Beach Wedding Attire For Men (The Complete Guide)
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Beach wedding attire for men strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style, blending the relaxed vibe of the beach with the formality of a wedding. Whether the dress code is casual or smart casual, the goal is to look polished while staying comfortable in the sun and sand. You can also check the beach dress for men.
What Is Beach Wedding Attire?

Beach wedding attire for men combines formal and casual elements that suit the laid-back yet elegant atmosphere of a beach ceremony. It balances practicality with style, ensuring that you’re comfortable in the sand and sun while still looking polished for the occasion.
Unlike traditional wedding attire, which leans toward heavy fabrics and dark colors, beach wedding attire embraces lightweight, breathable fabrics, softer hues, and a relaxed yet refined fit. Beach wedding attire often leans into a smart casual or semi-formal dress code, depending on the level of formality the groom and the bride request.
When To Wear Beach Wedding Attire?
This dress code is meant for weddings held on the beach (what a surprise, right?). Beach wedding attire is ideal for warm, sunny settings where formalwear needs to be adjusted to suit the heat and laid-back atmosphere. While beach weddings are typically popular in the summer or at tropical destinations, you might also encounter them in spring or even autumn, depending on the location.
Build Your Beach Wedding Wardrobe
Let me guide you through the essentials of beach wedding attire for men, so you can stay comfortable, look sharp, and effortlessly embrace the laid-back elegance of a beach wedding without worrying about the dress code.
Beach Wedding Attire Tops

A suit jacket is a polished option for a beach wedding, offering a refined look that works for more formal beach settings. However, beach weddings require a lighter approach, so a linen or cotton suit jacket is ideal to ensure breathability and comfort in the heat. The key difference here is the use of lightweight materials and softer colors, such as beige or light blue.
A blazer offers a smart casual touch that can easily be dressed up or down depending on the event’s formality. Unlike a suit jacket, a blazer provides a more relaxed structure, making it perfect for balancing sophistication with the laid-back beach vibe. Opt for blazers made from lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton.
A well-fitted shirt provides the perfect base for both casual and semi-formal looks, whether you’re wearing it with or without a blazer. Light colors like white, pastels, or soft prints enhance the laid-back, summery feel of a beach wedding, making them a standout choice for this occasion.
Beach Wedding Attire Bottoms

Suit pants for a beach wedding add a formal touch while tailored to the environment. Breathable fabrics like linen or cotton blends are the preferable choices to allow airflow and comfort in warm weather. These pants are typically more relaxed in fit, offering freedom of movement, and light-colored in shades like beige, light gray, or soft blue.
Chinos offer a more casual alternative to suit pants. Their tailored look adds a refined touch without the formality of traditional dress pants. The main difference between chinos and suit pants is their relaxed, casual feel, while still offering a structured fit that’s appropriate for a wedding. Light colors like khaki (I love khaki chinos) or stone work best to complement the beach atmosphere.
Shorts might be unconventional for most weddings, but in a beach setting, they blend comfort with a smart look, especially when paired with a dress shirt or blazer. The key is to choose well-fitted shorts in fabrics like linen or cotton, which elevate their appearance beyond typical casual wear.
Beach Wedding Attire Footwear

Loafers are an excellent choice for beach weddings because they blend comfort with a polished appearance. Their slip-on design makes them easy to wear, providing a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe. It’s best to choose leather loafers and steer clear of suede, as water can damage the latter.
Espadrilles offer a blend of casual style and refined elegance. With their breathable canvas or linen upper and rope soles, espadrilles are perfect for walking on the sand while keeping your outfit sharp. They provide a more laid-back alternative to loafers, making them ideal for casual weddings.
Leather sandals are another great option for beach weddings, especially if the dress code is casual. They offer an open, breathable design while maintaining a sense of formality through the use of high-quality leather. Unlike flip-flops or casual sandals, leather sandals can be paired with dressier outfits, offering a more polished look.
Beach Wedding Attire Accessories

In more casual beach weddings, wearing a tie is generally not necessary, as the relaxed atmosphere encourages a laid-back approach to attire. However, if the bride and groom request a more formal look, opting for a necktie is a must. Choose narrow ties, as they are generally considered more casual than wider ones. It’s best to avoid colors like black, navy, or dark grey since these traditional formal shades don’t typically match the relaxed vibe of a beach wedding.
A belt is essential regardless of the dress code, but if you’re aiming for a more formal look, I recommend opting for a leather belt. For a casual vibe, a woven or fabric belt works well. Just remember to choose a belt that complements the material of your shoes for a cohesive look.
Choose a watch with a simple, sleek design and a lightweight band, such as leather or fabric, to avoid feeling too heavy or out of place in a relaxed environment. Regarding sunglasses, opt for classic frames like aviators or wayfarers that complement your outfit without overpowering it.
A Panama hat is often considered a great choice for a beach wedding due to its refined appearance and lightweight construction. It typically features a wider brim, providing better sun protection while adding an elegant touch to your outfit.
Fit And Tailoring
We often complicate things unnecessarily when it comes to wedding attire, thinking it must always be formal. While some beach weddings may have a more elevated dress code, it’s important not to overthink it. Just embrace the relaxed vibe and enjoy the celebration.
Select clothing that fits your body well without being too tight or too loose. The fit should be relaxed enough to accommodate the heat and humidity but structured enough to maintain a formal appearance. Tailored trousers, shirts, and blazers ensure that you look sharp.
Fabrics And Materials
You should prioritize breathability and comfort. Linen, cotton, and lightweight blends are ideal choices, as they allow air to circulate and keep you cool in the heat. These materials also lend themselves well to the casual elegance required for a beach wedding. Linen is especially popular due to its natural texture and ability to keep you cool, even in direct sunlight.
Colors And Patterns
Black and white are typically colors best reserved for the bride and groom, and I wouldn’t choose them for a beach wedding, especially white, which is usually reserved for the bride. Soft, neutral tones like beiges, browns, light blues, and soft pastels are common choices that complement the natural beach environment.
Suit separates are an excellent option, allowing you to pair a jacket in one color with trousers in another. The more casual the beach wedding, the bolder your choices can be, so don’t hesitate to experiment with vibrant colors like yellows, oranges, reds, and greens.
Patterns like subtle stripes, checks, or florals can add a fun, relaxed touch to your outfit while still looking stylish. Just be sure to keep the overall vibe in mind; lighter, more playful patterns are often more suitable for a beach setting than dark or overly formal designs.
Grooming And Personal Care
Regardless of how formal or casual a wedding is, aim to strike a balance between a polished appearance and a relaxed, natural look. Your hair should be neatly styled, but not overly formal, keeping in mind the laid-back beach environment. A clean shave or a well-trimmed beard adds to a polished look, while light facial products can help manage the humidity and keep your skin looking fresh.
Sunscreen is a must, ensuring that your skin is protected from the sun during the outdoor ceremony and reception. Since beach weddings can be hot and humid, it’s important to stay hydrated and keep your skin moisturized.
Etiquette And Behaviour
At a beach wedding, the setting may be casual, but your behavior should still reflect the formality of the occasion. Be mindful of the couple’s preferences, especially regarding dress codes and behavior. While the environment is more relaxed, it’s important to show respect by dressing appropriately and behaving courteously.