Men’s Holiday Essentials: What to pack for a Summer holiday
Getting ready to jet off this year? It’s time to start planning what must-have holiday items you will need in your suitcase to ensure you look and feel your best this holiday season. Finding the perfect balance between style, comfort, and practicality when packing can be a challenge, especially when suitcase space is limited. There’s no worse feeling than arriving at your destination and realising you’ve forgotten to pack a holiday essential. That’s why, at Standout, we’re here to help take the panic out of packing and ensure that you turn up to your holiday with everything you need to have a relaxing vacation.
Whether you’re jetting off to sun-drenched shores or soaking up city vibes, packing smart is the key to a stress-free holiday. From men’s designer shirts and shorts to versatile footwear and must-have accessories, we’ve covered everything you’ll need for those long beach days, laid-back evenings, and spontaneous adventures. So before you start stuffing your case with last-minute picks, take a look at our top holiday staples for men to make sure you’re fully equipped for a stylish summer escape.
Men’s top tips for packing for a holiday
The key to packing efficiently is to first assess the weather and vibe of your chosen destination and build out your suitcase from there. Turning up to your holiday destination and seeing nothing but clouds and rain when all you have packed are shorts and t-shirts is a guaranteed way to start your holiday on the wrong foot! Depending on the location you’re jetting off to, there’s a possibility that some days won’t be as bright and sunny as first anticipated. Therefore, we recommend checking the predicted weather forecast prior to travelling so that you can assess whether you may need to pack some longer layers to stay protected against the elements during your stay. Once you know the kind of weather you’re dealing with, follow the tips below to master the art of packing for your holiday.
Plan your outfits in advance
Sorting your clothes out into outfits before packing will ensure that you’re not just throwing in random pieces and hoping for the best. Trying on all of your holiday clothes beforehand and pairing them into outfits for different occasions will save you time and give you plenty of planned extra room in your suitcase. The best way to do this is to think about what you have planned for the holiday, deciding on what outfits would be best for the day, evening and any activities you may have planned. Sticking to a cohesive colour palette can also help with planning outfits – packing neutrals like white, black, beige and grey will give you the flexibility to mix and match your pieces to create various outfits, then add colourful statement pieces to brighten up the look.
Keep comfort your main priority
No matter what destination you’re travelling to, ensuring that your chosen clothes and footwear are comfortable is essential to a successful trip. Especially for warmer climates, making sure you have lightweight, breathable clothing is the key to staying cool and comfortable. A classic shorts and a t-shirt combination is a foolproof outfit that comes in many forms and can be just as stylish as it is practical. When it comes to footwear, whether you pack your trusted trainers or invest in a supportive sandal, your shoe choice is the most important thing to get right on holiday to avoid any unwanted blisters or pain that may get in the way of your adventures.
Use packing cubes
Not only do packing cubes help to easily organise your suitcase, these compressive bags can also save space and keep your clean and worn clothes separate as your trip goes on. The key to fitting as many items into your packing cubes as possible is to roll your garments instead of folding – whether you’re using cubes or not, rolling clothes helps to save space and also reduces the chance of creasing your clothing.
Bring a backup layer
Regardless of the weather forecast, it pays to bring a couple of layers for colder evenings or on the off chance that the weather catches you out. We’d recommend opting for a cosy travel hoodie or jacket as part of your airport outfit, so as to not take away from your luggage allowance with bulkier items, but also giving you the freedom to layer up if the weather catches you off guard.
Men’s Designer Swimwear
When packing for your sun-soaked escape, ensuring you have a variety of swimwear options that are not only comfortable but also versatile enough to be worn and styled in various ways is key. Think lightweight, quick-drying swim shorts in punchy prints or pastel hues that scream vacay mode. Whether you’re headed to a chic beach club or diving into waves, your swimwear should fit well and be adaptable to whatever activity you’re partaking in this holiday. From classic Hawaiian prints to short-shorts or sophisticated all-black styles, we’ve got a wide selection of designer men’s swimwear to suit your style preferences.
Swimwear is the perfect chance to have fun with your wardrobe, and what better way to do that than with a pair of Hawaiian print swim shorts? This pair of Swim Shorts features a colourful floral print in a classic mid-length style, bringing a bold pop of colour into your holiday wardrobe. Pair with a plain white tee for walking to and from the beach, or draw on one of the many hues from the pattern and make a statement with a colourful look.
Similarly, if you want to inject colour into your holiday wardrobe in a more understated way, we suggest picking a swim-short in a colour that best suits you. The GANT Logo Swim Shorts is perfect for the man who isn’t afraid to be bold with colourful fashion choices, allowing you to make a statement in a versatile way. Pair these shorts with a patterned short-sleeve shirt for an evening look or your go-to pair of sliders when heading to the pool.
Taking you from the beach to the bar, a pair of all-black swim shorts is versatile enough to wear all day long. Perfect for those who want an effortless swimwear style that can be worn for a variety of holiday activities, particularly useful if you’re running low on suitcase space. Pair with any t-shirt, shirt or vest you’ve packed and you have an effortlessly stylish outfit.
Men’s Designer T-Shirts
When it comes to holiday packing, your t-shirt game is your chance to flex a bit of personality. The humble t-shirt is a staple for a reason – hard to get wrong, easy-to-wear and available in a wide array of prints, fits and designs to suit your personal style preferences. We suggest packing a mix of loose-fitting tees for breathability during the day and more well-fitted options for a smarter evening look. Monochromatic t-shirts are key for pairing with colourful shorts or layering under patterned shirts, while graphic tees with vintage-inspired prints, or subtle embroidered details are perfect for jazzing up your outfit for laid-back sunset drinks.
A plain white tee is a wardrobe staple all year round, and, on vacation, this rule is no exception. Perfect for wearing alone with a pair of jean shorts for a classic look or to layer with printed shorts for a contrasting look. A white t-shirt keeps your look clean and simple and can be worn for any eventuality on holiday, from heading to the beach to relaxing in a local bar. A foolproof classic that ensures you will always have a minimal, classic designer outfit to fall back on to show off your tan while keeping you cool and collected.
If you’re drawn to brighter hues and patterns when it comes to your holiday t-shirt selection, then a colourful t-shirt or one with a pattern is the perfect choice for you. The BOSS tee is made from lightweight, breathable cotton to keep cool while looking sharp, with a straight-fitting cut making this t-shirt tailored enough for an evening look. A timeless striped pattern is a simple way to create an eye-catching t-shirt for many summers to come – pair with your favourite shorts and white trainers for a staple holiday look.
Looking to keep things straightforward with your packing? A multipack of t-shirts is perfect for those who want a simple yet effective way to plan for holiday outfits. This HUGO 3 Pack Crew T-Shirts contains navy, grey and blue in a relaxed fit that are made from lightweight cotton to keep you cool on holiday. Simply throw in your suitcase and pair with any shorts or linen trousers for an uncomplicated vacation look.
Men’s Short-Sleeved Shirts
Gentlemen, let’s get one thing straight: your holiday wardrobe isn’t complete without a solid lineup of shirts. This is your chance to ditch the office button-downs and embrace a more breezy, effortless style – think lightweight linens, soft cottons, and relaxed revere-collar shirts. Lightweight, easy-to-style and available in a variety of colours and patterns, a short-sleeved shirt can transform your look in seconds. Whether you go bold with tropical prints, retro stripes, or a floral number, a short-sleeve shirt is perfect for sunset dinners or beachside cocktails.
No longer the uniform of a dad on holiday, the bold patterned shirt has made a resurgence in trends and is now a holiday wardrobe staple. From florals to classic stripes and abstract patterns, no matter your print of choice, a patterned short-sleeve shirt allows you to showcase your personality in each of your outfits. This BOSS Shirt offers a unique, abstract pattern for those who want something different from the classic floral print. With a mix of blue and pink hues, this shirt gives you many colours to draw from to then match shoes or accessories with for a cohesive look.
A more relaxed, summer take on the classic Oxford shirt, a white short-sleeved shirt is a summer essential, especially on holiday. A revere-style shirt such as this Tommy Jeans Linen Blend Camp Short Sleeved Shirt features a loose, relaxed fit from a breathable linen and cotton blend with a spread collar for a laidback look. Get creative with the rest of your look and contrast the clean white with a patterned short, a bright coloured sandal or elevate your look with jewellery, and you will find yourself reaching for this shirt every day on holiday.
If a pattern isn’t for you but you still want to inject a pop of colour into your look, this coloured GANT Regular Cotton Linen Short Sleeved Shirt is perfect. Linen is the best material to choose for your holiday as it’s lightweight, breathable and easy to wear, offering an ultra-cool, relaxed vibe. Keep it simple and wear alone with a pair of chino shorts or layer over a white t-shirt for a more casual look.
Men’s Designer Shoes
When it comes to packing footwear for your holiday, sandals and trainers are your dynamic duo. A great rule of thumb to stick with when packing for your holiday is one pair for the sand and one for the streets. For those beach strolls and lazy pool days, slide into a pair of sandals, and for exploring sun-drenched streets or chilling on a rooftop bar, a fresh pair of minimalist trainers is non-negotiable.
Keeping you looking effortlessly cool from day to night, a classic Birkenstock Arizona Birko-Flor Sandals is perfect. One of the most on-trend footwear choices for summer, Birkenstocks offer both timeless style and comfort and are suitable for a variety of occasions. Made from durable cork and leather, moulding to the shape of your foot, these sandals give you the personalised level of support you need, offering unmatched comfort that will last you all day.
The key to finding the perfect sandal for you is to first consider what level of support you will need – if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking and exploring on your travels, then you are going to need a sandal that is supportive, like this pair of Teva Hurricane XL T2 Sandals. Guaranting you next-level comfort, these sandals are lightweight, durable and designed to work with your feet to offer optimum support on all terrains. Unlike any other sandal, Teva sandals are sure to become an everyday essential with their comfortable EVA sole, waterproof materials and an ergonomic design.
If the open-toed look just isn’t for you, a pair of trainers is a great option to have in your suitcase, especially for those fancier evenings when you require a smarter footwear option. These Tommy Hilfiger Iconic Slip On Trainers are perfect for pairing with any outfit, from chino shorts to swimwear. Comfortable, versatile and easy-to-wear, these sleek, white trainers are a must-have for your summer holiday wardrobe.
Men’s Holiday Accessories
No holiday look is complete without the right accessories, it’s the finishing touch that takes you from tourist to off-duty resort icon. When preparing for your holiday, our essential accessories we suggest packing consist of, a reliable pair of sunglasses, a hat, and a practical yet stylish bag. Sunglasses, whether you go bold or classic, are an essential summer accessory to keep your eyes protected from the sun whilst looking effortlessly cool. Similarly, a good hat is non-negotiable, whether you opt for a woven fedora or a minimal cap, this accessory keeps you shaded and stylish in one move. And let’s not forget the bag – a canvas tote or a trendy crossbody bag is perfect for stashing sunscreen, a paperback, and your hotel key card.
Sunglasses are an essential all year round, especially on holiday. Not only do they protect you, but they can also truly change your whole look, especially with a pair of designer sunglasses like these Ray-Ban Sunglasses. Built to last, a pair of Ray-Bans adds timeless sophistication to any outfit you choose. One of the most iconic sunglasses brands, Ray Bans offer many classic styles made from the highest quality materials, from trendy tortoise shell patterns to sophisticated all-black frames, Ray Ban has you covered.
A hat is another must-have accessory when it comes to your holiday essentials and is necessary for protecting you from getting too much sun. A cap such as this Cotopaxi Tech 5-Panel Cap is perfect for summer, no matter where you choose to go. With its colourblock design, this cap adds a pop of colour to your look, giving you multiple colours to match to other parts of your outfit.
And finally, you can’t travel anywhere without a reliable bag to hold your items. Cross-body bags are an excellent holiday addition and are small enough to pack away in your suitcase. Not only do they look stylish, but they’re also incredibly useful when it comes to keeping your essentials secure and easy to reach. This Armani Bag comes with an adjustable strap for personalised wear and features many handy zip pockets to ensure optimum security of your possessions.
Explore, relax and soak up the sun in style with Standout
Pack smart, pack chic, and thank us later when you’re the best-dressed guy on the beach, city or in the wilderness. Whatever holiday adventures wait, equipped with our list of men’s designer holiday essentials, it’s time to start shopping to find the perfect clothing pieces for you. Browse through our full range of men’s designer shirts, shorts, t-shirts, footwear and accessories to find your new holiday wardrobe must-haves to take with you on your travels this year.
