Resort wear tends to conjure up a very specific image: linen shirts left half unbuttoned, espadrilles, expensive sunglasses and performative nonchalance. It can feel theatrical – a holiday costume rather than a way of dressing. But done right, it's the most comfortable (and stylish) way to dress for the heat.
Think relaxed tailoring cut from breathable fabrics, camp-collar shirts with enough structure to wear in the city, linen trousers, knitted polos and elegant leather sandals that work whether you're wandering the streets of Palermo or simply trying to survive another sweltering commute. It's less about dressing for a destination than dressing for the climate itself.
That shift has made resort wear more relevant than ever. Summers are hotter, holidays are longer, dress codes are increasingly relaxed and wardrobes have become more versatile by necessity. The same clothes you pack for a week on the Amalfi Coast should feel just as appropriate for dinner in London or a Friday in the office. Good resort wear travels well, packs easily and never looks like you're trying too hard.
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
Luca Faloni
Italian craftsmanship and summer dressing have always gone hand in hand, and Luca Faloni leans into that heritage with quiet confidence. The brand specialises in timeless staples made from premium natural fabrics, sourcing linen from Northern Italy and cashmere from Mongolia while producing everything in small family-run workshops across Italy. Its linen shirts have become something of a benchmark, but the lightweight knitwear, drawstring trousers and suede loafers are every bit as impressive. If your idea of resort wear is refined rather than trend-driven, Luca Faloni is hard to beat.
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.
FORA
Portuguese eyewear brand FORA proves that the right accessories can define an entire summer wardrobe. Handmade in Portugal using premium acetate and Zeiss lenses, its sunglasses combine clean, contemporary design with the sort of craftsmanship normally associated with far more expensive frames. The styling is understated, the colour palette is easy to wear, and the quality punches well above its price point. Whether paired with tailoring or swim shorts, they're the sort of finishing touch that elevates any resort look.
Meller
If you're after resort-ready sunglasses without venturing into luxury price territory, Meller is one of the strongest options around. The Barcelona-based brand specialises in lightweight, contemporary frames inspired by Mediterranean living, combining clean silhouettes with polarised lenses and accessible pricing. The designs feel modern without chasing trends, making them easy to wear season after season. They're ideal for anyone looking to complete a summer wardrobe without spending half the holiday budget on eyewear.
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.
OAS
Born in Sweden but inspired by long summers spent on Spain's Costa del Sol, OAS has quietly become one of the defining names in modern resort wear. The brand built its reputation on colourful terry-cloth shirts and espadrilles, but its collections have grown into a complete warm-weather wardrobe encompassing breezy linen sets, relaxed tailoring, crochet knits and bold printed swim shorts. The common thread is a sense of easy-going confidence – playful without tipping into novelty, colourful without feeling loud. If your idea of resort wear leans more towards Mediterranean beach clubs than minimalist neutrals, OAS gets the balance exactly right.
Onia
Few brands capture understated holiday dressing quite like Onia. Founded in New York, the label built its name on impeccably cut swim shorts before expanding into one of the most complete resort wardrobes around. Expect crisp linen shirts, knitted polos, drawstring trousers and lightweight outerwear in a muted palette that makes mixing and matching effortless. Everything is designed with versatility in mind, resulting in clothes that look just as good wandering around a coastal town as they do by the pool.
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.
