When it comes to the best men’s vacation shirts (or rather, the best menswear shirts anyone can put on), function and form go hand in hand. Much like putting together a summer capsule wardrobe, bringing a handful of key pieces on your trips will ensure that you’re ready for whatever your globetrotting adventures throw at you, whether it’s sunny days along the best beaches in Italy or wine tastings in Sonoma County. To help you curate your packing list for your next getaway, regardless of vibe, here are 33 men’s vacation shirts that are guaranteed to have you looking and feeling your best, from the airport to the hotel to that must-have dinner reservation.
This list of the best men’s vacation shirts comes with options for every style: printed shirts, linen button-downs, knit polos, athleisure tops, and classic white T-shirts included. It’s important, especially when you’re packing light, that the clothes you bring are versatile and can work with whatever pants, shorts, and comfortable walking shoes you have. (And if you’re on a longer trip, extra points for clothes that you—or the hotel staff—can wash easily.) You can of course toss these good-looking tops into a suitcase, but if you’re the organized type, packing cubes can help you sort out the types of shirts you’re packing, or plan different outfits for different destinations. (For example, on a trip through Europe: a cube for stylish Paris, then another for sunny Ibiza, etc.)
No matter how you pack or how you dress, this list of the best vacation shirts for men has you covered. With all the different combinations you can put together below, your suitcase packing experience will be as exciting as the trip itself. (Almost.)
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Linen button-downs
A good linen shirt will take you anywhere from Thailand to Punta Cana and from Palermo to Cuba. Wear it open with shorts and a tank top and you’re ready for the boardwalk; tuck it into a pair of trousers to dine at the candle-lit restaurant at the resort where you’re staying. Linen is perfect for summer vacations because it’s light and breathable; the weave of the cloth keeps it from sticking to your sweaty skin. And if the fabric feels a little bit rough, good linen softens with repeated wearing and washing. (Be sure to read the care label; most linen shirts are best in cool water and dried on a line in the shade.) Nothing says easy breezy vibes like classic white linen, but color on vacation is always a good idea.
Printed shirts
Remember “going out” tops? Those weirdly business-casual outfits you wore to the club (or the pre-game at senior housing in college)? It seems like this decade’s equivalent are printed vacation tops—flowy or loudly graphic shirts that scream “I’m going to Puerto Vallarta!” They evoke good times and irreverence, a mood that matches the elation when the group chat finally turns the long-talked-about trip into a reality. Here are a number of options as far as printed shirts for vacation go, from sumptuously silky, to bold and bright, to almost comically themed. (Nautical print? On a yacht? Groundbreaking.) Prints should be fun and exciting, but just remember the cardinal rule of shopping for vacation: Be sure you’d actually wear the item when you’re at home, even if it’s just to feel like you’re on holiday.
Knit polos
No matter where you live, where you travel, or what social media app you scroll through at night when you should be sleeping, I know you’ve seen knit polos—alternately called “sweater polos,” given that they can feel as soft as your favorite merino wool or cashmere sweater. It’s seen a rise in popularity lately, and it’s easy to see why. There’s something delightfully midcentury-classic about the look of a knitted polo, and the texture of the knit lends a touch of dashing elegance to your outfit while being comfy enough for a long day walking around sunny Rome or waiting in line for Broadway rush tickets in New York’s Times Square. Pack a long-sleeve variation if you’re going to any relaxing body of water; it’ll be perfect for those chilly beachside or lakeside evenings
White tees
It may seem incredibly basic to put a, well, basic like this on a list of the best vacation shirts for men, but who’s going to argue that a classic white T-shirt doesn’t belong in anyone’s suitcase? It’s perfect for travel days, workouts at the hotel gym, and even underneath a suit jacket, if the setting is casual enough. (GQ can fight me on this; white shirts and suits still work!) Plus, it can be extremely easy to clean at a laundromat—or the sink—for longer trips. Depending on what kind of tee you’re looking for, a good ol’ three-pack from Hanes might do the trick, but there’s a wide world of white T-shirts out there for everyone, from cotton-linen blends to pocket tees to crewnecks made of cashmere. OK, maybe don’t toss that one into the spin cycle.
Athleisure tops
Good activewear is like mana from heaven for travelers. They’re great for coffee runs or training sessions, hitting the rides at Disney parks, or even hiking in national and state parks. These athleisure tops are well suited to days of high-performance activity (sweat-wicking, odor-resistant), while also refined enough that they can take you from the trail in the morning to brunch and cocktails at noon. Bonus: This kind of gear is perfect for travel days, too. You’ll be comfortable for long plane rides while looking put-together enough that someone might see you and decide you’re their airport crush for the trip. (Yes, it’s a thing.)
Looking for more summer packing list inspiration?
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
