Beach weddings have their own kind of magic: the sound of the waves, the glow of sunset, and the gorgeous ambience. But there’s always the same question: what should you wear?

A beach wedding isn’t your usual black-tie affair. It’s about finding that perfect balance between polished and laid-back, looking sharp but still feeling comfortable in the warm, breezy weather.

At Pier St. Barth, we have the perfect picks for you! Our resort wear is made for life by the coast, blending relaxed silhouettes with refined details. From breezy linen shirts to tailored shorts and lightweight trousers, every piece is crafted from breathable fabrics that keep you cool and make you look fabulous.

So if you’ve got a beachside celebration coming up, here’s your go-to guide for dressing the part, from the right fabrics and colors to outfit ideas that look as good as they feel.

Understanding the Beach Wedding Dress Code

Before you start planning your outfit, it helps to know what kind of beach wedding you’re attending. Not all seaside celebrations are the same. Some are laid-back and barefoot, while others might be more polished and resort-chic. Getting the dress code right sets the tone for everything else you wear.

Casual Beach Wedding

You can keep your outfit easy and breezy here.

Go for a light linen shirt in white, ivory or a soft pastel, paired with tailored shorts or breathable chinos. Roll up your sleeves, leave the top button undone and skip the belt if you want to keep it truly effortless. Footwear can also be simple, such as leather sandals, espadrilles, or loafers. The key is to look put-together without overdoing it.

Semi-Formal Beach Wedding

This is that sweet spot between laid-back and dressy, maybe a resort wedding or a beachside venue with a dinner setup and string lights. You’ll want to look sharp but still relaxed enough for the setting. Opt for linen or cotton trousers in a light neutral shade, beige and pair them with a crisp linen shirt. You can add a lightweight linen blazer if the dress code leans more toward the formal side. Keep the look easy, skip the tie, maybe unbutton your collar and wear loafers or woven slip-ons instead of formal dress shoes.

Formal Beach Wedding

Yes, some beach weddings do get fancy. These are usually evening events or part of a destination wedding at a luxury resort. Choose a linen or lightweight cotton suit in shades like ivory, light grey or sky blue. Pair it with a crisp shirt and leather loafers or espadrilles that feel dressy without being heavy. The goal is to look elegant and composed but still in tune with the beach vibe.

No matter which type of beach wedding you’re attending, the rule stays the same: comfort meets class. Choose fabrics that let your skin breathe, colors that reflect the sun and pieces that keep you comfy from ceremony to celebration.

Fabric Is Everything

When it comes to men’s beach wedding attire, comfort starts with the right fabric. 

Linen

Linen is the clear winner for any beach wedding. It’s airy, soft, and has that effortlessly relaxed look that fits the setting perfectly. It keeps you cool under the sun while still looking refined. Pier St. Barth’s premium linen shirts are designed for maximum breathability and a clean, tailored fit that feels easy and natural all day.

Cotton-Linen Blends

If you prefer something with a bit more structure, go for a cotton-linen blend. It gives you the same breezy comfort as linen but holds its shape better and resists wrinkles. It’s the ideal choice if the wedding leans more semi-formal and you want to look polished without feeling too dressed up.

In short, pick fabrics that breathe. The lighter the fabric, the better you’ll feel and the better you’ll look in those beachside photos.

The Right Shirt: Effortlessly Sharp

Your shirt sets the tone for your entire beach wedding look, so it’s worth getting right. The trick is to look refined without being too formal, and comfortable without looking underdressed.

For a Casual Beach Wedding

Go for a short-sleeve linen shirt in shades like white, sand, or pale blue. Keep it untucked for a relaxed, easy-going vibe. The Aruba Solid Short Sleeve Cargo Linen Shirt from Pier St. Barth is a great pick, airy, stylish, and perfect for a sunny ceremony by the shore.

If you're looking for something with more personality, consider a floral linen shirt. Subtle tropical prints or tonal florals add just the right amount of charm without feeling loud. The Mustique Palms Embroidered Linen Shirt or the Tortuga Floral Print Linen Shirt from Pier St. Barth are standout options. They bring color and vibrancy while staying elegant enough for a wedding. Pair them with white or sand-toned trousers for a clean, balanced look.

For a Semi-Formal or Formal Beach Wedding

If the setting is a bit more polished, go for a long-sleeve linen shirt in classic shades like ivory or blue. The St Barth Solid Linen Long Sleeve Shirt or the Oceanside Linen Shirt are timeless choices that move seamlessly from ceremony to cocktails. They’re breathable, tailored and have that effortless resort sophistication Pier St. Barth is known for.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of solids or the charm of prints and embroidery, the right shirt will tie your entire beach wedding look together, crisp, relaxed, and perfectly coastal.

Bottoms: Tailored and Breezy

When it comes to bottoms for a beach wedding, you want something that feels as good as it looks. The goal is to keep things structured but airy, so you move freely, stay cool, and still look sharp.

Tailored Shorts

Perfect for daytime or more casual beach ceremonies. The St. Tropez Tailored Shorts from Pier St. Barth are an ideal pick, designed in breathable linen with a flattering, modern cut that works effortlessly from ceremony to sundown.

Linen Trousers

For semi-formal or formal beach weddings, linen trousers are the way to go. Choose light shades like sand, ivory or sage to keep your look fresh and beach-appropriate. The White Bay Linen Pants or Bahamas Straight-Cut Resort Linen Pants from Pier St. Barth are awesome options that strike the perfect balance between comfort and class.

Whether you’re keeping it casual in shorts or going classic with linen trousers, make sure the fit is relaxed but not baggy. 

Color Palette: Light, Natural, and Refined

When it comes to beach weddings, lighter tones always win. The setting is already stunning, so your outfit should blend in with those easy, natural surroundings. Think breezy neutrals, ocean-inspired blues, and soft pastels that feel fresh and effortless.

Classic Whites and Beiges

You can never go wrong with these. They’re timeless, clean and look great with almost any color.

Soft Blues and Seafoam Greens

These shades instantly give that coastal feel. They mirror the ocean and sky, making them perfect for the setting without feeling overdone.

Pastels

Pastels are subtle, summery and pair beautifully with linen textures.

Try to skip darker shades like black or navy unless it’s an evening wedding. Lighter colors not only keep you cool but also look amazing in photos, especially under that golden beach light.

Finishing Touches: Accessories That Elevate

Accessories are where you can show a bit of personality, but when it comes to a beach wedding, less really is more. Keep things simple, stylish, and in tune with the laid-back vibe.

Sunglasses

A must for any sunny ceremony. Go for a timeless pair like aviators or wayfarers, they add instant cool without trying too hard.

Watch

Stick to something minimal. A brown leather strap or a nautical-style watch looks clean and effortless without feeling too formal.

Pocket Square or Boutonniere

If it’s a semi-formal wedding, a soft pop of color here can really elevate your look. Just keep it subtle, think linen or light cotton in muted tones.

Hat

A woven Panama hat is perfect if you want to add a touch of flair while staying shaded. It’s stylish, functional, and fits right in with the beach setting.

Tips if You’re the Groom

If you’re the groom at a beach wedding, your outfit should feel special but still fit the relaxed vibe of the day. You want to look effortlessly sharp, coordinate well with your wedding party, and still be comfortable enough to enjoy every moment.

Stand Out Subtly

You don’t need to go over the top to look different from your groomsmen. Small details can make all the difference. Try wearing a slightly different shirt shade, for example, ivory or cream instead of white. You could also add a linen vest or a light blazer to give your outfit a little more structure while keeping things airy and beach-appropriate.

Coordinate with Your Groomsmen

Keeping the wedding party coordinated makes the photos look amazing and gives the overall vibe a sense of polish. Have your groomsmen wear matching linen shirts and trousers in soft, complementary tones. For example, if you’re in an ivory shirt and beige trousers, they could wear white shirts with sand-colored pants. The idea is to create harmony without looking identical.

You can also play with texture or tone. If you’re wearing a solid shirt, your groomsmen could wear something patterned or embroidered or vice versa, for a subtle variation that still feels cohesive.

What Not to Wear to a Beach Wedding

Even at a relaxed beach wedding, there are still a few things best left out of your outfit. The goal is to stay comfortable, look sharp, and suit the easy-going setting.

Skip Heavy Suits and Synthetic Fabrics

Anything thick or non-breathable will trap heat and make you uncomfortable. Stick to lightweight linen or cotton so you stay cool and look effortless.

Leave the Flip-Flops Behind

It might be tempting, but flip-flops can make your outfit look too casual. Go for espadrilles, loafers or woven slip-ons instead. If it’s a truly barefoot ceremony, no shoes are better than plastic ones.

Avoid Loud Prints or Logos

Keep things classy and understated. Skip bold patterns or logo tees. If you want a bit of personality, try subtle florals like Pier St. Barth’s Mustique Palms Embroidered Linen Shirt or Tortuga Floral Linen Shirt for a refined beach vibe.

Don’t Over-Accessorize

Keep accessories simple. A clean watch, light bracelet, or pocket square is plenty. You want to look polished, not overdone.

Conclusion

Beach weddings deserve attire that reflects their setting -  effortless, elegant and full of joy. The perfect outfit should feel natural by the ocean yet refined enough for a celebration.

Our collection of men’s resort wear is crafted from premium fabrics and tailored for comfort and movement. When dressing for a beach wedding, choose breathable fabrics, light colors and relaxed outfits that keep you comfy.

With Pier St. Barth, you’ll find everything you need to look and feel your best -  wherever the tide takes you.