The ultimate men’s holiday packing list – 19 essentials for your summer getaway

The holiday essentials every man forgets to pack – as selected by contributer, Scott Da Silva-Wells. (Picture: Metro/Getty) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more The summer holiday season is finally here, which means it’s time to stop counting down the days and start getting everything in order. And, gents, don’t leave it to your other half, family or friends to remind you what you need to pack. Whether you’re jetting off with the family, heading abroad with your mates, planning a romantic escape or making the most of a UK staycation, having the right essentials will make all the difference. The key is packing smart, not overpacking. That’s why we’ve rounded up the ultimate men’s holiday packing guide, featuring everything you’ll need to look and feel your best from take-off to touchdown. From grooming heroes, including natural deodorants, sea salt sprays and SPF-packed moisturisers, to wardrobe staples such as breathable linen shirts, versatile co-ords, statement sunglasses and stylish swim shorts, we’ve done the hard work for you. All that’s left to do is scroll through, add your favourites to your basket and get excited for your next getaway. Shop the men’s ultimate summer packing essentials Make Waves Antiperspirant There is no excuse for poor hygiene whilst sunning it up, and this deodorant has been tried and tested by the Metro team, and we’re obsessed. Not only does it not leave behind any unwanted yellow stains on your clothes, but it provides instant freshness that lasts all day long. Buy Now from £12 Charles Tyrwhitt Pure Linen Shirt A linen shirt is an absolute must in a men's summer wardrobe. Not only does it immediately dress up anything you pair it with, whether that’s chino shorts or even denim, but it will keep you cool in the heat. This pure linen option from Charles Tyrwhitt comes in regular, tailored or tight fit, and currently has £45 off, making it ideal to snap up before you jet off. Buy Now for £29.95 (was £74.95) T.M.Lewin The Linen Blend Trouser A head-to-toe linen outfit is always a recipe for success. Style your shirt with coordinating linen trousers for an effortlessly classic yet stylish look. This T.M.Lewin pair are lightweight and crafted from a cotton-linen blend for comfort and breathability. You don’t have to bother with buttons and zips either, as it has a drawstring waistband for ease and a more regular customised fit. Buy Now for £50 (was £80) Wrangler Easy Leather Belt A leather belt is an accessory that not only provides practicality, but it adds a sleek styling edge that subtly breaks up the outfit and shows off your waist, balancing your body's shape and height. Bag yourself a leather option to give off a smarter, expensive edge that can be worn continuously with other trousers or shorts. Buy Now for £40 Abbott Lyon Belgravia 41 Blue Men's Silver Watch The power of men's jewellery is often underestimated, especially a good watch. Watches can become a man's best friend and instantly give a refined finishing touch to any outfit. This silver watch with a navy dial is a sleek statement that appears more expensive than its price tag. Buy Now for £149 Murdock Sea Salt Hair Styling Spray Adding texture to your hair can change your appearance for the better by giving a more groomed and looked-after look. And, don’t worry, you won't have to use numerous hair tools, or anything like that. Simply apply a few spritz’s of Murdock’s Sea Salt Hair Spray through your locks, comb it through, then scrunch and shape your hair to your desired look. Top tip: use a hair dryer to style, lifting at the roots for added volume. Buy Now for £22 Dryrobe Blue Charcoal Grey Beach Towel We’ve all been there when you’ve spent the day at the beach and have brought home half of the beach with you. Dryrobe’s beach towels prevent this as they’re constructed from 100% Organic Cotton, also making it perfect for watersports, tanning by the pool, and drying off faster than other towels. Buy Now for £40 Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 We know that remembering to put SPF is often forgotten. So, to make it easier, invest in a moisturiser that has it already added. There is no wonder as to why this product has become a cult product for Kiehl’s when it refreshes, hydrates, and protects the skin against environmental damage and replenishes the complexion. Buy Now for £37 Win a luxurious stay for two at London hotel The Gore Stay in an opulent hotel room in London's most cultural neighbourhood (Picture: Jack Hardy) Four-poster beds, gilded mirrors and chandeliers everywhere you look... Metro has teamed up with Starhotels Collezione to give one lucky reader (and a companion) a chance to win a luxurious two-night stay worth £900 at The Gore London, a historic boutique hotel in the cultural heart of the UK capital. For your chance to win this incredible London getaway, enter your details before midnight on Sunday, 9 August 2026. Enter now Open to UK (excluding Northern Ireland) residents aged 18 or over. Promotion opens at 00:01 BST on 20/07/2026 and closes at 23:59 BST on 09/08/2026. Entrant must complete the entry form hosted on Metro. 1 prize of a two-night bed and breakfast stay in a Deluxe Room at The Gore Hotel in South Kensington, London for two (2) adults including dinner at the restaurant 190 Queen’s Gate on one night only consisting of a three course meal from the A La Carte menu with one (1) complimentary glass of wine included per person. Only one (1) entry will be accepted per person or per email address. Full T&Cs here. M&S Cotton Rich Striped Seersucker Co-ord We’re big fans of co-ords here at Metro, and whilst they’re a hit with women, men are now discovering their versatility and style power. Whether you wear them together, or as separates, you get three looks in one, meaning less stress about wondering what to wear. This navy set from M&S is a sure winner thanks to its easy and effortless vertical stripes. Buy Now from £25 Buy the matching Cotton Rich Seersucker Striped Shorts for £25 here. ASOS DESIGN Two Strap Sandals With Cork Sole In Black Bonded Suede No one wants to walk around with their feet in stuffy footwear all day. Whilst these ASOS sandals are a great, affordable alternative to similar designer options, they’ll still provide comfort for all-day wear. They’re also brilliant versatile outfit finishers as they can be easily worn at the beach, as well as out for dinner and drinks. Buy Now for £28.80 (was £32) Next Blue Positano Graphic 5 Inch Swim Shorts The days of plain, boring swimwear have passed, and it’s time to welcome the new age of more playful designs. If you don’t want to embrace a loud print, this blue pair has a subdued print that will still score you style points. The cobalt blue shade will perfectly amplify your tan, whilst the embroidery adds a touch of personality. Buy Now for £24 H&M Cotton Twill Cap A cap is one of those holiday essentials you'll thank yourself for packing. Not only does it shield your face from the sun, but it also instantly elevates even the simplest outfit. This cotton twill design from H&M is lightweight, versatile and an easy throw-on whether you're sightseeing or lounging by the pool. Buy Now for £11.99 Regatta Boulder Beach Bag In Navy White Stripe A sturdy and durable beach bag is a must. Big enough to fit your towel, SPF, book and any other holiday essentials, it makes heading to the beach or pool completely hassle-free. This striped Regatta design is practical, stylish and now half price, making it a brilliant addition to your suitcase. Buy Now for £15 (was £30) Lancaster Sun Beauty Body Milk SPF50 Sun protection should never be overlooked, especially when temperatures soar. This SPF50 body milk from Lancaster helps protect against harmful UV rays while keeping skin hydrated and comfortable throughout the day. Buy Now for £21.60 (was £27) Finlay Marshall Sunglasses in Smoke If it's good enough for His Royal Highness Prince William to sport, then it's good enough for us. A timeless pair of sunglasses will never go out of style, and this Finlay design offers just the right balance of classic and contemporary. They'll finish off any holiday outfit while protecting your eyes from the sun. Buy Now for £160 Bath & Body Works Ocean Travel Cologne Mist 100ml If you’re heading straight from the beach to the bar, or simply want to feel fresher, then a cologne mist will be your best companion. It’s ideal for throwing in your beach bag or hand luggage for a top-up on the go, supplying a fresh, light aquatic scent with notes of Blue cypress, vetiver, and coastal air; it's perfect for summer. Buy Now for £10 River Island Beige Boxy Linen Blend Western Jacket While the days may be hot, holiday evenings often call for an extra layer. This linen-blend jacket is lightweight enough to keep you comfortable without overheating, while adding a polished finishing touch to your outfit. Throw it over a T-shirt or linen shirt when heading out for dinner or sunset drinks. Buy Now for £69 NIVEA SUN After Sun Moisturising Soothing Lotion Even with SPF, your skin deserves a little extra TLC after a day in the sun. This soothing after sun lotion helps cool, hydrate and replenish skin, keeping it feeling soft and comfortable. It's an affordable holiday essential that will help prolong your tan while preventing skin from feeling dry. Pop it in the fridge for a more refreshing application. Buy Now for £6.05 Polo Ralph Lauren Heritage Court Trainers in White & Navy A pair of crisp white trainers will work just as hard on holiday as they do at home. Comfortable enough for long days exploring, yet smart enough to wear out in the evening, this Polo Ralph Lauren pair will go with almost everything in your suitcase, making them a worthwhile investment. Buy Now for £125 Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below Arrow MORE: The best packing cubes for travel to save space and stay organised Arrow MORE: Dunelm shoppers can get this clever fold-out travel bag for under £20 in huge sale Arrow MORE: These are the best cabin bags for short‑haul trips if you hate stressful packing The Getaway Expert Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.