Men's beach wedding attire is a paradoxical minefield. You’re told to relax, but also to look smart. To wear something light, but not too casual. To respect the occasion, but also the heat and the sand. It’s a sartorial balancing act: too formal and you’ll overheat before the canapés; too relaxed and you risk looking like you’ve wandered in from the hotel buffet.
The trick is to aim for ease with intent – summer tailoring that breathes, shirts that aren’t too stiff, and footwear that works on both sand and stone. You’re not dressing summer business casual for the office. You’re dressing for a celebration that just happens to take place in 30-degree heat. Here’s how to do it well.
Key pieces to wear to a beach wedding
The linen suit
Yes, it’s a cliché. But it’s also a classic for a reason. A linen suit is breathable, forgiving, and looks better once it’s creased – which is helpful, because it will crease. The key is to avoid the overly stiff kind that makes you look like you’re doing Gatsby cosplay. Go unstructured, light-coloured, and ideally in a looser Italian-style cut. Think bone, stone, soft tobacco, or dusty blue. Double points if you wear the blazer open with a shirt and no tie – or even just draped over your shoulder like a man who’s been doing this for years.
A relaxed shirt
You can go traditional (light Oxford, linen popover), slightly rakish (Cuban collar), or contemporary (grandad collar). The important thing is that it doesn’t feel corporate. Steer clear of anything shiny, stiff or in the general realm of wedding hire. Your shirt should look like it belongs on a beach, not in a boardroom. Roll the sleeves if you must, but only if the cuffs don’t flap like sails.
Lightweight trousers
If the suit feels like too much – or the invite says “beach formal” and you’d like to interpret that as loosely as possible – a pair of tailored trousers will do the job. Cotton-linen blends, light wools or seersucker work well. Just keep the fit relaxed. Drawstring waists are fine (encouraged, even), so long as the leg is neat and you’re not about to be mistaken for a man who’s lost his gym bag.
Smart sandals or loafers
This is where it gets divisive. Some people will say sandals are never acceptable at a wedding. Others will say you’d be mad to wear brogues on sand. The middle ground is leather sandals (strapped or closed-toe), suede espadrilles, or a well-bred loafer that won’t melt under pressure.
Minimal accessories
Less is more. A good leather belt if your trousers need one. A silk pocket square if your blazer has a pocket. Sunglasses that don’t scream “afterparty at Nikki Beach.” Maybe a discreet bracelet if you’ve been to Tulum recently. Otherwise, let the clothes do the work.
Tips for getting it right
Know the dress code
This sounds obvious, but it’s not. “Beach formal” might sound like a contradiction in terms, but it usually means a lightweight suit and proper shoes. “Casual” still requires a shirt. Unless the invitation includes the word “barefoot,” assume that some level of effort is expected. When in doubt: overdress slightly, but in breathable fabrics.
Consider the setting
A beach wedding in Cornwall is not the same as one in Sicily. Weather, geography and local style all matter. On white sand under palm trees, go light and easy. On pebbles with a sea breeze, maybe bring a jacket. If there’s a dinner afterwards in a restaurant with a wine list longer than the ceremony, don’t turn up in swim shorts.
Stick to the palette
Beach weddings are not the time for black suits or deep charcoals. Stick to stone, beige, pale blue, olive, off-white or pastels. Navy is fine, but might feel heavy in strong sun. A soft palette always looks better against a tan and won’t show the sweat stains quite as much.
Think about fit
“Relaxed” does not mean oversized. You’re not at fashion week. You want clothes that breathe, yes, but still have some shape. A suit with a little drape, a shirt that doesn’t balloon in the wind, tailored trousers that end above the ankle but don’t cling to the thigh. Comfort is good – bagginess is not.
Dos and don’ts of beach wedding style
Do wear natural, breathable fabrics
Linen, cotton and seersucker should be your go-to options. They keep you cool, travel well, and look the part.
Do embrace relaxed tailoring
Structured suits have no business on a beach. Look for soft shoulders, open weaves, and anything that feels like it could survive a warm breeze.
Do keep your footwear low-key but elevated
Espadrilles, suede loafers, or leather sandals all work. Just make sure they’re clean and appropriate for the venue.
Do make sure your sunglasses are tasteful
No mirrored lenses. No novelty shapes. You’re not on Love Island.
Do pack a lightweight blazer
Even if you think you won’t need it. You might.
Don’t wear flip-flops
Unless explicitly told to – and even then, consider whether you want to be remembered as “that guy.”
Don’t show up in shorts
Unless you’re in the bridal party and have been told to, trousers are non-negotiable.
Don’t try to outshine the groom
This is not the time for full white tailoring unless you’re absolutely sure you won’t be upstaging anyone.
Don’t wing it with wrinkles
A suit deserves better than being stuffed like laundry
Don’t confuse beach chic with beach club
Linen shirts: yes. Mesh vests, loud logos, and tequila brand merch: no.
Don’t forget sunscreen
A lobster-red forehead is not the look.
Next up: Summer wedding attire explained.
