The sun is out and the surf is up. While the British summer is short lived, your next vacation definitely calls for a fresh pair of boardies. For those not familiar to the Australian slang – swim shorts will do.
Although comical prints and vibrant colours are usually too rogue for the office, when it comes to swim shorts – all bets are off. Arguably, the beach garment is a man’s vice for going a little extra in their fashion choices - we say go all out.
Whether you like a nautical print or prefer to channel Hasselhoff in a uniform Baywatch red, your beach briefs are the one crucial beach garment you need this summer... unless you’re a nudist.
Our pick of beach trunks will surely get you in the mood for Coronas and ocean swimming, with groovy prints that will make you stand out like a chip to a seagull.
And if prints aren’t your jam - we dare you to dabble.
Prada abstract floral-print swim shorts
If raising your hems to greater heights doesn't make you blush, these shorts from Prada are your stylish answer.
A retro-inspired geometric floral print is the ace card here, unique to any other typical prints in the swimwear category.
Made with super breathable mesh lining and an elasticated waistband, two side pockets and a single welt back pocket gives extra room for ice cream change.
£360 | Matchesfashion | Buy it now
Colada Swim Illetes Swim Shorts
Likely to be seen ambling along the shores of Lake Como, the Illetes swim shorts by luxury swim brand Colada expertly navigate sand to soirée styling.
The contrasting pocket and miniature pineapple are handsome details, and the chunky drawstring adds an interesting texture underused swimwear.
Best paired with bare skin and a negroni.
£100 | Colada Swim | Buy it now
Commas Watercolour Palm-print swim shorts
You can always trust the Australians to be in the know when it comes to stylish beach gear.
Aussie brand Commas's latest collection is all about class with no exception to these Watercolour Palm-print shorts.
Made in Australia from quick-drying 100 per cent polyamide, they include all the essentials with an elasticated waits, mesh lining, side pockets and a zip welt pocket on the back. You'll look like you just stepped off Bondi beach.
£233 | Matchesfashion | Buy it now
UO green stripe swim shorts
A stripe is always in style. These swim shorts are a perfect mix of the classic and the daring, in a seriously bright mash up of primary colours in a vertical stripe.
Made from 100 per cent polyester, they have an elasticated drawstring waist, side pockets and back pocket.
£15 | Urban Outfitters | Buy it now *On sale
Atalaye Caritza short-length printed swim shorts
If you have a more conservative leniency to navy, these swim shorts from Atalaye offer a few extra quirks to get you in the beach mood.
A classy white shell print and rope drawstring gives just the right nautical nod, while the highly resistant fabric helps maintain the colour and print. Fitted with side pockets, a back pocket, and elasticated waistband with eyelets for drainage.
£95 | Mr Porter | Buy it now
Paul Smith Cheetah-print swim shorts
King of colourful prints, Paul Smith's artistic touch makes for an ideal combo with swim season.
These shorts have a sensitive colour balance with a striking Cheetah print in vibrant orange and subdued teal. With a mid-length hem and relaxed fit, they include side pockets, a back flap pocket and adjustable orange drawstring waist.
£100 | Paul Smith | Buy it now
H&M printed swim shorts
For a bargain buy, these swim shorts have an entirely sophisticated design that could pass for a lot more.
Super versatile, an intricate pattern in white and rust red has more longevity than a pineapple print - it will serve you well over multiple seasons. Made with all the usual essentials - an elasticated waist, mesh lining, side and back pockets.
£12.99 | H&M | Buy it now
Volcano print swimming trunks
Every summer calls for a classic Hawaiian print. These swim trunks from Zara belong on the beach with a pina colada in hand. Featuring two side pockets and one back patch pocket with a hook-and-loop strap, they sit comfortably above the knee with an elasticated waistband.
£19.99 | Zara | Buy it now
Polo Ralph Lauren embroidered-logo swim shorts
Consider these trunks from Polo Ralph Lauren an elevated take on the Baywatch look, featuring the brand's iconic logo embroidered in bright green at the hem.
Featuring a buttoned back flap patch pocket with an appliquéd logo tab, in true Ralph Lauren fashion - no detail goes unnoticed.
£60 | Matchesfashion | Buy it now
TIMO TRUNKS leaf print drawstring swim shorts
These gorgeous printed shorts from TIMO TRUNKS are in more muted colours to the usual beach garb, yet with a striking brushstroke leaf print that is sure to get compliments. Featuring lovely details including little gold coins hanging from the drawstring waist, they're a brand you can truly get behind when it comes to beachwear.
£95 | Farfetch | Buy it now
