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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Nicky Rampley-Clarke

Best men’s swim shorts for summer 2023

They say fashion comes full circle, but let’s hope that board shorts – the seriously unflattering and uncool staple of the 90s – never make a comeback.

Thankfully, men’s swimwear has come on leaps and bounds of late, from tiny briefs to tailored shorts, and discerning gentlemen have more choice than ever when deciding on a holiday wardrobe that makes a splash.

But these days, the suitability of shorts for a lap in the pool or a lounge on the sunbed aren’t the only considerations, with sustainable materials, expert craftsmanship, trending colours and statement prints all heating up. With the perfect pair, you don’t need to kill yourself in the gym to be hot to trot this summer.

British leisurewear brand, Derek Rose, says: “We’re seeing a rise in demand for functionality and comfort, from fully-elasticated styles that offer a forgiving fit, to small details that make a big difference – think seamless linings and pinlock zipped back pockets. Whether budgie smugglers or baggy shorts, men’s swimwear has truly evolved over the years, and the favoured trend now is, quite simply, choice.”

Here, we’ve rounded up the best swim shorts for the season ahead – from designer splurges to budget buys – taking you from beach to bar, and back again.

Dive right in - the water’s lovely

Vilebrequin Men Swim Shorts Shark All Around

Founded in 1970s Saint-Tropez – is there anything more glam? – Vilebrequin has become synonymous with long, hot, lazy summers abroad - and this fresh shark illustration will make a statement in Saint-Tropez or anywhere else.

They’re famed for their bold, graphic prints – think everything from starfish to turtles – with their famous label emblazoned across the back of their signature thick waistband. The father-and-son prints are now iconic: matching pairs of shorts designed to bring families together.

Both men’s and boy’s are crafted in recycled, lightweight materials and feature a green turtle design with a portion of every pair sold going to the foundation. Feel-good father-son time.

Buy now £230.00, Vilebrequin

Frescobol Carioca Sport Swim Shorts

Named after the beach-bat game invented on the beaches of Copacabana, Frescobol Carioca is all about the spirit of Rio de Janeiro, with a louche but luxurious aesthetic.

Their sexy silhouettes draw on the sculpted physiques of Cariocas – the athletic inhabitants of this sizzling city – while their prints are inspired by the mosaic boardwalks along its beaches. It’s safe to say founders Harry and Max have knocked it out the park: the Sport Swim Shorts in the Ipanema Print are as comfortable as they are charismatic, with a cut to show off golden thighs and a fit to flex for Frescobol. But the best bit? A stretchy waist to accommodate one too many caipirinhas.

Buy now £145.00, Frescobol Carioca

Orlebar Brown Springer Swim Shorts

Orlebar Brown were arguably the first to bring tailoring to swimwear with a tapered waist finally smart enough for poolside soirées. Founded by photographer Adam Brown, the London-based label has evolved since it launched in 2007, now offering a whole line of 1960s-inspired resort wear. When it comes to their swimmers, shorter is always better, and the Springer Swim Shorts are a timeless classic. Plus, they’re made from polyamide fabric and feature their signature side-fasteners – perfect for minor adjustments post-lunch.

Buy now £195.00, Orlebar Brown

Adidas 3-Stripes CLX Very-Short-Length Swim Shorts

What’s not to love about Adidas’ 3-Stripes swim shorts? From the ultra-lightweight fabric that feels like you’re wearing almost nothing to the retro inspired design that wouldn’t look out of place in the ‘90s, they’re a classic style that will look chic, even when you’re not in swimming in the ocean. The very same ocean, in fact, the style aims to protect by using 100 per cent recycled materials, no less.

Buy now £35.00, Adidas

LOVE BRAND & Co. Men’s Elephant Palace Coral Staniel Swimming Trunks

Who doesn’t adore a love story? The couple behind summer lifestyle brand LOVE BRAND & Co. have been chasing the sun together since they first met in 2010. With family ties to the Bahamas, everything they create – from swimwear to shirts – is infused with island flavour.

Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic, their Elephant Palace Swimming Trunks don’t only look the part in a bold red print, but they’re designed to shine a light on Elephant Family to conserve Asian elephants and other endangered species. They’re quick-dry and chlorine-tested, meaning they won’t lose their punch after a week in the pool, while the matching shirt just begs to be thrown on for a sundowner at the bar.

Buy now £120.00, LOVE BRAND & Co.

CDLP Swim Shorts

From posh pants to luxury tees, Swedish design house CDLP has become a byword for beautiful basics, and their swimwear is a cut above. A collection of briefs, trunks and shorts are all exquisitely made with tailored fits and progressive fabrics. Chief of which is Econyl: a nylon fibre repurposed from landfill and ocean waste.

The Deep Lagoon Swim Shorts are just the thing to get you noticed on the sand. The lustrous, twill-weave finish isn’t only tactile, but quick-dry, while the short leg and deep colour scream attitude. Made in Portugal, the price tag is worth every penny.

Buy now £165.00, CDLP

Ron Dorff Swim Shorts Vertical Stripes

Ron Dorff – the Portuguese-made brand that fuses Swedish functionality with French aesthetics – is singlehandedly putting sexy back into men’s swimwear.

Glistening hunks-in-trunks advertising aside, all bronzed skin and bulging muscles, their quality is second-to-none with everything made in quick-dry, high-tech fabrics.

The Swim Shorts Vertical Stripes are classic RD, featuring a tailored fit with side slits and breathable mesh lining, plus an elasticated waistband for those who prioritise the good life over punishing themselves.

What’s more, the recycled polyester materials add sustainable creds, while the short length harks back to the golden era of the Med. A camp classic.

Buy now £140.00, Ron Dorff

Derek Rose Men’s Swim Shorts

With happiness at the heart of their ethos – and the priceless value of leisure time – London-based Derek Rose is very much a brand we can get on board with.

Their Maui 45 Multi Swim Shorts are simply joyful, emblazoned with a print that screams ‘summer’, and are crafted from a quick-drying polyester fabric with a super-soft finish.

While the more generous fit is geared towards older gents, they do offer a shorter length in other styles, which is all the better for young ‘uns flashing the flesh.

Shop the brand at Harrods and Mr Porter.

Buy now £185.00, Derek Rose

Riz Boardshorts Blythe Drawstring Swim Shorts

Inspired by Savile Row and surf culture – an unusual but winning combination – Riz Boardshorts are made from 100 per cent recycled materials with £1 from every pair sold donated to the Marine Conservation Society.

Better still, the ‘Rizcling’ Program (genius) offers free repairs for life, or resells if you want to part ways (but honestly, why would you?).

Sustainability doesn’t come at the cost of style: ocean-loving founders Riz Smith and Ali Murrell blend elegant tailoring with a laid-back mood, commissioning a small group of artists on their prints, all using inks that are eco-friendly and water-based.

Our pick is the Blythe Drawstring Swim Shorts in the Bloom Vintage Print: mid-length with a relaxed fit, they come in a convenient quick-dry material with a supportive mesh brief and an array of pockets – taking you seamlessly from dive to dinner.

Buy now £115.00, Riz Boardshorts

Nike Swim Belted 5 Volley Short

From activewear heavyweight Nike, these swim shorts are a great addition to every man’s summer wardrobe. With an integrated belt and cargo pocket, they have a utility vibe that is perfect for wear both in and out of the water, as well as a zip pocket on the back for any essentials. Crafted in a bold blue quick drying polyester, they’ll make you stand out on any beach or poolside - and at £29 it’s a no brainer.

Buy now £29.00, End Clothing

OAS Triangle Jungle Swim Shorts

Launched in Sweden by Oliver Adam Sebastian, OAS – geddit? – is a resort wear brand inspired by his holidays to Spain. The line soon expanded from espadrilles to other essentials, and the swimwear is second-to-none, both for guys and gals. Tailored shorts come in all kinds of colourful prints and patterns – all with a boho edge – but we’re taken by the Triangle Jungle Swim Shorts. Boasting a two-tone green and off white pattern, they’re cool but understated, made from fast-drying materials for ultimate comfort post-dip.

Buy now £80.00, OAS

Mr Marvis The Seersucker Swims Cruisers

Originally just a shorts brand – designing ‘the perfect fit because nobody else did’ – Amsterdam-based Mr Marvis have since expanded into the likes of trousers and even a limited-edition sweater. Striped and stretchy, their Seersucker Swims boast just as much attention to detail, and the fit is everything. The Cruisers come in a lemony yellow, and look more Mediterranean in style than Dutch, made from sustainable fabric that’s quick-dry and super-comfy. Better still, they’re smart enough to enjoy a long lunch in the sunshine, which is the most important bit.

Buy now £99.00, Mr Marvis

Pink House Mustique Men’s Swim Shorts Coconuts

Inspired by the private Caribbean island of Mustique – playground to the rich and famous – Pink House Mustique is a tropical label to covet. Founder Lotte has called the isle home since relocating in the 90s, when her husband became its resident doctor, after which she started designing silk sarongs.

The men’s swim shorts all feature a mid-length cut, as favoured by Europeans, with everything made from sustainable fabrics. As the name suggests, Coconuts come with a colourful print and pattern, teamed with an elasticated waist and handy pockets. Exotic and elegant, now all that’s left to do is book somewhere befitting.

Buy now £126.00, Pink House Mustique

Lyle & Scott Gingham Swim Shorts

About as far removed from their original knitwear as you can get, the Gingham Swim Shorts from Scottish brand Lyle & Scott are more high summer than Highlands, and will banish the winter blues the moment you slip them over your hips. Colourful, quick-dry and tough, they’re equally suited to walking around town as they are getting wet.

Buy now £50.00, Lyle & Scott

Superdry Studios Swim Shorts

Better known for their jackets and hoodies, Superdry are surprising us all this summer with some pretty decent swimwear, including the Studios Swim Shorts in blue tie-dye. At a snip of a price, they’re at the more affordable end of the spectrum, and encourage those who usually play it safe to experiment with colour without breaking the bank.

Buy now £34.99, Superdry

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