Weddings that take place on the beach typically call for casual attire. However, that doesn’t mean you should wear a pair of board shorts or swimming trunks and a T-shirt. It’s important for all the male guests, especially if the invitation doesn’t provide specific information, to know what’s appropriate to wear to a beach wedding.

Shirts/Jackets

Men can wear a crisp linen, lightweight cotton or gauze-blend shirt to a beach wedding. Guayabera shirts, also known as Cuban shirts, cigar shirts and Mexican wedding shirts, are commonly worn to beach weddings. A pullover in lightweight, loose weave may also be worn. Choose a shirt that’s loose-fitting and soft but sturdy. Wear a light linen jacket for something a little more formal. If you want to wear something with color, choose summer or beach colors such as French blue, teal, light yellow or aqua.

Pants

Casual linen or cotton pants are often worn to beach weddings. The pants should be relaxed and loose fitting, and they can have a drawstring waist or a zip-fly or button fly. Pants with side and back pockets and cuffed styles are also appropriate. Colors for pants for beach weddings are often off-white, beige or white, but brown or black may also be worn.

Shorts

If shorts are appropriate for the wedding, you can wear cargo shorts, khaki shorts or linen shorts. If you have a lot of things to carry, a pair of cargo shorts with plenty of pockets is ideal. Like pants, shorts should also be made of a lightweight fabric and should have a relaxed and loose fit. Furthermore, longer shorts with a nine- or 11-inch inseam are more appropriate than shorter styles.

Shoes

Some beach weddings call for no shoes at all. However, if you opt for wearing something on your feet, flip flops or leather sandals are appropriate. If you prefer to wear shoes, especially if the beach wedding isn’t on the sand, leather or canvas boat shoes, canvas slip-ons or leather shoes are appropriate. These shoes complement your linen or cotton attire.