People in "holiday clothes" in the UK

[BrianButterfield]

I live in a seaside town and today while I was at the supermarket I saw a whole family who were obviously on holiday, because they were all in "holiday clothes" - gaudy tops, bright 3/4 length trousers, beach bags etc etc. Now I must point out that this was not ON the beach or even near the beach, just walking round an average supermarket on an overcast day.

It was quite sweet really but it did make me wonder why going to the seaside in your own country requires the ceremonial packing-of-holiday-clothes. They would have been fine in Spain but they stood out a bit on the Yorkshire coast as everyone else was wearing jeans, jackets, etc - you know, normal clothes!

Will anybody here admit to "holiday clothes"? (And I don't mean actual beach stuff - that's obvious).

Op i found your observation quite funny not really that mean, and I havent been on holiday for 4 years - when we get the chance to go then probably yes I would go and buy holiday clothes!
not that I am a bright tshirt and cropped trousers type of person myself but for the kids yeh I would

I will be wearing hiking sandals on my UK holiday because a) they're comfortable b) they're hideous c) nobody I know is likely to be able to see me wearing them

I think people take more care to avoid theft because it's more hassle to have someone steal your ID or bank cards when you are in a different country.

Groups of people ramble past ours with those hiking sticks - they make me smile. We manage to get about in our normal clothes and shoes.

Love the idea that you think people don't walk around Basingstoke in unsuitable clothing! Our local Facebook group regularly has "fashion faux pas Friday" pictures...

I know what you mean about "holiday clothes" as opposed to "summer clothes" though - I have one or two pairs of v short shorts that are fine for a campsite in France/popping on between pool and mobile home but i would never wear them in Basingstoke, not even at the paddling pool! Holiday clothes are the things that magazines and department stores try to persuade you to buy and that end up in the bargain bin each year - you believe that buying into them makes you either "fun" or "glamorous". Who in their right mind actually NEEDS a nylon cover-up thing to match a swimsuit? What's wrong with a t-shirt? I got suckered into the Monsoon sarong idea once and realised the first time I used it that on a damp body the polyester material clings like hell to your legs and feels horrid. Luckily it was a pretty blue fish design so it is in the kids' dressing up box to be used as a mermaid outfit or as a pond.

I wear warm weather clothes when the weather is warm and jeans and jackets when it isn't. This is regardless of where I am. I wouldn't just stay in jeans at home if it was 25 degrees outside just because I am not on holiday.

How do you know what these people wear at home?

What a ridiculous post.

Housemum - I often wonder if anyone has ever done that sarong-as-a-dress thing magazine articles on capsule wardrobes always tout as an evening wear choice. Or worn a swimsuit under something as a top. Again, you'd feel a prize fool doing that in Frankie and Benny's but on holiday we're supposed to believe it's a great idea!

Bunbaker - I don't think the OP means sleeveless tops etc, I think she means the really designed-for-a-beach stuff.

The clothes as described sound like normal summer wear round where I live (nowhere near the sea BTW). We dress according to the weather, and if it means wearing beach clothes then so be it. We get precious little really hot weather I think that people make the most of it on the odd occasion that we do.

I live in a "holiday area" down south. Everyone always seems to be in holibobs clothes at the slightest hint of sunshine tourist or no including me. But I guess as locals we do love to take advantage of good weather, family events (free concerts etc) and having a bit of fun. This year as soon as we are not having a holiday abroad - slightest hint of sun got my flip flops out and my summer dress on. I don't see it as unusual . TBF I do think I live in a rather "unique" area for this!

In the UK I would rarely have holiday clothes but I do have them for holidays - beach dresses, shorts etc. I wouldnt wear any of those in the UK

I do hate when you see women in strapless maxi dresses at the first hint of sunshine - they are unflattering on anyone who is not a supermodel

"shorts etc. I wouldnt wear any of those in the UK"

Not even in the garden?

Well yes where no one could see me or even on the beach perhaps on a sweltering day but not to the shops, out for lunch ...

I take a French, Spanish approach to holiday and summer dressing - there is a time and a place for skin baring.

Why would you not wear shorts 'etc' in the UK?

Last week it was easily as hot here (South East) as it would have been on holiday in the Med. But as it's the UK, are we all supposed to be sweating our tits off in jeans?

PS Yes I know nobody wears jeans on their 'tits' but you get my drift...

Loads of tourists wher i live

they look fucking freezing today in their skimpy attire

we call them grockels

the olympic park is RIVEN with TOGGLE FUCKING TROUSERS
i saw a whole familt in them
look nuts

liek people who go to theme parks and walk a couple of miles in hiking boots ffs

why do ALL americans have to wear hats? wtf is the deal with their hair?

olympic park

Ha! badtasteflump still giggiling at your comments, and why is it I look at windsocks link and think, oooh comfy!

Badtaste Because my legs are generally quite white if I have not been in the sun and milk bottle legs and shorts is not a good look

windock-hope you're dressed in a suitable fashionable manner...
I'm guessing skinny jeans and converse
have you got on a backpack?

i was in skinny jeans and moccasin type flats. Tan colour.
t shirt and union jack scard from www.scarfenvy.com

www.scarfenvy.com/Scarves-Union-Jack-Flag-Scarf-p/ujfs.htm

in grey natch

Don't you think it probably cheers them up?
Why would they want to knock around in clothes the same as they'd wear to work? Bad enough they have to put up with the weather, at least some bright clothing reminds you they're on holiday.

I live in a touristy area. Not seaside but a popular country area for holidays. I love it when I'm just taking the dogs out & see the visitors relaxing on the campsite across from ours in their off duty clothes, gives me a holiday feeling too!
Our village would be in a much poorer state if it wasn't for the visitors supporting the local businesses.