What to Wear to a Beach Wedding: Attire for Men

Most men see a beach wedding invite and immediately panic at how they’re going to navigate this minefield. You’re somewhere hot, the invitation says, “smart casual,” and suddenly you’re three Google searches deep trying to figure out how to dress for that. We certainly don’t want you sweating through a double-breasted jacket before the vows, so here’s how to get cool, comfortable and confident right.

Why Beach Wedding Attire is Unique

If your wedding suit is too stiff or heavy, then you’re also going to be too hot. That means you can drop the formality, but not the effort. Beach weddings require breathable fabrics, lighter colours, tailoring that feels smart without being formal, and clothes that move with you, not against you.

Choosing the Right Fabric & Fit

Choosing the right fabric and construction goes beyond what in style or trending. Fabric choice is all about staying comfortable while looking effortless. Here are our best-looking yet functional picks.

Linen – It’s lightweight, breathable, and cool. Slight creasing is welcomed and part of the charm as it adds to the relaxed look.
Cotton – Slightly more structured, still breathable, and very versatile. It holds its shape better than linen while remaining light.
Seersucker – The puckered texture of seersucker keeps the fabric off your skin, encouraging airflow. Plus, it doesn’t crease easily.
Tropical wool – It’s not what you think. This ultra-light, breathable wool is actually ideal for tailored suits in warmer climates when you want something sharp but not sweltering.

Fit and construction tips:

Lining traps heat. A half-lined or unlined blazer is lighter and lets air circulate.

Less structure, more ease. A soft-shouldered jacket gives shape without the stiffness of traditional tailoring.

Relaxed cuts offer more room, which gives you freedom to move (and dance), and helps airflow, too.

Core Outfit Components

Each part of your outfit needs to pull its weight. Below are suggestions that not only look appropriate but also work practically in a beach setting.

Linen or cotton suits – These are the go-to choices. They handle heat well, look elegant, and come in sunfriendly colours that work against a coastal backdrop.
Seersucker two-pieces – It’s breathable and classic. The seersucker two-piece is for the man who wants to make a confident, slightly bolder statement.
Unstructured blazers – If the wedding is more smart-casual than full formal, this is your best friend. Wear it with separates and keep things breezy.
Linen shirts – The backbone of beach formalwear. You can wear it tucked or untucked, depending on the formality of the wedding.
Cuban or camp collar shirts – These look great open-necked and show you’re not trying too hard. They’re also a subtle nod to vintage styling.
Fine knit polos – These add polish and pair beautifully with soft tailoring. Ideal if you’re skipping the blazer.
Merino or cotton knit jumpers – For when the sun goes down and the breeze picks up. Layering with a lightweight knit can save the evening.

Explore our bespoke shirts if you’re after something with the perfect fit.

Tailored linen trousers – Slim, clean, and refined. They’re the classic go-to for a destination wedding, and remember, the creasing adds character.
Chino-style trousers – A step down in formality, but still appropriate for beach settings. They’re easy to pair with a polo or a shirt.
Tailored shorts – Only attempt this if the invitation implies it. This is for weddings with a very relaxed tone, often in tropical destinations.

Footwear & Accessories

Suede loafers – A top pick. Easy to wear, breathable, and works with both suits and separates.
Boat shoes – Done right (in muted tones with slim shapes), these can look sharp and nautical.
Minimal leather sandals – Only wear when it’s clear the wedding is leaning into the casual element. These should be clean, stylish, and never rubber.

Avoid: Anything too formal (leather Oxfords will look out of place) or anything too casual (flip-flops say “pool, not vows”).

Sunglasses – Shield your eyes and sharpen your look. Go classic with Wayfarers or Clubmasters.
Watch – Keep it understated. Metal or leather straps only. A big digital face will ruin an otherwise refined outfit.
Pocket square – Optional, but a light pop of colour or print can elevate your look.
Woven belt – Skip the stiff leather. A relaxed, textured belt fits the setting.

Event-Specific Styling Tips

Location and timing can make or break your outfit. A linen suit that feels perfect at noon in Portugal might feel out of place at a windswept 7 pm ceremony in Cornwall. Here’s how to adapt:

Warm climates (e.g. Barbados, Portugal):

For somewhere like Barbados or Portugal, breathability is your priority. Stick to linen or unlined cotton as they breathe well and don’t cling. Unbutton the collar, skip the tie and opt for pale colours like cream, sand or sky blue to reflect the heat and make you feel relaxed.

Bring a second shirt if it’s a long day, so you can freshen up if needs be.

Mild climates (e.g. Cornwall, South of France):

Anywhere away from the Med, you’ll need to expect chillier evenings, so be prepared with a lightweight knit or relaxed blazer to hand. A cotton suit or layered separates will give you all-day flexibility.

Time of Day:

Midday ceremonies will require you to go as light and breathable as possible. Evening receptions allow you to add warmth and depth to your palette, and leave room for a little layering.

Practical Advice & UK Tailored Considerations

Even the best-planned outfits can fall victim to a poor suitcase strategy. Here’s how to keep your look crisp from
airport to aisle:

• Roll your clothes – Roll, don’t fold your clothes to minimise creasing and save space.
• Pack a light jacket – Bring a light knit or jacket to keep the sea breeze at bay.
• Bring a travel steamer – It can rescue any last-minute creases from your hotel room.
• Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics – Blends and tropical wool won’t crease as easily as linen if you’re pressed for room in your suitcase, making them travel-friendly without compromising style.

If you want to plan ahead to avoid any last-minute panic, we can tailor your suit or jacket to be travel-ready.

Conclusion

Remember, a beach wedding is your chance to relax the rules, not ignore them. If you need a hand building the right outfit, that’s where we come in. Have you any questions or want to enquire? Contact us directly on 0131 225 3659 or email mel@andrewbrookes.com