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How to Pack for a Tropical Holiday

Travelling to a tropical clime? Don’t leave without these warm-weather essentials.

By: Harry Rosen StaffDate: 2025-12-19

From the Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands to Fiji, the Maldives, Bali, and Bora Bora, tropical holiday destinations are some of the most breathtaking in the world. Be it for your honeymoon, holiday season escape, or bucket list adventure, a trip to a tropical paradise calls for a wardrobe to match.


Before your toes hit those sandy beaches, make sure you’ve packed the essentials. These are the staples you shouldn’t leave home without.


Slip-On Shoes

A brown Brunello Cucinelli sandal, a grey Birkenstock sandal and a black Prada sandal

For both the journey and the destination, we can’t think of shoes better suited to vacations than slip-ons. Their ease, speed, and elegance make them a dream for everything from going through airport security (don’t forget to wear socks!) to upscale dinner dates and even a stroll up to the beach bar.


Between loafers, mules, espadrilles, white soled loafers, and sandals, they'll be all you’ll want to wear, all trip long.



Posh Linen Pants

A light blue pair of linen Agnona pants, a Patrick Assaraf navy linen pant, a white Patrick Assaraf linen pant

Linen and linen-blends always bode well in warm climates because of the fabric’s breathable, loosely woven nature, allowing ample airflow. Opt for ones with a casual drawstring waist and straight or relaxed fit for optimal comfort.


For those long, leisurely beach walks, shuttling between daily activities, or even off to dinner, a pair of linen trousers is the secret to dressing smart in sweltering heat.



Short-Sleeve Shirts

A yellow embroided camp collar RPRESENT shirt, a ZEGNA camp collar coral shirt, a purple HUGO camp collar shirt

Light, breezy, and endlessly versatile, short-sleeve button-up shirts — like a camp-collar, guayabera, or Hawaiian shirts — are a style cheat code in hot climates. Whether worn on its own or layered over a tank, short-sleeve shirts offer a smart look that never feels too ‘buttoned-up.’


Our advice? Let loose a little. A tropical vacation requires even the most conservative dresser to concede on colour and pattern; the perfect excuse to mix up your usual neutrals.



Vacation Fragrance

Patricks anti aging cream, Jack Black facial moisturizer, Jack Black facial cream

Just as it’s smart to switch your scents between seasons, we believe in matching your personal fragrances to your surroundings, and warm climates call for something lighter, more citrusy, and fruit-forward.


And the best way to bring them with you? Our convenient travel sets, complete with pocket-sized atomizers, perfect for carry-on bags and on-the-go top-ups.



Long-Brimmed Hats

A Casablanca bucket hat, a black Moncler bucket hat, a black Stone Island bucket hat

Tropical sunshine is marvelous, especially if you’re arriving direct from somewhere cold and snowy, but you need to be smart about exposure. Ward away harmful rays by packing a protective-yet-stylish hat with a long brim that keeps the sun off your face.


Just like the rest of your wardrobe, look for hats made from natural materials like cotton or linen for maximum wearability between looks.



Statement Swimwear

OAS leopard print swim shorts, Vilebrequin crab swim shorts, Casablanca gradient swim shorts

Similar to our thinking behind short-sleeve shirts, we believe that a tropical vacation deserves some suitably lush swimwear.


Let the lush greenery, exotic landscapes, crystal waters, and laid-back lifestyles inspire your swim shorts — include some vibrant colours, striking patterns, and fun designs into your rotation. After all, lounging by the pool or by the beach is hardly serious business.



Stylish Sunglasses

Brunello Cucinelli sunglasses, TOM FORD sunglasses, Canada Goose sunglasses

Of course, the last thing you can’t afford to forget when packing for a sun-filled vacation is a stylish pair of shades. They’re not only good for looking cool but also an integral tool for protecting your eyes.


Try on a few different styles to determine which suits your face shape best and go with the ones you like most.

TAGS:#Style Advice,#Style,#Places,#Travel,