Canvas chucks outside Cozumel, good for establishing American dominance at ports.

People, especially Americans, have no idea how to dress for the occasion. This is never more evident than on a cruise ship. The masses dress no differently than they would on a hot day on the porch: shiny athletic shorts, flip flips, polos, XL T-shirts. The more adventurous wear T-shirts with bad prints from mall clothing stores with names that sound like law firms.

The glory days of tuxedos and top hats are gone, but proper attire is still in order. Here’s what a man needs on a ship, or yacht in these more casual, globally warmer times:

1. Tailored white fine linen dress pants and shirts.
2. A tailored waistcoat.
3. Deck shoes or canvas sneakers (forget the handmade dress shoes the salty air ruins them and you can’t spontaneously wade into the ocean).
4. Knit nautical sweater for the cold hurricane nights.
5. Dyed linen pants for excursions (loose, rollable, and won’t show every rum stain).
6. Assorted sashes, bandannas, sabers, pistols and a decent spyglass.

For starters the forlorn recommends Marc Jacobs, Rag and Bone, YMC, A.P.C., and most importantly your Great Grandfather’s closet, trunk, or attic.