Coastal Travel Style: What to Pack for a Seaside Vacation
Whether it’s a tropical coast or a northern shoreline, here’s how to match your coastal style to your destination
Whether you're jetting off to a sunny beach on a tropical island, exploring the stunning cliffside coasts of Norway, coastal travel style is a category all its own. At 1923 Main Street®, we know that packing for the coast isn’t just grabbing a swimsuit and calling it a day. It’s about curating a wardrobe that reflects your destination’s climate, culture and vibe—without sacrificing comfort or your own personal style.
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In this post we share how coastal style differs from your typical city vacation (or a Disney vacation), and how to build your perfect shoreline look, from fabrics and colors to layering pieces and graphic tees.
City Tours vs. Coastal Chic: It’s a Vibe Shift
When you're packing for a city trip or a Disney vacation, you're usually focused on versatility, ease of movement and weather changes over long walking days. Depending on the time of year, denim, athleisure and structured pieces come to mind so you can layer for days exploring art museums, park hopping, or tasting the latest foodie creations.
But when it comes to the coast, your packing approach needs to shift gears.
Coastal travel style is about ease, texture and embracing the natural environment around you. Whether it’s breezy and balmy or misty and moody, coastal destinations call for styles that move with the wind and reflect the tones of the sea, sand or rugged terrain.
The Staples of Coastal Travel Style
Let’s start with a few basic staples that come to mind for any coastal vacation.
1. Light, Breathable Fabrics
Tropical coasts (like the Caribbean or South Pacific): For warm weather tropical coasts, linen shirts, cotton sundresses, gauzy kaftans and lightweight travel t-shirts are all great options. You want breathability and pieces that look better a little worn from the sandy beach, sea breeze or salty air.
Cooler coasts (like the Pacific Northwest or the Scandinavian coasts): Layering becomes key in these types of environments. Depending on the time of year, consider organic cottons, waffle-knit thermals and cozy hoodies. Lightweight waterproof jackets are also worth considering, depending on where and when you’re traveling.
2. Soft, Coastal Colors
Coastal destinations are nature's neutral color palette. Your wardrobe should reflect the coastal colors of the region. Consider the following:
Beachy tropical coasts: Go for whites, sands, sea-glass blues, coral and palm green.
Northern or rustic coastlines: Look for misty greys, deep ocean navy, sage, foggy lavender and stormy teal.
Our 1923 Main Street® coastal collection of graphic tees, sweatshirts and hoodies often draws from these palettes, with colors designed to complement oceanside views and shoreline sunsets of all shapes and sizes.
3. Comfortable Layers
Weather on the coast (any coast) can change with the wind (and often does). Be prepared for the inevitable and always bring:
A light sweatshirt or hoodie
A long-sleeve top for layering on cooler mornings
A light jacket, scarf or wrap that can double as a beach blanket or an impromptu windbreaker
Destination-Specific Coastal Style
Tropical or Warm Weather Beaches
For warm weather beaches, like the Bahamas, Florida, California, Hawaii, summer in the South of France and so on, consider the following must-haves.
Pack: Swimwear, linen cover-ups, wide-brim hats, flip flops or espadrilles.
Style tip: Go with relaxed fits and lightweight graphic t-shirts with a vintage surf vibe or palm-print accents.
Pacific Northwest
Whether it’s the Oregon Coast or Vancouver Island, you’ll want to pack for a whole different style of coastline.
Pack: Waterproof hiking boots, thermal leggings, cozy fleece-lined hoodies and even knit hats, in some cases.
Style tip: Layer a classic 1923 Main Street® hoodie over a graphic tee for coastal walks or campfire evenings.
UK or Scandinavian Coastlines
The natural beauty and rugged terrain of these northern coasts call for a unique style all their own. Consider the following:
Pack: A windproof jacket or raincoat, wool socks, breathable base layers and sturdy walking shoes.
Style tip: Moody coastal vibes are perfect for darker-toned sweatshirts and subtle, literary-inspired travel graphics.
Dress with a Coastal Daydream in Mind
Coastal vacations aren’t just a break from the norm, they’re a mood. So your wardrobe should feel like vacation, even if you're just grabbing coffee before a morning paddle or reading by the dunes.
That’s why our 1923 Main Street® travel-themed shirts and sweatshirts are made to carry the feeling of travel with you, from beachside to boardwalk. Designed with premium, lightweight fabrics and custom graphics inspired by wanderlust, they’re just as perfect for morning flights as they are for sunrise or sunset strolls.
Wherever your next coastal adventure takes you, let your style flow with the tides—effortless, elevated and endlessly inspired by the shoreline.
Explore the 1923 Main Street Coastal Collection and check out our latest coastal-inspired travel gear to bring that breezy vibe wherever you go.
Shop Original Travel Inspired Graphic Apparel
Looking for something a little different to add to your travel wardrobe? Shop unique and original travel-inspired graphic t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies in the shop here at 1923 Main Street.
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