The Ultimate Vacation Packing List
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The Ultimate Vacation Packing List

Your vacation is just around the corner. Is your closet ready? 


The sun is calling your name this season... Answer Southern Tide style! Jet off this summer in our most coveted warm-weather looks designed for the whole family. 

 

Group at Spring Break on the beach with a surfboard.


At Southern Tide, we've got looks for every member of your crew. From classic menswear looks to sophisticated womenswear and fun kids’ styles, our summer lineup will ensure your family stays comfortable and cool, no matter where you’re headed.


There's something about a seasonal wardrobe refresh that just feels right. Read on to see our top apparel picks and packing list for summer vacations and beyond!


Men’s Styles


Calling all men who appreciate versatility, this summer collection is for you! From beach to boardwalk, here are a few styles you can’t go without this season:


Your go-to Vacation Uniform: The first thing your suitcase needs? Shirts in vibrant prints designed for the destination to get you in the vacation mindset. Lucky for you, custom prints are our specialty. Shop our sport shirt collection that is filled with prints from tropical cocktails to seaside scenes. Just in case prints aren’t your style, we have designed a new solid sport shirt that is as comfortable as it is practical. Try, the Beachcast Solid Knit Short Sleeve Sport Shirt. This lightweight yet refined shirt is perfect for poolside hangouts, afternoons on the boardwalk, and dinners by the water. Available in both a white and soft pink color way, ideal for seaside dining and time spent by the water.


Swim Trunks: No summer trip is complete without them! Whether you’re lounging by the pool or adventuring into the sea, our lineup of swimwear is ready to join you. Grab our White Lotus Swim Trunk for all day comfort both in and out of the water. These men’s swim trunks are up for any sunny outing and feature hand pockets and a back zippered pocket to keep your valuables secure.

Man playing beach volleyball wearing preppy pink swim trunks.


Soft & Comfortable T-Shirts: The essential spring layer for sun-washed days. Wear them with your swimsuit to head to the beach, under a button down for dinner or on your evening beach walks… No matter how you style them, Southern Tide tees are the ultimate comfortable and versatile closet staple. Our laid-back The Seaport T-Shirt is a suitcase essential for your beach vacation and beyond.


Women’s Styles


This collection is for the women who appreciate a refined sense of style with ultimate comfort and versatility.  Our winner for 'best-all-around' is the Katherine shirt. Wear open with your favorite swimsuit, tucked into your favorite linen pants or roll the sleeves with classic shorts. Dive into our entire womenswear lineup, featuring packable styles you’ll wear on repeat this season.  

Woman on the beach in a striped bikini and white coverup wearing a hat.

 

Swimwear and Coverups: Whether you’ll be relaxing by the pool or chasing little ones on the sand, our women’s swimwear lineup features something for every vacation agenda. Make a splash all summer long in our navy textured one-piece swimsuit, a fun yet functional swimsuit that was made to move. To complete your look, opt for our Wrenley Airy Cotton Tunic. This throw-on-and-go style pairs well with sandy feet and sunscreen!


Dresses: Spring dresses are one of our specialties. From brunch to dinner, our dress collection features a wide range of styles. Make sure you look at your itinerary and pack accordingly. If you plan to hit the pickleball courts, our active dresses are stylish and functional. If you are planning to spend evenings on the boardwalk, this floral dress is great to wear with espadrille sandals for a dinner date. 

Woman in blue floral spring dress with a wine glass next to her husband.

Accessories: Top off your head-to-toe look with our women's hats, bags, and more! Add a touch of texture to your look with our Mini Woven Rattan Tote, an island-getaway essential. Plus, explore our range of baseball caps, visors, and straw hats to shade your face and amp up your style. We’ve specifically been loving our Packable Straw Beach Hat lately and think you will too!


Kid’s Styles


Can’t forget about the kiddos! Your boys are going to love these warm-weather looks that will carry them from pool to beach (and back to the pool) with ease.

Two boys running down the beach in Southern Tide clothes for spring break.

Kids' Shorts: Help your little one beat the heat in our lineup of kids’ shorts. Our Boys Shoreline Active Short is designed with their warm-weather agenda in mind. From the beach with Mom to golf with Dad, Southern Tide shorts will keep them comfortable and cool all day long. They even are the perfect short to wear to school with their comfortable e-waist that allows them easily to dress themselves. Elevated enough for Mom and cool enough for the boys - a win for everyone.


Kids' Button Downs & Polos: After a long day of play, they’ll be feeling sharp at dinner in our classic button downs. Nurture their fun-loving personality with the Kids Intercoastal Sport Shirt, a playful addition to their vacation wardrobe. If they are hitting the course with dad, he’s sure to look & feel his best in our Kids Performance Polos. These versatile piece easily transitions from course to coast making it ideal for days spend golfing and then heading to family dinner. 

Boys' Swim Trunks: You can't forget the most essential style for his spring break trip - the best kids' swim trunks. Let him choose from vibrant prints or subtle solids, both ideal for beach games, swimming & shell hunting thanks to the pockets and wicking fabric. 


More Essentials


Let’s be real… Your suitcase is going to need a bit more than just clothes! Here are some other must-haves on our summer beach vacation packing list:


Speaker: Play some tunes on the road, at the beach, or at your accomodation. And speaking of music, make sure to check out our special summer playlist. These songs are guaranteed to bring the sunshine, no matter where you’re headed! 


Cooler: Keep your food and drink nice and chilly for long days in the heat. No long lunch breaks required! Pro tip - freeze waterbottles to save on cooler space and keep your beverages chilled.


Beach chair: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the coastal breeze. Pack up beach chairs for you and the whole family or call ahead and be sure your accommodation has some available to use.


Bikes: Check and see if your area is bike-friendly, and if so consider renting bikes. Biking is not only fun, but saves you the trouble of parking in a crowded destination.


Sun Hat: Don’t have one? Don’t sweat it! We have quite a few to choose from. Sun hats are a great way to protect your face and take your outfit to the next level. Our men’s & women’s sun hats protect you from the sun, and keep you looking stylish.


Sunglasses: Protect your eyes and look good doing it! Bring your favorite pair of sunnies. The sand is bright, so we recommend darker lenses for increased protection. 


Lots of sunscreen: Say goodbye to burns and hello to all-day fun in the sun!

Mom with her boys on a boat for spring break wearing preppy clothes.

Whether you are headed to a beautiful beach, enjoying days by the pool, or taking a relaxing stay-cation, Southern Tide is ready to accompany you. Need some inspiration of where to go for the best summer vacation in 2024? Some of our favorite spots include Charleston, Florida, and Amelia Island. While you’re visiting these vacation hotspots, don’t forget to visit one of our stores to shop our lineup in person!


Feeling ready for a vacation like no other? We are too! Browse our site today for essential styles. You focus on getting to your destination… We’ve got your packing covered. We can't wait to see how you'll sport Southern Tide this summer!

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