How Aussie men should dress while on holiday and when it’s okay to wear a singlet

International travel once called for our best clothes. People planned their outfits for the plane (even if just in the hope of an upgrade), and packed their chicest ensembles to blend in on the streets of Paris or look relaxed by the bar in Bali.

Today, planes that push us to our limits of sardine-like discomfort have us reaching for trackpants (or worse) and we now prioritise practicality during a day of summer sightseeing.

But does that really mean we have to look like such ... slobs? Unfortunately, Australians are often among the worst offenders. Gentlemen, we’re starting with you.

“Australian men have a wonderful natural ease about them, but yes, we can do better when it comes to dressing for summer holidays,” says Christian Kimber, whose eponymous Melbourne-based label blends that Australian ease with European elevation. “Too often we default to shorts, T-shirts and thongs without considering fit or fabric. The key is not to abandon our relaxed attitude, but to refine it.”

The overriding thing to consider when being a tourist is not looking like a tourist. For Richard Jarman, creative director of Sydney-based menswear resort brand Commas, that includes avoiding the “big backpack filled with things you don’t need, and rocking up to dinner looking like a lobster because you forgot to put sunscreen on or you haven’t dressed appropriately”.

What sort of materials should I wear?

First and foremost, ditch the synthetics.

“Choose lightweight natural fibres such as linen or cotton rather than synthetic blends, and pay attention to proportion — nothing too baggy or too tight,” Kimber says. “For me, a travel wardrobe is all about natural fibres, relaxed tailoring and pieces that travel well.”

Jarman concurs, adding that before you pack, be as specific as you can about your itinerary while away. “Planning out your outfits, knowing where you’re going, what dinners you have, is key,” he says. “Do you dress up and look elevated for dinner? It’s simple things like having a lightweight jacket to throw on, or lightweight trousers so you’re not wearing shorts to dinner.”

Read The Nightly On Adventure here.

The great news here is that you don’t have to worry about a complete wardrobe overhaul before you pack your passport. “Elevation is often about small, intentional swaps,” Kimber says. “Replace a T-shirt with a short-sleeved shirt or polo, and swap board shorts for tailored shorts in cotton-linen.

For dinners, wear a lightweight unstructured blazer over an open-neck shirt with chinos or relaxed trousers — it’s comfortable but shows consideration.”

Also, keep your holiday look in line with your day-to-day wardrobe at home. For Kimber, there’s a simple rule to keep in mind: “If you wouldn’t wear it at home, you probably shouldn’t wear it abroad.”

That means keeping your travel wardrobe consistent with your personal style, “just lighter, more relaxed and suited to the climate”.

What colour clothes should I wear?

Another useful tip from Kimber is to build a travel wardrobe around a cohesive colour palette.

He favours soft neutrals such as navy, olive, sand and off-white, so that everything works in harmony.

“And each piece should be versatile enough to serve more than one purpose — such as a pant that works well with a blazer for dinner, but equally as appropriate with a knit polo for sightseeing.”

Is it okay to wear thongs and singlets while on holiday?

Two no-nos from both designers are rubber thongs and tank tops beyond the water’s edge. “I don’t think you should be wearing tanks for dinner,” Jarman says. “If you’re going to wear a singlet or a tank, it’s got to have a shirt on top if you’re leaving the beach or pool.”

Kimber says that casual doesn’t have to mean careless when it comes to footwear: “A simple leather sandal or espadrille instantly looks more considered (than thongs).”

For days spent walking, smart trainers or loafers are an excellent choice, and can be worn with socks for extra comfort.

“I always travel with a pair of suede or soft leather loafers — they’re comfortable enough for walking, yet refined enough for dinner,” Kimber says.

“Good footwear anchors your outfit and makes you feel put together, even in the most relaxed setting.”

And regardless of how relaxed that setting might be, please, leave the Bintang tank at home.