Words: Anna Galbraith
Your beach bag — in Britain, especially — is like a go-bag. It should sit in a prime location, stuffed full of everything you need for the beach and ready to be scooped up and bundled out the door as soon as the sun appears from behind the clouds.
Thankfully, this year we’ve already seen our fair share of sunshine. And, with at least another month of beach-worthy weather on the horizon (and hopefully a holiday or two), all you need do now is refine the contents of your beach bag. We’ve got the ultimate packing list.
Turn it up: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A1
We all have our personal favourite beach anthems. And, whatever they may be, you need a piece of kit hardy enough to play them through. Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay A1 is perfect for the job.
Its well-rounded shape makes the speaker easy to store in your bag, slip into a pocket or carry by the leather strap. The aluminium grill and double-moulded polymer base, meanwhile, forms a strong protective shell that makes the speaker splash, dust and sand resistant.
Your serve: Frescobol Carioca Beach Bat Set
If you’ve not read up on the background of Frescobol Carioca, we suggest you do now. The brand takes its name from the famous Brazilian bat-and-ball beach game — and honours its heritage with these sumptuously-created paddles. Brazilian-made, they will afford you hours of fun — and they’re sea and sand-resistant, too.
Keep track of time: Richard Mille RM 025
Everyone knows that one of the best things about being on holiday is not knowing or caring what day of the week it is. But, from the dinner plans to the boat trips you intend to take, — it’s good to make sure the hours don’t run away from you. Enter the Richard Mille RM025. This technical watch will not only keep you on time, it is also water resistant to 30 atmospheres (300 metres). Perfect for a day spent over or under the waves.
Button up: Emma Willis Pale Sky Linen Shirt
Another staple of your summer wardrobe is the trusty linen shirt, and Emma Willis’ lightweight design is without doubt the best. Crafted in fine Italian linen, the shirt features a soft collar lining, real mother-of-pearl buttons, and a gently curved hem — perfect for an effortless and elegant summer look. Throw it on after a day at the beach and head straight for the bar.
Catch the sun: Aesop Protective Body Lotion SPF50
We’re usually so surprised when the sun finally comes out that we forget to sunscreen up. And, while the most worrying part about burning is the health concerns, the bright red look isn’t great either. To avoid any embarrassment, get yourself a good sunscreen – such as this SPF 50 from Aesop – which will keep you smelling great as well as protecting your skin.
Dive in: Orlebar Brown Bulldog Swimshorts
Now on to the fun stuff. Once you finally hit the beach, all you’ll likely want to do is shrug off that linen shirt and make for the waves. Ensure you’re the most stylish man making a beeline for the ocean in these tailored swim shorts from the master of great beachwear, Orlebar Brown.
Cap it off: Lock & Co. Hatters Rimini Linen Baseball Cap
Lock & Co Hatters might be the oldest shop of its kind – it’s famed for keeping Mr Charlie Chaplin and Sir Winston Churchill in bowlers and top hats – but it applies its generations of expertise to more modern styles too. This Rimini baseball cap is expertly crafted from linen, so it’s a smart choice for summer.
Page-turner: Tender Is The Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald
You might have already seen our round-up of the top beach reads this summer, which should give you plenty of inspiration for reading material whatever your preferred genre. However, the ultimate book for lounging by a pool in the South of France is undoubtedly Fitzgerald’s Tender Is The Night.
Dry off: Frescobol Carioca Stripe Linen Beach Towel
Splashing around in the sea is all well and good, but when the time comes to sidle up to the beach bar, you don’t want to be dripping into your ice cold beer. Instead, dry off with this linen beach towel. Lightweight, sophisticated and designed with the seasonal hues of this summer’s beach collections, Frescobol Carioca’s linen offering is ideal to throw in your beach bag.,
Say cheese: Leica Q Silver Anodised Camera
Finally, you’ll want something to document your day. Be it a Daniel Craig-style shot of yourself emerging from the ocean or a photo finish in the Frescobol final, there’s nothing better than a Leica camera. And, this Q Silver Anodised design is the perfect choice for capturing all the moments that are sure to turn your Instagram followers green with envy.
Now you’ve packed the essentials, read the expert’s guide to getting a six pack this summer…
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