Men's Beach Outfit Ideas

Dress swimmingly.

If the day’s agenda includes taking a dip—and we hope it does—there’s no need to pack extra water clothes, especially if your swim trunks look the part. Rather than opting for the same old bagged-out bulky ones you’ve had forever, invest in a sharp pair of swim trunks with a slightly tailored fit. A flat-front silhouette in a solid tone will look more polished than a drawstring pair, and longer inseams (6” or 7”) are more versatile.

Of course, there’s a time and a place for shorter shorts and funkier prints. Beach cookouts, pool parties and long days on the lake are all good reasons to show off with flashier swim trunks. Showy swim trunks can get dressed up for errands or casual dinners out with a loose-fitting button-up and sneakers or sandals. Extra points if you grab a matching button-up. 

Prints charming.

Three quarters of the year, you can be the kind of dude who likes solid colors only. But come warmer weather, it’s time to branch out and embrace prints and patterns. A short sleeve button-up in a breathable fabric—think linen, cotton or rayon—will keep you cool and sweat-stain-free, while also feeling a touch more polished than a basic tee. If you’re new to prints, look for something striped, smaller or geometric in muted neutrals like tan, taupe and brown. If you’re prints positive, go for something bigger, bolder and botanical, in hot shades like electric blue and citron. 

Pick up a polo.

Your basic polo—pique woven cotton, three buttons, pointed collar—is a wardrobe staple, and yes, your closet should be stocked up with a few in light, sun-ready shades. But it’s also worth going one step further and checking out polos that do more. Like a polo in a sweater knit for cool nights out. Or in relaxed terry for kicking it by the pool. How about a performance polo made from a breathable cotton blend that’s sharp enough to take to the office, too? 

Add chinos.

Jeans in the summer can be…a bit of a bummer if we’re being real. Instead, make sure your drawers are brimming with chinos, which are lighter, more flexible and more stylish than heavy denim. You’ll want to find the fit that works for you—skinny, slim, straight or relaxed-—then consider color. A khaki pair will go with everything you own, while a black pair has a slightly more urban, edgy polish. We’re also always fans of surprising shades like light blue, pink or olive. All of our Hyper Stretch chinos are made from moisture-wicking, thermal-regulating stretch fabric for year-round comfort. 

Lots of linen.

If you’re thinking linen is way too high-maintenance for anything you’re getting up to this summer, think again. (And don’t even think about busting out your iron, that’s not where this is headed.) Today, linen is often blended with other fabrics like cotton, rayon or polyester, making the weave softer, more durable and more rumple-resistant. The cuts and silhouettes of linen clothes have also gotten smarter. Rather than working against the natural texture of linen, loose shorts, relaxed pants and low-key tops work with the fabric for a lived-in look.

Top it all off.

When your outfit is set, the right accessories can add that extra pop. This summer, we’re loving solid-toned baseball and printed bucket hats, depending on the occasion. (Baseball hats would be great for beach volleyball, and a bucket hat is perfect for touristing around a new town.) As for sunglasses, this summer it’s all about ones with a little personality. Rather than reaching for all-black classics, think about acrylic frames in see-through tones like clear or green, or vintage-inspired shapes like aviators or round keyholes.