A well-chosen swimsuit can set the tone for a day at the beach. But it’s the look that goes with it that truly defines your style: a lightweight shirt, clean-lined pants, essential accessories, and fabrics that naturally evoke the spirit of summer. This guide to men’s beachwear is designed to help you build a sophisticated resort wardrobe, perfect for transitioning from the beach chair to lunch by the sea, all the way to an aperitif at sunset.
Guide to Men’s Beachwear: Start with the Swimsuit
The swimsuit is the centerpiece of your look—not a detail to be chosen at the last minute. For a contemporary Mediterranean elegance, the short or mid-length style remains a safe bet: it slims the figure, maintains a polished look, and pairs easily with outfits for when you’re out of the water.
The ideal length depends on your body type and the occasion. Boxer shorts that reach mid-thigh look balanced on most body types and work well even at a sophisticated beach club. A shorter style has a bolder, retro vibe, perfect for those who love a minimalist, confident aesthetic. Very long Bermuda shorts, on the other hand, are more casual and sporty: comfortable, but less suitable for a sophisticated resort look.
Fit is also worth noting. A swimsuit should neither be too tight nor appear excessively loose when wet. The elastic band should remain secure, while the fabric should move with the body without constricting the figure. Pockets are practical, but a design that’s overloaded with zippers, technical seams, or utility details immediately detracts from the look of relaxed luxury.
Colors and prints that flatter
Deep blue, white, sand, sage green, and black are timeless shades that are easy to wear and coordinate. Navy blue remains particularly versatile: elegant under a white shirt, impeccable with beige linen, and more contemporary with an ivory-colored polo shirt.
Prints can take center stage, as long as they’re chosen with care. Geometric patterns, micro-prints, thin stripes, and subtle botanical motifs add character without overwhelming the look. A vibrant print calls for understated pieces to complement it: a solid-color shirt, neutral espadrilles, and sunglasses with a clean design. If, on the other hand, the swimsuit is minimalist, you can be bold with a striped shirt or a raffia accessory.
Fabrics for stylish men’s beachwear
On vacation, comfort is a form of style. High-quality men’s beachwear can also be recognized by the feel of the fabrics and their ability to remain comfortable for hours on end, even in the sun, salt air, and high temperatures.
Linen is a timeless classic for the warmer months. It has a naturally sophisticated texture and a lightness that makes it ideal for shirts, loose-fitting pants, and unstructured suits. Its wrinkles aren’t a flaw—they’re part of its authentic charm, especially in a vacation setting. For those who prefer a smoother, less wrinkled look, a linen-blend fabric is an excellent compromise.
Lightweight cotton, especially in poplin or gauze styles, is perfect for cool, breathable shirts and impeccably tailored polo shirts. Viscose offers a softer drape and a particularly elegant look in printed shirts, while seersucker adds a retro, airy touch. For swimwear, quick-drying technical fabrics with a matte or slightly textured surface are preferable: they look more sophisticated than overly shiny finishes.
An open-collared shirt or a polo shirt: the transition from the beach to lunch
A shirt is the piece that transforms a swimsuit into a complete look. Worn open over the torso, with the sleeves slightly rolled up, it creates a spontaneous, effortless elegance. Whether white, ecru, or powder blue, it’s a bright choice for the middle of the day. A version with a Cuban collar adds a more relaxed touch, ideal for a stroll along the waterfront or a casual lunch on the terrace.
The lightweight cotton polo shirt is the perfect choice for those who prefer a more defined silhouette. Opt for a solid-color version with a clean collar and a regular fit—it pairs well with swimwear or linen pants. It’s especially ideal when your plans include a restaurant visit, a boat trip, or an afternoon outing away from the beach.
The most common mistake is layering too many elements. If your swimsuit has a print, your shirt should let the color and pattern take center stage. If your shirt has a bold print, it’s best to pair it with a solid-color swimsuit. The most compelling summer luxury doesn’t require excess: it thrives on balance, proportion, and well-chosen details.
Pants and Bermuda shorts for the resort
A pair of linen pants in sand, ivory, or tobacco is a vacation investment that works just as well in the city. Worn with an unbuttoned shirt and dark swim trunks, they’re the perfect choice for heading out from the beach. For the evening, simply add a button-down shirt and lightweight loafers for a more polished look.
Tailored Bermuda shorts are the right choice when you want to stay cool without sacrificing a polished look. The cut should be clean, the length just above the knee or slightly shorter, and the silhouette relaxed but not baggy. Beige, blue, and white are easy-to-wear colors; olive green and terracotta are sophisticated alternatives, particularly beautiful when paired with marine and natural tones.
Avoid pairing swim trunks with Bermuda shorts that are too similar in color and fit, especially if both have eye-catching elastic bands or prints. The look can end up looking unintentionally sporty. It’s better to create a contrast: blue swim trunks with ivory Bermuda shorts, pattern swim trunks with sand-colored pants, or black swim trunks with a white linen shirt.
Shoes and accessories: a small, carefully curated selection
In men’s beachwear, footwear sets the tone for formality. Simple, well-made flip-flops are perfect by the pool or right on the sand. For getting around the hotel, the harbor, or a beachside bar, espadrilles, minimalist leather sandals, and lightweight loafers are more refined options.
Sneakers can work, but only if they’re clean, lightweight, and complement the rest of the outfit. A bulky, technical style clashes with the lightness of linen and cotton. The same goes for colorful rubber flip-flops: practical, certainly, but best reserved for more casual occasions.
Sunglasses, hats, and bags complement the look without overpowering it. A pair of sunglasses with classic lines, a woven Panama hat, or a structured cotton hat provide stylish sun protection. When it comes to bags, a canvas shopper, a raffia tote, or a soft duffel made from natural materials are more suitable than a technical backpack. Accessories should convey a sense of care, not ostentation.
Three looks for every moment of the day
For the beach club, choose a navy blue mid-thigh swimsuit, an open white linen shirt, and minimalist sandals. It’s a bright, simple ensemble that stays elegant even when lunch runs late.
For a boat trip, try a micro-print swimsuit in shades of blue and green, an ecru polo shirt, and beige Bermuda shorts. Add sunglasses and a roomy tote bag: the result is practical yet still stylish, even away from the shore.
For an aperitif at sunset, swap out your swimsuit for tobacco-colored linen pants and a Cuban-collar shirt, perhaps in a shade of ivory or pale blue. Espadrilles or lightweight loafers effortlessly complete the look. It’s this thoughtful simplicity that makes an Italian summer unforgettable.
Elegance lies in consistency
A well-curated beachwear wardrobe doesn’t require dozens of pieces. It requires choices that complement each other: two or three well-tailored swimsuits, lightweight shirts, a pair of linen pants, tailored Bermuda shorts, and accessories that can accompany you throughout the day. Moda Mare Positano men’s collection embodies this very concept of resort dressing, where the sea isn’t just a side note, but the starting point of a style.
Before you leave, look at the pieces as a whole, not individually. Ask yourself if each item can be incorporated into at least two or three different looks, from the beach to the evening. When colors, fabrics, and proportions work in harmony, getting dressed on vacation becomes a simple, elegant, and radiant experience.
