You’ve Heard of Cabincore, Get to Know Cabanacore

Each year, I greet summer like it’s a high school bully. While I have come to terms with the discomfort it brings me, that doesn’t mean I want to see its face any time soon. I’m simply not a summer person. I’m jealous of those who look forward to the warmer months and actually get excited for them. I just think of sunburns, humidity, and trying to hide my most embarrassing sweat stains.

I’ve always been like this. Like a good wine, I prefer my weather cold and crisp. But, of course, there are exceptions to every rule. When it comes to a good vacation, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than the beach.

I know, I know. This fickle little caveat may seem like a glaring hole in my complaints about summer, but hear me out. When you’re on vacation, you’re allowed to be a little sweaty. If the humidity is killing you, you have an entire ocean to splash around in. And while a sunburn is one of those embarrassing facts of life, it feels a little more earned when it comes from a day at the beach versus forgetting to put on sunscreen while weeding the garden.

But really, the best part of a summer vacation is dressing for the occasion. Whether you’re sipping spritzes in Sardinia or drinking piña coladas in Puerto Vallarta, there are a few pieces of style advice any guy can follow to pack lighter and look his best throughout the trip.

Welcome to Cabanacore.

✅ Do Pack Light

Build your vacation wardrobe around pieces that can be worn interchangeably. Keep to a small palette of lighter colors, such as cream, tan, pale blue, and navy, and limit the number of patterns you bring. This makes it easier to rewear pieces without repeating the exact same outfit.

❌ Don’t Fight the Wrinkles

Linen is one of the best fabrics for warm weather because it is lightweight, breathable and dries relatively quickly. It will also wrinkle almost immediately. Don’t even bother trying to fight it. Wear those wrinkles with pride, my brother. The creases are part of the fabric’s character, particularly on vacation. A long-sleeve linen shirt is especially useful, since it can be worn open over swimwear, rolled at the sleeves during the day or buttoned up for dinner.

❌ Don’t Rely Entirely on Sneakers

Most men do not bring many pairs of shoes on vacation, so each one should serve a clear purpose. Sneakers might be great for hitting the hotel gym, but they make you look, well, like a dweeb if you wear them to dinner. Instead, go with espadrilles. They’re light, easy to pack and comfortable enough for walking around during the day. And don’t forget to pack a good beach sandal that can handle sand and water, preferably something that’s easy to rinse off by those little showers for your feet that many boardwalks have.

✅ Do Protect Yourself From the Sun

Sunscreen should be as important as anything else you pack. Apply it before leaving for the day and reapply after swimming or spending several hours outside. Clothing can provide additional protection, too. Long sleeves in lightweight linen help cover the shoulders and arms without adding too much warmth, while a hat with a proper brim protects the face, neck, and scalp, especially if you’re thinning a bit on the ol’ dome, too.

❌ Don’t Pack for Every Possibility

You may need something slightly smarter for dinner, but that does not require a separate evening wardrobe. A pair of lightweight trousers, a linen shirt and espadrilles should cover most plans. Check the dress codes of any restaurants or hotels before leaving. Then pack around what you will actually be doing. Cabana-ing, mostly, I hope. 

With all of this in mind, I’ve selected the best pieces to pack to make the most of your vacation, whether it’s napping in the cabana or keeping cool poolside.