Comfort, practicality, style, looking the part: it’s a lot to pack into a suitcase. You want to ensure you have options for long days of walking, looking elegant at nice dinners, and leisurely afternoons by the pool. This guide breaks down what to pack for Europe in summer so you’re prepared with elevated, versatile, and climate-appropriate pieces. Let’s take a look at some men’s summer vacation outfits.
Lightweight Shirts for Hot Days & Dressy Evenings
Europe can be hot in the summer—especially popular destinations in the south like Italy, Spain, and Greece—so breathable fabrics are key. Linen and lightweight cotton shirts are perfect for keeping cool while still looking refined. Short-sleeve button-ups or polos work well for daytime exploring, while long-sleeve options elevate your look for dinners or museums with dress codes. Linen shirts are an essential part of the men’s summer travel wardrobe. Long-sleeve Linen, poplin, and lightweight polo shirts make for smart, stylish travel clothes for men.
Packing list for Europe: 2-3 linen or poplin long-sleeve shirts, 2 short-sleeve button-ups or polos
Trousers & Shorts That Work from Day to Night
Avoid overpacking by choosing versatile bottoms that work across different settings. Chino trousers in lightweight cotton or stretch twill offer style and structure for dressier outings. If you have room, an elegant pair of trousers you can dress down during the day and up at night is a great addition. For more casual destinations or coastal towns, pack one pair of shorts or casual drawstring pants that are great for the beach or long walks. The key to a sharp yet comfortable men’s summer vacation outfit is flexibility—and your packing list for Europe should reflect that.
Packing list for Europe: 1 pair of chinos or dressier linen trousers, 1 casual lightweight pant, and 1 pair of tailored shorts
One Versatile Jacket to Handle Breezy European Evenings
Even in the summer, evenings in Northern Europe (or anywhere coastal) can be breezy. A lightweight, unstructured blazer or a chore coat is a great go-to. Choose something that doesn’t wrinkle easily (or looks good with wrinkles) and pairs well with trousers and jeans. One way to elevate this move is to pack a full linen or cotton suit where the pants and jacket look good separately. Opting for lightweight, stylish menswear that travels well ensures you’re prepared without compromising style.
Packing List for Europe: Pack: 1 unstructured blazer or chore coat
Travel-Friendly Footwear That Balances Comfort and Style
When traveling in Europe, you’ll walk a lot—so your shoes need to be up for it. Leave the athletic trainers at home unless you’re exercising, and opt for loafers or clean leather sneakers that look sharp but feel comfortable. Striking the right balance between style and function is central to mastering what to wear on a European vacation.
Packing List for Europe: 1 pair of leather loafers or driving shoes, 1 pair low-profile sneakers
Tying your Warm-Weather Travel Outfits Together with Accessories
For the sake of suitcase space, we’ve preached functionality and versatility. When it comes to accessories to complement men’s European vacation outfits, we’re departing from that advice. Since most accessories are small, have some fun with them. They don’t need to be functional or work with every outfit. Grab a few items that add flair and draw the eye to parts of the outfit you want to accentuate. If you want to go more practical, things like umbrellas, crossbody bags, belts, sunglasses, and scarves are all good options. These small additions enhance a thoughtful men’s summer travel wardrobe.
Packing Tips for Stylish European Vacations
Think of these less as rules and more as shorthand if you’re in a bind for space and style advice.
- Neutral Color Palette: Makes it easy to mix and match outfits
- Layering Is Key: Europe’s weather can shift between cities
- Quality Over Quantity: Invest in pieces that are versatile and well-made
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Men’s Summer Travel Wardrobe
Unlike your closet, space in your suitcase is a lot more limited. So, we preach versatility when deciding what to pack for Europe in summer. You want summer clothing that works as hard as your itinerary.
Beyond finding pieces that can be worn more than once, we also emphasize breathability and polish. Summer is hot; Elements of European society are more formal than other parts of the world. So, finding clothes that leave you cool while looking elegant is key to fitting in and feeling good. Your European vacation outfits should consist of lightweight stables and elevated essentials. If you don’t have anything that fits that description, explore Proper Cloth’s seasonal trending category, which offers lightweight shirts, unstructured jackets, and travel-ready trousers.
Men’s Packing List for European Summer Trip
- 2-3 linen or poplin long-sleeve shirts, 2 short-sleeve button-ups or polos.
- 1 unstructured blazer or chore coat
- 1 pair of chinos or dressier linen trousers, 1 casual lightweight pant, and 1 pair of tailored shorts
- 1 pair of leather loafers or driving shoes, 1 pair low-profile sneakers
- A few accessories that you’ll enjoy layering into outfits
If you’re looking for some additional advice on how to save space for some folks who transversed the globe, National Geographic has a great write-up on how to maximize your suitcase. Wondering what to buy for your men’s summer vacation outfits? Check out these great pieces from our recent Lisbon Lookbook for summer 2025.