to wear long trousers and closed shoes in the evening, so pack one such outfit even for a beach holiday.
For the wider picture, see dress codes explained and dressy casual for men.
Outfits by destination
Mediterranean beach holiday
Linen shirts, tailored shorts, espadrilles and one smart evening outfit. See European summer outfits for men and Greece outfits.
Tropical vacation
Tropical vacation outfits need the lightest fabrics of all, plus rain protection. Choose loose linen and cotton, quick-drying shorts, sandals with grip and a packable rain jacket. Long sleeves and trousers help against mosquitoes in the evening.
City break
Trousers or smart shorts, shirts and comfortable trainers, with a light jacket. See Paris outfit ideas and what to wear in Spain.
Cruise
Resort wear by day, and at least one smart outfit for formal evenings. Check the line’s dress codes.
Active and adventure trips
Technical T-shirts, hiking shorts, a fleece and a waterproof shell.
Winter sun
Summer clothes, with warm layers for the journey at each end.
What to wear on vacation, day by day
Planning by activity stops you overpacking.
| Time | Activity | Outfit |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast and a walk | T-shirt or polo, tailored shorts, trainers |
| Midday | Beach or pool | Swim shorts, linen shirt, slides, hat |
| Afternoon | Sightseeing or lunch in town | Short-sleeve shirt, shorts or light trousers, trainers |
| Early evening | Drinks | Camp-collar or linen shirt, tailored shorts or trousers, loafers |
| Evening | Dinner | Linen shirt, light trousers, loafers, a light jumper |
Most days need two outfits: one for the day and one for the evening. Shirts worn for a couple of hours at dinner can be worn again, which is how three shirts last a week.
Sun, heat and insects
- Cover up at midday. A long-sleeve linen shirt is cooler than bare skin in strong sun.
- Choose a hat with a brim for the beach and for sightseeing.
- Wear sunglasses with proper UV protection.
- For tropical vacation outfits, pack light long sleeves and trousers for the evening, when mosquitoes are active.
- Take a rash vest for snorkelling and long days in the water.
- Change out of wet swimwear before lunch. It’s more comfortable, and most restaurants expect it.
Fabrics that keep you cool
| Fabric | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Linen | Cool, airy, creases easily | Shirts, trousers, shorts |
| Cotton poplin | Crisp and light | Shirts |
| Seersucker | Puckered, stands off the skin | Shirts, shorts, light jackets |
| Cotton piqué | Textured and breathable | Polo shirts |
| Terry cloth | Absorbent | Poolside shirts and shorts |
| Linen and cotton blends | Softer, fewer creases | Trousers and shirts |
| Lightweight wool | Breathes better than expected | Summer tailoring |
Avoid heavy denim, thick jersey and shiny synthetics in real heat. Linen’s creases are part of its character, so don’t fight them.
Colours and prints
- White and pale colours reflect heat and flatter a tan.
- Navy anchors everything.
- One print at a time, in a small or medium scale.
- Earthy tones (sand, olive, terracotta) look expensive.
See colour combinations for clothes.
Shoes and accessories
- Loafers or espadrilles for evenings.
- Leather sandals or slides for the pool and beach.
- White canvas or leather trainers for walking. See summer shoes for men.
- Sunglasses in a classic shape.
- A hat: a packable straw hat or a plain cap.
- A woven or canvas belt.
- A tote or cross-body bag.
A one-week vacation packing list
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Linen or cotton shirts | 3 |
| Polo shirt | 1 |
| T-shirts | 3 |
| Tailored shorts | 2 |
| Swim shorts | 2 |
| Light trousers | 1 or 2 |
| Light jumper or overshirt | 1 |
| Light blazer (optional) | 1 |
| Underwear and socks | 7 and 3 |
| Sandals or slides | 1 |
| Canvas trainers | 1 |
| Loafers or espadrilles | 1 |
| Hat, sunglasses, belt | 1 of each |
That fits in cabin luggage. See what to pack for a Europe trip and our capsule wardrobe guide.
Dressing for your build
- Bigger men: linen shirts worn untucked, dark tailored shorts and vertical stripes. Avoid clingy jersey. See fashion for big guys.
- Shorter men: shorter shorts (mid-thigh) and one colour top to bottom lengthen the leg.
- Slim men: camp-collar shirts and looser trousers add shape.
- Tall men: shorts just above the knee, and long-sleeve linen with rolled cuffs.
Vacation outfits for boys and kids
- Sun first: a long-sleeve swim top, a hat with a neck flap and sunglasses.
- Light cotton and linen in pale colours.
- Two swimsuits, so one is always dry.
- Sandals that fasten and can go in the water.
- One smart outfit: a polo or short-sleeve shirt with tailored shorts, for dinners.
- A hoodie or light jumper for evenings and flights.
- Pack by outfit, in bags, so mornings are quick.
See family beach photo outfit ideas and our kids’ clothes size guide.
How to pack so clothes arrive ready to wear
- Roll T-shirts and shorts. Fold shirts along the seams and lay them flat on top.
- Put shoes in bags, soles together, along the edge of the case.
- Wear your bulkiest shoes and your layer on the journey.
- Hang linen in the bathroom while you shower. The steam relaxes creases.
- Pack a small laundry bag, and wash a few things by hand halfway through.
- Leave space. You’ll buy something.
Vacation style around Europe
- French Riviera: striped tops, white trousers and espadrilles.
- Italian coast: linen shirts, tailored shorts and loafers, with a jumper over the shoulders at night.
- Greek islands: white and blue linen, and leather sandals.
- Spanish and Portuguese coasts: relaxed by day and smart in the evening. Dinner is late.
- Northern beaches: a sweatshirt and a windproof jacket, even in July.
In all of them, people dress for dinner, and nobody wears swimwear in town.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it’s a problem | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| Only T-shirts and swimwear | Nothing for a smart dinner | Pack three collared shirts and long trousers |
| Heavy jeans | Hot and slow to dry | Linen or light cotton trousers |
| New sandals | Blisters by day two | Wear them in at home |
| Too many shoes | Heavy luggage | Three pairs |
| Swimwear in town | Frowned upon, and fined in some resorts | Cover up |
| Forgetting a layer | Cool evenings and cold air conditioning | One jumper or overshirt |
| Loud prints head to toe | Looks like a costume | One print per outfit |
Frequently asked questions
Light, breathable clothes: linen and cotton shirts, tailored shorts, swim shorts, light trousers, sandals and loafers, with one smart outfit for evenings.
Relaxed but polished warm-weather clothing, such as linen shirts, camp-collar shirts, tailored shorts, light trousers and loafers or espadrilles.
Smart casual for the heat: a collared shirt, long light trousers and loafers or smart sandals, with no swimwear, sportswear or flip-flops.
Mid-thigh swim shorts, a T-shirt or linen shirt to cover up, sandals or slides, a hat and sunglasses.
About three shirts, three T-shirts, two pairs of shorts, two pairs of swim shorts, one or two pairs of trousers and three pairs of shoes.
At casual restaurants, tailored shorts with a collared shirt are fine. Many hotel restaurants ask for long trousers and closed shoes in the evening.
Linen, cotton poplin, seersucker and linen and cotton blends. They breathe, dry quickly and stay off the skin.
Sandals or slides for the beach, canvas trainers for walking and loafers or espadrilles for evenings.
The lightest loose linen and cotton, quick-drying shorts, sandals with grip, a hat and a packable rain jacket, with long sleeves for the evening.
A long-sleeve swim top, swim shorts, a sun hat, sandals that fasten and one smart outfit, such as a polo shirt with tailored shorts.
Loose linen shirts, quick-drying shorts and light trousers, with sandals that grip, a brimmed hat and long sleeves for the evening.
