The easy beachwear staple to pack in your suitcase

It’s plain, light and undoubtedly the least controversial item of clothing to end up in your suitcase. But a simple white shirt is the most enduring holiday cover-up you can own. Seasoned packer Lindsey Holland (@ropesofholland) modelled our linen utility shirt on a recent sun-filled break. ‘It’s so easy to throw on without getting sticky sun cream all over your clothes, and I love the way it looks with swimwear,’ says the style blogger. She reaps the merits of a white shirt both at home and away: ‘They’re classic, simple and they make me feel “done” even in a rush. On holiday, I wear crisp white shirts for an evening or daytime look.’

Button-down shirts are something you’d usually associate with workwear, rather than beachwear, but neutral styles thrown loosely over swimsuits and bikinis mean you don’t need to fret over print clashes. ‘It’s such a blank canvas – you can guarantee it will go with most swimwear pieces,’ says Manchester-based blogger Sophia Rosemary (above). ‘There’s also something really clean and fresh about a shirt which makes it a dream to style with sandals, straw bags and a good pair of sunglasses. It’s classic, very chic and most importantly, comfortable.’

If your holiday combines beach with some city action, then a shirt comes into its own when you’re sightseeing. And a linen version, as we’ve documented previously, is perfect for allowing airflow to circulate and the sustainable way it is produced means it’s kinder to the environment. It’s also brilliantly versatile, as Rachael Clifton, AKA @bubblyaquarius (above) testifies: ‘I wear mine on the beach and by the pool over a bikini, but also at night paired with tailored shorts and sandals.’ Whatever your style, this effortless staple will keep you feeling cool – in all senses of the word.