Look, showing up to a pool party is trickier than it sounds. You’d think it’s just a swimsuit and some flip-flops, right? Wrong. If you’ve ever walked into a backyard bash in a stiff polo and jeans while everyone else is in linen, you know that sinking feeling. Or worse, being the person who shows up in a micro-bikini when it’s actually a "refined" corporate mixer by the water.
What to wear in a pool party depends entirely on the vibe, the seating, and whether or not you actually plan on getting wet. Most people mess this up because they overthink the "pool" part and underthink the "party" part.
The "I Might Not Swim" Dilemma
Let’s be real. Half the people at these things never touch the water. If you’re in that camp, your outfit needs to bridge the gap between "summer chic" and "I’m ready for a splash if someone pushes me."
For men, this usually means a high-quality pair of swim trunks that look like actual shorts. Brands like Orlebar Brown or Faherty have mastered this tailored look. They have zippers and belt loops. Pair them with a crisp linen button-down. Don't button it all the way up—keep it loose. It breathes. It looks expensive. If you’re not swimming, leather slides or clean canvas sneakers like Supergas are the way to go.
Women have it both easier and harder. A massive mistake is wearing a heavy maxi dress that drags on a wet pool deck. That’s a recipe for a ruined hem. Instead, go for a crochet midi or a high-end sarong. Brands like Zimmermann or Cult Gaia have turned "resort wear" into an art form. You want fabrics that dry fast. Silk is a nightmare around chlorine; avoid it like the plague.
🔗 Read more: God Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: The True Story Behind the Phrase Most People Get Wrong
Deciphering the Event Vibe
Not all pool parties are created equal.
The Low-Key Backyard BBQ
This is the most common. It’s casual. You’re eating a burger on a plastic chair. Here, comfort is king. A simple one-piece with denim cut-offs is a classic for a reason. It works. For the guys, a fun patterned shirt—think tropical but not "tourist trap"—with standard trunks is fine.
The Vegas Style Club Bash
If you’re headed to Encore Beach Club or a similar spot, throw the "casual" rule out the window. This is basically a nightclub with a giant bathtub in the middle. You need "extra." We're talking wedges (yes, even by the pool), bold jewelry, and designer cover-ups that cost more than the swimsuit. Men often opt for coordinated sets—matching shirts and shorts—usually in bold prints.
The Evening Soiree
These are the toughest. It’s 7:00 PM. The sun is going down. There are fairy lights. You probably aren't swimming, but you need to look like you could. This is where the "dry" pool party outfit shines. Wide-leg linen trousers over a sleek swimsuit (acting as a bodysuit) is a power move. It’s sophisticated but still screams "poolside."
💡 You might also like: Kiko Japanese Restaurant Plantation: Why This Local Spot Still Wins the Sushi Game
Fabrics: The Silent Killer of Style
Cotton is your friend until it gets wet. Then it’s heavy, saggy, and takes three business days to dry. If you plan on lounging near the edge, stick to synthetic blends or lightweight linen.
Rayon is okay, but it shrinks. Seriously. I’ve seen people ruin $200 shirts because they got splashed and the fabric shriveled up like a raisin. Stick to seersucker if you want texture. It’s literally designed to stay off your skin and keep you cool. Plus, it has that "I own a boat" energy that fits perfectly at a pool party.
The Accessories That Actually Matter
Forget the flimsy $5 sunglasses you bought at the gas station. If you’re wondering what to wear in a pool party, your face is the first thing people see. A solid pair of polarized lenses—think Ray-Ban Wayfarers or something from Persol—protects your eyes and elevates a basic swim outfit.
And please, for the love of everything, bring a real bag. A plastic grocery bag for your wet clothes is not a look. Get a waterproof wet bag or a stylish straw tote. It keeps your phone dry and your dignity intact.
📖 Related: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
- Footwear: Avoid heels unless it's a high-end club. Even then, wedges or platforms are safer. Slipping on wet tile is never stylish.
- Hats: A wide-brimmed straw hat isn't just for photos; it saves you from a scalp burn.
- Sunscreen: Not technically "wearable" in the fashion sense, but a lobster-red face ruins any outfit. Use a clear stick version so you don't get white streaks on your black swimsuit.
Common Mistakes You’re Probably Making
Stop wearing too much jewelry. Chlorine eats through cheap metals, and it can even tarnish silver over time. If it’s not real gold or high-grade stainless steel, leave it at home. Also, losing a ring in a 10-foot deep pool is a nightmare.
Another big one? Underestimating the wind. If you're wearing a light, flowy skirt, make sure you have something substantial underneath. A sudden gust of wind can turn a classy party into an accidental "Marilyn Monroe" moment very quickly.
Men’s Grooming and Gear
Guys, if you haven't trimmed the hedges in a while, maybe do that before the party. You don't need to be hairless, but a little maintenance goes a long way when you're shirtless. Also, check your trunks for a liner. If they don't have one, please wear athletic compression shorts underneath. Nobody wants a "wardrobe malfunction" while you're doing a cannonball.
What to Wear in a Pool Party: The Final Checklist
To make sure you’re actually prepared, follow these steps before you leave the house:
- Check the invite for a theme. If it says "White Party" and you show up in neon green, you'll feel like a highlighter.
- Test your "wet look." Some light-colored swimsuits become transparent when wet. Test it in your shower first. Seriously.
- The "One-Layer" Rule. If your outfit takes more than 30 seconds to take off, it’s too complicated for a pool party.
- Pack a "dry kit." Bring a change of underwear and a lightweight dry shirt. Sitting in a wet suit for three hours while the sun goes down is how you get a rash or a cold.
- Invest in a quality towel. Don't bring the raggedy one you use to wash the dog. A plush, oversized Turkish towel doubles as a blanket and a fashion statement.
When deciding what to wear in a pool party, remember that confidence is the primary accessory. If you’re constantly tugging at a swimsuit that’s too small or worrying about your shoes getting wet, you won't have fun. Pick pieces that allow you to move, eat, and lounge without a second thought. Style is great, but at a pool party, functionality is what keeps you there until the sun sets.
Choose your footwear based on the surface—decks get hot and tiles get slick. Pick a cover-up that transitions to a restaurant or bar in case the party moves locations. Finally, always bring a pair of sunglasses that you aren't terrified of losing; pools have a weird way of "eating" expensive items.