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Best men’s swim shorts for summer 2024
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They say fashion comes full circle, but let’s hope that board shorts – the seriously unflattering and uncool staple of the 90s – never see the light of day again.
They can be resigned to the bargain bin forever and a day, please.
Thankfully, men’s swimwear has come on leaps and bounds, from the briefest of briefs to tailored shorts, and discerning gentlemen now have more choice than ever when deciding on a holiday wardrobe.
These days, the suitability of shorts for a lap in the pool or lounge on the sunbed aren’t the only considerations. Today’s shoppers include sustainable materials, expert craftsmanship, trending colours and statement prints on the shopping checklist.
The perfect pair should make you look and feel good without killing yourself in the gym, despite what the likes of Jonathan Bailey in the latest ad campaign for British swimwear brand Orlebar Brown would have you think.
Simon Long, design and collections director at Orlebar Brown, says: “At the heart of swimwear, consumers care most about quality and durability, which is something that has become ever more prevalent in recent years.
As such, we’re seeing more of an investment trend rather than visual, with people buying once or twice a season, looking for high-quality, stylish designs that incorporate innovative fabrics or interesting prints. Our Bulldog short is a great example of this – created from 60 technical parts, our design process has progressed over the years, with graphic prints, jacquard and seersucker being the latest design features to be incorporated.”
Here, we’ve rounded up the best swim shorts for the season ahead – from designer splurges to budget buys – to make you a hunk-in-trunks.
Let’s dive in
Vilebrequin Men Stretch Swim Shorts Tortues Multicolores in Flax Flower/Blue
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/04/16/10/49/Vilebrequin Men Stretch Swim Shorts Tortues Multicolores.jpg.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=640)
Founded in 1970s Saint-Tropez – is there anywhere or place more glam? – Vilebrequin has become synonymous with long, hot, lazy summers abroad – and this fresh turtle illustration will make a statement on the French Riviera or anywhere else.
They’re famed for their bold, graphic prints – think everything from starfish to sharks – 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.
Frescobol Carioca Copa Camada Sport Swim Shorts in Sky Light & Perennial Blue
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/04/16/10/05/Frescobol Carioca Copa Camada Sport Swim Shorts in Sky Light %26 Perennial Blue.JPG.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=640)
Named after the beach-bat game invented in Copacabana, Frescobol Carioca is all about the spirit of Rio de Janeiro, with a louche but luxurious aesthetic.
Its silhouettes draw on the sculpted physiques of Cariocas – the athletic inhabitants of this sizzling city – while its prints are inspired by the mosaic boardwalks along its beaches. It’s safe to say founders Harry and Max have knocked it out of the park: the Copa Camada Sport Swim Shorts are as comfortable as they are charismatic with a cut to show off golden thighs and a fit to flex for Frescobol.
The best bit? A stretchy waist to accommodate one too many caipirinhas.
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.
Orlebar Brown Bulldog Mid-Length Textured Stripe Swim Shorts in White/Light Island Sky
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/04/16/10/07/Orlebar Brown Bulldog Mid-Length Textured Stripe Swim Shorts.jpg.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=640)
Orlebar Brown was one of the first labels 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, the Bulldog Mid-Length Textured Stripe Swim Shorts are a timeless classic with a cut to suit all body sizes and shapes.
Plus, they feature their signature side-fasteners, perfect for minor adjustments post-lunch.
Barbour Hindle Palm-Leaf Swim Shorts in Sky
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/04/16/10/01/Barbour Hindle Palm-Leaf Swim Shorts.jpg.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=640)
British brand Barbour aren’t just for wintery jackets, as it transpires, offering a range of fun swimmers such as the Hindle Palm-Leaf Swim Shorts befitting of a Caribbean getaway (or dip in your local lido).
Quick-dry and palm leaf-emblazoned, they’re simple but stylish, with a budget price tag to boot.
Love Brand Men’s Elephant Palace Coral Staniel Swim Shorts
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Who doesn’t adore a love story? The founders behind summer lifestyle brand LOVE BRAND & Co. have been chasing the sun since they first met in 2010. With family ties to the Bahamas, everything they design, from swimwear to shirts, is infused with island flavour.
Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic, the label’s Elephant Palace Swim Shorts don’t only look the part in a bold coral 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.
Derek Rose Men’s Maui 54 Navy Short Swim Shorts
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/04/16/10/22/Derek Rose Men’s Maui 54 Navy Short Swim Shorts.JPG.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=640)
With happiness at the heart of their ethos, including the priceless value of leisure time, London-based Derek Rose is very much a brand we can get on board with. Their shorts are simply joyful, emblazoned with a teal geometric print inspired by Greek mythology, and are crafted from a quick-drying polyester fabric with a super-soft finish.
These short shorts are perfect for young and old alike looking to flash the flesh. Because, why the hell not?
Pink House Mustique Men’s Swim Shorts Monkey and Palms in Green/Pink
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/04/16/10/37/Pink House Mustique Men’s Swim Shorts Monkey and Palms in GreenPink.JPG.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=640)
Inspired by the Caribbean playground of the rich and famous, Pink House Mustique is a tropical label to covet.
Founder Lotty 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, Monkey and Palms come with a colourful print and pattern inspired by the island of Barbados, teamed with drawstring waist and handy pockets.
Exotic and elegant, now all that’s left to do is book somewhere befitting.
Reef Knots Red Octopus Classic Swim Shorts
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From tees to hats, we adore everything Reef Knots, a British label inspired by the summer and ocean, makes and sells.
Its Red Octopus Classic Swim Shorts are crafted from upcycled ocean plastic in a brushed fabric finish and feature an elasticated waist, side and back pockets and comfy net lining for your bits and pieces.
The look-at-me print goes without saying and will ensure you have plenty of fun in the sun.
MC2 Saint Barth Men’s Comfort Light Swim Shorts with Crabs Print
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/04/16/10/41/MC2 Saint Barth Men’s Comfort Light Swim Shorts with Crabs Print.JPG.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=640)
Inspired by its namesake Caribbean island, MC2 Saint Barth offers everything you need for a colourful and joyful summer wardrobe, including swim shorts with statements prints. These are particularly fun: Comfort Light Swim Shorts with Crabs Prints featuring a relaxed fit in a fabric that’s quick-drying and stretchy. Perfect for taking you from beach to bar.
&SONS Crown Swim Short
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/04/16/10/25/%26SONS Crown Swim Short2.jpg.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=640)
Crafted from Sequal Yarn, a high-quality post-consumer recycled polyester containing marine plastic by Sequal Initiative, these shorts combine sustainability and style. Looks-wise, they feature a graphic print design, while their design offers a coin pocket with zip fastening for valuables and a drawstring waist so they sit comfortably on your hips
OAS Triangle Jungle Swim Shorts
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2023/05/10/17/OAS swim shorts.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=640)
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.
CDLP Swim Shorts Leopard Ganache
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/04/16/10/50/CDLP Swim Shorts Leopard Ganache.JPG.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=640)
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. An example is Econyl: a nylon fibre repurposed from landfill and ocean waste. The Leopard Ganache 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 animal pattern scream attitude.
Made in Portugal, the price tag is worth every penny.
Mr Marvis The Seersucker Swims Cruisers
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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.