Women have it relatively easy when it comes to holiday clothes and shopping – With guides on finding the right bikini and how to dress, our preparations are fun and often start in the salon when we are waxed (not so fun – when the choice of Brazilian vs. Hollywood is abruptly taken away from you – recent experience ) spray tanned and manicured.
We girls have had to deal with so called images of beauty and perfection most of our lives, so when it comes to showing off our bodies on the beach, we have become seasoned warriors on how to make the most of our beautiful bods no matter what size or shape we are blessed with.
But what about the boys? Is holiday shopping as fun? A quick survey later and it seems the answer is a unanimous No. Shopping is a necessity like a trip to the dentist. Men shop in bulk preferring to go on annual “buying benders”. That said men are spending a lot more on grooming, clothes and fitness. So it seems you boys are taking more of an interest and want to look good.
Gentlemen allow me to dress you please and offer some guidelines on your Ibiza summer essentials.
Swimming trunks: the purchasing of which should be treated the same way as buying a pair of jeans. It is all about the fit – one ahem size does not fit all. Avoid excess material, keep them tailored with a flat front and fly and go easy on the garish prints. Yes you are in Ibiza but stand out from the crowd by keeping it more streamlined and less Kevin and Perry Go Large. Hem lines are essential to getting this right and should be just above the knee.
Board shorts - synonymous with the whole surfing culture, offer a longer length and are great for a relaxed sporty vibe while boxers offer a failsafe option as they are not too short or too long, keep the drawstring variety – elastic is a dirty word.
Trunk Style and speedos –Shark infested waters here, think Daniel Craig – great if you are Daniel Craig if not then please don’t, you won’t be pulling anything but sea weed in these.
For the day, light coloured relaxed denim, cargo pants and shorts are great; team them with a cool selection of T-shirts and cotton shirts. Vest tops are ok in Ibiza! If you prefer something more classic a nautical inspired stripy T is always classy.
Most salons offer male grooming – so gentlemen invest in a pedicure before you fly. A pair of chic havaianas look sexy on groomed beach worthy feet. Ditch your trainers in favour of white boating shoes for that villa party.
Smarten up in the evening with a selection of shirts and tailored shorts and don’t forget to pack a jacket -this linen one works equally as well with shorts or jeans.
And of course…Rule Number 1 …Never go out without your sun glasses. Check out these uber cool Steve McQueen inspired Persols
See slide show above for items listed below and go spoil yourself!
1. Blue swimming trunks £135 http://www.myoswimwear.com/
2. Afrika Bambaataa White fluro vest £10 www.topman.com
3. Tailored Shorts £17 www.topman.com
4. Pink Shirt Euros 95 Ethically created by www.beshliemckelvie.com. Available online and at Baron, Santa Gertrudis
5. 5. Inspired by the Ibiza lifestye, Blue Linen Shirt, by Ibiza based designer, Yangzom – Euros 50 Available at Elements, Bennirass , Aura and Sa Trinxa, Salinas.
6. White Penguin Canvas Boat Shoe £25 www.topman.com
7. Black Ipanema Flip flops £14 www.topman.com
8. Linen Ashton blazer £150 www.crewclothing.co.uk
