Summer Vacation Beach Style: What to Wear When You're Not on the Beach
From patio dinners to sightseeing, here's how to stay comfortable, stylish, and vacation-ready long after you've left the beach.
Packing for a beach vacation seems easy enough. Two or three swimsuits, some sandals, a cover-up, and you're ready to hit the sand.
But what about the other 90 percent of your trip (or maybe 40 if you’re a real beach lover)?
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Whether you're heading to a cottage on a lake, a resort in Mexico, a surf destination in California, or a beachside community in the south of France, you'll probably spend more time off the beach than on it. Between dinners, shopping, sightseeing, patio hopping, boardwalk walks, and exploring your destination, you'll need clothes that are comfortable, versatile, and suited to warm-weather living.
Here are some practical beach vacation style tips to help you pack smarter and look great for all parts of your trip.
Start with Lightweight Layers
Even the warmest beach destinations can surprise you.
Ocean breezes, air-conditioned restaurants, cool evenings, and boat rides can make temperatures feel a lot cooler than expected. That's why lightweight layering pieces should earn a place in every vacation bag.
A comfortable hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt, lightweight overshirt, or casual jacket gives you flexibility without taking up much luggage space. And don’t forget that summer beach weather can also include an afternoon thunderstorm.
Look for pieces that can easily be tied around your waist or stuffed into a backpack when temperatures rise.
Unscripted. It’s not just a word—it’s a way of life. No plans, no pressure, no rules—just you, carving your path and embracing the freedom to live on your terms.
Our iconic Unscripted t-shirt is for the bold, the free spirits and the trailblazers who thrive on spontaneity. Whether you’re the one who turns a meticulously planned vacation into an unforgettable detour or the person who thrives on saying “yes” to the unexpected, this shirt speaks your language.
Designed for those who dare to explore life with an open heart and adventurous spirit, the Unscripted t-shirt is soft and lightweight, and celebrates living authentically and unapologetically.
Available in a variety of styles, including white text on dark shirts and cozy light and dark color hoodies and sweatshirts, so you can keep your statement as versatile as your adventures.
Wear it. Own it. Life Unscripted.
• This Item: Gildan 64000
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
Pack T-Shirts You'll Actually Want to Wear
Vacation wardrobes should be simple.
A collection of comfortable, well-fitting t-shirts can handle almost everything you'll do away from the beach. Grabbing a coffee or frozen drink, browsing local shops, heading out for lunch, or enjoying a sunset walk, a quality tee works for all of them.
Soft cotton and cotton-blend shirts tend to work best in warm weather because they're breathable and comfortable throughout the day.
The key is versatility. Neutral colours pair with everything, while graphic tees can add personality and help create that laid-back vacation vibe.
Don't Overlook Shorts
A lot travellers bring too many swimsuits and underestimate how often they'll wear shorts.
A good pair of comfy casual shorts can take you from breakfast to sightseeing to dinner on a waterfront patio. Depending on your destination, you may want to pack:
Classic chino shorts
Casual cotton shorts
Stretch shorts for active days
Hybrid shorts that work both on and off the beach (quick dry for good measure)
Stick with colours that mix easily with the rest of your wardrobe. Navy, khaki, olive, black, and grey tend to be the most versatile.
The 1923 Main Street® Diamond Rays Classic Travel Hoodie
Wear the Adventure. Comfortable casual clothes are a must-have for your vacation packing. Explore in comfort and style with the 1923 Main Street Wear the Adventure Diamond Rays unisex hoodie.
This comfy hoodie is always ready to go, from gateway to getaway. Also available on t-shirts (light and dark colors) and dark color hoodies.
• Base Item: Gildan 18500
• 50% pre-shrunk cotton, 50% polyester
• Fabric weight: 8.0 oz/yd² (271.25 g/m²)
• Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling
• Double-lined hood with matching drawcord
• Quarter-turned body to avoid crease down the middle
• 1 × 1 athletic rib-knit cuffs and waistband with spandex
• Front pouch pocket
• Double-needle stitched collar, shoulders, armholes, cuffs, and hem
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras or El Salvador
Disclaimer: Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
Bring One Pair of Pants
Even if you're travelling somewhere hot, a lightweight pair of pants is often worth considering.
They can come in handy for:
Cooler evenings
Upscale restaurants
Air-conditioned spaces
Travel days
Unexpected weather
Lightweight chinos, linen blends, and stretch casual pants all work well in beach destinations.
Choose Footwear Thoughtfully
Shoes take up valuable luggage space, so pack strategically.
A simple beach vacation footwear lineup often looks like this:
Sandals or slides for the beach and pool
Casual sneakers for walking and sightseeing
Optional casual shoes for dinners or evenings out
Comfort matters more than fashion if you're planning to spend long days exploring. Nobody should use a vacation to break-in new shoes.
A Coastal Women’s T-Shirt with Timeless Style
Simple elegance and timeless style come together on this lightweight easy-wearing tee. Our Sea Three, Blue Logo women’s t-shirt is a perfect and subtle way to celebrate beach life and coastal style with a starfish, seahorse and sea shell.
Also available as a 1923 Main Street® hoodie or dark tee.
• Base Item: Gildan 64000 • 100% ring-spun cotton • 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²) • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center • Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
Disclaimer: Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
Think Beyond Swimwear
As mentioned earlier, one of the most common packing mistakes is bringing too many swimsuits and not enough everyday clothing.
Unless your vacation consists entirely of lounging by the pool, you'll probably spend more time wearing shorts and t-shirts than swimwear.
A practical packing formula might include:
2-3 swimsuits
5-7 t-shirts
2-3 pairs of shorts
1 pair of pants
1 hoodie or sweatshirt
Casual footwear
Hat and sunglasses
This gives you plenty of outfit combinations without overpacking.
Embrace the Beach Town Mindset
The best beach style often isn't about trends. It's about comfort, simplicity, and an easygoing attitude.
Beach communities around the world tend to share a similar aesthetic. People gravitate toward relaxed fits, comfortable fabrics, practical footwear, and clothing that looks effortless.
Leave the overly structured pieces at home and focus on items that feel natural, breathable, and easy to wear.
The magic of Unscripted travel are the unexpected and unforgettable stories you find along the way. Living the travel life is all about seeking the experience (and maybe documenting it for good measure).
This lightweight cotton unisex travel t-shirt captures it all and is the perfect easy-wearing travel companion for unscripted adventures both near and far.
• Base Item: Gildan 64000
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
Disclaimer: Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
Don't Forget a Graphic Tee or Hoodie
One of the easiest ways to add personality to a vacation wardrobe is through graphic apparel.
A well-designed t-shirt or hoodie can become the piece you reach for repeatedly on your trip. It adds character to otherwise simple outfits and often becomes a favourite souvenir long after the vacation ends.
That's one reason beach-inspired apparel remains popular year after year. It captures the relaxed spirit of travel, summer adventures, and coastal living no matter where you happen to be.
Roam freely in style with our Lost by Design script graphic t-shirt — a tribute to spontaneous adventure and the joy of the unplanned journey. This lightweight, ultra-soft tee by 1923 Main Street® offers a subtle reminder that the best experiences often lie off the beaten path.
Crafted for comfort and movement, this lightweight, breathable graphic t-shirt is ideal for travelers, explorers and daydreamers who prefer a flexible itinerary guided by curiosity.
Set your own course — or no course at all — with the Lost by Design tee.
• Base Item: Gildan 64000
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
Disclaimer: Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
A Beach Trip Means Packing Light and Smart
Packing for a beach vacation isn't just about what you'll wear on the sand.
The most memorable moments often happen away from the beach—walking through town, discovering local restaurants, enjoying a sunset on the boardwalk, or hanging out with friends after a day in the sun.
By focusing on versatile t-shirts, comfortable shorts, lightweight layers, and practical footwear, you'll be prepared for everything your destination has to offer.
And when you're comfortable, relaxed, and dressed for the occasion, enjoying vacation life becomes that much easier.