Nantucket Packing List
June 30, 2025
Nantucket is our happy place, so much so that our company, Tuckernuck, it named after it. Here’s what to pack for a trip to Nantucket, according to our co-founder Madeline Grayson. “Our brand is rooted in Nantucket, and the island is at the heart of our best summer memories.”
Meet Our Expert: Madeline Grayson
As Tuckernuck’s co-founder and a life-long seasonal islander, Maddy considers Nantucket her second home. After 30+ summers spent on Nantucket, she knows the island (and its style) like the back of her hand. Here’s what Maddy wears to fish, hike, learn island history, and spend quality time with friends and family.
Nantucket Style, Explained
The Style: Nantucket style is often associated with the classic New England look. While some think of it as true prep, we believe it’s a bit more nuanced than that. At it’s core, it’s Nantucket style is relaxed, refined, and layered. It’s never about labels or trying too hard.
Island Ready: The historic whaling town’s style is rooted in the island’s active lifestyle, unpredictable weather, and the belief that clothes (like the island) get better with age.
What Maddy Says: “It’s a place where you can go fishing for the day, come back, put on a beautiful dress, and go out for an amazing meal with a fresh catch.”
The List: What to Pack for Nantucket
With 33 pieces you’ll wear throughout your stay, we’ve got everything you need organized by category. Reminder: Go for classics, always take layers, and when in doubt, wear white denim.
DRESSES
Yes, it’s a casual island. No, you can’t go without a dress. Wear for dinner at Chanticleer, a quick trip to the Juice Bar, or a shopping day on Main Street.
Event Dress
Mini Dress
Sundress
White Dress
TOPS
Make sure you’re in tip-top shape. Pack a button down for cooler days, a polo for playing, and a sport tank for hiking, biking, and exploring.
Button Down
Easy Tank
Elevated Blouse
Going Out Top
PoloSport
Tank
LAYERS
Level up your layers. Maddy says, “The weather can change at any given hour from 80 degrees and sunny to 50 degrees and raining, so make sure you bring layers and a raincoat.”
Blazer
Cardigan
Casual Pullover Sweater
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Raincoat
BOTTOMS
The bottom line? Make sure you’ve got pants, shorts, and skirts that are all-fun and no-fuss. Think white denim and chinos on repeat.
Chino Shorts
Dress Pant Light/White Denim
Maxi Skirt
Tailored Shorts
Athletic Shorts
FOOTWEAR
Not-so-fancy footwear. With cobblestones around every corner, stick to what’s comfortable and thank us later.
Boat Shoes or Loafers
Casual Sneakers
Jelly Sandals
Flat Sandals
Walkable Heels or Espadrilles
ACCESSORIES/BEACH
Essentials only. You only need to pack one pair of earrings and one clutch you’ll use the whole trip.
Beaded Jewelry
Evening Bag or Clutch
Light Scarf or Wrap
Straw Tote or Beach Bag
Sunglasses
Swimsuit
Coverup
Our Top 5 Packing Tips
Stock Up on Sportswear
With fishing, golfing, and hiking, you’re going to want your activewear.
shop sport
Keep It Salty, Not Sweet
With a salt-of-the-earth spirit, play with nautical, woven accessories. Nothing precious.
SHOP Accessories
Let us help you dress like a local. Here are our styling tips for Maddy’s five B’s: beach, bike, brewery, boat, and bites.
Beach
On ACK beaches, dive in with a timeless, neutral suit and pair it wth a coverup to look like a local.
Brewery
Layer on the accessories with playful pops of color for drinks and a round of cards at Cisco.
Boat
Don’t miss the boat. Wear jelly sandals that can actually get wet, and cutoffs so you can fish all day.
Bites
Enjoy a sit-down dinner at American Seasons in a patterned maxi dress and shoes made for walking.
FAQs
Why do we love Nantucket?
Nantucket is deeply intertwined with Tuckernuck. Co-founders and sisters Maddy and Jocelyn always spend their summers in Nantucket, and their favorite island off Nantucket, Tuckernuck, is our brand’s namesake. “Simply put, I love everything about it,” Maddy says. Over the years, our connection with the island has only grown stronger as we’ve collaborated with Murray’s Toggery for our Tuckernuck x Nantucket Reds™ collection and created our tried-and-true travel guide.
What is a packing list?
A packing list is a tool that helps ensure you have everything that you need packed and ready for your destination. Regardless of where you’re headed, Tuckernuck’s here to help you get there (and stay there) in style. For our Nantucket packing list, we’ve broken down everything you need in to six categories: dress, tops, bottoms, layers, shoes, and accessories and beach. To top it off, we’ve given you some styling tips for our favorite things to do on the island.
What is the weather like on Nantucket?
In the summer months, temperatures range from highs in the upper 60s and 70s to lows in the 50s, with the mornings and evenings tending to be a bit cooler. As Maddy says, the weather can change within an hour, so make sure to carry a sweater while you’re out and about.
What to pack for gents visiting Nantucket?
For the guys, we say keep it simple. Stick to polos, button downs, khakis, and (of course) Nantucket Reds™. If he left something at home, stop in to Murray's Toggery on Main Street. The home of Nantucket Reds™, it’s a great place to stop in regardless of what he left at home.
What are the three things I have to pack for a trip to Nantucket?
Maddy’s three non-negotiables? Athletic clothes, a nice dress for a night out, and a trusty layer. Embracing an ever-moving lifestyle, exercise clothes like a tennis set with a matching tank and shorts are always seen on the island. Even though everyone’s active during the day, things slow down when dinner arrives. You’ll want to make sure you dress the part.
What shouldn't I wear during my trip to Nantucket?
Don’t wear heels. With the cobblestone streets, there’s no use in trying to impress everyone with high heels. Start with your best foot forward in a cute pair of espadrilles or flats.
ACK Style IRL:
Our Team#Tuckernucking on Nantucket