You have been waiting for this next week or two all year. Maybe you and your family are off once again to your favorite vacation spot, a familiar lake home or mountain cabin that’s been home-away-from-home for years. Or, maybe you all are ready to explore somewhere new, perhaps to cross off a destination on your bucket list of places to visit.
Either way, simply because you are traveling and going on vacation does not mean you want to slouch on style. Sure, you want to be comfortable and maybe aim for a more relaxed look, but you do not have to sacrifice that keen sense of style you bring to your everyday life.
So, while you are planning to hit the road and preparing to pack, take stock of what types of clothing you can bring that will keep you looking sharp - and feeling like you are still on vacation - all at the same time.
We have a few suggestions that we believe you will enjoy and will elevate your travel style.
Let’s talk swimwear
Swimwear is a staple of many vacations. Maybe you are heading out to your favorite lake or beach, either looking to get some swimming in or just soak up the sun.
Selecting the best swimwear for men typically can be done by determining your body type. Gentleman’s Gazette has a great rundown for men’s swimwear selection.
To summarize, if you are tall and workout regularly, most any type of men’s swimwear will look great on you. If you are tall and thin, traditional board shorts that aren’t too baggy are the best fit. Men who are big and tall look good in long, dark, solid-colored board shorts.
For men who are short and in good shape, you can go with a trunk or boxer-style, Gentlemen’s Gazette recommends. Short and thin men should go with trunks or slim board shorts, while short and big gentlemen can actually create an illusion of longer legs with brief-style swimwear. Dark colors work better in this latter case.
Best men’s tops for travel
In most cases, travel and vacation plans will include plenty of time spent out of the water. So, you’ll need to make certain you pack shirts that fit your sense of style, while also proving comfortable enough for the situation.
One tried-and-true suggestion is to include in your luggage some simple, casual tops in your favorite colors. There’s no reason to avoid traditional T-shirts, but make sure you include a few polo options that can add a little more flexibility to your lighter wardrobe. Pocketed T-shirts can also be dressed up or down as you see fit.
You want to have the option of wearing much of what you pack in different situations. Polos and other collared shirts fit the bill here, as they can be worn while out and about during the day, or when you are out to eat in the evening.
It is also wise to include an option or two that allows you to dress up your appearance significantly, especially if you are traveling for a special occasion. Try to pack a couple of button-down shirts for these instances.
A short-sleeved button-down or sport shirt could be appropriate for travel. However, if the event or venue requires a dressier appearance, then it is best to choose a long-sleeved dress shirt to throw in with your other travel attire.
Finally, if you are staying or visiting somewhere that very much expects a certain dress code to be followed, perhaps a high-end restaurant or hotel, then you will want to make sure you have a sport jacket included in the clothes you have packed. If hanging the jacket isn’t an option, then it’s best to fold and roll the jacket.
Pack a variety of pants, shorts
Most people choose to vacation during the summer or they head to warmer climates. In most popular vacation spots, shorts are likely going to be staples in your travel clothing selection.
Shorts are a perfectly fine and acceptable travel wear option. In most situations, a casual pair can get you through the day. Still, it’s advisable to pack a tailored pair or shorts made out of dress material if there is more of an upscale atmosphere where you are headed. In many cases, a high-end pair of shorts can be worn and fit right in even during the evenings at higher-end vacation venues.
However, some popular destinations can see scorching-hot temperatures throughout the day, only to see temperatures plummet later in the evening and at night. Or perhaps the atmosphere calls for a little more sophistication and a comfortable, yet dressy, pair of slacks is needed.
Both of these situations are not uncommon, so be sure to balance your shorts options with enough casual and dress slacks. How much of each type you need will depend on where you’re headed this vacation season.
And, of course, we’d be forgetting a major element of travel enjoyment if we didn’t recommend including performance pants in the list of items to pack. Any golfer knows that these are a must-have on vacation.
Don’t forget a bag
That’s right: a bag. If you plan on doing any shopping or spending significant time away from a cabin or hotel room, then a high-quality backpack or rucksack can be an essential for your vacation time.
The perfect bag will be made of a material strong enough to hold up against elements and extended use, yet still comfortable to carry or wear. A garment bag could also be a must-have for your travels, especially if you plan on traveling far or don’t want to fold and roll jackets or coats.
Let Hansen’s Clothing outfit your next vacation
Hansen’s Clothing has been in the men’s style business since 1898, spanning three generations. Throughout that time, the goal has remained the same: provide exceptional clothing to discerning gentlemen.
No matter what you need from our list of recommendations for traveling and vacationing in style, Hansen’s Clothing can guide you toward a handpicked selection of high-quality men’s wear from some of the world’s finest, most-renowned brands.