The Ultimate Guide to Choosing yacht-style capsule house

From women’s designer swimwear to men’s luxury watches, we share our best fashion tips to make your next yacht charter as stylish as possible.

Read more

Whether you are planning a stylish French Riviera cruise or a week off-grid island hopping Greece, holidays don’t get much more glamorous than chartering a luxury yacht, so one thing is for certain: you want to look fabulous while doing it.

Holiday packing always begins with good intentions, envisioning chic outfits for every occasion—only to deteriorate into a last-minute panic. The result? A suitcase that looks more like the aftermath of a clearance sale than a thoughtfully curated capsule wardrobe. To navigate the packing process with ease, we offer a guide that helps you to prepare for a yacht charter, focusing on essential, stylish selections that ensure you shine in every setting.

FOR THE WOMEN: YACHTING STYLE GUIDE

Craft your sun-kissed Mediterranean adventure wardrobe with versatility at its heart—where a spontaneous dive into azure waters or a leisurely beach walk is always on the cards. Embrace the sweet life with Solid & Striped block colour vibrant swimwear, layering with elegant cover-ups, a plethora of stylish swimsuits for endless choices, and whimsy dresses that whisper of sea breezes and cobblestone strolls. Don’t forget the finishing touches: trendy sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and headbands that effortlessly elevate your yachting style.

If you’re looking to inject some glamour into your wardrobe, take inspiration from style icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Both knew how to make a statement with their jewellery and accessories. Think oversized sunglasses and bold necklaces that elevate a simple outfit into something glamorous, or boatneck tops and wide-leg trousers that have become emblematic of chic, timeless yachting fashion.

These styles not only reflect personal flair but also capture the essence of Mediterranean sophistication. As you curate your seaside ensemble, don’t overlook the importance of a stylish swimsuit. Whether it’s a sleek one-piece or a modern high-waisted bikini, the right choice can ensure you’re prepared for both relaxation on the deck and dips in the refreshing sea, all while maintaining an air of fashion-forward comfort.

WOMEN’S SWIMWEAR

On a yacht sunbathing as you cruise between islands, and swimming in secluded coves are a daily occurrence, the right swimwear becomes a vital part of a woman’s wardrobe. With a vast array of styles and brands available, finding the perfect fit really boils down to what makes you feel the most comfortable. There are endless designer and boutique swimwear brands to choose from but for us Hunza G, Eres, and Léa The Label are all top choices.

COVER-UPS

A yachting wardrobe isn’t complete without the breezy elegance of cover-ups, tunics, kaftans, and airy dresses. These essentials gracefully complement your swimwear, ensuring both style and comfort under the sun. For a touch of sophistication, choose a maxi or lace cover-up. If casual is more your vibe, a sundress cover-up or playful romper fits the bill perfectly. Linen dresses and side-tie skirts offer a chic daily option for your maritime adventures. Top it off with designs from beloved brands like HERMES, NET-A-PORTER, and ZIMMERMANN that specialise in versatile and elegant beachwear.

ACCESSORIES

When preparing for a yacht charter, it is important to choose accessories wisely. Hats, sunglasses, and jewellery are essential not just for style but for practical reasons like sun protection and keeping hair out of your face. You won’t need formal attire for every evening; the setting is casual on board but taking a few versatile accessories to enhance your wardrobe without overpacking can make all the difference. To make a statement with your eyewear, MAX&CO and ILLESTEVA are hard to match, and to add a touch of elegance on those special evenings, fine jewellery from GLENN SPIRO or GRAFF will effortlessly elevate your look from casual to sophisticated.

FOR THE GENTLEMAN: YACHTING STYLE GUIDE

Comfort should always come first, especially when you are relaxing on a deck or enjoying a chat over drinks. Choose light and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, which allow you to move freely and stay cool, all while looking the part. Blend comfort and class with classic, easy-to-wear pieces—think well-fitted blazers, white linen shirts, comfortable trousers, and loafers. This combination creates a look that is both relaxed and refined, perfect for any casual yet stylish setting.

But male yacht fashion isn’t just about classic staples, there’s room for fun with lively prints and vivid colours too. The bright sun and pastel colours often seen along the Mediterranean coast invite you to add a splash of colour to your outfits. Consider choosing swim shorts with subtle patterns for a hint of flair during alfresco lunches, quick swims, or spontaneous trips ashore. Combine them with a comfortable shirt, classic boat shoes, and a pair of stylish sunglasses for an effortless holiday look.

For cooler evenings, particularly during the off-season in Europe, a snug sweatshirt, pullover, or jacket becomes crucial. Your travel plans might also necessitate dressier attire for evening events, but this guide aims to help you assemble an easy yet stylish daily wardrobe.

LINEN SHIRTS

Linen button-down shirts are a top pick for a yacht charter, thanks to their lightweight and breathable fabric. Opting for vibrant hues brings a touch of summer beach flair, while whites and soft blues offer a crisp, nautical vibe.

Throughout the day, these shirts stand out as a stylish yet comfortable choice, providing a smart alternative to the common pairing of polo shirts with shorts or swim trunks. Not only do they give a classy boho chic appearance, but they’re also perfect for evening occasions. Whether it’s for a relaxed drink at sunset or a dressier gathering, Loro Piana or Luca Faloni linen shirts are the perfect attire for a luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean or Caribbean.

SWIM SHORTS

Next up, swim shorts are seemingly the most relevant item while on a yacht. You’ll spend most of your time in your swimwear. Whether you are diving in the Mediterranean ocean from your yacht’s private beach club, sipping champagne in the flybridge Jacuzzi, or heading ashore, here’s our top three brands making a splash this summer: Frescobol Carioca, Ripa Ripa, and Apnée Swimwear.

ACCESSORIES

Eye protection, along with skin protection, is of the utmost importance while on a luxury yacht charter, especially if you plan to be soaking up the sun for hours at a time. An elegant pair of shades are a staple of men’s yachting fashion, and the right pair will unquestionably elevate your style. For us, top picks include Garrett Leight, Ray Ban, and Tom Ford.

Providing an elegant yet understated flair, complete your nautical attire with stylish deck shoes from Velasca or Quoddy, and for that quintessential maritime elegance, a distinguished timepiece is essential. Favourites include the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatic Bathyscaphe and the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m.

Ditch the excess baggage on your next superyacht holiday with this simple how-to guide to pack an elegant and practical capsule wardrobe for your superyacht stay

Whether you are cruising off for a romantic weekend on board a luxury charter yacht, stepping aboard for a family celebration, or spending the weekend basking in the Mediterranean sunshine with friends, a superyacht charter is a heady mix of glamour and barefoot luxury. So, when it comes to looking the part, what should you pack to ensure you looking effortlessly cool?

A superyacht charter demands a certain dress code that is both comfortable and stylish at the same time. This might sound simple, but ccreating a capsule wardrobe for every scenario and occasion is no mean feat when it comes to the glamorous world of yachting. However, although there are certain designer names that are synonymous with the superyacht set, it doesn’t mean it’s all designer suits and gowns – quite the opposite in fact. Here is the Burgess guide to everything you need to pack - and the luggage to pack it all in...

Goto kachitany to know more.

Clothing Essentials

Daywear

Effortless style allows a seamless transition from day to night

The majority of superyacht cruising grounds are in warmer climates, so lightweight clothing is a necessity for both daytime and evening. The perfect daytime outfit will be suitable for just about any occasion – the whole attraction of yachting is the freedom to go anywhere you like and do anything you like at any given time. One minute you might be heading ashore for a coffee in the harbour, only to find that the cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques just waiting to be explored, or that fellow guests would like to take in a dose of culture ashore, followed by an impromptu swim in a secluded cove on the return tender journey. Being ready for every eventuality is the key to keeping your cool.

Great for those impromptu swims in secluded coves

Beachwear

Evarae Cassandra swimsuit

When it comes to a superyacht, swimwear is an outfit in its own right and one of the most important items to pack. For ladies looking for true, dolce vita style, a one-piece swimming costume not only looks stylish but will allow you to mess around worry-free on the watertoys, both above and beneath the surface. Meanwhile, those looking to simply bask in the Mediterranean or Caribbean sunshine and relax on deck might prefer to opt for a strapless bikini to avoid tan lines visible under the evenings attire. A selection of classically styled cover ups to wear for al fresco dining or a beachside lunch are a must, and for visits ashore a light dress, such as Heidi Klein’s Sunset maxi dress, is perfect.

Orlebar Brown linen shirt and striped shorts  

For men, being in the sunshine is the perfect excuse to inject some colour into your outfit, perhaps with a nautically themed pair of swim shorts, such as Frescobol Carioca’s tailored swim shorts. For al fresco dining on board, or visits ashore, simply add a stylish linen shirt and loafers, and you will be ready for any occasion.

Evening options

Perfect for those crisp summer nights

From canapes and cocktails or dinner aboard to dining in the Michelin-starred restaurants and family run tavernas, every evening brings a different social activity when cruising aboard a superyacht. What to wear in the evening obviously depends on the climate of your destination, but rest assured on board a superyacht there is always an excuse to wear something glamorous. While cruising the Mediterranean, ladies might choose to wear a statement dress and elegant accessories, while the Caribbean calls for a more casual approach. Pack plenty of light and comfortable fabrics but remember to take a few warmer items too, in case the evening segues into a nightcap on the breezy aft deck, or perhaps a late-night return by tender – while out at anchor you will of course be open to the elements.

Take the superyachting lifestyle to the next level with a black tie themed dinner party

For men, evening usually calls for a smart-casual look. Pare down your summer tailoring with a stylish linen shirt, perhaps in a cotton-blend to add subtle texture. Lightweight trousers, rather than shorts, are also a must when heading ashore for dinner.

Layering options

Wrap up with layers and enjoy a relaxing movie night under the stars

Although the majority of cruising is in warmer climates, the sea breeze can pick up and add a chill, especially at night once the sun has set. From cover ups for the daytime, to light jumpers and wraps for the evening, clever layering, come rain or shine, is a skill. Pack several options to take you seamlessly from dawn until dusk, al fresco to inside. Whether returning from an evening ashore or getting cosy during an al fresco movie night on board, the key is to stay warm and stylish with layers. Opt for a statement scarf draped as a blanket or sumptuously wrapped around your shoulders, providing the perfect accompaniment to any outfit, while men can take a favourite sweater.

Don’t forget the accessories

Footwear

You might think that you don’t need to consider shoes as barefoot chic is the only way on board, but a couple of pairs of sandals and high heels for the ladies, and loafers for the men are always an essential for excursions ashore. Although you won’t be wearing them on board, a pair of slip-on boat shoes for stepping ashore are usually perfect for men. A pair of trainers are also essential, for the on board gym or adventures ashore, and, given the glamorous surrounds of the Mediterranean cruising grounds, a pair of leather, smart shoes could also be needed when heading ashore for the evening.

Jimmy Choo Dellena 100 logo-appliquéd leather-trimmed woven raffia espadrille wedge sandals

Sandals for ladies are an essential for excursions to the beach or an afternoon browse around boutiques, while come the evening, a pair of heels or wedge sandals are the perfect addition to any glamorous outfit.

Hats

Artesano Pinta grosgrain-trimmed straw hat  

A superyacht wardrobe isn’t complete without a classic Panama hat. A Panama is a favourite item to take on board, but all types of hats warrant a spot in any superyacht suitcase. Not only do they provide protection from harsh UV rays, but they also keep you cool should you find yourself without shade during the hottest part of the day. A number of different options should ideally be taken, so that you can select the style to suit the weather and activity. On still days glam it up poolside with a wide brimmed straw hat, and when the wind picks up don a stylish cap, which can also be used to provide shade for that morning beach run.

Sunglasses

Wherever you are exploring, be it in cooler climes or chartering in the Mediterranean or Caribbean, it goes without saying that a great pair of sunglasses is a superyacht wardrobe essential. Not only do they complete the superyacht look, they also provide essential protection from both UVA and UVB rays. On that note, check the UV protection – just because you might have a designer pair of glasses, a high price tag doesn’t always mean they have polarised, UV protection lenses. Take at least a couple of pairs, or even perhaps one for each deck, so that you are never caught without, and remember, a pair of chic sunglasses are the perfect finishing touch for every look. Whether you prefer cat-eye sunglasses or oversized, round-frames, square-frames or classic aviator styles, use them to liven things up a little, or add a dash of youth and vibrancy to your outfit.

Gucci oversized embellished square frame gold-tone sunglasses Loro Piana Open 54 aviator-style titanium and acetate polarised sunglasses

Watches

Time on board means a break away from timekeeping, but although telling the time on board is incidental rather than functional, watches still have their place on the packing list. Watches are the most popular and prestigious jewellery available for men, and always add timeless glamour to ladies' attire. Fortunately, yachting has become the most prominent port of call for watchmakers and as such there is a wealth of nautical collections for both men and women. From serious submersibles to refined pieces to wear on deck, seaworthy or yacht-worthy, a watch makes a fine addition to any outfit.

Ulysse Nardin Diver X Nemo Point Limited Edition

Jewellery

Almasika Le Petite Cauri gold earrings

Whether celebrating with cocktails on board or accessorising swimwear, earrings, bracelets and necklaces add sparkle and glamour to any outfit. From fine jewellery for evenings to layering for a luxe-vibe poolside, add some summer sparkle and enhance your outfit, day or night. Choose brightly coloured stones to bring light and warmth to the skin, or mix or clash colours, turning up your brights with vivid hues. Match the shade of your jewels to your swimsuit for a timeless and sophisticated look, and layer jewellery