Holiday season is upon us and if you’re getting ready to jet off this summer, it’s time to start planning what must-have holiday items you will need in your suitcase. 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 and stress-free vacation. Whether you’re heading out on a spontaneous city break, a stay-cation or embarking on a beach holiday, we’ve got you covered with a range of on-trend holiday essentials worth packing.
Read on to discover our top picks for what to pack for a summer holiday for men, from comfortable and practical men’s sandals to stylish, patterned holiday shirts, browse through your favourite holiday styles from a wide range of designer menswear brands and unearth your perfect holiday wardrobe.
Men’s top tips for packing for holiday
The key to a stress-free and successful holiday is to pack efficiently, and, according to the weather and vibe of your chosen destination. Below are a few of our top tips to mastering the art of packing for your summer holiday:
- Pack light. Everyone’s been guilty at some point of filling your suitcase to the brim then only wearing half of what you’ve packed throughout the whole holiday. That’s why we suggest packing as light as possible to not only avoid possible overweight bag charges but to also give you some extra space in your suitcase to bring back souvenirs, or, if you’re planning on visiting a shopping destination, such as Milan or Paris – we’d recommend the extra space to bring back a designer purchase or two. Only take with you the absolute essentials for your holiday and be realistic about what you will actually wear when you arrive, if you’re struggling narrowing this down, jotting down a rough guide of your itinerary and the outfits you’ll need for those is a great place to start
- Check the weather forecast. There’s no worse feeling than turning up to your holiday destination and seeing nothing but clouds and rain. Depending on the time of year and location of your holiday, 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.
- Sort your clothes into outfits. A top tip that can save you time and bag you some extra room in your suitcase is to pack your suitcase in outfits. It sounds simple, but it is so easy to just throw in lots of shorts and t-shirts and hope for the best, but, by trying on all of your holiday clothes beforehand and pairing them into outfits for different occasions, you will create a curated wardrobe that is ready-to-wear without any thought and will help you avoid pesky overpacking.
- Keep comfort your main priority. No matter what holiday destination you’re travelling to or activities you have planned, ensuring that the clothes and footwear you pack are comfortable is essential to a successful trip. A simple and comfortable pair of designer shorts and t-shirt combination can be just as stylish for men as it is practical. Whether you pack your trusted trainers or invest in a supportive sandal, footwear is the most important thing to get right on holiday, to avoid any unwanted blisters or pain that may get in the way of holiday adventures.
Browse through our curated men’s designer holiday shop to discover a wide range of stylish, practical and comfortable clothing, footwear and accessories to take with you wherever you travel. Picked by our experts, this designer collection of holiday clothes for men has a whole assortment of weather-appropriate fits to suit a variety of men’s styles, sizes and budget preferences.
Men’s Designer Swimwear
Unlike your day-to-day pair of shorts, your poolside swimwear is a chance to have fun with your look. Bold, colourful and practical, a pair of men’s swim shorts that boast a fun print or bright hue is a great way to let your personality shine through in your holiday looks. Whether you prefer a longer board-shorts look, classic Hawaiian print or a swim-short with a shorter length, we’ve got a wide selection of designer men’s swimwear to suit your style preferences.
Superdry Vintage Hawaiian Swimshorts – Optic Banana Leaf £31.95, Lacoste Logo Swimshorts – Rose £59.95, Tommy Hilfiger Medium Waistband Swim Shorts – Desert Sky £43.95 and HUGO Abas Swimshorts – Light Blue £47.95
Swimwear is a 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 Superdry Vintage Hawaiian Swimshorts are made from recycled materials and feature a colourful banana leaf print in a classic mid-length style. A bold, patterned swimwear look pairs perfectly with a classic plain white tee and is a great way to make a eco-conscious statement with your style.
The colour of the year for 2023 has been announced as, Viva Magenta – a bold and vibrant shade mix of pink and purple hues that is sure to make a statement. Why not incorporate this years most popular colour into a stylish piece of swimwear that will ensure you stay on trend in the sun. This pair of Lacoste Logo Swimshorts show off this powerful and exciting colour in a classic swim shorts style featuring a simple Lacoste logo – the perfect swimwear option for those wanting to turn heads this summer.
Taking you from the beach to the poolside bar a pair of all-black swim shorts are a holiday must-have. Versatile enough to wear all day long, a black swimwear option such as this pair of Tommy Hilfiger Medium Waistband Swim Shorts are perfect for those who want an effortless swimwear style that can be worn for a variety of occasions – particularly useful if you’re running low on suitcase space. This pair of designer swim shorts, in particular, are made from 95% recycled nylon, feature a drawstring elasticated waist and boast a simple logo, keeping your swimwear simple enough to style in a variety of ways.
If you prefer more of a shorter length style of swim shorts, this pair of HUGO Abas Swimshorts incorporate the short-shorts style in a simple and wearable way. Featuring a comfortable elasticated waist, this sky-blue pair of swimming shorts come in a shorter mid-thigh length, offering you a high level of comfort and movability. With this pair of swim shorts, you no longer need to shy away from the short-shorts trend and instead embrace it with a stylish pair in a subtle colour that is sure to pair well with your entire summer wardrobe.
Men’s Designer Holiday T-Shirts
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. A good range of t-shirts is one of the first things you should pack in your suitcase, they can be worn to travel, lounge by the pool, explore the city or on an evening out. No matter the destination, weather or occasion, you will always be thankful you packed a variety of t-shirts. Here at Standout, we offer a varied selection of designer men’s t-shirts from many different brands where you are sure to find your holiday basics.
Adidas 2 Pack Active Flex Base T-Shirts – White £29.95, Carhartt WIP Pocket T-Shirt – Black £20.95, Fila Varn Dye Stripe T-Shirt – Egret/Foxglove £34.95 and HUGO Ducky Graphic T-Shirt – Black £68.95
Keep it clean and simple with a crisp white t-shirt this holiday season. A designer white t-shirt for men can be worn for any eventuality on holiday, whether you wear it as a stand-alone piece or layer it up with a patterned shirt, this foolproof classic sure is a great way to ensure you will always have a minimal, classic designer outfit to fall back on. This multipack of Adidas Active Flex Base T-Shirts will not only help you show off your tan with its bright white hue but will also keep you cool with quick-drying cotton material that helps to wick away moisture and is therefore the perfect holiday essential.
Similarly, a plain black t-shirt is also a must-have clothing piece for your travels. Black is one of the most versatile colours you can have in your wardrobe, easy to pair with anything, whether you want to keep it simple with a black t-shirt and denim shorts or add a pop of colour with a bright pair of shorts, the options are endless. A plain black t-shirt such as this Carhartt WIP Pocket T-Shirt is perfect for wearing on cooler evenings on holiday, made from 100% cotton, this relaxed fit, crew neck t-shirt will surely become your new summer essential.
If you prefer brighter hues and patterns when it comes to your holiday t-shirt selection, then a colourful striped t-shirt is the perfect choice for you. This Fila Varn Dye Stripe T-Shirt boasts an eye-catching pink, yellow and blue stripe pattern in a crew neck style and relaxed fit. This vivid colour palette and timeless striped pattern makes this t-shirt perfect for many summers to come – pair with your favourite shorts and white trainers for a staple holiday look.
If patterns aren’t your vibe, but you still want to show some personality with your t-shirts then a graphic printed t-shirt is the one for you. Men’s graphic t-shirts often come in many varying prints and styles, from classic logo t-shirts to cartoon prints, abstract drawings and more – so you’re guaranteed to find a particular dareish style that suits you best. This HUGO Ducky Graphic T-Shirt is a regular fit black t-shirt made from breathable 100% cotton, featuring a quirky duck with HUGO cap on print, turning a simple logo tee into something with more character. No matter your personal style, a graphic tee allows you to showcase your personality in a simple way, by adding a unique twist to a classic t-shirt.
Men’s Short Sleeved Holiday Shirts
If a classic t-shirt and shorts combination doesn’t quite meet your style standards then a short sleeved shirt is the choice for you. 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’re looking for a fun, patterned shirt to add a unique twist on your outfit for a classic white shirt to keep you cool and stylish, we’ve got you covered.
HUGO Ellino Short Sleeved Shirt – Light Blue £118.95, Lee Relaxed Fit Resort Short Sleeved Shirt – Anthem Blue £32.95, Farah Rincon Short Sleeved Overshirt – Ecru £55.95 and Tommy Hilfiger Pigment Dyed Linen Short Sleeved Shirt – Peach Dusk £71.95
No longer the uniform of a dad on holiday, the bold patterned shirt has made a resurgence in trends in the last few years and is now a staple amongst most going on holiday. From florals to classic stripes and abstract patterns, no matter your print of choice, a patterned shirt allows you to showcase your personality in a fun and stylish way. This HUGO Ellino Short Sleeved Shirt is a great option for those who want to experiment with floral patterns. This abstract floral shirt comes in a relaxed fit and features a light blue, white and navy colour palette, allowing for a simple and less intimidating introduction into patterned shirts.
If florals are a no-go for you, then a striped short sleeved shirt may suit your style more. A classic striped pattern will never go out of style – simple and available in a wide variety of colourways, a striped short sleeved shirt such as this, Lee Relaxed Fit Resort Shirt is a must-have for your holiday wardrobe. This designer shirt from Lee boasts a bleu, pink and purple stripe in a relaxed fit with a spread collar, making it perfect to wear both during the day as a lightweight layer or on an evening to dress up your look.
A more relaxed, summer take on the classic men’s Oxford shirt, a plain white short sleeved shirt is a men’s summer essential, especially on holiday. A revere-style shirt such as this 100% cotton Farah Rincon Short Sleeved Overshirt features a loose, relaxed fit with a spread collar and simple contrast buttons for a seamless, laidback look that you will find yourself reaching for everyday on holiday. The clean and crisp white colour allows you to get creative with the rest of your look, whether you pair it with a bold patterned short, a bright coloured sandal or elevate your look with jewellery, you’ll not want to travel without a white short sleeved shirt this year.
For those looking to inject a pop of colour into their holiday wardrobe without commiting to a bold pattern, this peach coloured Tommy Hilfiger Linen Short Sleeved Shirt is perfect. Linen is the best material to choose when it comes to picking out your holiday clothing essentials, while a pain to iron on holiday, linen is lightweight, breathable and easy-to-wear, and offers an ultra-cool, relaxed vibe for those who prefer to be both comfortable and stylish. This peach-toned shirt from Tommy Hilfiger offers a regular fit shirt with contrasting white buttons and a classic collar – a simple shirt that can be worn alone with a pair of chino shorts or layered over a white t-shirt for a more casual look.
Men’s Sandals and Sliders
Switching up your usual go-to trainers for a sandal suitable for your holiday may seem daunting at first if you’re unsure what to look for, however we are here to make it simple. The key to finding the perfect sandal or slider 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, where as if you’re off on a more relaxing holiday that consists of lounging by the pool or beach, a slider will suit your needs more. Or, if you’re in need of a pair of sandals that work as well round the pool as they do at the dinner table, we’ve got you covered for that too.
Teva Hurricane Drift Sandals – Black £34.95, Birkenstock Arizona Birko-Flor Sandals – White £64.95, Fila Outline Logo Sliders – Hot Pink £11.95 and Havaianas Urban Way FC Flip Flops – Navy Blue £34.95
For a sandal that is guaranteed to support you and keep you comfortable no matter the terrain, activity or weather, Teva has got your back. The Teva Hurricane Drift Sandals guarantee you next-level comfort when it comes to wearing sandals all day long – they are lightweight, durable and designed to work with your feet to offer optimum support. Unlike any other sandal, Teva sandals feature a comfortable EVA sole, waterproof materials and an ergonomic design that will make these sandals soon become an essential everyday this summer.
If you’re looking for a sandal that boasts a more classic approach but still offers a great level of comfort, the Birkenstock Arizona Birko-Flor Sandals are perfect for you. Currently one of the most on-trend footwear choices for summer, Birkenstocks offer both style and comfort in a simple design suitable for a variety of occasions. Designed to mould to the shape of your foot, Birkenstocks are easy to slide on for comfort that will last you all day, made from durable cork and leather, these sandals offer adjustable straps that help to personalise the level of support you need.
Injecting colour into your look is made easy with this pair of Fila Outline Logo Sliders in hot pink. Featuring a waterproof rubber material,supportive footbed and cushioned strap, these sliders are perfect for taking you from the pool to the beach and to dinner. This chunky-style slider has risen in popularity over the last few years and is still holding strong as one of the must-have holiday essentials. A pair of bright coloured sliders in your suitcase will ensure you have an easy-to-wear and comfortable footwear option to fall back on no matter where you are.
Or, why not keep it classic with your footwear with a pair of flip flops? A staple amongst every holiday goer from years passed and years to come, a pair of flip flops is an essential no matter your destination. This pair of Havaianas Urban Way FC Flip Flops are made from soft rubber for a cushioned sole and feature a moulded footbed to support your comfort needs throughout the day. Whether you’re heading to the pool or wandering the city, a pair of flip flops allows your feet to breathe and will ensure you have a lightweight and comfortable footwear option.
Men’s Holiday Accessories
Accessories are a great way to add an extra layer to your outfit to help make your look unique to you. When preparing for your holiday, our essential accessories we suggest packing consist of, a reliable pair of sunglasses, a hat, a practical yet stylish bag and your favourite jewellery pieces. These essentials will not only help you stay on-trend but will also protect you from the sun and ensure you have a secure place to carry your personal items throughout the day.
Ray-Ban Round Sunglasses – Polished Tortoise £129.95, Tommy Hilfiger Classic Cap – Flag Black £34.95, BOSS Chain For Him Necklace – Yellow Gold £88.95 and Carhartt WIP Jake Hip Bag – Black £39.95
Sunglasses are an essential all year round, especially on your summer holiday. Not only do they protect your eyes from the sun, they also look cool and can truly change your whole look. A pair of designer sunglasses are built to last and will add sophistication to any outfit you choose. Ray Ban are one of the most iconic sunglasses brands and this pair of Ray-Ban Round Sunglasses are one of their most classic styles. Made from the highest quality materials, these Ray Bans offer a timeless tortoise shell design with a warm-toned lens, giving you the perfect pair of sunglasses to wear all summer long.
A hat is another must-have accessory when it comes to your holiday essentials – whether it be a cap, bucket hat or fedora, a hat is necessary for protecting you from getting too much sun. A cap such as this Tommy Hilfiger Classic Cap is perfect for taking with you on holiday no matter where you choose to go – with its simple black design and subtle logo, this cap will go with any outfit and will ensure you are shielded from the sun all day long.
Men can often shy away from jewellery in fear of it appearing too “feminine” however, a classic chain necklace such as this, BOSS Chain For Him Necklace is a great way to easily elevate your look. Perfect for dressing up your evening outfit, a necklace, whether you choose a silver or gold finish will help bring added style to your outfit and can allow you to bring in an element of your personality to your everyday wardrobe.
And finally, you can’t travel anywhere without a reliable bag to hold your personal items. Cross-body bags for men are an excellent holiday addition, small enough to pack away in your suitcase. Not only do cross-bags look stylish, they are also incredibly useful when it comes to keeping your everyday essentials secure and easy-to-reach. This Carhartt WIP Jake Hip Bag comes with an adjustable strap so it can be worn across your body as well as around your hips and features many handy zip pockets to ensure optimum security of your possessions.
Get ready for your travels with Standout
Now that you’re 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.