The Ultimate Guide to Men's Wedding Beach Attire
Beach weddings look relaxed… right up until you realise you’re expected to look sharp in heat, wind, sand, and harsh sunlight. This guide makes it simple. You’ll learn what to wear for each dress code (from beach formal to smart casual), the best breathable fabrics (like linen and lightweight cotton), the safest colours, and the shoe choices that won’t ruin your day. Copy an outfit formula, avoid the common mistakes, and you’ll look wedding-appropriate without melting.
What should a man wear to a beach wedding?
When it comes to men's wedding beach attire, the key is to strike a balance between style and comfort. Opt for lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, or seersucker to keep you cool in the warm beach weather. For a more casual look, consider a short-sleeved shirt paired with tailored shorts or chinos, while a semi-formal occasion may call for a linen or cotton suit. Don't forget to accessorize with sunglasses, a hat, and appropriate footwear like sandals, loafers, or boat shoes. For more ideas, check out this Men's Health article on beach wedding attire for men.
What to wear to a beach formal wedding for male guests?
A beach formal wedding requires a slightly more polished look. You'll want to wear a light-coloured suit, preferably in linen or cotton, to keep you cool. A well-tailored white or pastel-coloured dress shirt is a great choice to complement the suit. For footwear, consider loafers or dress sandals. You can find some excellent examples of beach formal wedding attire at Hockerty's blog.
Beach wedding dress codes (what they actually mean)
Invites often say “beach formal”, “beach casual”, “smart casual”, or sometimes nothing at all. Here’s what those usually mean in real life—without overthinking it.
Beach Formal
This is still formal, just adapted for heat and sand. Think: a light-coloured suit in breathable fabric (linen, seersucker, or a linen-cotton blend), a proper shirt, and smart footwear that won’t hate sand. If you’re wearing a tie, choose a knit tie or go open-collar with a pocket square.
Beach Semi-Formal / Cocktail
A suit is still a safe choice, but a blazer and tailored trousers also works well. Colours like stone, light grey, sand, and pale blue look great and stay cooler in direct sun. Loafers or espadrilles are usually perfect.
Beach Casual / Smart Casual
You can ditch the full suit. Go with chinos or lightweight trousers and a linen shirt. Add a lightweight blazer if you want to look more polished. Avoid anything that looks like holiday wear (sports shorts, big logos, flip-flops).
No dress code given
When in doubt: tailored trousers + linen shirt + loafers/espadrilles. It looks “wedding appropriate” without being overdressed.
What is the best dress code for a beach wedding?
The best dress code for a beach wedding would be either "beach casual" or "beach formal." Beach casual allows guests to wear comfortable and breathable clothing like short-sleeved shirts and tailored shorts, while beach formal is slightly more elevated, with men wearing light-coloured suits and dress shirts. Ultimately, the dress code should be determined by the couple's preferences and the overall tone of the wedding.
What should a man wear to a summer wedding?
Summer weddings, regardless of the location, call for breathable and comfortable clothing. Linen and cotton suits in lighter shades are perfect for such occasions. Pair the suit with a crisp dress shirt and stylish accessories. For footwear, loafers or dress sandals would be appropriate. Visit ASOS's wedding attire collection for inspiration on summer wedding attire for men.
What to wear to a hot outdoor wedding men?
For hot outdoor weddings, choose lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton to keep cool. Opt for a short-sleeved shirt and tailored shorts or chinos for a more casual look, or a light-coloured suit for a more formal event. Don't forget to accessorize with a hat, sunglasses, and appropriate footwear like sandals, loafers, or boat shoes.
The easiest outfit formulas (copy these and you’ll be fine)
If you just want a simple “wear this” answer, pick one:
Option 1: The safe classic
Stone/light grey suit (linen or linen-blend)
White or pale blue shirt
Suede loafers or espadrilles
Pocket square (optional)
Option 2: Smart without a full suit
Linen blazer (sand, tan, pale blue)
Tailored trousers (light grey, navy, stone)
Open collar shirt
Loafers
Option 3: Smart casual done properly
Tailored chinos (stone/navy)
Linen shirt (white/sage/light blue)
Belt that matches shoes
Espadrilles or loafers
Option 4: Hot + windy conditions
Linen-cotton blend (less creasing than pure linen)
No tie (or knit tie)
Slightly heavier shirt fabric so it doesn’t balloon in the wind
What should a male guest not wear to a wedding?
Male guests should avoid wearing overly casual clothing like t-shirts, jeans, flip-flops, or athletic wear. It's also essential to steer clear of wearing all black or all white, as these colours are traditionally reserved for the wedding party. Additionally, avoid wearing clothing that is too revealing, overly flashy, or attention-grabbing, as it may detract from the couple's special day.
Shoes, socks, and sand (how not to suffer)
Shoes are where most beach wedding outfits fall apart.
Best choices
Suede loafers: look smart, handle sand better than stiff leather, and photograph well.
Espadrilles: perfect for beach smart casual.
Lightweight leather loafers: fine if the sand isn’t too deep.
If you’re considering trainers
Only works if the wedding is clearly relaxed. Keep them clean, minimal, and low-profile.
Avoid
Heavy formal dress shoes (hot, uncomfortable, terrible on sand)
Chunky trainers (looks too casual)
Flip-flops/sliders unless the invite basically screams “very casual”
Socks?
No-show socks are your best friend. Visible sports socks will ruin the look instantly.
What guests should not wear to a summer wedding?
Guests should avoid wearing anything too casual, such as t-shirts, jeans, flip-flops, or athletic wear, to a summer wedding. Additionally, steer clear of all-black or all-white outfits, as these colours are typically reserved for the wedding party. Overly revealing, flashy, or attention-grabbing clothing is also inappropriate. Instead, opt for comfortable, stylish, and breathable attire that suits the venue and dress code of the event.
FAQs: Men’s beach wedding attire
Can men wear shorts to a beach wedding?
Only if the dress code is clearly casual/beach casual. If you’re unsure, lightweight trousers are the safest choice.
Is a linen suit too informal for a beach wedding?
No—linen is often the most appropriate fabric for a beach setting. A well-fitted linen suit looks intentional, not sloppy.
What colours are best for a beach wedding suit?
Stone, sand, light grey, pale blue, and soft neutrals. They stay cooler and look great in bright sunlight.
Can I wear a tie to a beach wedding?
Yes, but wind can make it look messy. A knit tie behaves better, or go open collar with a pocket square.
What shoes should I wear to a beach formal wedding?
Suede loafers are the safest smart option. Espadrilles can work for semi-formal. Avoid heavy formal shoes.
Are sandals acceptable for men at a wedding?
Sometimes, but only if the wedding is clearly casual. If you want to play it safe, choose loafers or espadrilles.
What should a male guest not wear to a beach wedding?
T-shirts, jeans, sportswear, loud novelty prints (unless it’s that vibe), and anything too dark/heavy for the heat.
What should the groom wear for a beach wedding?
A breathable suit (linen/linen-blend) in a light colour, a crisp shirt, and smart shoes that suit sand. Keep accessories simple and practical.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect men's wedding beach attire can be a breeze if you follow these guidelines. Keep in mind the dress code, venue, and climate while selecting lightweight fabrics, appropriate footwear, and stylish accessories. With a balance of comfort and fashion, you'll be ready to celebrate the couple's special day in style. Remember to explore the Men's Health article, Hockerty's blog, ASOS's wedding attire collection, and Ted Baker's wedding edits for inspiration and ideas on men's wedding beach attire, men’s wedding suits, groom outfits, groom suits, and groom beach wedding clothing. With the right outfit, you'll be ready to celebrate the love and joy of the happy couple while looking and feeling your best on their big day.
About the author
I’m Aaron Jeffels, a documentary wedding photographer based in North Yorkshire. I photograph relaxed weddings for camera-shy couples, and I’ve seen first-hand what actually works (and doesn’t) for beach and destination weddings—especially in bright sun, heat, and wind.
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