Beach Trip Packing Checklist: Top 10 Gents’ Essentials

2. The Swim Trunks. You’re setting your sights on some tropical weather. And nothing says “beach-ready” more than these Peter Millar swim trunks. They have two side entry pockets and a back flapped pocket so you won’t lose your essentials. But it’s the colorful starfish print and just above the knee length that will make you the best-dressed guy on the beach.

3. The Beach Bag. You can’t go to the beach without a beach bag to haul all your stuff. And if you’re going with a significant other or your whole family, you’ll probably have a lot of stuff. There’s no reason your bag can’t be functional, while being really good-looking. No detail is over-looked on this waxed cotton beach bag. It’s trimmed in leather that will just get better with age and wear, and has a hemp rope that runs along inside of the top to create structure and prevent it from collapsing. This is the last beach bag you will ever need to buy.

4. The Sunglasses. Have you tried glasses from Warby Parker yet? If not, let these be your first pair. The company was built on the premise of creating high-quality, good-looking eyewear at an amazing price by selling directly to the customer – much like Everlane, which we talked about with our 1st product of this post. And like Everlane, they’ve certainly succeeded. These sunglasses are great looking and in a classically modern shape that looks great on most gents. Click through the “shop it” button to see in on a model. They provide strong sun protection, and come with anti-scratch and anti-reflective lenses that they will make with your prescription, if you choose. The non prescription lenses offer 100% UV protection and excellent clarity and color. And you get it all for one amazing price.

5. The Vacation Polo. An easy knit polo is another warm weather vacation essential. It’s the basic for all your shorts, khaki’s, jeans and swim trunks when you want to step it up from a t-shirt. James Perse’s sueded jersey polo is worth every penny. This line is all about high quality knits – the cotton is soft and comfortable against the skin and looks just as good after many washes, as it does the first time you wear it. The modern fit looks great on most gents. This Current Blue we’re featuring is perfect for the beach, but there are a lot more - equally masculine and stylish - colors to choose from through the “shop it” button.

6. The Laid-back Shorts. The shorts you pack for a vacation need to cover all the bases - comfortable, practical, and neutral so they’ll work with most of your shirts. Robert Graham delivers on all fronts with these: soft cotton (comfort is covered), cargo-pocketed (practical space to carry your beach and sight-seeing essentials), and pale gray (they go with everything). Appropriate for most gents , the modern fit looks as good as it feels.

7. The Light Evening Layer. The lightweight and stand–up collar on this Peter Millar cotton sweater makes it a perfect choice for vacation. Throw it on over your polo, t-shirt or button down to warm up, and dress up, your evening look. The light grey is a versatile neutral that looks good with all the other neutrals you’re probably packing, like tan or white or denim, but works with bolder color, too.

8. The Casual Sport Shirt. For an evening at a casual beach town restaurant, this shirt from Nat Nast is amazingly comfortable, yet has a dressier look to it since it’s made of a weighty silk. Prints are an important look in menswear this season and are always fun for vacation, especially this compact floral one. Wear it with any of your bottoms from shorts to khaki’s or jeans for an effortless look that, most importantly, matches any tropical drink, perfectly.

9. The Relaxing Pants. You will find so many uses for these 100% linen pants from Tommy Bahama. The easy, comfortable fit is ideal for wearing to to the beach, out shopping or to a casual restaurant. The waist is fully elasticized with an inside drawstring, but still has a button closure so they look good, yet make it easy to indulge and enjoy. They come in paler neutrals too, but we are recommending this navy, as it can add a dressier feel for a casual night out, when paired with a sport shirt.

10. The Flip Flops. Flip flops are a must for any warm weather vacation, especially one at the beach. We’ve been fans of Havaianas for years for their ease and comfort. This Power Flip Flop design has a more structured and lightly cushioned foot bed, providing maximum flexibility and comfort when walking. It’s a great alternative to a more basic flip flop. The grey/navy combination is stylish with a pop of orange that is still very versatile, but they come in solid black, as well (found through the “shop it” button, as well).