Beach Attire For Men (The Complete Guide)
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When dressing for the beach, finding the right balance between comfort, style, and practicality is key. Whether you’re lounging by the shore, taking a dip in the ocean, or relaxing at a beach resort, your attire should reflect your style. In this guide, we’ll explore the essentials of beach attire for men.
What Is Beach Attire?
Beach attire for men is all about embracing a relaxed, carefree vibe while staying practical for the elements. It’s designed to provide comfort in the heat, allowing easy movement whether you’re lounging by the shore or diving into the water. At the same time, it strikes a balance between casual style and function, ensuring you can transition from beach activities to social settings effortlessly.
This attire prioritizes sun protection, breathability, and ease, offering a laid-back look that fits the beach atmosphere. It reflects the fun, vibrant energy of the beach while maintaining a cool, effortless style that suits the coastal lifestyle. In this setting, you can combine aspects of both casual and smart casual dress codes.
When To Wear Beach Attire?
Beach attire is worn for any outing that involves sand, sun, and water—whether you’re at a beach resort, by the pool, at a beachside barbecue, at a coastal dinner party, at a beach festival, watching the sunset on the beach with someone special or a private beach club event.
The context and type of beach day can influence your choices; a casual day swimming may call for just swim trunks and a t-shirt, while a more upscale beach club might require a linen shirt and tailored shorts. When planning a beach outfit, always consider the activities you’ll be engaging in.
Build Your Beach Wardrobe
I’ll provide options for a smart-casual beach dress code, ideal for when you want to look polished at the beach, as well as choices for a more laid-back, relaxed beach style.
Beach Attire Tops
For smart casual beach attire, opt for a linen button-down shirt, which combines sophistication with a relaxed style. Its structured design adds a touch of elegance suitable for beachside dinners or upscale events. The Cuban collar shirt, with its open and laid-back collar, exudes a refined yet relaxed vibe, ideal for smart-casual beach settings.
A classic polo shirt is also a great choice since it blends casual comfort with a touch of class. Its breathable fabric and collar design provide a polished look that’s suitable for various beach events.
For a more casual beach vibe, a short-sleeve Hawaiian shirt is a great choice. Its vibrant prints and relaxed fit make it perfect for creating a fun, easygoing outfit. Ideal for beach parties or laid-back days by the shore.
A tank top is the epitome of casualty, offering maximum comfort and freedom of movement. Its sleeveless design keeps you cool and allows for easy sunbathing. Graphic T-shirts have various designs and prints, which allow you to express your personality while staying comfortable. But a plain T-shirt is also a great option here.
Beach Attire Bottoms
Chino shorts‘ tailored fit and crisp fabric make them suitable for more refined beach events, such as seaside dinners or resort gatherings. The versatile style of chino shorts allows them to be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Tailored swim trunks are perfect for beach club events where you need to transition from poolside to a social gathering without sacrificing style.
Cargo shorts bring a relaxed, casual vibe to your beach attire with their practicality and comfort. Their multiple pockets are a handy feature, allowing you to keep your essentials close without the need for a bag. Swim shorts are designed specifically for water activities. Their quick-drying fabric and vibrant patterns make them perfect for swimming or lounging by the pool.
Drawstring shorts adjustable waistband ensures a perfect fit, while their lightweight fabric is ideal for warm weather. Perfect for relaxed beach days or casual outings, drawstring shorts combine ease of wear with laid-back style.
Beach Attire Footwear
One of my top picks for the beach dress code is pairing my outfit with boat shoes due to their classic, laid-back design. Designed for wet environments, their non-slip rubber soles provide excellent traction on slippery surfaces like docks or boats. Boat shoes dry quickly and are ideal for transitioning from sandy shores to casual beachside events.
Leather sandals‘ elegant design and quality materials make them suitable for upscale beach events or resort dinners. Espadrilles are a stylish and versatile option. Their classic design and breathable fabric make them suitable for a range of beach events, from seaside weddings to elegant cocktails.
For casual beach attire, flip-flops or slides are great choices, offering both comfort and convenience for laid-back beach days. Flip-flops offer a simple, minimalist style, while slides provide added support with their wide strap, making them a more secure option.
Canvas slip-ons breathable fabric and lightweight construction keep your feet cool in warm weather, while the flexible sole provides ease of movement. Water shoes are perfect for casual beachgoers who want extra protection for their feet while exploring rocky shores or participating in water activities.
Beach Attire Accessories
The Panama hat is an elegant accessory for smart-casual beach attire, offering both sun protection and style. Its classic design and lightweight straw make it suitable for upscale beach events, adding a touch of sophistication to your look while keeping you cool. Choose a classic watch design with a leather or steel strap, ideally waterproof for added durability.
A woven belt texture and design complement tailored shorts or linen pants, providing a finished look that’s both stylish and functional. Choose a stylish pair of sunglasses made from high-quality materials like metal or acetate, and ensure they offer UV protection to safeguard your eyes. Look for styles such as aviators or wayfarers, which combine sophistication with functionality.
A baseball cap is a practical and casual accessory for the beach, offering sun protection while adding a relaxed touch to your outfit. A beach towel is essential for lounging by the shore or drying off after a swim. It adds a pop of color and comfort to your casual beach setup, making it a practical and stylish accessory.
A canvas tote bag is ideal for carrying your beach essentials like sunscreen, towels, and snacks. With various designs and colors available, a tote bag can add a laid-back yet functional touch to your beach look.
Casual sunglasses are a must-have for any beach outing. Choose options like oversized frames or colorful, plastic frames that add a fun and relaxed touch to your outfit. Polarized lenses are a great feature to look for, as they reduce glare from the sun and water, enhancing visibility.
Fit And Tailoring
The fit and tailoring for smart casual beach attire should strike a balance between relaxed and refined. Shirts and shorts should have a tailored, streamlined cut that gives a polished look without feeling restrictive. For example, a linen shirt with a fitted silhouette or tailored shorts that sit just above the knee create a clean and put-together appearance.
On the other end, casual beachwear is all about comfort and ease, so the fit is typically more relaxed. You can opt for looser-fitting shorts and shirts that allow for unrestricted movement. The fit should prioritize comfort, with enough room to keep cool, without looking oversized or sloppy.
Fabrics And Materials
Linen, cotton blends, and lightweight fabrics are ideal for smarter beach attire, as they offer both a polished look and keep you cool. Materials with a slight texture, like seersucker or a cotton-linen blend, add subtle sophistication while remaining functional for a beach setting.
In a casual beach setting, fabrics prioritize breathability and quick-dry properties. Lightweight cotton and synthetic blends that are designed for maximum comfort and practicality work best here.
Colors And Patterns
For smart casual beachwear, neutral tones and subdued colors are often the best choice. Whites, pastels, and light earth tones like beige or light grey provide a sophisticated look that pairs well with the natural beach setting. Simple patterns, like subtle stripes or soft geometric prints, can add interest without being too loud or overwhelming.
Casual beach attire is the place to have fun with bright colors and bold patterns. Vibrant hues like turquoise, coral, or sunset orange are common choices among guys, along with tropical prints, floral designs, and playful stripes. This is where you can embrace the beach’s carefree energy, opting for more playful and expressive designs.
Grooming And Personal Care
To achieve a smarter look, keep your hair and beard neatly groomed while maintaining a slightly natural finish to suit the beach atmosphere. On a casual beach day, you can opt for a more relaxed, low-maintenance grooming routine. Regardless of the style you’re going for, applying sunscreen is essential to protect your skin.
Etiquette And Behaviour
At the beach, etiquette is about being respectful of others and the environment. Dress appropriately for the setting—avoid overly revealing clothing if you’re heading to a family-friendly beach or beachside restaurant. Always bring a towel to sit on, and be mindful of personal space when laying out your things.
When it comes to behavior, avoid being overly loud or disruptive. Keep your music at a reasonable volume and clean up after yourself. Whether you’re on the sand or dining at a beachside venue, respect the local customs and dress codes, ensuring that your beach attire fits the social context.
