What to wear on a beach holiday
Pack swimwear, a cover-up and a few loose linen or cotton pieces in light colours, plus flat sandals, a hat and sunscreen. Add one smarter outfit and a light layer for dinner and for walking into town.
Three outfits that work
Cover-up dress, linen shirt and shorts
- light cotton cover-up dress
- white linen shirt
- beige linen shorts
- leather sandals
- straw beach bag
A cover-up and linen shorts go from the sand to a lunch spot, and a white shirt over the swimsuit protects your shoulders.
Linen shirt, swim shorts, town trousers
- white linen shirt
- blue swim shorts
- beige linen trousers for town
- flip-flops or sandals
- canvas beach bag
Swim shorts for the water, light trousers for the evening, and a linen shirt that works as sun cover and as dinner wear.
Long linen dress and long-sleeved swim top
- long loose linen dress
- long-sleeved swim top
- light wide trousers
- light cotton headscarf
- leather sandals
A loose long dress and sleeved swim top give full coverage that stays light in the heat, with a scarf for the sun and for entering shops.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Light cotton, linen, a wide hat, sunglasses and SPF; swim and rest in the shade at midday. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | Loose linen and sandals, with a thin layer for breezy evenings. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A jumper or wrap for evenings, a windproof layer and closed shoes; cold seas are for walking, not swimming. |
Do and don’t
- Cover up with a shirt or cover-up between swims
- Apply sunscreen again after swimming
- Pack a sarong or scarf; it works as a towel, wrap and shade
- Check dress rules for churches, mosques and restaurants in the area
- Walk into town or a shop in only swimwear
- Wear new sandals on hot pavement without trying them first
- Leave valuables in a bag on the sand
- Rely on a cover-up as your only sun protection
Check the night before
- Check the UV index and pack SPF 30 or higher
- Pack swimwear, a spare set, a cover-up and a towel
- Put a hat and sunglasses where you will see them
- Add one smarter outfit for dinner
- Pack a thin layer for the evening and a dry bag for your phone
Questions people ask
What should I pack for a beach holiday?
Two swimsuits, a cover-up, three or four loose tops, light shorts or trousers, one dinner outfit, sandals, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
What should I wear to dinner on a beach holiday?
A light dress or a linen shirt with trousers, plus clean sandals. Most beach restaurants are relaxed, but swimwear and bare feet are not welcome.
What should I wear on the beach if I want to cover more?
A long-sleeved swim top, swim leggings or loose trousers and a wide hat or scarf. These are available as sun-protective swimwear and stay light in the heat.
Can I wear swimwear in town?
Not in most places. Put on a cover-up, shirt or skirt and shoes before you leave the beach.
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