Gone are the days of simply throwing on any old t-shirt and baggy swim trunks for a beach trip. Men’s beach fashion, now often referred to as resort wear, has evolved significantly. Luxury brands have redefined what it means to be stylish by the sea, bringing sophistication and versatility to men’s beach attire. Today, beachwear needs to be more than just functional; it needs to be fashionable and adaptable for various occasions, from seaside lounging to beachfront dining.
Oliver Moores, Creative Director at Frescobol Carioca, emphasizes this shift: “There’s now the idea that beach wear is no longer exclusively for the beach or the pool, so consumers have a higher expectation of the pieces they buy, as well as the need for them to be functional & versatile.” Navigating this stylish new world of men’s beach fashion requires a thoughtful approach. This guide will provide you with essential pointers to elevate your beach look, ensuring you leave those outdated baggy board shorts firmly in the past.
Top Men’s Beach Fashion Styling Tips
Preparing for a beach day should be enjoyable, not stressful. Here are key styling tips to ensure you look your best while enjoying the sun and sand, embracing the latest trends in beach fashion for men.
1. Embrace Timeless Classics
Certain menswear pieces have stood the test of time for good reason. From the universally flattering polo shirt to the effortless sophistication of loafers, sticking to these classic, enduring items ensures you’ll always look stylish, no matter the beach setting. While trendy pieces like cargo pants or neon accessories might have their place in urban environments, beach fashion calls for garments specifically designed for sun, sea, and sand. Beachwear should be distinct from street style; keep the trends for the city and embrace classic beach aesthetics for your seaside adventures.
2. Prioritize Versatility
Whether you’re embarking on a quick day trip or indulging in a luxurious resort stay, opportunities to change outfits might be limited. Therefore, selecting pieces that seamlessly transition from beachside relaxation to evening engagements is crucial in men’s beach fashion. Tailored swim shorts that can double as smart casual shorts at a waterfront restaurant, elegant espadrilles, and refined knitted polo shirts are excellent versatile choices. A long-sleeve linen shirt is another adaptable garment; wear it with sleeves rolled up during the day for a relaxed beach vibe, and rolled down in the evening for a more polished look, or as a stylish cover-up over a t-shirt. Avoid being the person wearing flip-flops when everyone else is dressed for dinner; choose footwear that elevates your beach style beyond the sand.
3. Choose Quick-Drying Fabrics
Beyond bringing a towel, consider how your clothing can contribute to staying comfortable and dry at the beach. The secret lies in fabric selection. Lightweight and fast-drying linen is a cornerstone of any effective beachwear wardrobe. Smart fabrics like Tencel, a breathable and biodegradable fiber derived from eucalyptus, which feels like silk, are also excellent choices for men’s beach fashion. Oliver Moores advises, “You don’t want your swimwear to feel heavy or stay wet. You need to feel as comfortable as possible so you can enjoy yourself.” Opting for quick-drying materials ensures comfort and practicality, essential elements of stylish beachwear for men.
4. Opt for Light and Bright Colors
There are several advantages to choosing lighter shades for summer beach fashion compared to darker winter tones. Firstly, light colors are known to reflect sunlight, helping to keep you cooler in the heat. Secondly, they look fantastic under the bright summer sun and beautifully complement a sun-kissed tan. Consider colors that echo the beach environment itself – think beige, white, and sky blue. These shades not only enhance your beach style but also reflect the light and airy feel of summer beach fashion for men.
5. Complement Your Skin Tone
With more skin exposed in beachwear, it’s important to consider how your clothing colors harmonize with your skin tone. Menswear stylist Sarah Gilfillan offers tailored advice: “If you’re pale, opt for muted tones of blues, pinks, and greens. If you have olive skin go for rich khakis, oranges, and rusts, and if your skin is very dark go for it with neon brights.” Choosing colors that complement your skin tone is a key aspect of looking your best in beach fashion, enhancing your natural features and overall style.
6. Prioritize the Right Fit
“When you’re not wearing many clothes it’s crucial that the ones you have are a great cut and fit,” emphasizes Sarah Gilfillan. Proper fit is paramount in beach fashion for men, as it elevates even the most casual outfits. To avoid looking sloppy on the sand, pay close attention to the cut and fit of your beachwear. “Look for slim leg swimwear if you’re of a slight build, choose darker side panels if you have large hips or chunky thighs and if they have a pattern make sure it’s scaled to your size too.” A well-fitted beach outfit not only looks more stylish but also enhances comfort and confidence.
Best Beachwear Outfits for Men
If you’re seeking inspiration for the best beach outfits for men, here are some simple yet stylish combinations to make getting ready for a sunny beach day effortless.
Essential Beach Fashion Styles
T-Shirt and Swim Shorts Combo
This is the most straightforward beach outfit to master, according to Gilfillan, and it all starts with selecting the right swim shorts. “For the most versatile beach style you can take to the beach I’d suggest going for some tailored style swim shorts in a multicoloured pattern which you can then team them with a plain tee for daytime, and switch to a cotton or linen beach shirt for a slightly smarter look in the evening.” To create a cohesive look, select a color from the pattern in your swim shorts and subtly match it with your shirt, bringing a sense of order and style to your beach ensemble.
Polo Shirt and Tailored Trousers
For occasions that extend beyond the daytime beach activities, the polo shirt and tailored trouser combination is a reliable and stylish option in men’s beach fashion. This look offers varying degrees of formality based on the fabric and cut of each piece. Piqué cotton polo shirts are more casual, while knitted versions lean towards a smarter aesthetic. When choosing beach trousers, consider wider leg styles for comfort and ease of rolling up the hems for wading in the water. Slimmer, tapered trousers are more formal and suitable for transitioning to beachside bars or restaurants as the sun sets.
Printed Shirt with Chino Shorts
Printed shirts are a prominent trend in men’s beach fashion, offering an easy way to introduce patterns into your beach outfits, which can otherwise be challenging. Often made from light viscose, these shirts are airy, comfortable, and visually striking in sunlight. The deep V-neck styles are perfect for showing off a summer tan during the evening. Paired with tailored chino shorts, the silhouette remains sharp and streamlined. Opting for darker chinos provides a neutral base that allows the intricate patterns of your shirt to truly stand out, creating a fashionable and balanced beach look.
Must-Have Beachwear Pieces for Your Wardrobe
These are essential staples that every stylish man needs in his summer beach fashion wardrobe.
Swim Shorts
Unless you plan to spend the entire day in the water, your swim shorts need to be as stylish out of the water as they are in it. Features like quick-drying technology and a mesh lining are incredibly practical, enhancing comfort and preventing any embarrassing moments. In terms of fit, avoid overly baggy styles for a more streamlined look, and consider slightly shorter lengths than your everyday shorts, with a 7-inch inseam being a versatile medium. Choosing the right swim shorts is crucial for both functionality and fashion in men’s beachwear.
Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are a classic beach footwear choice, perfectly suited for sandy shores, though less appropriate for office environments. Choosing black or brown flip-flops offers a more refined look that pairs well with almost any beach outfit. Sliders are a slightly more formal alternative, acceptable for casual lunches, and provide an opportunity to showcase designer brands. For those engaging in water sports, consider specialized water shoes for enhanced grip and protection.
Beach Bag
Your premium leather backpack is not suitable for the beach. Leather is vulnerable to salt water and sand damage. A durable tote bag is a much better option for carrying your beach essentials. Look for a sturdy tote made from thick twill or canvas that can withstand the beach environment. A stylish and functional beach bag is an essential accessory for men’s beach fashion, combining practicality with style.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are indispensable for beach days, protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for the “CE” mark on the frames, indicating compliance with safety standards and ensuring 95% UV protection. For style, bold colors and geometric shapes are on trend in beach fashion eyewear, while classic styles like Ray-Ban Wayfarers and tortoiseshell frames remain timeless favorites for their versatility and enduring appeal.
Linen Shirt
Linen is the quintessential summer fabric, perfectly at home in beach settings, especially in shirt form. While linen is prone to wrinkling, this adds to its relaxed, carefree aesthetic. For a slightly less creased look, opt for linen-cotton blends. Linen shirts are best in solid colors, as patterns can appear too busy against the fabric’s natural texture. They pair excellently with crisp bottoms like thick cotton twill chinos, which resist creasing better than linen. A linen shirt is a versatile and stylish staple in men’s beach fashion.
T-Shirt
Keep your t-shirt choices simple for the beach, reserving graphic tees for urban wear. A plain, solid-colored t-shirt is incredibly versatile and easy to pair with patterned swim shorts. It also serves as a perfect base layer under an overshirt for transitioning to more formal beachside settings. If you prefer graphics, consider subtle back prints, like those from surfwear brands such as Stussy, maintaining a balance of style and simplicity in your beach look.
Beach Hat
Sun protection is crucial, making a hat an essential beach accessory. A baseball cap is a modern and versatile choice, especially in neutral black, complementing most smart-casual beach outfits. Bucket hats are more trendy and casual, best paired with t-shirts and informal beachwear. For a more refined and classic look, consider a Panama hat, a summer alternative to the fedora, which pairs elegantly with polo shirts and tailored trousers. Choose a wider brim for round faces and a smaller brim for smaller statures to balance your proportions.
