As the weather warms up and the days get longer, summer is just around the corner. Soon, everyone will be flocking to the beach to relax on the sand, soak up the sun, enjoy the salty air, and take a dip in the sea. If you’re already dreaming of your next coastal getaway, now’s the perfect time to start planning what to wear. While summer is exciting, it can also bring some fashion challenges, especially for men. If you’re unsure what to pack for the beach this summer, here’s a quick guide to help you build the perfect wardrobe for 2024.
Lightweight Fabrics
Before diving into styles, trends, and color combos, comfort should be your top priority. Assuming you won’t be in the water all day, it’s important to pack clothes that will keep you cool in the summer heat. While synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, spandex, and lycra are durable and popular, they tend to trap heat and moisture, which can cause discomfort or even skin irritation. Instead, opt for lightweight, breathable natural fabrics like cotton, viscose, and linen.
Pack a variety of breezy t-shirts and shirts that you can mix and match with shorts or summer trousers. This will give you the flexibility to transition your look from day to night while staying comfortable and stylish.
Fashionable Beachwear
Swimwear is all about keeping you comfortable while you enjoy the water, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to the basics. With so many styles and designs available, this summer is the perfect time to try something new. Consider going for designer shorts from popular brands to stand out on the beach. This year’s trends in men’s swimwear include funky prints, bold colors, and retro-inspired styles, giving you plenty of options to update your beachwear wardrobe.
Adequate Footwear
While you may have a closet full of shoes, sneakers, and trainers, beach footwear needs to handle sand, water, rocks, and the summer heat while still looking stylish. A pair of classic Birkenstock leather sandals is a reliable choice—they offer support, good traction, and airflow, keeping your feet comfortable all day. You might also want to consider adding elegant loafers, canvas or suede espadrilles, classy white trainers, and boat shoes to your summer footwear lineup, depending on your beach activities and style preferences.
Beach Bags
Many men prefer to travel light, but a trip to the beach requires more than just a wallet, phone, and keys. You’ll need to bring along sun protection, sunglasses, towels, water bottles, and snacks, so your pockets won’t cut it. A spacious, sturdy beach bag with multiple compartments is perfect for carrying all your essentials and keeping them organized. Consider adding a water-resistant phone pouch to keep your device safe while you enjoy snapping photos of your beach adventures.
Quality Shades
Sunglasses are a summer must-have, but not all shades are created equal. Beyond just looking good, they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Invest in high-quality sunglasses with proper UV filters that shield your eyes from both UVA and UVB rays, and choose a style that complements your face shape. Dark square sunglasses are versatile, timeless, and make a great addition to any summer wardrobe.
Hats and Caps
Hats and caps are essential for staying cool and protected from the sun during the summer. Even if you’re not usually a fan of headwear, you might find the right cap or hat makes all the difference. Options range from straw hats to classic logo caps, so you have plenty to choose from. Look for water-resistant and crush-resistant materials that can handle the wear and tear of a day at the beach.
With these beach essentials in your wardrobe, you’re all set to kick off the beach season in style. Whether you’re relaxing on the sand or exploring the coast, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything summer has to offer while looking your best.
