Gone are the days of old swim shorts and a T as the go-to for the beach. Men’s everyday beachwear has come a long way in recent years, attracting the attention of some of the best high-end fashion brands, including Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, and Alexander McQueen. The real skill of styling it at the beach, pool, or resort bar is to look as if you haven’t tried too hard. We’ll show you how in our ultimate men’s beachwear style guide.
Rediscover the classics
While the relaxed vibe of a beach vacation means that anything goes when it comes to individual style, there are some enduring trends. Top of the list is the retro look, as shown in the collections of the likes of Burberry and Givenchy. There’s an elegance to this vintage style that counters the casual without looking over-styled. Look for swim shorts with mid-thigh length legs, a slight A-line shape, and a choice of cool summer blues, whites, and pastels. For inspiration, dip into online men’s designer sales to find luxury items at discounted prices. Team with a pair of retro sunglasses and an old-school polo when you need to cover up or take your look from the beach to the poolside bar.
Go for performance
While you want your beachwear to look good, it must also be comfortable and practical for an active day at the beach. This is why it’s important to wear performance fabrics that keep you looking smart. For swim shorts, look for high-quality natural quick-drying, durable, and breathable fabrics. Ts, cover-ups, board shorts, and cargo pants are the best lightweight materials, such as cotton and linen, to keep you cool without compromising style.
Keep it sharp
Even the most casual beach holidays call for some tailoring to keep your vacation looking sharp and together. Swim and beachwear with a great cut and natural fit will be easy to wear and keep you ahead in the fashion stakes. Avoid oversized or over-long legs in your shorts and swimwear, but aim to create a sleek yet relaxed silhouette. Dark colors or side panels elongate the body, while patterns must be balanced to avoid dominating your beach look. Smart beachwear can also take you into the evening with a few extra tailoring twists. Swap swim shorts for chinos or add a button-down short-sleeved linen shirt and leather loafers for a sundowner or two after dark.
Break out of your beach-style rut.
The beach and a long, hot summer are the ideal opportunities to break out of a style rut and try something new. It can be as simple as adding a bold color to your summer wardrobe or splurging on the latest summer designs. Keymen’s beachwear trends this season include color-bright camouflage fabrics, muted candy stripes, and botanical prints. And for the beach fashionista, the full-on ‘matchy-matchy’ short and shirt combo is going down a storm.
Choose hardworking separates
Less is more when it comes to beach life, including your clothes.—choosing high-quality separates that can multi-task makes total beachwear sense to create a chilled-out summer wardrobe. Investing in key pieces, such as your swimwear, tailored chinos, classic white Ts, and crisp, lightweight shirts that you can mix and match, you can create multiple outfits for both day and night. And having a few hardworking separates means you can do whatever opportunities your day presents without taking your eye off the fashion ball.
Prioritize your accessories
The right accessories can turn an average outfit into something off the scale, and when it comes to beachwear, clever accessorizing will complete your look. And, as you are enjoying the outdoor scene, beachwear accessories are unashamedly practical too. Add a pair of classic sunglasses, such as the aviator or designer wraparound, and you will have the too-cool-for-summer look nailed down. Oversized cross-body totes are also on-trend and ideal for carrying your beach life essentials. And to keep you in the shade, a hat – straw trilby, classic baseball, or urban bucket style – is a beachwear essential. Complete with crucial footwear such as sliders, strap sandals, and soft leather loafers for after dark, your beachwear capsule wardrobe is packed and ready. Now bring on the sunshine!