Men's Beach Wedding Shirt

It is no surprise that a beach wedding requires significantly different attire than a traditional ceremony, and a men’s beach wedding shirt is a far cry from the familiar dress shirts that accompany most tuxedo formal wear.

Light shirts are best for the beach.

Why Different Shirts?

There are several reasons why beach weddings require different shirts for men. The heat, sun, and potential humidity of a sand and surf wedding can be stifling in the usual long sleeves, cuffs, and snug collar of most dress shirts. At the same time, many beach weddings are casual, informal affairs and even beach wedding dresses don’t always follow the classic styles. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable for the men’s attire – for the groom as well as his groomsmen – to be more suitable to the climate.

Important Characteristics of Beach Wedding Shirts

For maximum comfort without sacrificing style, men’s beach wedding shirts should have several unique characteristics, including:

• Lightweight Fabrics: Cotton and linen shirts are the best options for beach weddings in hot or tropical climates, though silk wedding shirts can be a great beach option if there is not too much humidity or moisture.
• Colors: While a white shirt can easily be accented with flowers to match the bride’s bouquet, many beach wedding shirts have colored embroidery or other details along the collar, sleeves, or hem. This lets the shirt match the bridal party dresses and other wedding colors without requiring additional articles of clothing.
• No Ties: Most beach wedding shirts do not accommodate ties, since the restrictive nature of a tie hampers air flow and can make the heat more uncomfortable. Instead, the shirts may have collar detailing or other colorful accents.
• Short Sleeves: In keeping with the casual nature of many beach weddings, the men’s shirts are often short-sleeved for both appearance and comfort.
• Loosely Worn: To encourage cooling breezes and comfort, many beach wedding shirts are worn loose and flowing instead of tucked in and tightly cuffed.

Styles of Men’s Beach Wedding Shirts

A beach wedding shirt does not need to be plain or unattractive. There are many stylish options for men’s beach wedding attire, including:

• Golf or Polo Shirts: These classic short-sleeved, casual shirts come in a range of colors and are easily found at many major retailers.

Hawaiian shirts are fun choices.

• Three-Quarter Sleeve Shirts: With slightly longer sleeves, these flowing shirts offer more protection from the sun without resorting to long sleeves or restrictive cuffs.
• Tropical Print Shirts: A truly casual wedding may use Hawaiian or other tropical print shirts for carefree flair. At the same time, however, couples should avoid shirts that use too casual beer bottle, surfboard, or bikini themes that are inappropriate for even the most casual wedding.
• Guayabera Shirts: These ethnic-oriented shirts are a distinctive blend of Cuban, Caribbean, and Mexican cultures with their vertical decorative pleats and bright embroidery.
• Marbled Shirts: These solid color shirts have a subtle marbling reminiscent of reflected water that is perfect for a beach wedding without being an obvious pattern.
• Short-Sleeved Dress Shirts: Like polo shirts, short-sleeved dress shirts are available in a variety of colors and styles and can be easily found from major retailers.
• Lanai or Island Shirts: These unique island styles feature a v-shaped open or laced neck cutout with no collar and a wide, square hem. Typically made of lightweight linen, they are perfect men’s attire for a beach wedding.

Extra Tips for Keeping Cool

Wearing a beach shirt may not be enough to stay cool and relaxed at a beach wedding. In addition to finding a comfortable shirt, these tips will help men beat the heat and still look fabulous on their wedding day.

• Don’t tuck the shirt in. Keeping a shirt untucked encourages greater air circulation and takes advantage of every breeze. Be sure the hem is not ragged or tattered, however, and take care to keep the tails of the shirt unwrinkled before the wedding ceremony.
• Bring a spare shirt. If sweating is a possible problem, particularly if the ceremony will take place in the sun, it is advisable to bring a matching spare shirt to change into before the photos or reception so any sweat stains are not noticeable.
• Avoid wearing an undershirt. Unless it is absolutely necessary (to conceal dark chest hair under a light shirt, for example), avoid undershirts and extra layers that will trap body heat.
• Roll sleeves up. If the shirt is long-sleeved, consider rolling the sleeves up after the ceremony but do not roll the cuffs tight enough to block all air circulation.
• Use a larger size. A larger shirt will have more space and feel looser than a tight shirt. This is particularly important if the shirt does have a buttoned collar or cuffs; a larger size will leave slight gaps for a looser fit.
• Avoid dark colors. A dark colored shirt will be hotter and more uncomfortable. If the bridal colors are dark, consider using matching trim or flowers rather than wearing a shirt entirely in the dark shade.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of cool water (not alcohol) will help the men in the wedding party stay cool and comfortable no matter what their shirt design.
• Stay out of the sun. Keeping in the shade is the most effective way to keep cool for a beach wedding. Erect an arbor, canopy, or trellis to shade the happy couple during the ceremony, and locate the reception festivities indoors or in a shaded area.

Where to Buy Beach Wedding Shirts

While most major retailers and department stores will carry basic wedding-appropriate shirts, specialized shirts or those in matching wedding colors may need to be purchased from dedicated merchants. Online retailers who carry men’s beach wedding shirts include:

• MauiShirts.com
• Island Importer
• A Traveler’s Blessing
• Aloha Funwear
• Friday Shirts

Men's beach attire should be cool, comfortable, and coordinated. A beach wedding shirt can be all three and still be a stylish and appropriate look for the groom and his attendants.

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