I am sure you have heard the term resort wear used to describe clothing, but what exactly does it mean? Don't try and look it up in a dictionary, the term doesn't exist!

The term is actually a reference to clothing that you may wear on vacation. The item really can be worn anytime but often the styles are brightly colored, light weight, have relaxed styling, and are easy to travel with. The name refers to almost anything that may fit into that category. Shirts, pants, shoes, hats, bags, swimsuits, and swim cover ups are just a few of the items that can be considered resort wear. It is a catch phrase for casual relaxed style and can be found both ladies and men's apparel. It can also be known as cruise wear but is essentially the same category of clothing.

Resort wear is also a term used to a fashion season by luxury designers. Often stores will start to carry this type of sportswear in November. The thought process is that many will travel to warm climates over the holidays and need more lightweight clothing options. You certainly won't need gloves in Florida during that time! The clothing line Tommy Bahama is a great example of this type of style. Swimwear also becomes more important and you'll start seeing swimsuits in most major department stores. Often, during this season you'll find many clothes have a nautical or boating theme. Accents of blue and white along with embellishments are always considered resort.

So the next time you are headed somewhere warm on vacation and buy something new to wear on your trip, you've just purchased resort wear!