What makes a garment worth packing for your next summer holiday?
It should be made from high-quality, breathable fabrics, so that perspiration drops don’t appear as an unwanted accessory. Preferably, it’ll reflect the tones you’ll see throughout your trip – think: corals for the extroverted dresser or sandy hues for those who are less daring. But ultimately, your clothes should have the same attitude you’ll bring to the poolside: carefree, slightly playful, and exuding joy.
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Clothes for summer vacations serve specific needs, and it’s for that reason that not all the contents of your wardrobe are appropriate. It’s also why there are dedicated brands that design clothes specifically for OOO adventures. Resortwear, as the genre is called, caters to the wardrobes (or more appropriately, the suitcases) of those island-hopping in Greece, or exploring hidden beaches in Mallorca.
And while big fashion houses – Pucci, Missoni, and even the holiday collections of Loewe, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana – are worth pursuing, there’s plenty of under-the-radar labels that are making waves for their holiday-apropos collections. Find the brands that we’re packing this summer below.
Resortwear brands to know
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La Double J
In 2015, J.J. Martin started La Double J as a shoppable magazine that platformed Milanese designers with a zest for Italian fashion. Since then, it’s developed into its own brand, offering shoppers across the world pieces with maximalist prints and mood-boosting hues. If you’re heading to the Amalfi coast this summer, their resort collection is a go-to. But if you don’t have time to shop before your trip, visit their flagship store in Capri. You’ll see first hand how the pieces are made for that environment, and it gives you an excuse to make a day trip to the island.
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Sara Cristina
Sara Cristina started her eponymous label as she couldn’t find swimsuits that were both minimalist and fun. So, she made one herself. After seeing how well received it was from her friends, she partnered with her brother David De Lima to formalize a business. Eleven years on, she now has a full collection that includes shorts, cover ups, and two-pieces, in a selection of eye-catching colors and sleek fabrics. They still follow the original ethos, and are made in small batches by local artisans in the brand’s native Venezuela. If you’re not one for prints and value craftsmanship, this brand’s for you.
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Alémais
Founder Lesleigh Jermanus started Alémais five years ago with a simple mission: to create clothes that make the wearer look – and feel – good. In her world, that’s reflected in optimistic prints, bold color combinations, and luxurious fabrics. Despite being an Australian brand, inspiration for the garments come from Jeramus’ Lebanese heritage, collaborating with artisans and craftspeople to make them, while their low-impact ethos means that they’re constantly working on being as sustainable as possible. A guilt-free purchase, we say.
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ESCVDO
Founders of ESCVDO, sisters Chiara and Giuliana Macchiavello, want you to bring a piece of Peru wherever you go with their brand. Their pieces honor the country’s heritage and traditions by working with local artisans and platforming their native knitting, weaving, and embroidery techniques. For example, the Cuenca maxi dress has a zigzag motif crocheted from cotton by female Peruvian knitters, and its geometric pattern celebrates traditional textiles found in the Andes.
As well as being an inspiration point for the garments, ESCVDO employs 300 skilled artisans, 95 percent of them women, and provides a platform for them to develop and preserve their skills.
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Emporio Sirenuse
In 2013, a small boutique opened in Le Sirenuse hotel; a Positano gemstone that’s been a hotspot for A-listers since it opened in 1951. It seemed the boutique quickly received just as much attention, as Carla Sersale has since gone on to establish it as a standalone brand. Emporio Sirenuse is a homage to its surroundings, offering European prints in colors that have been picked straight from the Amalfi Coast. Their pieces give off the air of Mediterranean summers with a hint of vintage nostalgia.
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Gigi Burris
While this isn’t exclusively a resortwear brand, Gigi Burris’ headwear is bound to become your favorite accessory on your next trip. As a trained milliner who honed her craft at Parsons School of Design, Burris blends traditional expertise with designs fitting for the modern woman. That includes sun hats, visors, and fedoras that will spruce up any holiday ensemble.
How we chose the best resortwear brands
Each item featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors and contributors, informed by first-hand reviews where possible and in-depth research where not. Our curation spans the world’s most luxurious brands, chosen for their uncompromising quality and exceptional craftsmanship.
