The best swim shorts for men

Swimwear is easy to overlook – especially if you’ve spent the last two years nowhere near a Mediterranean beach or a sun-kissed pool. But with holidays abroad now back within potential reach (and incredible staycation locations scattered around England’s green and pleasant land), now really is the time to dive into swimwear.

So, whether you’re keen to blend in or ready to show off an array of patterns, here’s how to pick the best swimwear for you. 

If you spend the rest of the year avoiding anything colourful, summer is the ideal time to pick up a pastel. Pale blues, pinks and purples are a good place to start, and will act as the perfect in-between option if you’re not ready for fluorescents but want a change from black. The beauty of pastels is that they look good on all skintones, and work perfectly when worn alone on the beach or paired with a simple white T-shirt and casual footwear for a trip to the beach bar.

The hotter months are a great time to showcase your blooms, whether you go for a bold floral or something more subtle. The best way to wear them? Keep the rest of your ensemble simple and clean, letting the florals stand out without any opposing patterns or colours.

If colours, patterns and motifs are a little too much for you to handle, even when it comes to your summer holiday style, fret not. There are still a plethora of options out there for the man who likes to keep things simple. Full block colours are probably your best bet, and there are a world of plain hues that will still look good on the beach. Lighter tones will complement a tan perfectly and darker colours are guaranteed to flatter, so whatever you choose, it’s a sure-fire win-win.

If you’re already used to being bold with your sartorial choices, all of the above may sound a little safe. To up the ante, pick the boldest, most out-there swim shorts you can. Depending on the type of look you’re going for (and where you’re holidaying), either pair your pattern with something equally as bold and bright, or opt to wear it with simple neutrals to let it stand out.