What Brands Are Great to Wear at a Resort

I reckon one of the best things about heading to a resort is finally getting to wear all those breezy, comfortable clothes that just don’t make sense back home. But figuring out which brands actually hold up in the heat, humidity, and constant pool-to-beach routine? That’s taken me a few trips to sort out. Now I’ve got my go-to brands that never let me down, and I thought I’d share what works for me.

Brands that keep you comfortable all day

When it comes to daytime resort wear, I’m all about brands that understand breathable fabrics and relaxed fits. Country Road has been a lifesaver for me—their linen shirts and shorts are perfect for the tropics, and they don’t look like you’ve just rolled out of bed. The quality is solid too, so they last through multiple trips without falling apart.

For swimmers, I always reach for Seafolly or Bonds. Seafolly’s got that classic Aussie beach vibe, and their suits actually stay put when you’re swimming or playing beach volleyball. Bonds is brilliant for basics—their swimmers are comfy, affordable, and they dry pretty quickly, which is a must when you’re wearing them multiple times a day.

I’ve also become a big fan of Kathmandu for anything activity-related. If I’m doing a snorkelling trip or a bushwalk near the resort, their quick-dry gear is unbeatable. It’s not the cheapest, but it handles sweat and saltwater like a champ, and I don’t have to worry about it getting wrecked.

For cover-ups and casual dresses, I love Spell & The Gypsy Collective. Yeah, they’re a bit exy, but their flowy dresses and kaftans are absolutely gorgeous and photograph beautifully. Plus, they’re lightweight enough that you don’t feel like you’re suffocating in the heat. Tigerlily is another ripper brand for resort wear—their prints are stunning and very beachy, without being over-the-top.

Brands for evening and looking sharp

When it comes to evening wear at a resort, I want something that looks put-together but doesn’t make me feel like I’m heading to a wedding. Witchery has been my go-to for years. Their linen pants and casual blazers strike that perfect balance between smart and relaxed. I can throw on a Witchery shirt with some chinos and feel confident walking into any resort restaurant.

For footwear, I swear by Bared. Their sandals and espadrilles are stylish enough for dinner but comfortable enough that my feet don’t hate me by the end of the night. I used to wear cheap thongs everywhere, but investing in decent sandals has made such a difference. Rollie Nation is another great option—their shoes are super lightweight and packable, which is a bonus when you’re trying to keep your luggage under the weight limit.

Lululemon might seem like an odd choice for resort wear, but hear me out. Their ABC pants and shorts are brilliant for those times when you want to look a bit more polished during the day or for casual dinners. They’re wrinkle-resistant, stretchy, and honestly, they just work with everything. I’ve worn mine to the gym, out for lunch, and even to a few nicer dinners when I’ve paired them with a decent shirt.

If I’m after something a bit more elevated for evenings, I’ll go with Zimmermann. It’s definitely a splurge, but their dresses are absolute showstoppers at resort settings. The fabrics are luxe, the cuts are flattering, and you feel like a million bucks wearing them. I usually bring one nice Zimmermann piece for special dinners or events.

For blokes or anyone after more casual menswear, I rate Barney Cools and Thrills. Both brands do that laid-back, beachy aesthetic really well without looking sloppy. Their shirts, shorts, and tees are perfect for resort life, and they’re reasonably priced too.

At the end of the day, the brands I choose for resort wear are the ones that make me feel comfortable, look decent, and can handle the elements. I’ve learned not to cheap out on the basics—good swimmers, solid sandals, and breathable fabrics are worth the investment. Once you find brands that work for you, packing for a resort becomes so much easier, and you can actually focus on relaxing instead of worrying about what you’re wearing.