Resort Wear Pieces Every Man Should Have In His Vacation Wardrobe

Some of the greatest summer films all share a certain mood: languorous afternoons spent escaping the heat in wardrobes that seem to have been edited by the sun itself. There’s Alain Delon stalking the pool in paisley-print swimshorts in La Piscine, or Jude Law’s Dickie Greenleaf nursing a whisky and soda while sporting the greatest summer wardrobe ever conceived in The Talented Mr Ripley.

But with summers stretching and the mercury reaching new heights every year, looking cool and keeping cool can’t be mutually exclusive. The modern vacation wardrobe needs to be adaptable, while remaining head-turningly cinematic.

Here, we’ve curated the essential pieces from Mr Porter’s Summer Edit that will offer comfort and cool wherever you take them.

The Printed Swim Short

From geometric prints to bold floral scenes, printed swim shorts set the tone for your entire resort wardrobe.

A mid‑length pair in a restrained pattern, such as Orlebar Brown’s Portico Bulldog style, has all the sophistication of a Riviera Playboy from the 70s, while a bolder style, such as ONIA’s leaf print shorts, is all about making a playful statement around the villa pool.

The right pair can be worn with nothing more than a deep tan and a book by day, then teamed with a linen shirt and espadrilles for a long, lazy lunch with your feet in the sand.

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The Unstructured Blazer

Introducing a little formality (because you never know when you might need it) without sacrificing the comfort that defines holiday style is best done with an unstructured linen blazer in a light or neutral tone.

Stripped of heavy canvassing and shoulder padding, it behaves more like a refined cardigan than a boardroom jacket. You can throw Mr. P’s stunning wool and linen DB over a resort shirt and cream chinos for dinners on the terrace, or layer Kartik Research’s peach linen version over a white tee and cream tailored trousers for a classy pre-dinner passeggiata.

Even in the heights of summer, some of the very best restaurants still require a jacket, so don’t get caught short.

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The Tailored Short

Swim shorts have upped their game in the last decade, but they can’t touch tailored shorts for relaxed sophistication. Tailored shorts are the adults in the room, offering a more sartorial attitude without ever feeling stuffy.

Cut just above the knee, with a proper waistband, and in either a flat-fronted or single-pleat style, they pair as naturally with a knit polo as they do with a linen blazer and sandals.

In neutral shades such as stone, navy, and olive – as in Mr.P’s own pleated linen shorts – they become a summer trouser shorthand, and are so versatile when you need your look to go from day to night without any fuss.

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The Knitted Polo

The traditional cotton pique polo has its heritage firmly rooted in sport (thank you, Mr Lacoste), but the modern-day iteration is a luxury knitted style that traverses the smart-casual spectrum with aplomb.

In fine‑gauge cotton, silk‑cotton blends, and even tropical wool, the knitted polo softens tailored fits with its soft-roll collar and adds just enough texture to dressy summer outfits.

Worn open at the neck with tailored shorts or chinos, Sunspel’s cotton mesh version nods to Riviera icons of the 60s and 70s without ever veering into costume, while Aimé Leon Dore brings its own brand of modern preppiness with its textural teal number.

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The Resort Shirt

Often camp‑collared and sometimes slightly boxy as in the classic Cuban style (Ernest Hemingway’s preference), the short-sleeved resort shirt is non-negotiable when it comes to impactful vacation dressing.

With that open neckline and relaxed silhouette, it is the natural foil for rising temperatures, especially when crafted in cool linen or cotton seersucker. Worn on its own or with the camp collar resting atop the lapels of a linen jacket, it has a way of turning even simple chinos and sandals into something that looks like it has stepped straight off a 70s Miami film set.

Slip on Kardo’s striped camp-collar style over swim shorts for a languid lunch, or wear Gucci’s logo number with pleated linen trousers for an evening that might drift unexpectedly from spritzes to nightcaps.

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The Striped Tee

The unsung workhorse of your resort suitcase, the striped tee comes in many different guises, but all share the unerring ability to add depth and pattern to your vacation looks.

For purists, channelling everything from Riviera sailors to 1960s Left Bank philosophers, the blue/white Breton style in breathable cotton jersey ticks all the boxes. It layers easily under an unstructured blazer for evening looks, while also happily paired with tailored shorts for an afternoon spin around town.

Pack Mr P’s classic navy‑and‑white cotton terry tee and NN07’s sun‑faded green version to give your holiday ensembles some easy extra styling moves.

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The Espadrille

You know you’re on holiday when you slip your feet into a pair of espadrilles. Originally from the Pyrenees, and traditionally crafted with jute midsoles and canvas uppers, today’s more luxurious iterations from the likes of Savile Row maison Anderson & Sheppard swap in buttery suede or leather while retaining that almost-barefoot nonchalance.

They’re a welcome departure from the ubiquitous sneaker, offering a more quietly considered look with tailored shorts or linen trousers.

Wear them sockless by the pool or at a swanky al fresco dinner – they punch well above their weight.

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The Linen Shirt

The linen shirt is the glue that binds your vacation wardrobe together. It smirks at formality and carries a natural crumple that should be embraced.

In classic white – such as Kartik Research’s embroidered style – or soft pastel tones, it reflects the sun, while the fabric’s natural slubs add a subtle element of texture. Add a couple of rolls to the long-sleeved variety and accessorise with some vacation-approved wristwear for lunch.

Alternatively, wear ONIA’s short-sleeved polo style loose over geometric-print swim shorts for those afternoons by the pool that stretch into the evening.

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The Linen Trouser

If you want a persuasive argument for dressing up in the heat, then pleated linen trousers are that very thing. Old-world money meets new-world comfort in a mélange of sartorial detail and bohemian attitude.

Slightly tapered for a smart look or wide-legged for a more contemporary silhouette, the pleats provide genuine comfort through the waist (which can come in handy during week two of an Italy trip).

Cut with a higher rise, they look perfect combined with a resort shirt or knit polo, and can be bookended by a variety of summer shoes.

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The Lightweight Knit

The last thing you think of but the first thing you miss, a lightweight knit in fine-gauge merino, cashmere or silk/cashmere blends takes up almost no space in your bag, but can be an absolute godsend on cool summer evenings when the heat disappears into the ether.

Drape it over your shoulders when you’re feeling old-school preppy, then pull it on over a polo once the wind picks up.

Neutral tones in a classic crew neck or cardigan silhouette keep it versatile and easy to style with other similar hues throughout your wardrobe.

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The Sandal

Don’t go on holiday without a pair of proper sandals, and by proper we mean leather or suede, strapped and thoughtfully designed.

Exposed feet can seem like a gamble, but provided you’re not a troll, a beautiful pair of sandals can be liberating, both day and night. They are the perfect foil for tailored shorts, linen trousers and even casual suiting.

Fisherman-style sandals, such as J.M. Weston’s, are a great choice – traditional but evolved for a luxury dresser – but any strappy style with a hint of metal hardware will be a great way to casually embellish your vacation looks.

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The Sunglasses

As Jack Nicholson once said, “With my sunglasses on, I’m Jack Nicholson. Without them I’m fat and 60.” Shades are no frivolous embellishment – they can come to completely define the image you’re projecting, as well as save your peepers from sun damage.

Whether you go for the modernist metalwork of Zegna’s titanium aviators or the vintage cinema sexiness of Jacques Marie Mage’s acetate stunners, look out for a shape that suits your face, balanced weight, precise hinges, and, of course, lenses that actually filter harmful rays.

Specialist makers lead the way in craftsmanship and material innovation while also pushing the aesthetic envelope.

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The Tote Bag

While the resort logo tote bag might be appealing, every other hotel guest is thinking the same. Instead, bring your own tote to truly make a statement.

In sturdy canvas, woven raffia or elevated leather and suede, it swallows towels, books, sunscreen and an extra shirt with ease, while also being your under-the-radar style signifier.

It’s a portable basecamp that adds another level of panache to your image, taxiing your vacation accoutrements and holiday keepsakes without ever looking cumbersome.

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When you round it all up, MR PORTER’s vacation edit leaves you with a chic modern wardrobe that takes the stress out of getting dressed on holiday. With garments that offer true versatility, you can pack light, knowing you’ve got myriad outfit options no matter the vibe (of course, you’ll go over the 23kg limit regardless).

Invest in timeless styles in high-quality fabrics and you won’t need any more excuses to book a holiday this year, and every year after.

A paid partnership with MR PORTER – words and opinions are Ape’s own.