The ultimate guide to holiday packing for men

Practical and versatile are the buzzwords when choosing what makes the final cut

Many will choose not to take a holiday in the coming months (Getty)

When it comes to dressing for a holiday there are many pitfalls a man must consider, from packing too much out of fear of “what if?” to battering your sartorial reputation with questionable items like baggy board shorts or skin-tight Speedos.

The good news is that getting it right isn’t as painstaking as you might think. In fact, all it takes to really cement your overseas style is a streamlined suitcase of seven items that cover all bases and can be worn again when you land back in Blighty.

Really to ditch the boardroom for the bliss of the beach? Here, we take a look at the must-have key holiday pieces worth investing in this summer.

White T-shirt

Round Neck T-Shirt, £12, Cos

Though it might seem a little obvious to start with something as simple as this, one should never underestimate the power of the plain white tee.

A throw-on-and-go wardrobe staple all year round, a white T-shirt is indispensable in the summer so it’s worth investing in one that’s made of high quality fabric and fits well.

For a show-stopping look, go all-white with coordinating shorts or use it to break up seasonal patterns and neutral hues.

Cuban shirt

Tod’s, Camp-Collar Striped Silk-Twill Shirt, £280, Mr Porter

For a seasonal piece that promises to make a statement we suggest picking up a Cuban collar shirt.

A fuss-free piece to throw on come day or night, this style looks breezy when worn unbuttoned by the beach, layered over a T-shirt or worn with tailored trousers for evening drinks.

Buy yours in a lightweight, breathable material and make sure it’s festooned with the finest summery print – think stripes, geometric shapes and abstract florals.

Chino shorts

Wicker Tailored Shorts, £70, Reiss

As much as you want to feel footloose and fancy-free on vacation, social norms – and the fashion police – dictate that you must wear more than just a pair of skimpy swimshorts whether you’re by the pool or not.

The perfect middle ground between between sporty cut-offs and smart trousers, a pair of chino shorts will work with everything from a simple tee to a formal shirt.

Trousers

Khaki Straight Leg Chinos, £25, Topman

Temperatures might be soaring but it’s always a good idea to have a pair of trousers on hand for breezy evenings – and forget heavy duty denim.

Instead, opt for a pair of lightweight chinos that will keep your pins under wraps and let them breathe simultaneously.

To get the most wear out of them stick to neutral hues like beige, khaki green or navy blue.

Sandals

Arizona Birko-Flor, £55, Birkenstock

A controversial item, a lot of men avoid baring their toes but, believe it or not, sandals are a perfectly reasonable thing to wear; as long as they’re stylish.

For the uninitiated this means Crocs or Velcro-fastening options are a serious no-no. Alternatively, a minimalist pair of black or brown leather sandals will do the trick and work just as well by the pool as they will be practical for day trips.

Smart shoes

Sneaker 3, £185, Grenson

While sandals are fine by day, you’ll need something a little smarter for evening meals or nights out on the town but that’s not to say you need to opt for a stiff pair of Oxford shoes.

Instead, we suggest investing in a pair that look slick but are still comfortable to wear like Grenson’s Sneaker 3 – made from the same luxury leathers as its range of shoes but with a trainer sole.

Swim Shorts

Basic Swim Shorts, £12, Next

The pool is likely to become your second home while on holiday, so you’re going to need to invest in a good pair of swim shorts, and knee-length baggy styles are off the cards.

Instead, look for a tailored, shorter style in either a solid colour or a subtle pattern.

Accessories

Sunglasses with Metal Frames, £22.99, Zara

Accessories can make or break an outfit but they’re also often the most practical part of your holiday packing list.

From sunglasses to a hat, backpack and a few pairs of socks for when you rock your smarter shoes, there are certain pieces every man is going to need to take with him.