Poolside fashion – for men

OK, so we have a tendency to get a bit female-focused when it comes to fashion, so guys, it’s your turn. Given that you might still be jetting off on your summer holidays we thought we’d take a look at poolside fashion, giving you a few ideas for the type of items you NEED to be packing in your suitcase…

Well, the t-shirt and shorts combo will of course be a staple part of any summer wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean you have to be boring. Go for a polo shirt rather than a simple t to give your look an instant upgrade, and don’t be afraid to incorporate patterns or prints. The bottom half can be updated in a similar manner, and perhaps swap those baggy cargo shorts for a more tailored style for a high-fashion look. Chinos are of course a great choice and the perfect alternative to jeans, and with so many styles and colour ways there’ll be something for every look necessary.

Then it’s time to discuss shirts. Short sleeved shirts are a controversial choice for a lot of guys, but at this time of year they can be invaluable – they need to fit correctly, of course, and the sleeves should stop mid-bicep to keep them looking good. Opting for linen is a great choice, particularly if you’re heading to warmer climates (and even for the UK when the mercury starts to rise), whilst the popover shirt is an absolute must. For the uninitiated, the popover style is a button-up, front-fastening shirt where the button placket stops halfway down – a t-shirt/shirt hybrid if you will – and the more relaxed fit makes it ideal for hotter temperatures.

And what about the accessories? A decent pair of sunglasses will be a must, as is a suitable bag to carry around your passport/wallet/room key and associated holiday essentials. And, when you’re packing your shoes make sure to opt for the likes of espadrilles and give flip flops a wide berth – they’re never a good look and will only be allowed if you’re staying by the pool all day. After that, have some fun with your style! Do it well and you can beat the heat whilst still looking good to leave you with the ultimate poolside look, and then all you have to do is get your swimming shorts sorted…