If you’re jetting from JFK to Barbados this winter, you are one lucky man. While the rest of us are trudging to work through the snow and slush, you’ll be relaxing on a tropical beach, sipping a mai tai and enjoying life.
The most difficult part of planning your winter island retreat? Purchasing your tropical resort attire—and even that feels relaxed when you do it right.
With the right custom menswear partner, you don’t need to worry about shopping for a lightweight linen suit on department store racks this time of year. We both know you won’t find one.
Instead, purchase these five tropical essentials from a high-quality custom clothier, and you’ll be ready to relax in style while living your best life.
1. A Great Travel Jacket
If you’re flying between cold and tropical climates, the day of your flight will be an interesting exercise in wardrobe management.
You’ll need to brave chilly temperatures long enough to make it to the airport, you’ll need to endure a multi-hour flight, and you’ll need to look presentable upon arriving at your destination—ideally without dissolving into a pool of sweat the moment you step off the plane and enter a humid island paradise.
To tackle all these hurdles, turn to the travel jacket.
We recommend a lightweight, versatile jacket from the Knot Standard Traveller collection. Made from water- and wrinkle-resistant fabrics from the world’s finest mills, our jacket features minimal canvassing for maximum comfort.
Light enough to wear comfortably in tropical climates, yet durable enough to withstand significant wear and tear, our Traveller jacket also features multiple pockets for all your devices and an inner zipped pocket for your passport.
2. A Comfortable Linen Suit
A cool, breezy linen suit in a pale shade—tan, cream, light blue, pink—is our go-to recommendation for all warm-weather destinations.
Packing a linen suit means you’ll always be ready for dinner at a fine restaurant—or for that beach wedding you’re planning to attend. You’ll also look appropriate strolling barefoot on a sandy beach, sleeves pushed up to your elbows.
Due to its loose weave, a linen suit will keep you cool in sweltering heat. And, as a travel-friendly bonus, linen is as easy to care for as it is to wear. Wrinkles only add to the appeal of this look.
Dress your linen suit up with a well-tailored dress shirt and tie, or dress it down by pairing it with an open collar and sockless loafers.
3. A Lightweight Blazer
A summerweight cotton blazer is a stylish choice that pairs well with most of the contents of your tropical suitcase: shirts, chinos, and even tailored shorts.
If you want to flaunt your newly-acquired tan, choose a blazer in dazzling white. If you want to draw approving stares, opt for a statement jacket in a striking and stylish plaid.
4. A Pair of Cotton Chinos
A pair or two of lightweight chinos will make the perfect foundation for your travel wardrobe.
The lighter cousin to khakis, chinos are well suited to warm weather due to their crisp cotton fabric and lightweight construction.
While they can come in any color or material, chino pants look especially good in pale colors. Nothing makes you look cooler on a sunny day than a pair of white chinos. Plus, they pair well with all your separates and can be dressed up or down for all-day wear.
Chinos add versatility, ease, and style to your tropical resort attire. Planning to stroll along the beach at sunrise? Grab some boat shoes, your chinos, and a loose short-sleeved shirt, then enjoy the sand and the waves. If you want to go out to dinner or spend the evening in the casino, dress up the pants with a lightweight blazer and upgrade your footwear to loafers.
5. A Poplin Button-Down Shirt
With its silky texture, smooth drape, and light feel, poplin is a perfect choice for helping you look pulled-together and polished. Wear your button-down in any of the following ways:
- With shorts and sockless loafers to spend a hot, lazy day exploring the island.
- With the right pair of sandals for serious style during a sunset stroll.
- With a linen suit or statement blazer and chinos when the sun sets for the perfect night out.
A poplin button-down shirt will make you look effortlessly presentable, no matter what you happen to be doing.
For Tropical Resort Attire That Helps You Look Your Best, Turn to Custom Menswear
Tropical vacations are your perfect opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and unwind—and choosing menswear separates that look stylish and feel comfortable plays a big part in making your trip a success. Choose tropical resort attire that will travel well, feel comfortable, and make you look like a summer GQ cover.
At this time of year, department store racks are stocked with overcoats, sweaters, and heavy wool suits. You’ll want to assemble your tropical-weather wardrobe elsewhere.
At Knot Standard, we create your resort attire from scratch, based on exacting measurements and built to your precise specifications. Schedule an appointment at a Knot Standard showroom to meet with a skilled and experienced personal stylist, who will help you design the clothes you need to get the most out of your tropical getaway.
Paradise awaits—and by partnering with Knot Standard, you’ll arrive there looking your best.