Men’s Summer Swimwear
Stylish new options for comfortable, confident bathing at the beach or pool
Beachwear style changes just as rapidly as other fashion. Although women tend to be granted more options, each year certain retailers provide interesting swim alternatives for men. Some of us might still be wearing the trunks we’ve had for the past six years. If that’s you, or if you’re just interested in riding the trends while riding the waves, check out the 10 brands we highlight below. They’re fit for the beach or the pool whether you’re surfing in Southern California or lazing about in the south of France. Board shorts, short shorts and the best of this summer abound
Parke and Ronen
Found in many decadent styles, New York atelier Parke and Ronen‘s 2″ Angeleno Print Swim Trunk fits close, shaping the body with reserved showmanship. Their Devon Blue Multi and Calcutta Rose Quartz options bear active yet refined patterns. They’re snug and sexy, but offer pull with a polyester composition. Complete with mesh lining, these retro shorts retail for $125.
Orlebar Brown
Office favorite Orlebar Brown shares that retro vibe, but draws to mind Miami days of old. Options such as The Setter with its bold one-color approach and the more active patterning of their Bulldog utilize a 1950s glamour, but offer a modern quick-dry fabric and a looser (but still fitted) inseam, making them perfect for a boardwalk stroll. Orlebar Brown suits range from $225 to $345.
Solid & Striped
Solid & Striped’s The California is a slim-fitting, mid-length short. Durable, in the sense that it’s fit for a boat outing or a raucous pool party, these trunks feel classic, but keep things casual. Retailing for $160, this versatile suit balances taste with spirit, while providing mesh lining comfort, an elastic waistband and quick-drying Italian polyamide.
Faherty Brand
Faherty Brand offers a clean boardshort that bears the look of a walk-short. Their Men’s All Day Navy option goes from beach to street with ease. Its flat front design, multiple pockets and hidden drawstring lend itself to durability and varied usage. The suit, which sells for $150, also happens to be made of recycled polyster from plastic bottles, yet feels cotton to the touch for comfort.
Critical Slide Society
An Aussie brand, Critical Slide Society, offers several boardshort options. Cut to the knees, these longer suits can be playful like the Lopez Boardies Washed Blue or sharper like the two-tone Surf City Ginger, both of which are sold for $89.95 AUD. The surf-inspired brand also offers some shorter options at a more modest price, which make great use of a cotton poplin-panelled construction.
Vanishing Elephant
Further proving that Australians understand beachwear, Vanishing Elephant‘s Wentworth Camo Boardshort rocks an all-over tiger-camo style matched with design simplicity. The masculine energy of the $130 suit partners well with its multiple pockets and single cotton drawstring.
Vilebrequin
The patterns sold us on Vilebrequin‘s offerings. Their longer cut “Okoa” series features everything from the palm-styled Geckos to the killer Sharks option. Each suit sells for $260 and features a nylon drawstring pouch, a hand-cut rear pocket and a lot of personality.
Enjoi Can’t Swim Trunk
Longer and looser, the Enjoi Can’t Swim Trunk also happens to be a lot of fun. The humorous graphic depiction calls for attention and their use of color is strong. A cell phone pocket, Velcro closures, and belt-loops add additional charm (and value) for a suit that’s reasonable priced at $35.
Voller
We found The Blue Line by Voller on Kickstarter. This is a suit for people who live in their swim trunks. For a pledge of $35, you’ll get a pair guaranteed to be the best in quality and functionality. The suits are also sized by both length and waist, matching all shapes and sizes. From paisley to solids, and a notable blue elastic waist, their style is on par with their business model.
Previously featured on CH, the chic Everest Isles Mayol swim trunk is now available as well. Images courtesy of their respective brands.
