Resort wear for males was unheard of until recently. Men would cram their suitcases full of shorts, a hat, and other summer essentials before jetting abroad.
Thankfully, we've matured and learned that it's essential to feel and look as beautiful when on vacation as we do at home. So, we've figured out what you need to pack for a vacation wardrobe that's both versatile and small, from lounging on the beach to hitting the town after dinner.
You can check your fashion worries at the door when you pack this resortwear selection.
Elegant Swimwear Shorts
Travel back in time to the 1950s and 1960s, when icons like Cary Grant strolled the Cannes promenade in the film To Catch a Thief, and you'll discover some terrific swim shorts inspiration. Dustin Hoffman wears a similar pair while lounging on a pool float in a memorable scene from The Graduate.
This well-tailored shape, with its slim legs, is classic and refined, making it the perfect option for going from the beach to a restaurant in a linen shirt without looking or feeling too casual. With the introduction of the Bulldog short in 2007, Orlebar Brown set the benchmark for contemporary designs, but today, several resortwear manufacturers also offer elegantly designed swim shorts.
Cotton-Pool Polo
Terry towelling is experiencing a renaissance; it's hard to believe it ever went out of style. Soft and absorbent, this fabric is made using a loop yarn in the pick and a regular chain. The result is fabric with looped ends that are raised.
This lightweight fabric is not only great for lounging poolside, but also gives your vacation attire a unique tactile character. Polo shirts and tees may be the most common items made from terry cloth, but brands like Oliver Spencer and Armor Lux also make excellent, subtly tailored options like terry jackets.
Cuban shirt collar
The traditional Cuban collar shirt, along with its ancestor the guayabera, has been worn by men on the island of Cuba for as long as anybody can remember.
Now, with its unstructured collar that hangs open at the chest, this shirt is an essential part of any summer collection. Lightweight cotton, linen, and silky silk alternatives are plentiful and may be worn with tailored shorts and loafers for a dapper style or chinos and sandals for a more casual feel, depending on your mood.
Fabrics with unique textures, such as waffle knits or seersucker, are great options for dressing up simple designs. The wide variety of designs available is sure to add some island flair to your seasonal outfit.
Relaxed Polo Collar
The traditional polo shirt with two or three buttons along the front still reigns supreme in the world of beachwear. However, the relaxed collar gives the outfit a touch of class. The medium spread and lack of a stand in this collar design allow it to fall open and flat on the chest, as in a bowling shirt.
During the day, you can wear it with tailored swim shorts and boat shoes, and in the evening, you can dress it up with tapered chinos and loafers. The polo is given additional dimension by the use of textured fabrics like terry cloth and linen, while a more polished appearance is provided by the use of smooth cotton jersey.
Espadrilles
Espadrilles were first made as peasant footwear in the Basque region of Spain and Occitania, France, in the 14th century. Popular for 700 years, these shoes have evolved into a fashionable summer shoe and laid-back alternative to open-toe sandals thanks to their supple canvas uppers and esparto rope soles.
The espadrilles of today can go from being worn on the beach to being worn to dress down a formal evening gown. Ancient farmers would be mystified by the chic allure of today's espadrille.
Linen Pants
Linen pants can't be beat when it comes to being lightweight and breathable. Because flax fields are generally irrigated with rainfall rather than chemical fertilizers, linen is not only eco-friendly but also has a unique feel because of the fabric's inherent slubs.
This adaptable fabric works wonderfully for both loose-fitting pants and slim-cut suit separates. Linen pants are a versatile wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down with the addition of a pair of dressier shoes or a pair of more casual loafers.
Linen Blouse
The best thing about a linen shirt is that it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, making it ideal for both the office and the beach. Although white will never go out of style, other trendy colors include pastels and deep blues.
The Best Kind of Plain T-Shirt
The simple white T-shirt is an essential part of every modern holiday attire. It's a versatile piece that works as well as a laid-back coverup for the pool or as an undergarment for a fancy evening look.
But not just any white tee will do; for a more polished look, go with a heavyweight cotton jersey in a loose shape. Another option is to match tailored eveningwear with knitted merino tees (which may not be appropriate for daytime wear).
You can't beat the classic cotton design for its freshness, but linen and linen blends are a close second.
Shoes with a Sleek Design
When packing for a trip to the beach, leave the flashy sneakers at home and go instead for a pair of sleek, minimalist footwear. Wear them throughout the day with shorts and a polo, and later in the evening with chinos and a linen shirt.
Look to Uniform Standard and the new French label Zespà for minimalist white leather styles.
Suspender Coat
The linen jacket and the seersucker variant were neck-and-neck contenders, but the latter won out thanks to its laid-back style and textural appeal. New Orleans merchant Joseph Haspel popularized seersucker suits in that city in 1909. The combination of smooth and rough stripes (whose dimples facilitate air circulation, keeping you cool) gave rise to the term, which comes from the Persian words shîr and shakar, which literally mean "milk and sugar."
Look for jackets that have a natural drape and no stiff structures. You can't go wrong with the classic pinstripe pattern and colors like navy, ivory, and pastels when packing for a trip.
Aquatic Slides
Pool sliders, formerly considered the pinnacle of beachwear, have made their way into the mainstream of street fashion, with young people all over the world donning the classic combination of white socks and slides. However, high-end labels have cashed in on the popularity of these basic flip-flops by producing logo-stamped plastic variants as well as more polished leather designs.
Waterproof Wristwatch
Most of us wear short sleeves or pull up our sleeves during the summer months, making our wrist accessories more visible than usual. In addition, a timepiece that can endure water and still appear fashionable for nighttime wear is required due to the constant switching between pools and seas.
Depending on your spending limit, you have a lot of options for solving this equation. Luxury watches that are water-resistant and can be worn with confidence when diving include the Rolex Submariner, TAG Heuer Aquaracer, Omega Seamaster, Tudor Black Bay, and nearly any Panerai model. Meanwhile, the Navi by Timex, the Prospex by Seiko, and the 65 by Oris are all excellent buys.
Stylish eyewear
It would be inappropriate to declare one style superior to another, as the ideal pair of sunglasses depends on personal preference and facial structure. However, Wayfarers and aviators are timeless classics that will always look chic and complement any casual vacation outfit you throw their way.
While innumerable iterations on these classic styles have been created by eyewear experts, it remains crucial to focus on details like Italian acetate, premium hardware, and scratch-resistant lenses.
Bag with Flair
A trendy tote bag is the missing piece to your vacation wear ensemble. This chic item is roomy enough to hold your wallet, phone, and other needs, yet it won't look bulky or cluttered on you.
Choose canvas styles for trips to the pool or beach, and add a dash of luxury to your look with leather or suede accessories. Consider a sleek nylon tote for a more up-to-date look.
