Men's Vacation Outfits
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Men's Vacation Clothes: Your Ultimate Guide to Resort-Ready Style
Vacation is more than just time off—it’s a chance to recharge, reconnect with family, and make memories that last a lifetime. Whether you are planning a week at a tropical resort, a quick weekend beach getaway, or a summer road trip with the kids, feeling confident and comfortable is key to enjoying every moment.
For many men, packing for a trip can feel like a chore. You want to look good for that sunset dinner but need practical gear for chasing toddlers around the pool. You need fabrics that breathe in the humidity but still look sharp enough for family photos. That’s where a smart strategy for men's vacation clothes comes in.
At Kohl’s, we believe that great style shouldn't be complicated or expensive. Building a vacation wardrobe is about finding versatile, high-quality pieces that work as hard as you do. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about men's resort wear, from choosing the right fabrics to selecting the perfect inseam for your shorts. Let’s get you packed and ready to relax.
The Foundation of Vacation Style: Fabrics That Breathe
Before we talk about specific shirts or shorts, we need to talk about materials. When you’re dealing with sun, sand, and humidity, the fabric you wear dictates your comfort level. The best men's vacation outfits prioritize breathability and moisture management.
Linen and Linen-Blends
If there is one king of resort wear, it is linen. Derived from the flax plant, linen is naturally breathable and features a unique open weave that allows air to circulate around your body. It is the secret weapon against feeling sticky in tropical heat.
However, pure linen can wrinkle the moment you look at it. For a more low-maintenance option that is perfect for busy dads or guys on the go, look for linen-blends (often mixed with cotton). These blends offer the breezy cooling effect of linen with the softness and wrinkle-resistance of cotton. A linen-blend button-down is effortless style personified—it says you made an effort without trying too hard.
Moisture-Wicking Performance Fabrics
Modern family vacations often involve activity—hauling luggage, carrying kids, or playing beach volleyball. For these moments, traditional cotton might get heavy with sweat. Enter moisture-wicking synthetic blends.
Often found in golf polos and athletic tees, these technical fabrics pull sweat away from the skin to the exterior of the fabric where it can evaporate quickly. Look for "quick-dry" tags when shopping. These are game-changers for theme park trips or excursions where you might get splashed. Plus, they resist wrinkles and pack down incredibly small, leaving you more room in the suitcase for souvenirs.
Seersucker and Lightweight Cotton
For a classic, preppy look that never goes out of style, seersucker is a fantastic choice. This puckered cotton fabric sits away from the skin, promoting airflow. It’s durable, easy to wash, and brings a touch of timeless elegance to any dinner reservation. Similarly, lightweight cotton—specifically "madras" or thin poplin—offers a crisp structure that looks great for evening wear while remaining cool enough for warm nights.
Essential Tops for Every Destination
Versatility is the name of the game when packing. You want tops that can transition from a casual breakfast buffet to a nice dinner with just a change of shoes.
The Resort Button-Down (Short Sleeve)
This is the cornerstone of men's resort wear. Ditch the stiff office shirts and embrace the button-down shirt. These shirts feature a relaxed, open collar that lies flat, offering a laid-back vibe that screams vacation.
Prints are welcome here! Tropical florals, geometric patterns, and bold stripes are all fair game. If you are a bit pattern-shy, stick to micro-prints or solid pastel colors like mint, coral, or sky blue. Wear it unbuttoned over a tank top by the pool, or buttoned up with chinos for the evening.
The Polished Polo
A good polo shirt is the ultimate multitasker. It’s nicer than a t-shirt but more comfortable than a button-down. For vacation, skip the heavy, thick piquè fabrics and opt for "performance polos" or soft jersey knits. These drape better and keep you cool.
A solid navy, white, or black polo pairs perfectly with patterned shorts, balancing out your look. It’s also the safest bet for golf courses or resorts with "smart casual" dress codes.
T-Shirts and Tanks
You will need basics for lounging, sleeping, or active mornings. Stick to high-quality cotton or cotton-blend tees in solid colors. A fresh white tee with tan shorts is a classic look that works on men of all ages. Tank tops are great for the beach, but generally, it’s best to swap them for a sleeved shirt when heading into dining areas or shops to maintain a polite, polished appearance.
The Bottom Line: Shorts, Swim, and Pants
Choosing the right bottoms is often where men get stuck. Questions about length, fit, and formality are common. Here is how to navigate the rack.
Swim Trunks vs. Hybrid Shorts
The days of wearing baggy, oversized swim trunks to lunch are behind us. Modern swimwear is tailored and smart. Look for "hybrid" shorts—these are designed to look like regular flat-front chino shorts but are made from quick-drying swim material with mesh lining.
With hybrid shorts, you can go from the ocean to a café without changing. They have belt loops and pockets, making them the ultimate travel hack for packing light.
Chinos and Linen Pants
Even on a beach trip, you should pack at least one pair of long pants. Many upscale resorts require long trousers for dinner service.
- Linen Pants: Choose a drawstring waist for maximum comfort. Beige, tan, or light grey are excellent colors that reflect the sun.
- Lightweight Chinos: Leave the heavy denim jeans at home; they are too hot and take forever to dry if they get wet. A pair of stretch chinos in a light khaki or olive green offers comfort and style. They look great rolled up at the ankle for a barefoot walk on the sand.
3 Go-To Vacation Outfit Formulas
Sometimes it helps to have a "uniform" in mind so you don't have to think about getting dressed. Here are three foolproof outfit combinations using the pieces discussed above.
Scenario 1: The Family Pool Day
- The Vibe: Practical, durable, and ready for splashes.
- The Outfit: 7-inch patterned swim trunks + a moisture-wicking solid tee + rubber slides + a baseball cap.
- Why it works: The moisture-wicking tee keeps you cool while supervising the kids, and the patterned trunks hide water spots and splashes easily. You are ready to jump in or head to the snack bar at a moment's notice.
Scenario 2: The Sunset Dinner
- The Vibe: Relaxed elegance, suitable for photos and dining.
- The Outfit: Linen-blend button-down (sleeves rolled up) + lightweight chino pants + leather boat shoes + leather strap watch.
- Why it works: You look put-together and respectful of the restaurant's atmosphere, but the linen keeps you cool. Rolling up the sleeves adds a touch of casual flair that feels appropriate for vacation.
Scenario 3: The Sightseeing Excursion
- The Vibe: Comfortable utility for walking and exploring.
- The Outfit: Performance polo shirt + hybrid shorts + white sneakers + sunglasses.
- Why it works: The hybrid shorts are comfortable for walking but quick-drying if you get caught in rain or a water ride. Sneakers provide the necessary arch support for a day on your feet.
Finding Your Vacation Vibe at Kohl’s
Your vacation is a time to let go of stress, and that starts with your wardrobe. You don't need to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks on the beach. By focusing on breathable fabrics, versatile layers, and the right fit, you can build a suitcase full of outfits that make you feel smart, stylish, and ready for anything.
Whether you are shopping for yourself or picking out a gift for the traveler in your life, Kohl’s offers a wide selection of men's vacation clothes that blend quality, style, and value. From moisture-wicking polos to the perfect pair of swim trunks, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy the sun in style.
So go ahead—book the trip, pack the bag, and get ready to relax. You’ve got the look covered. Shop our latest collection of men's resort wear and summer essentials today, and make this your most stylish getaway yet.