The best swim shorts for men

Summer is here!  In all its sun-kissed, suitcase-packed, SPF-rich glory. And with it comes the perfect excuse to dive into a pair of new swim shorts (or two).

Whether you’re ready to make a splash in 2024’s hottest swimwear trend, prefer to keep things forever preppy – or want to know how to pick the best swimwear to suit you – you are in the right place. Starting with:

If shouty patterns and mouthy motifs are a little too much for you, fret not. This is where preppy styles saunter in, forever timeless, undeniably stylish and packed with swagger. 

For the man who likes to keep things simple – think: block colours, preferably in shades of blue, khaki, dusky pink and rust, for the decidedly debonair. Block colour swim shorts are win-win, and look great with a white tee, linen shirt or a nonchalantly slung sweater, for full preppy points.

If you want to earn some serious kudos poolside – think: stripes. Put simply, summer 2024 can not get enough of them, from thick chocolate bars to rainbow hues and your classic blues. And if they look like boxer shorts? Even better. Ease yourself in with a linen shirt or varsity tee (in the same palette, if colour clashing isn't your thing) safe in the knowledge that stripes are fun yet foolproof.

Like your swim shorts to come with added pizzazz? Cue: the boldest, most out-there swim shorts imaginable – perfect for any poolside peacocks. Sure, you could let the shorts do the talking, pairing them with a sensible tee for any beachside strolls, or you could go full summer 2024 and double up with an equally shouty shirt too.