Style -- 2 days ago
Dive in: these are the best swim shorts for summer
How to make a splash when heading poolside…
Words: Gentleman's Journal
It’s finally beginning to heat up outside, and the wider world – from the Maldives to the Med – is ready to welcome jet-setters once again, following a long and seemingly endless period of gloom. And it’s not a minute too soon; we were starting to worry that all those new sunglasses and citrus-heavy scents we’ve been collecting would go unused. Thankfully, June is on the doorstep, and, so, we’ll be off on our high-climes sojourns within a flash.
With this in mind, and with everything from far-flung infinity pools to local lidos opening up once again, we need swimwear now more than at any other time in the year. And Gentleman’s Journal has rounded up the best to buy now, from unembellished options to bright, bold alternatives. So, go on – dive in and make a splash…
Abtany Talar print swim shorts
Made from recycled polyester from Portugal, London-based label Abtany is doing great things with its swimwear. And with an all-over print, which is a hand painted Talar artwork inspired by the Persian architecture from the city of Tehran, these are the kind of shorts that won't just turn heads when you're by the pool, but will actually get people wading over to ask you where they're from.
David Gandy Wellwear swim shorts
Let’s begin with something that’s a failsafe for most men: the classic navy option. And few individuals have had as much experience dipping in and out of the sea in perfectly formed trunks than model David Gandy – so, naturally, we look to his label to sort us out with this beachside fundamental. Though we could talk longingly and lovingly about the fuss-free design (the contrasting white drawstring appears to be the only embellishment), its pared-down look belies the fact that, perhaps more importantly, the material offers UV protection, and is also crafted from polyamide yarn, which, in other words, means that if/when they hit landfill, they’ll biodegrade in just a few years.
Ché Baller swim shorts
A couple of years ago model Oliver Cheshire co-founded a brand that devoted itself to warmer climes and holidaying in the sun. Camp collar shirts and co-ords are heroes, as are swim shorts. Ché's swimmers CHÉ are made with a sustainable spin, taking fabric scraps and waste yarns to create an entirely recycled yarn. Boasting the same strength as “virgin” fabric, the quick-drying material is spun into a tailored silhouette that’s designed to be worn both in and out of the pool.
Hawes & Curtis swim shorts
Seemingly inspired by the sort of swim shorts men in the Fifties would wear, these retro cut-offs features a preppy bold stripe that will add a playful and inherently nautical touch to your holiday wardrobe. Designed with comfort and durability in mind, they feature a classic mesh lining and an adjustable drawstring for ease.
Sunspel swim shorts
Sunspel made its name in the early days for its boxer shorts (it was the first brand to do them in the UK in 1947), and it further proves its cut-offs worth with these swim shorts. Cut mid length leg, the shorts are manufactured using an upcycled marine plastic from SEAQUAL®, made from waste plastic recovered from the oceans. They also look pretty good.
Orlebar Brown Setter Shorts
Celebrated for its playful prints, vibrant hues and all-round superlative swimwear, we, of course, have to turn to Orlebar Brown in this shortlist. The Setter shorts offer a more tailored fit (the shaped waistband, concealed snap closure and the label’s signature side fasteners allow for an extremely well-cut silhouette), and the quick-drying recycled polyamide from which it’s made has a touch that sits somewhere between lustrous and substantial. For us, the best part is the golden hue – a design feature as vibrant as it is beautiful when hit with sunlight. Additionally, because it cuts close to the thigh, we recommend pairing it with something equally as sharp – a Sunspel T-Shirt and minimalist sneakers will do the job when bar-hopping in Lisbon.
Gusari The Deia swim shorts
Named after a small coastal village in Mallorca, The Deia is anything but minuscule when it comes to aesthetics, its vibrant, imaginative pattern – waves of black, pink and blues – a fine statement for the season of sartorial expression. What we appreciate most is that though the style is a little eye-catching, it’s all honed in by the neutral blue spine that runs throughout, meanwhile the slim-look and single buckle create a refined, sophisticated feel that anchors the bold scheme.
Love Brand & Co. Elephants of India Staniel swim shorts
Finally, for something that is, once again, a slight change from the ocean of beige and tan-coloured cargo trunks seen in marinas around the world, Love Brand & Co.’s creation – which is done out in a punchy pink – has a look that will shimmer against the heat. It’s made with a slightly more relaxed fit than the options above, so may be better suited for those who prefer not to be too confined by their wears, and, better still, it’s produced from 100 per cent recycled fabric.
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