Resort wear. Two words that once suggested barefoot luxury and loosely buttoned shirts worn with reckless optimism. For years, it lived in the realm of cruise ships and overpriced pool bars – a dress code for men who packed white jeans and asked about the lobster. But today, resort wear has shape-shifted into something sharper. Smarter. Genuinely useful.
At its best, resort wear is a refined, climate-aware summer wardrobe. It’s short-sleeve shirts with proper structure. Trousers that breathe. A knitted polo that works just as well in Sorrento as it does in London. It’s less about location, more about intent – clothes designed for movement, lightness, and ease.
And it’s never been more relevant. As summers stretch longer, dress codes get looser, and holidays blur into remote working, the idea of a single, adaptable summer wardrobe makes a lot of sense. This is menswear that travels well, packs light, and looks better with a tan – whether you’re in Lisbon for a long weekend or circling Soho in search of shade (or a pint of Guinness).
In this guide, we break down what resort wear looks like in 2025: the essential pieces, how to wear them, and the best brands doing it properly. From the clean-lined minimalism of The Resort Co and ASKET, to the soft tailoring of ISTO and LESTRANGE, to the sun-drenched polish of Frescobol Carioca and Orlebar Brown, consider this your manual for dressing well in warm weather – no white jeans necessary.
The modern resort wear wardrobe
The best resort wear is quietly competent. It’s built around simple, breathable pieces that hold their shape, work across settings, and reward repeat wear. Nothing feels too stiff or too relaxed. Just light, easy clothes that let you get on with the day. These are the key players.
The short-sleeve shirt
Still the linchpin of any decent summer wardrobe. Look for open collars, a slightly boxy fit, and sleeves that sit mid-bicep. Patterns are welcome, but subtle texture often does the same job with more versatility. Waffle knits, slub cotton, terry towelling and seersucker all add depth without overwhelming the outfit.
Stick to natural fibres where possible. Linen blends and organic cotton will keep their shape better in heat and humidity. Wear it open over a vest at the beach, or buttoned up with tailored trousers for dinner.
Tailored swim shorts
Swimwear has grown up. The best pairs look like regular swim shorts, just with quick-dry fabric and a comfortable lining. Mid-thigh is the safest length, and neutral colours will serve you well beyond the pool.
Side adjusters, flat waistbands and functional pockets all matter more than you think. If your swim shorts can pass for proper shorts, you’re doing it right.
Relaxed trousers
Not every setting calls for shorts. Light, pleated trousers are ideal for warm evenings and places with a dress code. Look for elasticated or drawstring waists, breathable fabrics like cotton-linen blends, and a slight crop at the ankle.
These pair well with short-sleeve shirts, knitted polos, or even a tucked-in T-shirt. Add sandals or loafers depending on the hour and mood.
Knit polos and soft layers
A knitted polo is one of the few items that genuinely earns its place in a suitcase. It bridges the gap between shirt and sweatshirt, works with almost everything, and adds instant polish. Open weaves and breathable knits are ideal.
For layering, soft zip cardigans, terry cloth jumpers or even a fine cotton crewneck can cover cooler evenings or air-conditioned interiors. Avoid anything too heavy or stiff.
Lightweight jackets and overshirts
Even the best resort town has the odd raincloud. A light overshirt, zip jacket or chore coat will take the edge off the wind without breaking the look. Prioritise unlined constructions and fabric that packs easily. Something you can throw over a shirt or T-shirt without adding bulk.
Stick to neutral colours that work across your wardrobe, and treat it as an outfit anchor when everything else gets more relaxed.
The best resort wear brands for men
The Resort Co
Scandinavian in origin, Mediterranean in outlook. The Resort Co specialises in understated luxury made for warm weather, with a particular focus on tailored swimwear, relaxed shirting and lightweight footwear. Everything is produced in Europe using responsible materials, and the aesthetic is clean, tonal and timeless. Ideal for those who like their summer wardrobe considered but still casual.
ISTO
Based in Lisbon, ISTO takes a slow, transparent approach to menswear. Its collections favour clean lines, sharp fits and premium fabrics, all sourced responsibly and produced in Portugal. For resort wear, that means crisp linen shirts, organic cotton polos and relaxed trousers you can wear on or off the beach. Polished but not precious.
David Gandy Wellwear
This is resort wear as downtime uniform. David Gandy Wellwear leans into softness and tactility, combining jersey, towelling and breathable cottons with relaxed silhouettes and muted colours. It’s the kind of kit you wear on a villa terrace in the morning, or after a swim when you want to look presentable but feel comfortable.
LESTRANGE
LESTRANGE is best known for its modular wardrobe – a tightly edited range of seasonless pieces designed to travel well. The label’s lightweight trousers, open-collar shirts and versatile overshirts work perfectly in a resort context, particularly if you’re packing light and dressing with intent. Ideal for city breaks, rooftop dinners and weekends on the move.
Wax London
Wax brings a slightly more playful edge to resort wear. Its signature printed shirts, waffle knits and textured fabrics have a laid-back charm that feels at home on the street or by the pool. Think vintage Riviera with a London accent. For statement short-sleeve shirts and easy summer tailoring, it’s a strong contender.
ASKET
Minimal, sustainable, and relentlessly focused on essentials. ASKET produces timeless pieces designed to outlast trends, with a full traceability model and a neutral, wearable palette. Its linen shirts, cotton shorts and structured jackets are excellent resort options if you’re after quality without flash. This is resort wear at its most stripped back.
Frescobol Carioca
Brazilian spirit meets European refinement. Frescobol Carioca takes its name from a paddle sport played on the beaches of Rio, but its clothes are made for far more than the shoreline. Expect bold prints, tailored swimwear and linen pieces with just enough flair. The energy is laid-back but polished – sunglasses essential.
Orlebar Brown
Arguably the brand that brought tailored swim shorts to the mainstream, Orlebar Brown has since grown into a full resort wardrobe brand. Swimwear, shirts, knitwear and lightweight layers are all present and correct, often in vivid colours or archival-inspired prints. Polished, technical and unapologetically sun-seeking, it remains the go-to for high-spec summer dressing.
Vilebrequin
Founded in Saint-Tropez in the 1970s, Vilebrequin is the original jet-set swimwear brand. Known for its bold prints, saturated colours and unmistakably French attitude, it’s resort wear with a sense of humour and history. The tailored swim shorts are the main draw – often patterned, often expensive, always recognisable – but the brand also offers linen shirts, terry polos and breezy resort sets that don’t take themselves too seriously. Best worn with confidence and very little else.
How to wear resort wear in the city
Resort wear isn’t just for coastal towns and five-star pool decks. Worn right, it works just as well in the city – particularly when the temperature climbs and traditional tailoring stops making sense. The key is balance. Keep the silhouettes relaxed, but not oversized. Lean into breathable fabrics, but avoid anything that looks deliberately beachy. Think linen shirts with structured trousers, knitted polos with loafers, drawstring shorts with a tucked-in T-shirt and a lightweight jacket over the top.
Footwear matters. Espadrilles, suede loafers or clean leather sandals will always beat flip-flops. Likewise, accessories should be functional – a canvas tote, discreet sunglasses, a woven belt – rather than novelty. Colour and texture are welcome, but best used sparingly. A printed shirt? Great. Just pair it with neutral trousers and low-key shoes.
Most importantly, treat resort wear as a mindset. You don’t need to be on a yacht or by the sea to dress with ease. If you’re walking to lunch, sitting in a park, or working from a café with the windows open, you’re halfway there. Resort wear simply gives you the right tools – and the confidence to look like you’ve got better places to be.
Next up: The best swim shorts to buy in 2025.
