What to Pack for a Bahamas Beach Holiday

It’s no secret that at Love Brand, our favourite destination is The Bahamas. Days spent on sandy beaches, long lunches gazing out onto turquoise waters - what could be better? When it comes to packing, the trick is to pack pieces that move from beach to bar and breakfast to dinner with ease. This means less packing and fewer trips back to your villa and more time spent enjoying a cocktail, like our favourite ‘Rum Dum.’

Whether you’re heading to Nassau, exploring the Outer Islands or disappearing to a private cay, these are the 10 essentials we’d pack for a Bahamas beach holiday.

1. Sunglasses

The Bahamas is known for its glorious sun; hence, the first thing you’ll need is a good pair of sunglasses. Choose a classic frame like our ‘Lightbourne’ that’s crafted from bio-based recycled material. In tortoiseshell, clear or black, they’ll easily work with anything in your suitcase.

2. A Panama hat or peaked cap

We’ve got your face and head covered with our range of hats and caps. Our Panama hats are eco-friendly and provide excellent sun protection thanks to the wide brim, while adding a touch of class to any outfit.

For something more relaxed, one of our cotton, linen or cord peaked caps is equally as helpful, pairing with just about any look.

3. 2 pairs of swim shorts

If there’s one thing you’re guaranteed to be doing on an island holiday, it’s taking a dip, whether in the pool or the sparkling sea. We recommend bringing two pairs. One can be drying while you wear the other, diving off a boat, doing laps in the pool, paddle boarding, sailing or going for a dive or snorkel.

Why not pack one plain colour and one printed pair of swim shorts with a playful pattern? Every print at Love Brand tells a story.

4. Linen trousers

Few fabrics make more sense in the Bahamas than linen. Lightweight, breathable and effortlessly chic, a pair of linen trousers can take you from a beachside lunch to dinner without requiring a complete change of outfit.

Pair them with a simple tee and espadrilles during the day, and a terry polo or linen shirt for more dressed-up evenings. Choose a neutral shade like white or ecru, and they’ll pair with almost everything.

5. Chinos

For evenings when you want something slightly smarter, pack a pair of chinos. Our Lyford chinos are versatile enough for dinner at a smart restaurant but still relaxed enough for island life.

Like linen, cotton is also a great fabric for warm weather. It absorbs moisture and allows air to circulate freely, keeping you cool.

6. A couple of T-shirts

A wardrobe staple, T-shirts in easy-to-wear shades like white, navy or cream can provide the foundation for countless outfits. Or if you want to embrace the feel-good island vibes, why not add a vibrant pop of colour with our Watermelon or Cay Green tees.

Wear with swim shorts for a day by the water, with chinos for travelling or underneath an open linen shirt when the sun starts to set.

7. A couple of polo shirts

For something a little smarter than a tee, without going too formal, pack a couple of polos, whether terry or pique cotton. Sitting at that sweet spot between casual and dressed-up, wear with shorts for lunch, chinos for dinner or under a lightweight jacket when the sun sets. Stick to simple colours, and they’ll work across your wardrobe.

8. A couple of linen shirts

Breathable and naturally relaxed, a linen shirt is a must for any warm weather wardrobe. Linen looks better slightly wrinkled for that lived-in look, so you can even throw it on straight from the suitcase without worrying about ironing or steaming.

Whites and beiges are a classic, but don’t be afraid of colour on holiday. Blues, greens and sunset shades feel right at home against the Bahamian backdrop.

9. A linen jacket

While you might not wear it every day, you’ll be thankful for packing a linen jacket when you’re heading somewhere a little smarter for dinner or when the evening breeze picks up.

Unlike a traditional tailored jacket, our Nassau jackets keep things relaxed and in keeping with the holiday spirit.

10. A pair of espadrilles

When it comes to shoes, you want something that lets the feet breathe while being comfortable to walk in. Enter the espadrille. They’re lightweight, making them great for throwing in your suitcase. They’re also comfortable enough for wandering the shores during the day, but polished enough for dinner.

The beauty of a Bahamas holiday is that you really don’t need that much. A handful of well-chosen pieces will have you covered.

Stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics, a relaxed palette and pieces that can be mixed and matched. Add your colourful swim shorts, sunglasses and Panama hat, and you’re more or less ready to go.

Now all that’s left is to decide which island to visit first.