Resort wear resale
Resort wear resale

Resort Wear Resale: Capitalizing on Luxury Vacation Fashion

1.22.25

Resort wear isn’t just the clothing that you wear on vacation—it’s a statement of luxury and leisure, announcing to the world that you’re ready to relax in style. Designed for warm-weather escapes, resort wear has become a staple in the fashion world, with new collections being released from December through March. While resort styles change depending on the season and designer, you’ll notice that most luxury vacation fashion features breathable materials like linen and cotton, flowy designs and a focus on casual elegance.

Luxury resort wear is ideal for vacationers who want to make a chic impression at exclusive destinations, from tropical beaches to high-end cruise ships. If you’re also a luxury fashion collector, you may want to consider reselling previous resort wear pieces during this time to maximize your returns. Let’s take a closer look at the resort season and its resale market.

What Is Resort Wear?

Resort collections, sometimes referred to as cruise wear or collections, are fashion lines designed for vacation. Characterized by breezy designs and lightweight fabrics, these collections combine comfort and style suitable for travel and beach vacations. Most designers focus on using natural materials like linen and flax in cruise lines because pieces are designed to be worn in humid, hot environments and these materials don’t trap heat. The result is a collection full of innovative and comfortable designs suitable for everything from lounging by the pool to shopping at the market.

Popular pieces you’ll often see in resort wear collections include:

  • Swimwear: Swimwear is the foundation of any resort wear collection, as most vacation collections revolve around tropical wear. Bikinis in recent designer collections often feature high-waisted bottoms, triangle tops or bandeau styles, while one-piece swimsuits are celebrated for their versatility and modest elegance.
  • Kaftans: Kaftans and tunics offer effortless sophistication, perfect for transitioning from poolside lounging to casual dining. Their loose fit and breathable fabrics make them a go-to choice for hot climates, while bold patterns have been popular in recent years.
  • Sarongs and scarves: These lightweight wraps are an essential multitasker, doubling as skirts, dresses or even headscarves depending on size. Their versatility makes them popular in resort collections, and their lower average price point makes them ideal designer entry pieces if you’re on a budget.
  • Maxi dresses: Maxi dresses combine elegance and comfort, making them perfect for evening events or daytime excursions. Their flowing silhouettes are flattering for all body types, making them a universal staple of most designers’ resort wear collections. Expect these designs to feature bold patterns and lightweight materials like chiffon and linen.
  • Resort-ready pairs: Matching sets are a favorite for their simplicity and elegance, allowing you to quickly get dressed if you’re on a tight timeline (like before an early morning cruise excursion). These sets make you look chic with minimal effort and have become increasingly popular as vacation-oriented brands like Dissh take over the globe.

Other popular items you might see in your favorite designer’s annual resort collection might include statement sunglasses, beach bags large enough to tote all the essentials and beach-ready footwear like espadrilles and sandals.

Top Designers for Resort Wear

When it comes to resort wear, certain designers truly shine, offering collections that capture the essence of luxury vacations. Let’s dive into a few travelers’ favorites and what they’re most well-known for.

  • Zimmermann: Zimmermann excels at crafting pieces that are not just stylish but also wearable. Think floral maxi dresses with delicate lace trims or off-the-shoulder tops paired with flowing skirts—perfect for a romantic sunset dinner or a glamorous yacht party. Pair these signature dresses with strappy sandals and a woven clutch for a look that screams vacation-ready elegance.
  • Emilio Pucci: Looking to add some vibrant energy to your resort wear? Emilio Pucci is your go-to. Known as the “Prince of Prints,” Pucci’s designs are synonymous with colorful, psychedelic patterns that instantly transport you to sunny beaches and poolside lounging. Kaftans by Emilio Pucci are crafted from 100% silk or cotton and are legendary pieces, functioning as both fashion and a work of art that you can wear.
  • Stella McCartney: For those who prioritize sustainability without compromising style, Stella McCartney’s resort collections offer the perfect balance. Known for her commitment to eco-friendly fashion, collections and designs by Stella McCartney are modern, minimalistic and effortlessly chic. From breezy linen co-ords to playful jumpsuits, Stella McCartney’s pieces are versatile and comfortable—ideal for resort activities ranging from sightseeing to a laid-back dinner. Plus, knowing your outfit is planet-friendly makes it all the more satisfying to pass on when you’re ready for resale.
  • Dior: When it comes to luxury, Dior never disappoints—and its resort collections are never exceptions. Dior’s resort wear collections include everything from intricately embroidered maxi dresses to elegant swimsuits in multiple fabric and print options. They often incorporate signature elements like the Toile de Jouy print or delicate embroidery, adding a touch of French sophistication to your resort wardrobe.

Resort Resale: The Basics

Knowing when to list your resort pieces on the resale market can help you get the most return from your sale. Resort season usually begins in late winter, with designers releasing collections well before the temperature begins to rise. It can be a good idea to pull up your old summer clothing now to comb through in anticipation of entering the resale market, listing around the time when designers are advertising their summer collections.

Pricing is another crucial factor to consider when reselling previous designer collections. During the pre-season (January through March), you can set higher prices since the demand for trendy, high-quality resort wear is at its peak. Highlight the value of your items by emphasizing designer labels, pristine condition and any unique features like limited-edition prints or sustainable fabrics. If your item shows signs of wear, be sure to note and highlight these flaws to inform buyers before purchase.

Preparing for Resort Season Resale

Do you have any of these top resort designers in your closet? Now could be a great time to make room in your space (and wallet) for all of 2025’s fashion finds. Refresh your closet and maximize your return by listing with The RealReal.

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