EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR DAYS IN THE SUN
Words: L. Thorpe
Not sure which men’s holiday outfits you need this season? We want to make packing your suitcase as easy as possible so you don’t need to overthink your holiday outfits.
If you’re heading somewhere hotter than the UK, think sunshine, shorts and casual shirts. It’s all about layering, keeping cool and wearing fabrics that’ll keep you looking and feeling good.
Think about how long you’re going to be away for, where you’re going to and look at where you can mix and match to save some much-needed case space. Don’t forget that airport outfit either, sometimes you can’t beat a pair of joggers for long-haul. Want more travel outfit tips? Read how to travel in style.
Planning your outfits based on the type of holiday you’re having and the events you’re attending is important too. There’s no point packing a case full of beachwear if you’re going to be heading for sophisticated dinners and sightseeing, or putting together a ton of date-night outfits if you’re going away with your friends.
Here’s what we’d recommend as must-have men’s holiday clothes this summer:
Classic lightweight t-shirts
Smart shorts
Casual shorts
Casual/short sleeve shirts
Linen shirts
Trainers
Polo shirts
Chinos (or a pair of chino shorts)
Linen trousers
Overshirts
Smart-casual shoes
Wondering whether the weather’s going to change or going out somewhere a bit cooler? An overshirt or a shacket can help you to stay warm without being too bulky. Depending on where you’re going to be hanging out and what you’ll be doing while you’re away, you might want to take your favourite suit or smart shirt and trousers with you too. If you’re heading abroad for a friend or family’s nuptials this year, read how to pack for a destination wedding.
If you’re in need of some more event-specific styling tips for your summer travel plans, let’s take a closer look at the hottest styles to wear for every holiday eventuality. A linen suit would be our best recommendation for dressing up in warmer weather, as it’s lighter and more breathable than heavier suit fabrics. You can learn more about this summer-ready fabric in the lowdown on linen.
What to wear for a holiday night out
We love chino shorts for something that manages to sit between smart and laidback, while helping you to keep cool. They’re ready to wear straight from your case and look just as good with a white short sleeve shirt as with a T-shirt or a polo shirt for a more relaxed look. Style according to your venue.
Heading for a meal for two
Going for a romantic meal for two? Co-ords are a great choice for this one, whether you’re going for a beachfront dinner or somewhere more upmarket. Check the dress code of the restaurant before you head out as sometimes there’s an expectation that you wear trousers and smart shoes rather than shorts and trainers.
Choose relaxed fabrics like linen and cotton to stay cool, and play around with textures and fits to balance out a date night outfit. A Cuban collar or a linen shirt with shorts can really work together well if you’re not sure where to pitch your outfit.
Hitting the beach
The obvious answer when it comes to hitting the beach is swimwear. Our swim shorts are perfect for beach to bar – with side adjusters for a better fit, they’re an elevated version of a classic swim short and look just as good by the pool as they do with a linen shirt and loafers.
Depending where you’re heading though, the beach can be less about sunbathing and more about making an impact. Try a short sleeve Oxford or a coloured Cuban collar shirt by the sea, and wear it open if you get really warm. If you want to match (and stand out from the crowd), choose a co-ord like this geo print set.
Days out
What you wear for a day out will hugely depend on where you’re actually going. But for a straightforward sightseeing day, try out the Belfast trainer so you can stay comfortable while you check out the sights on offer. A simple set of casual shorts and a laid-back t-shirt are all you need to head out on your travels. You can always add an overshirt if you want to stay out of the sun or have the option to add another layer to your outfit.
Shopping
You don’t need to overthink your outfit if you’re heading out to grab a souvenir or two. A simple shorts and polo shirt combo will work, whether you’re heading to a rustic market or a huge shopping centre. This is the time to think about casual fits and comfort – you’re probably going to be doing some walking and trying things on, so you want to make it as easy as possible.
How to pack for travel
If you find packing for your holiday a struggle, you’re definitely not alone. Start by thinking about where you’re heading, how long for and what you’ll be doing when you’re out there. You also need to have that all-important luggage limit in mind – you don’t want to be re-packing in the middle of the airport.
Think about where you can mix and match your summer clothes. You probably don’t need a pair of trousers for every single night you’re away, but for t-shirts and tops that can change your whole outfit then you can pack a little more. Plus they’re lightweight and shouldn’t take up too much space in your case.
Ideally, you want to pack fabrics and outfits that are pretty low maintenance. Ironing and steaming clothes in a hotter climate is no fun at all, especially if you don’t have the space to stop them from getting crumpled up again. Choose non-iron shirts, linen fabrics and materials that look their best a little more lived-in.
Need more casual outfit ideas for your summer holiday plans? Check out our casualwear for relaxed fits that make up the perfect summer clothes for men, wherever you’re heading.
