Summer Beach Style: Men’s Clothes for the Beach
Choosing what to wear for the beach is more complex than you might first think! It doesn’t matter whether you’re day tripping to the coast, simply going for a stroll along the sand, considering a paddle, or intending to go for a proper dip in the sea… men’s beach clothing requires some thought. Although you need to consider the practicality of your men’s beach outfit, don’t forget that – free from the fashion constraints of the city and the everyday – the beach is the perfect place to let loose and express your style! Dig out those hidden gems that have been tucked away in your wardrobe since last year and mix and match them with the latest summer trends to create the perfect outfit for the beach. Here’s our guide to picking out your beach attire wisely for the ultimate cool, coastal look!
Men’s summer beachwear starter pack: what to wear for the beach
For any guy that’s heading off to the beach, there are some items that are quite simply essential. It’s not exactly groundbreaking insight to say that you will be well equipped with swim trunks and a pair of sunglasses. These provide a firm foundation for all your beach holiday clothing! Despite being an obvious, practical basic, men’s swimming shorts needn’t be void of style. If you want to play it safe and keep it suave, go with black or navy. For a dash of colour and a fun flourish, why not choose a model that has a contrasting elasticated drawstring and trimming around the waist. Designs that feature a subtle motif on the leg also have a playful character to them, while maintaining a sense of chicness. That being said, sometimes bolder is that bit better. To really channel those beach vacation vibes, settle upon swimwear that is bright in colour and/or choose a daring print – think botanical!
Sunning it in the UK or beyond: from beach holiday trousers to white vests and trendy shirts
If swimming is not your thing, but you still enjoy a stroll along the sand, why not try a pair of cargo shorts, brightly coloured or patterned board shorts, or even cropped trousers as a stylish alternative. Opt for a quick-drying model (i.e choose microfibre polyester designs) and you'll have nothing to fear when dipping your toes in the water. For evenings, throw on a pair of lightweight cargo pants or a cotton linen pair of trousers. Beach chic or what! For the ultimate beach look on top, there is so much choice. From the classic white tank that will highlight your tan, to the half unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt, or marine-style t-shirt or polo, take the opportunity to wear something a little different from the ordinary. Bright summer tones or blues and whites offer a style that will perfectly compliment the scenery, and the latter two shades will keep you cool too. Once you've chosen your outfit, add some stylish men’s accessories to complete your look. You can never go wrong with a sporty baseball cap – a hybrid of style and practicality, keeping you on-trend and protecting you from the sun’s rays. However, the traditional summer hat is also a valid competitor, and will definitely have you looking and feeling like you're on holiday, even if just for the day. Revamp an old classic by choosing a coloured model, instead of the classic beige.
Your choice of footwear is equally key. Strap up sandals are still a go-to for many men, but for surfer style go for mules. For a more sophisticated look though, you can't go wrong with loafers or boat shoes – the epitome of beach class!
Beach outfit ideas for the plus size man: trunks and cover ups
For men with larger and wider frames, choosing what to wear to the beach can be challenging but don’t worry, we have you covered! Feeling confident and comfortable is key to enjoying the summer season, so we’ve got some top tips to make dressing for the beach super simple for bigger men. First things first, it’s wise to assess your body shape so that you can style yourself accordingly.
If you’re wider on top, bright and bold swimming trunks could help balance out your frame. If the reverse is true, or if you consider yourself to be an oval shape, then plus size swimwear in plain, dark, neutral shades is your go-to thanks to its slimming effect. If the idea of bearing all at the beach has you panicking, perhaps opt for longer leg trunks so that you feel more relaxed, and nothing is to stop you from throwing on a vest (again, the white tank top is a classic) or even a t-shirt too. Stick to plain hues for a cool, casual look.
Cargo shorts and cropped cargo trousers are also great cover ups for when you’ve had your fill of swimming. Finding the perfect beach clothing for plus size men is really about finding something comfortable. So, on your upper half, a loose, cotton, crepe or linen short sleeve shirt will work wonders. Wear it open over a white tank or buttoned-up for a smarter, evening look. Vertical stripe designs in particular will give you a real dose of style, while minimising your frame and boosting your confidence. Check out our wide range of generously cut models in our men’s plus size clothing collection!
Beach fashion in a (nut)shell
We've said it before and we'll say it again, the best part about going on a beach trip is that you're free from conventional style rules – you can wear what you like and generally get away with it. The ultimate beach look is all about pushing your style boundaries, whether through colour, prints, patterns or clothing combos! What are you waiting for? Shop our summer styles now...