Let’s be honest—most of us don’t pack for vacations, we panic-pack. Which is why every Indian guy ends up on the beach looking like he’s escaped from hostel lockdown: graphic tees from college, basketball shorts with no basketball, and one regrettable Hawaiian shirt bought in 2014. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a few smart switches (and a lot less polyester), you can look as effortlessly cool as those moody European models lounging in campaign images—minus the existential crisis.
 

Resortwear is equal parts ease and aesthetic. It’s not about doing too much, it’s about doing just enough to look like you casually walked off the best part of a fashion campaign. From printed shirts to open-toe slides and linen pants that actually fit, here’s what to pack to truly earn your poolside cocktail.

The Printed Short-Sleeve Shirt
 

Your MVP. Go floral, abstract, or retro—but keep the fit modern (relaxed, not sloppy). This piece adds personality with zero effort.
 

Style tip: Keep it breezy with linen or rayon fabrics. Unbutton the top two (or three) buttons for that "accidentally stylish" look.
Pair with: Tailored shorts, linen trousers, or even swim trunks if you're en route to the beach bar.
Our Picks: 

1. Casablanca Le Vase Brise Silk Shirt
2. Diesel White Printed Linen-Blend Short-Sleeve Shirt
3. Bershka Printed Short Sleeve Shirt

The Knitted Shirt (For When You’re Feeling Fancy)
 

Ideal for beachside dinners, overpriced cocktails, or any setting where you want to casually flex. Wear with linen trousers, unbuttoned confidence, and zero stress.
Our Pick: Michael Kors Double Knit Regular Fit Shirt 
 

Mesh or Ribbed Tank Tops
 

If you’re even thinking of a poolside selfie, this is your go-to. Mesh tanks are bold, breathable, and surprisingly versatile. For a safer play, go for a ribbed vest in a neutral colour.

Fit tip: Slim, not strangling. You want to breathe, not burst.
Layering idea: Throw on under an open printed shirt or style solo with shorts.
Our Picks: 

1. Loewe + Paula's Ibiza Logo-Embroidered Printed Cotton-Jersey Tank Top
2. Dries Van Noten White Merit Top
3. Bershka Sleeveless top

Tailored Linen or Cotton Shorts
 

Bin the drawstring gym shorts. Opt for something tailored in linen, cotton twill or chambray that feels dressed-up without trying.
 

Length rule: Mid-thigh to just above the knee. No cargo pockets. Ever.
Pro tip: Neutral tones like beige, olive, and navy go with everything. But a pastel pop? Bold move, approved.
Our Picks: 

1. Brunello Cucinelli Linen shorts
2. Paul & Shark Regular Fit Flat-Front Bermudas
3. Pangaia DNA Linen Regular Fit Shorts

Linen Trousers

For when the sun goes down and you need to pretend you're civilised. Linen trousers scream "I make effort," even when you’re half-asleep from that second mojito.

Fit check: Relaxed taper with enough room to move. Avoid ultra-skinny cuts that defeat the purpose of linen.

Wear with: Mesh tanks, relaxed shirts or even a tucked-in tee with sandals.

Our Picks: 

1. Canali 100% Linen Trousers
2. Uniqlo Linen Blend Easy Pants
3. Kingdom of White Relaxed Linen Pants

Tote Bags
 

Aesthetically superior and surprisingly useful. Whether you’re carrying sunscreen, paperbacks, a speaker, or emotional baggage, it does the job in style.
 

Look for: Canvas, jute, or soft leather in neutral or earthy tones. Bonus points for graphic prints or embroidered detailing.
Our Picks:

1. TUMI Carryall Tote
2. Bally Akelei EW Tote Bag
3. Coach Straw Cargo Tote

The Small Pouch (Because Pockets Can’t Do It All)
 

Your phone, lip balm, hotel key card and those tiny sachets of sunscreen need a home that isn’t your sweaty shorts pocket. Enter: the compact pouch. Stylish, functional, and just big enough to carry the essentials without weighing you down.

Our Pick: Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Travel Pouch

Duffle Bag
 

For weekend trips and airport flexes.
Our Pick: Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 50

Luggage
 

You’ve earned the right to ditch that beaten-up trolley bag.
Our Pick: Tumi 19 Degree Aluminium Extended Trip Packing Case

Sunglasses
 

No vacation look is complete without solid shades. Round, rectangular or classic wayfarers—just pick a pair that suits your face and doesn't scream “petrol pump freebie.”

Pro tip: Mirrored lenses = tourist energy. Go for tinted or polarised instead.
Our Picks: 

1. Saint Laurent Sun SL 617 002
2. Chanel Shield Sunglasses
3. Dior Signature S7F Black Square Sunglasses

A Good Hat
 

There are two kinds of men on holiday: the ones who wear hats, and the ones who wish they had. Whether it's a bucket hat, wide-brimmed fedora, or even a well-worn baseball cap—this one's both functional and fly.

Avoid: Trilbies, unless you’re also carrying a guitar (and the talent to match).

Our Picks: 

1. Prada Logo cotton bucket hat
2. Isabel Marant Ivory Tedji Baseball Cap
3. Polo Ralph Lauren Men Navy Polo Bear Twill Ball Cap

Open-Toe Footwear
 

No one wants to see sneakers at the beach. A good pair of slides, leather sandals or espadrilles is the vacation footwear flex you didn’t know you needed.

Style tip: Rubber slides are fine for the pool. For dinners or day trips, go leather or woven styles for a more polished look.
Pair with: Literally anything here—just don’t forget to moisturise your feet. Please.

Our Picks: 

1. Birkenstock Boston Bold
2. Christian Louboutin Crosta suede espadrilles
3. Bottega Veneta Tarik Intrecciato suede slides

Lightweight Co-ords or Sets
 

Matchy-matchy, but in a cool way. Printed co-ords in rayon, terry or linen blends make for a polished-yet-playful outfit with zero thinking required.

Best for: Day trips, beach brunches, or when you're trying to impress your own camera roll.
Our Picks: 

1. Arks Linen Co-ord Set
2. Cord Studio Applique Set
3. Dash and Dot Off-White Tencel Co-Ord Set

Swimwear That Fits
 

Ditch the oversized board shorts. Look for mid-length swim trunks with subtle prints or colour-blocking. Bonus points if they double as regular shorts.

Fit tip: Tailored, with an elastic waistband. You want freedom, not fabric drag.
Our Picks: 

1. Shivan & Narresh White Quick Dry Sheeter Printed Swim Short
2. Jacquemus Puntini printed swim trunks
3. Zegna Striped Regular-Fit Swim Boxers

Rings

Because poolside drip matters.
Our Pick: Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Ring

Chains
 

Just the right amount of flash.
Our Pick: Drip Project Rope Chain in White Gold

Perfume
 

Smell like the sunset, not sweat.
Our Pick: Zara Sand Desert At Sunset

Watch
 

Water-resistant and elegant, even in swim shorts.
Our Pick: Nomos Glashütte Ahoi Neomatik 38 Date Sky