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The summer holiday season is finally here, which means it’s time to stop counting down the days and start getting everything in order. And, gents, don’t leave it to your other half, family or friends to remind you what you need to pack. Whether you’re jetting off with the family, heading abroad with your mates, planning a romantic escape or making the most of a UK staycation, having the right essentials will make all the difference. The key is packing smart, not overpacking.
Grooming and Skincare Essentials
From grooming heroes, including natural deodorants, sea salt sprays and SPF-packed moisturisers, to wardrobe staples such as breathable linen shirts, versatile co-ords, statement sunglasses and stylish swim shorts, we’ve done the hard work for you.
Make Waves Antiperspirant – This deodorant has been tried and tested by the Metro team, and we’re obsessed. Not only does it not leave behind any unwanted yellow stains on your clothes, but it provides instant freshness that lasts all day long. Buy Now from £12.
Murdock Sea Salt Hair Styling Spray – Adding texture to your hair can change your appearance for the better by giving a more groomed and looked-after look. Simply apply a few spritz’s through your locks, comb it through, then scrunch and shape your hair to your desired look. Buy Now for £22.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 – Remembering to put SPF is often forgotten. Invest in a moisturiser that has it already added. This product refreshes, hydrates, and protects the skin against environmental damage and replenishes the complexion. Buy Now for £37.
Lancaster Sun Beauty Body Milk SPF50 – Sun protection should never be overlooked. This SPF50 body milk helps protect against harmful UV rays while keeping skin hydrated and comfortable. Buy Now for £21.60 (was £27).
NIVEA SUN After Sun Moisturising Soothing Lotion – Even with SPF, your skin deserves extra TLC after a day in the sun. This lotion helps cool, hydrate and replenish skin, keeping it feeling soft and comfortable. Pop it in the fridge for a more refreshing application. Buy Now for £6.05.
Wardrobe Staples
Charles Tyrwhitt Pure Linen Shirt – A linen shirt is a must in a men's summer wardrobe. It immediately dresses up anything you pair it with, whether chino shorts or denim, and will keep you cool in the heat. This pure linen option comes in regular, tailored or tight fit, and currently has £45 off. Buy Now for £29.95 (was £74.95).
T.M.Lewin The Linen Blend Trouser – Style your shirt with coordinating linen trousers for an effortlessly classic yet stylish look. These are lightweight and crafted from a cotton-linen blend for comfort and breathability, with a drawstring waistband. Buy Now for £50 (was £80).
M&S Cotton Rich Striped Seersucker Co-ord – Co-ords offer versatility and style power. Whether worn together or as separates, you get three looks in one. This navy set is a sure winner thanks to its vertical stripes. Buy Now from £25. Buy the matching shorts for £25 here.
Next Blue Positano Graphic 5 Inch Swim Shorts – The days of plain swimwear have passed. This blue pair has a subdued print that will score you style points, and the cobalt blue shade will perfectly amplify your tan. Buy Now for £24.
H&M Cotton Twill Cap – A cap shields your face from the sun and instantly elevates even the simplest outfit. This design is lightweight and versatile. Buy Now for £11.99.
River Island Beige Boxy Linen Blend Western Jacket – Holiday evenings often call for an extra layer. This linen-blend jacket is lightweight and adds a polished finishing touch. Throw it over a T-shirt or linen shirt for dinner or sunset drinks. Buy Now for £69.
Polo Ralph Lauren Heritage Court Trainers in White & Navy – A pair of crisp white trainers work just as hard on holiday. Comfortable for exploring yet smart enough for evening wear, they go with almost everything. Buy Now for £125.
Accessories and Footwear
Wrangler Easy Leather Belt – A leather belt adds practicality and a sleek styling edge that subtly breaks up the outfit and balances your body's shape. Buy Now for £40.
Abbott Lyon Belgravia 41 Blue Men's Silver Watch – Watches instantly give a refined finishing touch to any outfit. This silver watch with a navy dial appears more expensive than its price tag. Buy Now for £149.
Finlay Marshall Sunglasses in Smoke – A timeless pair of sunglasses will never go out of style. This design offers a balance of classic and contemporary. Buy Now for £160.
ASOS DESIGN Two Strap Sandals With Cork Sole In Black Bonded Suede – These sandals provide comfort for all-day wear and are versatile outfit finishers, easily worn at the beach or out for dinner. Buy Now for £28.80 (was £32).
Travel and Beach Gear
Dryrobe Blue Charcoal Grey Beach Towel – Constructed from 100% Organic Cotton, it prevents bringing half the beach home and is perfect for watersports and tanning by the pool. Buy Now for £40.
Regatta Boulder Beach Bag In Navy White Stripe – A sturdy beach bag big enough to fit your towel, SPF, book and other essentials. This striped design is practical and half price. Buy Now for £15 (was £30).
Bath & Body Works Ocean Travel Cologne Mist 100ml – Ideal for throwing in your beach bag or hand luggage for a top-up on the go, supplying a fresh, light aquatic scent. Buy Now for £10.
Competition: Win a London Hotel Stay
Metro has teamed up with Starhotels Collezione to give one lucky reader (and a companion) a chance to win a luxurious two-night stay worth £900 at The Gore London, a historic boutique hotel in South Kensington. Enter your details before midnight on Sunday, 9 August 2026. Open to UK (excluding Northern Ireland) residents aged 18 or over. Promotion opens at 00:01 BST on 20/07/2026 and closes at 23:59 BST on 09/08/2026. One prize of a two-night bed and breakfast stay in a Deluxe Room for two adults including dinner at 190 Queen’s Gate.
