Men’s Poolside Style Guide: What to Wear This Summer

Summer holidays aren’t just about switching off – they’re also the perfect opportunity to show off the kind of laid-back, confident style that looks as good on a lounger as it does by the bar.

While the vibe may be relaxed, the best poolside looks still require a little thought. Whether you’re heading to a beach club, a boutique hotel or just your mate’s villa, here’s how to master poolside style with just the right amount of polish.

Resortwear, Refined: What It Actually Means

Resortwear isn’t just about loud shirts and flip-flops. It’s considered casual wear that’s elevated in fabric, fit and finish. Think breezy silhouettes, breathable materials and pieces you can throw on without looking like you tried too hard.

The goal? Understated, grown-up cool.

Key Fabrics:

• Linen
• Towelling
• Cotton-seersucker
• Tencel or Lyocell blends

Key Styling Tips:

• Seasonal shades: Stick to natural shades like sand, olive, ecru, pale blue and faded terracotta for a relaxed palette that flatters sun-kissed skin. Think light and earthy tones or washed-out pastels.
• Relaxed not baggy: Silhouettes should be loose enough to breathe but tailored enough to show you haven’t given up entirely – think drawstring trousers with a taper, or boxy shirts that still hit the right point on the shoulder.
• Go retro: Channel mid-century Riviera style with Cuban collars, towelling polos and pleated shorts. Avoid anything that feels like fancy dress – it’s about influence, not imitation.
• Embrace texture: Fabrics like seersucker, towelling and slubby linen add depth to even simple outfits.
• Stripped-back shoes: Keep your footwear simple but clean and deliberate—leather slides, suede loafers or canvas espadrilles strike the right balance between casual and elevated.
• Intentional accessorising: Don’t overdo it, but a single standout accessory—whether sunglasses, a hat, a chain or a bracelet—can make the whole look feel considered.

Poolside Core – Lounging in Style

Swim Shorts

The Resort Co

The cornerstone of any poolside outfit, swim shorts should strike a balance between comfort and elegance. A mid-thigh tailored pair in a fast-drying fabric is ideal – you want something that feels at home both in the pool and when you’re lounging with a drink in hand.

Avoid anything too long, baggy or branded. Clean lines, solid colours or subtle patterns work best, and a side adjuster or drawstring waistband adds just enough interest.

Brands like Orlebar Brown, The Resort Co. and Frescobol Carioca specialise in swim shorts that fit like proper shorts – flattering, functional and grown-up.

Pool Shirts

David Gandy Wellwear

Pool shirts are about ease. You want something soft, breathable and easy to throw on – the sort of piece you reach for between dips.

Towelling polos are ideal here: they’re absorbent, have a nice retro feel, and look polished without trying. Lightweight T-shirts in linen or Tencel are another great option – they naturally wick moisture and keep you cool, with a texture that feels considered. A slubby jersey tee in a muted tone also works well and won’t cling uncomfortably in the heat.

Think more ‘resort-ready’ and less ‘free gym giveaway’.

Slip-on Footwear

Myrqvist

The goal is to find something you can kick on and off effortlessly, but that still looks like a conscious choice.

Leather or suede slides bring a refined touch to casual fits and work seamlessly with everything from swim shorts to linen trousers. If you want something more textured, strappy or woven sandals add detail without being fussy.

Even rubber slides are fine—provided they’re clean, minimal and discreetly branded. Leave the old pool flip-flops at home.

The Cover-Ups – From Beach To Bar

Whether you’re heading to lunch, grabbing a cocktail, or just seeking shade, you need something light and stylish to throw over your swimwear.

Each of the following shirt styles brings versatility to your holiday wardrobe—easy to throw on with swim shorts by day, yet smart enough to dress up with linen trousers or tailored shorts when the sun starts to set.

Knit Polos/Shirts

The Resort Co

Knit polos offer a polished alternative to the basic tee, with texture and structure that elevate even the most laid-back poolside look.

Worn open over your swim shorts and paired with sandals, they give off casual continental energy that’s perfect for resort settings. But swap the swim shorts for pleated linen trousers and add loafers, and you’re suddenly dressed for an al fresco dinner.

Look for breathable blends like cotton-linen and go for subtle tones or fine stripes for maximum versatility.

Resort Shirts

The Resort Co.

With their open necklines and relaxed cuts, resort shirts are ideal for slipping on after a dip. They work effortlessly with swim shorts—especially those in a plain or muted tone—for a refined but relaxed look.

Choose shirts in breathable fabrics with tasteful prints or solid pastel shades to keep things elevated. Later on, you can wear the same shirt half-tucked into tailored shorts or lightweight chinos with a pair of espadrilles, transforming it into something completely bar-ready.

Popover Shirts

Luca Faloni

Popovers are a hybrid of the button-up and the polo—easy to wear, slightly tailored, and perfect for laid-back luxury.

Their half-placket design adds structure while still feeling relaxed, and they pair surprisingly well with swim shorts, especially if you want to look like you’ve made a little more effort without overheating.

Come evening, style them with slim chinos or drawstring trousers and a slip-on loafer for something understated and quietly elegant.

Linen Shirts

The Resort Co.

Linen shirts are the cornerstone of any warm-weather wardrobe. Whether worn unbuttoned over your swim shorts or styled properly with a belt and loafers, they exude easy-going sophistication.

They work particularly well with mid-thigh tailored swim shorts for that post-pool drink at the bar. But their true strength is versatility—roll the sleeves, layer it over a T-shirt, or button it up with tailored trousers and you’re ready for dinner at a rooftop restaurant.

Just let the wrinkles happen. That’s half the point.

The Finer Details – Accessories

Sunglasses

David Gandy Wellwear

Sunglasses are more than sun protection – they’re one of the few accessories that instantly elevate a poolside outfit.

Go for timeless frames like aviators, Clubmasters or Wayfarers in classic finishes such as tortoiseshell, matte black or brushed metal. Oversized acetate frames can also work if you want something with a bit of attitude. Skip anything novelty or overtly sporty—wraparounds should stay firmly in the 2000s unless you’re midway through a triathlon.

Polarised lenses are a smart addition if you’re dealing with bright sunlight and reflective water.

Watches

Wolbrook

Even in a relaxed setting like the pool, a good watch adds a sense of polish. You want something that can handle splashes without looking overly technical. Dive watches are the go-to: classic, masculine and built for the setting.

Alternatively, opt for field watches with NATO or canvas straps, or even a minimalist digital watch like a Casio for something a little more playful.

Steer clear of leather straps or anything too formal. It’s about function, with just enough flair.

Hats

Wax London

Hats are a practical essential in high heat but also an easy style win.

An unstructured cotton baseball cap in a neutral colour is the ideal low-key option—effortless, unfussy and universally flattering. Keep your branding subtle or opt for a logo-free approach.

If your summer plans are more Amalfi Coast than all-inclusive, consider switching it up with a linen bucket hat or a lightweight straw Panama. These options add a touch of flair, especially when paired with an open resort shirt and tailored shorts.

Bags

Mango

A stylish bag is the finishing touch to your poolside fit – and it should carry more than just your towel. Swap that old nylon drawstring for something with texture and substance.

A heavyweight canvas tote is a perfect go-to: durable, breathable and easy to match. For something with a bit more character, consider a raffia or woven beach bag, or a soft leather-trimmed holdall if you’re coming straight from the airport.

If you’re more of a minimalist, a slim, unbranded backpack can do the job – just make sure it doesn’t look like you’re heading to work.

Your bag should hold suncream, a book, a water bottle, sunglasses and a cover-up shirt—and still look like it belongs next to your lounger.

Grooming Kit

Mismo

Staying sharp poolside isn’t just about clothes. A solid grooming kit ensures you look as fresh at cocktail hour as you did when you left your lounger.

Start with the basics: a facial mist to keep your skin cool and hydrated, blotting papers to combat shine, and a good SPF that won’t leave a greasy residue.

Add a lightweight hair product with UV protection to stop your style from wilting in the sun, and throw in a fine-tooth comb or pocket brush to bring it all back together.

Keep everything in a compact, waterproof pouch or dopp kit—something stylish enough to casually toss into your beach bag.

Fragrance

Coach

Choosing the right scent in the summer heat is an art form. You want something light, breezy, and utterly wearable – think sun-drenched citrus, crisp neroli, soft herbs or even salt-tinged aquatics.

Heavy ouds and spicy orientals? Save them for winter. Look for eau de colognes or EDTs with a short trail and refreshing notes that can be reapplied without overwhelming.

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, Acqua di Parma Fico di Amalfi or Louis Vuitton On the Beach are perfect examples. A subtle fragrance misted on pulse points (or lightly on clothing) will keep you smelling sharp without suffocating your sun-soaked surroundings.

Poolside Faux Pas – Things to Avoid

Poolside doesn’t mean anything goes. Here’s what not to bring:

• Branded boardshorts: You’re not 17 or at spring break
• Old gym kit: Sweat-wicking tanks and running shorts have no place poolside
• Flip-flops: Unless you’re in the shower
• Cheap neon: Bright is fine, tacky is not
• Heavy jewellery or accessories: They’ll look out of place and feel uncomfortable