Summer 2026: Time to Pack Smart
Another summer, another suitcase argument. You want to look good. Your bag has other ideas. The solution isn't packing more, it's packing smarter. A tight, versatile capsule wardrobe will take you further than a case stuffed with "just in case" outfits you'll never wear.
Here's our definitive men's summer holiday style guide for 2026, built around the brands and pieces we know work. No dad sandals. No novelty shirts. Just proper kit.
The T-Shirt: The Real Holiday Hero
Let's be honest — the T-shirt is doing the heavy lifting on any summer holiday. It's the piece you'll reach for every single morning, so it's worth getting right. And the good news? We've got a lot of them.
The key is colour. Summer is the one time of year you're allowed to have an opinion about what you're wearing, so use it. Here's how to think about it:
- The classics — Navy, White, Black: The foundation of any holiday wardrobe. The Ellesse OLLIO 2 in Navy, Patrick CAMBELL in White and Fila LAWRENZE in Black are clean, well-cut and sharp enough to wear anywhere. The Weekend Offender ASTORIA in Navy and BAGLIORE in Black are also worth a look if you want a bit more graphic personality.
- The summer hits — Sky Blue, Light Blue, Mint, Lavendula: These are the colours that actually look good in the sun. The Pretty Green GILLESPIE in Sky Blue is a standout — well-stocked and made for the Med. The Ellesse BELVIDER and DINELLI in Light Blue (from the Live Forever Collection) are effortlessly cool, and the Peaceful Hooligan ARCHER in Mint and SUMMER OF DOVE in Lavendula are the kind of colours that make you look like you planned your holiday wardrobe, even if you packed the night before.
- The bold moves — Acid Mustard, Lemon, Acai Berry, Grape: For the man who's not afraid of a bit of colour. The Peaceful Hooligan FORGE in Acid Mustard, Marshall Artist SIREN in Lemon, Weekend Offender SMILE in Acai Berry and Peaceful Hooligan DUTY in Grape are guaranteed to stand out — in a good way. Fair warning: you will be photographed.
- The understated options — Khaki, Ecru, Seal Grey, Bark: For the man who prefers to let the location do the talking. The Merc BELMONT Racer Stripe in Khaki, Lois Jeans BARTON in Ecru, Luke 1977 BACK UP in Seal Grey and Weekend Offender BUCCI in Bark are relaxed, versatile and effortlessly cool.
- The statement pieces — Stripes, two-tone and graphics: The FILA BEN Yarn Dye Stripe in White/Navy/High Viz is a proper summer stripe that earns its place in any case. For something with more attitude, the Sergio Tacchini GRELLO in Sandshell/Maritime Blue and Maritime Blue/Orange Pepper add a retro Italian edge, while the Sergio Tacchini RAINER FC in Black/Gold or White/Maritime Blue brings serious sportswear heritage to the table.
Pack three or four tees in a mix of the above and you'll have an outfit for every occasion — beach, bar, sightseeing, and that one restaurant where you probably should have booked.
The Polo Shirt: When You Need to Look Like You Made an Effort
The polo is the T-shirt's more responsible older brother. Same comfort, slightly more gravitas. Perfect for evenings out, smarter lunches, or any situation where "I'm on holiday" isn't quite a good enough excuse for your outfit.
Here are a few of our current favourites that are in stock right now:
- Sergio Tacchini YOUNG LINE Polo in White/Maritime Blue — clean, Italian and effortlessly sharp. One of the best-stocked polos we have and a natural fit for a summer wardrobe.
- Gabicci CARTER Button-Through Polo in Mint — a fresh, summery colourway with Gabicci's signature retro detailing. Pairs perfectly with navy chinos or stone shorts.
- Gabicci JOHNSON Polo in Lemon — bold enough to make a statement, refined enough to wear to dinner. A proper summer polo.
- Pretty Green BARTON Polo in Sky Blue — Mod-influenced and made for warm weather. The kind of polo that looks like it belongs on a terrace in the south of France.
- Fila BB1 Polo in Surf Spray/Navy/White — classic Fila heritage in a colourway that screams summer. Retro sportswear at its best.
- Merc JAMIE Knit Polo in Trooper Blue — a textured knit polo that adds a bit of depth to your evening look without overcomplicating things.
- North Sails Polo in Pink Fluo — for the man who's fully committed to the holiday colour palette. Bold, nautical-inspired and surprisingly versatile.
Brands like Sergio Tacchini, Gabicci and Ellesse produce polos that sit in the sweet spot between heritage and modern — exactly what you want when you're representing British style abroad.
The Lightweight Jacket: Don't Leave Without One
It's a mistake every man makes at least once — packing for the heat and forgetting that evenings, air-conditioned restaurants and overnight flights can be brutal. A Harrington jacket solves all of it. Lightweight, packable, and sharp enough to elevate any outfit. It's been a British style staple for a reason, and it's not going anywhere.
Alternatively, a lightweight track top from Pretty Green or Peaceful Hooligan gives you that same versatility with a more relaxed, streetwear-influenced edge. Either way — pack one. You'll thank us at 11pm when everyone else is shivering in their shorts.
The Holiday Capsule: Less Is More
The best holiday wardrobes are built on versatility. Every piece should work with at least two others, take you from beach to bar, and pack down without creasing. Here's the framework for a week away:
- 3–4 T-shirts (mix of colours — see above)
- 2 x polo shirts for smarter moments
- 1 x linen or lightweight shirt for dinners out
- 2 x shorts or lightweight chinos
- 1 x slim chinos (doubles up for evenings)
- 1 x Harrington jacket or lightweight track top
- Clean trainers + sandals (two pairs of footwear, maximum — this is non-negotiable)
- Sunglasses, SPF, and a wash bag that doesn't embarrass you
Brand Spotlight: Built for Summer
These are the labels we'd be reaching for this summer:
- Sergio Tacchini — Italian sportswear with genuine heritage. The GRELLO, RAINER FC and SUPERMAC ranges are in stock now and built for summer.
- Gabicci Vintage — Understated British cool with a retro edge. The SANTINO Knitted T Shirt in Navy, White and Sapphire is a refined holiday essential.
- Ellesse — Bold, colourful and unapologetically retro. The OLLIO 2 and Live Forever Collection BELVIDER and DINELLI are the ones to go for this season.
- Pretty Green — Mod-influenced British style. The GILLESPIE in Sky Blue and Light Green are made for warm weather.
- Peaceful Hooligan — Streetwear with substance. The ARCHER, FORGE, DUTY and ZIZOU tees travel well and look great doing it.
- Marshall Artist — Sharp and considered. The SIREN in Lemon is a summer standout; the CANUTE in Navy keeps things grounded.
- Weekend Offender — Clean graphics, great fits. The BUCCI in Bark and ASTORIA in Navy are the holiday workhorses; the SMILE in Acai Berry is for when you're feeling bold.
Shop the Summer Edit
We've got everything you need for a sharp summer wardrobe — from T-shirts in every colour you could want to lightweight jackets, polos and holiday-ready essentials.
Pack light. Dress well. Try not to get sunburned on day one.