The answer to the question, “How to dress for the beach?” doesn’t have to be as simple as board shorts and flip-flops. That’s a great combination, but there’s room to enhance your beach attire, depending on your personal style and the activities and occasions. So, we’ll skip the most obvious and offer a few smart ways to approach men’s beachwear—from low-effort to fully styled—with outfit ideas for different settings and levels of formality to help you figure out what to wear to the beach.
Laid-Back and Easy
For the casual, no-fuss guy, here’s an easy, beach-friendly outfit that feels carefree but not careless:
- Tailored shorts
- Breathable short-sleeve button-up
- Flip-flops or slip-on canvas shoes
- Lightweight baseball cap
- Nylon backpack or basic beach tote
Casual but Considered Summer Beach Style
Switching from shorts to pants and layering gives a beach outfit a little more depth and complexity. For something that’s polished but still beach comfortable:
- Lightweight linen or linen-blend pants
- Tank top layered with a linen button-down (worn open)
- Espadrilles, slip-ons, or huarache sandals
- Sunglasses and a canvas tote
Men’s Beachwear for the Resort
When it comes to beach club outfits for a cabana or upscale resort look, consider exploring matching sets or tucking a polo into elevated trousers.
- Matching set (short-sleeve shirt and shorts)
- Knit polo + breathable trousers
- Minimalist sneakers or leather sandals
- Understated accessories: a chain, bracelet, watch
The Colder Coastal Beach
Not every beach is warm. For colder climates, consider wearing thicker pants and long sleeves. Bring along a sweater for windy days and an East Coast look.
- Jeans or medium-weight chinos
- Linen long-sleeves for the temperate days
- Twill cotton long-sleeves layered over a t-shirt for a crisp morning walk
- A sweater for layering
- Chukkas, boat shoes, or canvas sneakers to tie it together
If you go with a linen shirt, we have some additional advice on what to wear How to Style Men’s Linen Shirts for Summer.
The Upscale Beach Bar
Beach bars range from casual tiki bars to upscale seaside lounges; attire should be appropriate for the setting. If you’re going to something on the casual side, almost everything discussed above will fit in nicely. If you’re going somewhere a little more polished, consider the following:
- A linen suit or tropical wool suit
- A Hawaiian shirt or knitted polo
- Tailored trousers or elevated shorts
- Loafers for something more formal
- Sandals, espadrilles, or boat shoes for a more casual look
If you’re headed to a beach wedding, check out our full breakdown of attire in Best Fabrics for Summer Wedding Suits: Stay Cool & Stylish in Hot Weather.
Final Thoughts on How to Dress for the Beach
Beach attire doesn’t have to be limited to shorts. Consider what you plan to do (swimming vs. lounging), the context of the beach (casual public beach vs. beach club), and the occasion. Your take on men’s beachwear doesn’t have to feel like a massive departure from your everyday style by pairing what you own and like in beach-friendly combinations.
Still Need Help with What to Wear to the Beach?
For men, how to dress for the beach can’t always be answered quickly. For some more takes, check out what our friends at Put This On had to say about summer looks, where they discuss how men can dress for the beach. If you’re looking for something more personal, our stylists in customer service can offer recommendations on men’s beach outfits.