The Best Resort Wear for Men Eager to Get the Hell Outta Here

Vacation on the brain and a wad of PTO burning a hole in your company portal? Not so fast, fella. Identifying the best resort wear for men is an art you shouldn’t leave to the day before your flight, lest you arrive at your next destination looking like a hapless tourist. (Free game: don’t be that obnoxious American).

Don’t get us wrong, the point of a summer trip is to decompress, let the stress melt away, and make some memories. That said, you might not remember what you wore, but your camera roll doesn’t lie. And having your outfits on point and lined up will make you feel even better about your trip. To quote Coach Prime, “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.” Can’t say that you’ll get paid in money, but you can’t bet you’ll get paid in compliments. And that’s not nothing.

To get you geared up, we’ve broken down everything you need for vacationing in style. From breezy linen shirts to don’t-bother-me shades, easy-living sandals to scuba-ready watches, here’s all the resort wear to pack for your summer getaway.

Splashy Shorts and Swimwear

When trading snow for sand, the first step is to make sure you’re sorted for shorts and swimmers. You might not have worn them for six months, but no matter the itinerary, you’ll want to set your knees free. Cotton shorts, the pairs below are a little looser and a touch more formal—both good moves to make right now. On the swim trunks front, assuming you’re not out surfing or tackling anything too technical, the below have you covered for comfort, style and versatility—meaning you could even get away with wearing them without a body of water in sight.

Polished Shirts & Polos

Your vacation shirts and polos should do more than just cover you—they should be equally suitable for breakfast and dinner, and breathable while still shielding you from the sun in all the right places. The below are ready to be dressed up under a jacket in the evening, but can also rock with any of the shorts above. Just note: We hit peak camp collar in 2024, so expect none of that here.

Shoes for Sandy Shores

They say your shoes are the first thing people look at when checking out your style—and that applies to vacation fit pics too. The below shoes aren’t just nice to look at, they’re comfortable too, and low-profile enough to give your ankles a tan so good you’ll consider buying an anklet to draw attention to them. Our only tip is to wear them for a day or two at home before you go—nothing ruins a vacation like a blister.

Pants for Peak Pool Hours

Vacation pants might have the biggest mental effect of your whole vacation wardrobe. Truly, nothing switches the mindset like swaddling your thighs in soft linen after months of heavy denim. Breezy, rumpled, free-flowing—these are the pants that let you lounge. They move with you, not against you. Wear them like you’re wearing sweats, and you’ll look even better for it.

Jackets for Just About Every Temperature

Sometimes we’re so excited to escape to warmer weather that we forget the sun won’t be out all day. In fact, the desert can get surprisingly chilly at night, and sea breezes often sweep onto the shore, leaving you wishing—usually around 5PM—that you’d brought a light layer. That’s why it’s always a good idea to pack a casual sport jacket—something not too heavy, that also adds a touch of put-togetherness without ever feeling too formal or weighing you down.

Sunny-Day Shades

Once you’ve reached your destination, it won’t be the snow blinding you any longer—just the blazing sun. Protect your eyes and make an entrance with a classic pair of sunglasses that are just bold enough. A light, durable acetate frame is a solid choice, and from there, it’s all about finding the shape and color that best suits you. For a sharp look, a solid black pair will do the trick. Too harsh? Tortoiseshell shades are a little softer, but still just as iconic.

Fresh Fragrances

Wearing a fragrance while on vacation isn’t about masking the scent of sunscreen or sweat—it’s about creating an atmosphere. You want something fresh, light, and a little unexpected. It’s all about amplifying the essence of your escape, whether that’s the salty breeze of the beach, or the fragrant flowers on the hillside. This way, the right fragrance will take you straight back to your destination, long after you’ve returned home.

Waterproof Watches

You’re on vacation, which means some well-deserved R&R next to the pool, by the ocean, or in the hot tub. Your clothes will be scant so it’s all up to your wrist to carry your vacation style. And unless you don’t really care about whether your watch actually tells the time or not, you’ll want a ticker that can take to the water like the dolphins you’re trying to swim with. Even if you aren’t planning on hitting any bodies of water on your summer vacation, it’s still smart to have a piece of wrist candy that’s as charming as it is ready for action.