Island fashion 2025: What to wear in the Bahamas and beyond

Style staples for the elite island traveler

Island fashion isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling relaxed, elegant, and comfortable in a tropical climate where the humidity hits before your luggage does. For American travelers heading to the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, or a high-end private cay, your suitcase should be packed with breathable fabrics, timeless silhouettes, and premium labels that don’t scream luxury but whisper it.

This guide covers everything from tailored swimwear to elevated accessories, curated for both men and women who want to dress like they belong on a yacht… because they probably do.

Linen leads the pack

If you bring one fabric to the islands, make it linen. It’s lightweight, moisture-wicking, and always polished when done right.

For women:

• Pack a white or oat-toned linen shirtdress that can double as a cover-up.

• Wide-leg linen trousers paired with a cropped top or silk tank work for beach clubs or sunset dinners.

• A pastel linen co-ord set from Reformation is vacation gold, sustainable, soft, and stylish.

For men:

• A loose-fitting short-sleeve linen button-up is non-negotiable.

• Add in matching linen shorts or drawstring pants from Orlebar Brown for a coordinated look.

• Avoid stiff tailoring, go relaxed but intentional.

Where to shop:

• MyTheresa (Zimmermann, Matteau, Toteme)

• Flannels (Vilebrequin, Brunello Cucinelli)

• Net-a-Porter (The Row, Sir, Posse)

Designer swimwear that turns heads, not trends

The 2025 swimwear trend report reads like a love letter to nostalgia. Low-rise is back. So are bold prints, underwire tops, and cuts that celebrate the body without trying too hard.

For women:

• Opt for one structured bikini and one one-piece. A one-shoulder suit from Eres or Hunza G is chic and timeless.

• Matteau and Bondi Born are making high-end sustainable swimwear that actually fits and flatters.

For men:

• Skip the boardshorts. Go for tailored swim trunks that hit mid-thigh fromVilebrequin orCDLP.

• Bonus if the trunks match a lightweight camp collar shirt for that off-duty captain energy.

Pro tip: Choose swimwear that can double as outerwear. A structured black one-piece under a kaftan can go straight from cabana to cocktail.

Kaftans, robes, and other cover-ups of the gods

The kaftan isn’t a cover-up, it’s an elevation.

For women:

• Pack one flowing silk kaftan or organza robe. Think dramatic sleeves, bold colors, and enough movement to make a breeze jealous.

• Johanna Ortiz andTaller Marmo are the go-to brands for kaftans that feel like wearable art.

• Don’t forget a sheer crochet cover-up or kimono-style robe. The more it sways, the better.

For men:

• Robes are in. No, really. A light cotton or silk robe over swimwear is bold, confident, and cool when paired with slides and shades.

• Orlebar Brown’s resort shirts or toweling robes are a more subtle entry point.

Don’t skimp on these. The pool is optional. The kaftan is not.

Color palettes: Pastels, earth tones, and punchy prints

Island fashion in 2025 is not afraid of color, but it’s also ditching loud neons and chaotic clashing.

• Women: Soft greens, sky blue, lavender, butter yellow. Go for color-blocked bikinis or breezy dresses in washed-out hues.

• Men: Khaki, terracotta, seafoam, pale orange. Pair tonal looks for polish—like matching an ochre shirt with rust swim shorts.

Prints that win:

• Citrus or floral motifs

• Vintage nautical stripes

• Subtle animal print accents (especially zebra or python)

Brands like Emilio Pucci andZimmermann are blending bold with breezy in all the right ways.

Accessories that actually belong in paradise

Your accessories should do one of two things: serve a function or start a conversation.

Hats

• Pack one raffia hat with structure (no floppy sun hats unless you’re over 70).

• Lack of Color andJanessa Leone make hats worth the suitcase space.

Sunglasses

• Oversized acetate, round tortoiseshell, or colored lenses for fun.

• Loewe, Celine, and Jacquemus are favorites for modern shapes with a classic edge.

Bags

• Woven clutch or straw tote from Dragon Diffusion, Loewe’s Paula’s Ibiza collection, or Alaïa.

Shoes

• Women: Heeled sandals are a trap. Bring leather flats, platform espadrilles, and raffia slides.

• Men: Stick to leather slides or suede espadrilles. Leave the rubber flip-flops at the hotel spa.

Sustainability meets luxury

High-end travelers expect their wardrobes to match their values. The most respected names in resort fashion are now built on small-batch production, ethical sourcing, and planet-friendly materials.

Shop these brands:

• Casa Raki

• Mara Hoffman

• Vitamin A Swim

• Asceno

They look as good as they feel, on your skin and on your conscience.

How to pack like a pro (and still check one bag)

You don’t need 50 options; you need pieces that mix, match, and never feel like repeats. This capsule-style island wardrobe covers day to night, water to bar.

For women

• 2–3 swimsuits: mix of one-piece and bikini, one bold color, and one neutral

• 2 kaftans or robes: one sheer for the beach, one structured for dinner

• 1 linen co-ord set: trousers and cropped top

• 1 silk evening dress: preferably backless or halter neck

• 1 pair of raffia or leather slides

• 1 pair of platform espadrilles or stacked sandals

• 1 straw tote and 1 evening clutch

• 1 pair of designer sunglasses

• Lightweight jewelry: think shell earrings, gold cuffs, woven bangles

• Extras: silk scarf (for hair, bag, or belt), SPF 50 face sunscreen, reef-safe body SPF

For men

• 2 tailored swim shorts: one solid, one printed

• 2–3 linen shirts: white, blush, or seafoam

• 1 pair of linen trousers or drawstring pants

• 1 silk or cotton resort shirt (with matching shorts if you dare)

• 1 cotton robe or oversized cover-up shirt

• 1 lightweight blazer for dinner

• 1 pair of leather slides or sandals

• 1 pair of espadrilles or luxe sneakers

• Accessories: straw hat, tortoiseshell shades, woven bracelet, and a good cologne

Where to buy for Luxury and Comfort

If you want luxury without second-guessing, these are the stores and labels your packing list should come from. They ship fast, curate the best pieces, and give you those “oh, you really know how to pack” moments.

Multi-brand retailers

• Net-a-Porter – For women’s resort wear, swim, and accessories

• MatchesFashion – For both men’s and women’s designer labels

• MyTheresa – For curated seasonal looks

• Moda Operandi – For pre-order exclusives and vacation drops

• Mr Porter – For men’s high-end vacation style

Designer swim and resort staples

• Orlebar Brown – Tailored swimwear and linen shirts

• Vilebrequin – Colorful, luxe French swim trunks

• Zimmermann – Feminine kaftans, dresses, swim

• Taller Marmo – Iconic evening kaftans

• Matteau – Australian minimalism at its best

• Asceno – Resortwear with quiet luxury energy

Accessories and extras

• Loewe – Raffia bags, structured sunglasses

• Janessa Leone – Polished straw hats

• Lack of Color – Chic, Instagram-famous headwear

• Brinker & Eliza – Chunky gold and shell jewelry

• Eliou – Celebrity-loved handcrafted pieces

Dragon Diffusion – Leather-woven beach bags that age beautifully

Styling tips for actual island life

This isn’t editorial, this is for real people who want to feel amazing in 34°C (93°F) heat with salt in their hair and a piña colada in hand.

• Make swimwear part of the outfit: Pair a one-piece with a maxi skirt or linen pants. Done.

• Don’t over-accessorize: One standout piece (bold earrings, a hat, a statement clutch) does the work.

• Lean into loose silhouettes: Fitted looks good in photos. But relaxed tailoring, drapey fabrics, and breezy materials feel way better in the sun.

• Neutral base + colorful accents: Stick to creams, sand, and blush tones and add in one bright bag or printed shirt.

• Mix textures, not patterns: Crochet + cotton, silk + raffia. Layer intentionally.

• Skip denim: No one wants to wrestle with jeans in the tropics.

Style that feels like a vacation

Luxury island fashion in 2025 isn’t about logos or trends, it’s about presence. Being the person who walks off the seaplane in a linen co-ord and barely-there sandals like it’s second nature. Whether you’re sipping champagne on a yacht or strolling through a beach market, the right wardrobe keeps you cool, confident, and comfortably camera-ready.

If you plan smart, shop well, and embrace a little effortlessness, you’ll not only look the part, you’ll feel it.