Resort wear for men: what to wear
A linen shirt + light trousers or tailored shorts + loafers.
Warm-weather holidays, cruises, resort restaurants.
- When
- Any time
- Tie
- No
- Jeans
- Depends
- Sneakers
- Depends
Three outfit ideas
Poolside
Swim shorts, a linen shirt and sandals.
Dinner
Linen trousers, a Cuban-collar shirt and loafers.
Town
Chino shorts, a polo and espadrilles.
What to wear
- Linen or Cuban-collar shirts
Shoes
Loafers, espadrilles.
Accessories
A Panama hat.
What to avoid
- Sportswear at dinner
Colours
White, sand, light colours.
Fabrics
In summer
Natural fabrics, loose cuts, sun protection.
In winter
For a winter trip somewhere warm: layers for the flight, light clothes on arrival.
Details that make the difference
- Tees and shirts should fit through the shoulders – oversized looks sloppy.
- Chinos and jeans should taper, with little or no break.
- In summer, wear loafers and sneakers with no-show socks.
- An unstructured blazer is the most versatile casual piece: it works with jeans and chinos alike.
About resort wear
Holiday elegance: light, loose pieces in natural fabrics that go from the pool to dinner. Fashion houses began making 'resort' collections in the early 20th century for wealthy clients wintering in warm places. Today it's both a style and a season on the fashion calendar.
Dressy casual for men
Chinos or wool trousers + a collared shirt + (blazer) + loafers.
Other codes for men
Frequently asked
01Resort wear: is a tie required?
No – a tie isn't needed and would often look too formal.
02Resort wear: are jeans OK?
It depends on the place: dark jeans with a blazer are sometimes accepted, but trousers are the safer choice.
03Resort wear: are sneakers OK?
Only minimalist leather sneakers without logos, and only in relaxed settings; running shoes, no.
04What is resort wear?
Light holiday clothes for warm climates; also the name of fashion houses' between-season collections.