What to wear on holiday

Heading somewhere warm this summer? Not sure which men’s holiday outfits you need? Let's make packing your suitcase as easy as possible.

Planning in advance is key - think about where you're going, how long for and look at where you can mix and match to save some much-needed case space. If you’re heading somewhere hotter than the UK, think linen, shorts and casual shirts. Keep it light, airy and layer up should the evenings get breezy.

Don’t forget that airport outfit either - sometimes you can’t beat a pair of joggers for long-haul, or a linen overshirt if the aircon gets too much. Want more travel outfit tips? Read how to travel in style.

Planning your outfits based on the type of holiday and the events you’re attending is important too. There’s no point packing a case full of beachwear if you’re going to be heading for sophisticated dinners or sightseeing.

Wondering whether the weather’s going to change, or going out somewhere a bit cooler? A shacket or overshirt can help you to stay warm without being too bulky. Depending on where you'll be and what you’ll be doing, you might want to take your favourite suit or smart shirt and trousers with you too. A linen suit would be our best recommendation for dressing up in warmer weather, as it’s lighter and more breathable than heavier suit fabrics. You can learn more about this summer-ready fabric in the lowdown on linen.

If you’re heading abroad for a friend or family’s nuptials this year, read how to pack for a destination wedding.

What to wear for a holiday night out

There's nothing quite like a pair of linen trousers in the summer months. Whether you like the tapered look or prefer something a bit wider, linen trousers will keep you cool, dry and can be styled in a variety of ways. In a more casual setting, pair with a Cuban collar or a slightly creased linen shirt with the buttons loosely done up. Smarten things up with a darker shade.

Alternatively, we love pleated linen shorts for something that manages to sit between smart and laidback, all while helping you to keep cool. They’re ready to wear straight from your case, and look just as good with a short sleeved linen shirt as they do with tee, for a more relaxed look. Style according to your location.

Heading to a meal for two

Going for a romantic meal for two? Co-ords are a great choice for this one, whether you’re going for a beachfront dinner or somewhere more upmarket. Check the dress code of the restaurant before you head out, as sometimes there’s an expectation to wear trousers and smart shoes rather than shorts and trainers.

Choose breathable fabrics like linen and cotton to stay cool, and play around with textures and fits to balance out a date night outfit. A summer knit with a pleated trouser can really work together well if you’re not sure where to pitch your look.

If you really want to dress up, look to a lightweight suit in linen or cotton (or a blend of the two). You don't have to dive into shirt and tie territory though, unless there's a dress code - summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to loosen it up a bit with an open collar shirt or a polo. Tie things up with a loafer or a pair of smart trainers.

Hitting the beach

The obvious answer when it comes to hitting the beach is swimwear. Our swim shorts are perfect for beach to bar – with side adjusters for a better fit, they’re an elevated version of a classic swim short and look great by the pool and styled with a linen shirt and loafers.

Depending on where you’re heading though, the beach can be less about sunbathing and more about making an impact. Try a short sleeve Oxford or a coloured Cuban collar shirt by the sea, and wear it open if you get really warm. If you want to match (and stand out from the crowd), choose a co-ord like this striped set.

Days out

What you wear for a day out will hugely depend on where you’re actually going. But for a straightforward sightseeing day, a simple set of chino shorts and a t-shirt is all you need to head out on your travels - try out the Belfast trainer so you can stay comfortable too. You can always add an overshirt if you're heading into cooler buildings, or want to protect yourself from the sun.

Shopping

You don’t need to overthink your outfit if you’re heading out to grab a souvenir or two. A simple shorts and polo shirt combo will work, whether you’re heading to a rustic market or a huge shopping centre. This is the time to think about casual fits and comfort – you’re probably going to be doing some walking and trying things on, so you want to make it as easy as possible.

How to pack for travel

If you find packing for your holiday a struggle, you’re definitely not alone. Start by thinking about where you’re heading, how long for and what you’ll be doing when you’re out there. You also need to have that all-important luggage limit in mind – you don’t want to be re-packing in the middle of the airport.

Think about where you can mix and match your summer clothes. You probably don’t need a pair of trousers for every single night, but for t-shirts and tops that can change your whole outfit, you can pack a little more. They're pretty lightweight and shouldn’t take up too much space in your case.

Ideally, you want to pack fabrics and outfits that are pretty low maintenance. Ironing and steaming clothes in a hotter climate is no fun at all, especially if you don’t have an iron on hand. Choose non-iron shirts, linen fabrics and materials that look their best a little more lived-in.

Need more casual outfit ideas for your summer holiday plans? Check out our casualwear for relaxed fits that make up the perfect summer clothes for men, wherever you’re heading.