By PAGE Editor

The weather is warming up and the days are getting longer, which can only mean one thing: the countdown to summer is on, and pretty soon everyone will be rushing to the beach to lounge on the sand, soak up the sun, breathe in the crisp salty air and enjoy the lukewarm water of the sea. If you’re eager to join the crowds of beach lovers, you’re probably already dreaming (or planning) your next coastal escape.  

Wherever your summer plans may take you, it’s a good idea to inspect your wardrobe and decide what outfits you need to pack so you can feel and look your best when you hit the shoreline. While summer is a season that brings a lot of excitement and joy, it also comes bundled with fashion challenges for many men. So, if you’re having a hard time deciding what to wear at the beach this summer, this short guide to seaside essentials can help you build the perfect wardrobe for 2024. 

Lightweight fabrics 

Before you start thinking about styles, trends, outfit ideas, colour combinations, and summerish patterns, you need to focus on comfort and convenience. Assuming you won’t be spending all your time splashing in the water, you have to make sure you pack clothes that will keep you cool and comfortable in the scorching summer heat. 

Although they are durable and ubiquitous in the fashion world, synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon, spandex, or lycra are known to trap heat, moisture, and bacteria, especially when worn in hot and humid environments, and can even cause skin rashes and irritations, so it’s best to avoid them. You should opt for lightweight natural fabrics with a higher degree of breathability instead such as cotton, viscose, and linen.

Pack a selection of breezy and versatile t-shirts and shirts that you can combine with both shorts and summer trousers. This will allow you to move around with ease, effortlessly transition your outfits from day to night, and look stylish in any setting.  

Fashionable beachwear

Swimwear serves a very simple and practical purpose of keeping you safe and comfortable while you enjoy different water activities. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it. With all the different styles and designs available at the moment, it would be a shame to play it safe and choose the same basic pieces that everyone else wears at the beach. 

Don’t hesitate to switch things up a bit this summer and go for some designer shorts from popular brands to stand out from the crowd and make a splash in every sense of the word. According to the latest trends in men’s swimwear, this year is all about funky prints, bold colours, and retro-inspired swim shorts, so you have more than enough options to experiment and update your beachwear wardrobe. 

Adequate footwear

You may have an extensive collection of shoes, sneakers, and trainers in your closet, but when you go to the beachside you have to pick your footwear carefully because they’ll have to withstand heat, sand, water, mud, rocks, shells, and more – and you also want to keep things cool and stylish.

In this case, a pair of classic Birkenstock leather sandals is your safest bet. Well-made sandals have a durable sole, and offer support, good traction, and airflow, allowing you to stay fresh and fashionable all day long in the warm summer weather. You might also want to include some elegant loafers, canvas or suede espadrilles, classy white trainers, and boat shoes on your essential summer shoes list, depending on how you envision your beach escapes and the activities you plan to engage in.

Beach bags

Most men don’t like to carry stuff with them when they go out and about and that often means grabbing their wallet, phone, and car keys and stuffing them in their pockets. But when you go to the beach you’ll have a few more things to bring along with you such as sun protection, sunglasses, towels, water bottles, and snacks, so your pockets won’t do. 

A spacious and sturdy beach bag is exactly what you need to fit all the essentials for a fun day by the sea and carry them around effortlessly. Pick a bag that is structured and has multiple interior compartments to keep your belongings safe and organised. A water-resistant phone pouch is also a practical accessory to take with you if so you can enjoy peace of mind while snapping pictures of your seaside adventures. 

Quality shades 

There’s no doubt that shades are a must-have in your summer wardrobe, but you may think that any pair of sunglasses with dark-tinted lenses is just as good as any. However, when you think that sunglasses are meant to protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation and also serve as a key accessory that completes your look and adds a little edge to your outfits, you come to realize that the choice is not that simple. 

Therefore, you should invest in high-end sunglasses with appropriate UV filters that shield your eyes from both UVA and UVB rays and enhance your vision, while also making sure you pick a pair that complements your face shape. Dark square sunglasses are versatile and timeless, which makes them a perfect wardrobe staple for the summer.  

Hats and caps 

Hats off to summer caps and hats for keeping us cool and protected at the beach and beyond during the warm season. Even if you’re not a big fan of headwear, you might change your opinion once you find the right cap or hat, and the options are plenty, ranging from straw hats to classic logo caps. Choose a water-resilient and crush-resistant piece that is sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear that a trip to the beach implies. 

Now that you’ve got your beach day essentials list covered up, you’re ready to kick off the beach season in style.  

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