Men’s Suitcase Style Essentials: The Summer Holiday

Holiday season is well and truly under way and the fortunate amongst us will be absconding for some much-needed time out over the coming weeks. So we’ve compiled an overview of some essential style items to add to your packing list so you can avoid last minute panics at check-in, whether it’s all-night raving or all-day sleeping you have a hankering for.

Destination: Ibiza

We could remind you that there is more to Ibiza than Playa d’en Bossa, San Antonio Bay and 24-hour raves. We could do that. But, chances are, if you’re going to Ibiza, you’re probably not planning nights in with a selection of regional artisan cheeses, a modest couple of glasses of Malbec and a Pulitzer prizewinner – chances are, you’re there to party. So what are the sartorial prerequisites for a healthy spot of summertime debauchery? First up, printed T-shirts, vests and short-sleeved shirts. These separates are essential; being low maintenance (needing little to no ironing if packed correctly) and lightweight (keeping sweat at bay), they should form the backbone of your Ibizan wardrobe. On the high street, River Island offers a wealth of limited edition printed tops, as does Uniqlo with its apt range of ‘Music Icons’ tees featuring the likes of Wu-Tang Clan and Daft Punk. And, of course, you’ll need shorts. But for this destination you’ll need a pair that works both for day (Ocean Beach) and night (Amnesia) – a style that’ll take you seamlessly from poolside to dance floor. Bin those shiny Union Jack numbers that have been winking at you from the top of your wardrobe since last summer’s trip to Magaluf and opt for a neutral, quick-drying pair of swim shorts in a tailored silhouette. Orlebar Brown, Dan Ward and Frescobol Carioca all offer masterfully detailed options at the slightly higher end of the price range, with the likes of Saturdays Surf NYC and David Gandy for Marks & Spencer offering styles that’ll make less of a dent in your bank balance. Alternatively, if dressy swim shorts don’t leave you feeling dressed enough, then throw some rugged chino or denim shorts into your case, which are better built to withstand hard partying. You’ll also need a hat. No, we’re not talking a party hat, one that lights up, claps, or comes complete with a convenient lager can holder and straw. Instead, stick to something simply styled, lightweight and ideal for protecting your bonce from the sun in the day (after all, you’re unlikely to remember to religiously reapply your sunscreen), but also capable of concealing your (probably) sweaty locks in the evening. Best to pick up an inexpensive style from your usual high street go-tos (who knows where it could end up), filtering through the selection for a cotton baseball cap or bucket hat to invoke some of that Second Summer of Love swag. When it comes to footwear, a pair of on-trend slip-on plimsolls or low-top trainers will set you up from sunset to sunrise. If you’re into keeping your whites white, then avoid white canvas styles as they’ll mark easily and wear quickly. Vans has some fun printed options this season, while ASOS stocks the essential plain colour styles. Team with invisible socks from Falke or any good high street store to avoid your poor shoes humming like a vintage Stilton by the end of your stay.