Summer! It’s blazing away outside our windows and the world — airport by airport, border by border — is opening back up. And not a minute too soon. We were starting to worry that all those new sunglasses and summer scents we bought earlier this year were going to go to waste. In fact, we were so sceptical that we’d get a getaway this summer that we didn’t even buy a new pair of swim shorts.

How wrong we were. Now, with everything from far-flung infinity pools to local London lidos splashing open again, we need our trunks now more than ever. Thankfully, Gentleman’s Journal has rounded up the best to buy in summer 2020 below — from simple striped shorts to big, bold options. Dive in…

They say that stripes are flattering, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to these three pairs. It’s a pattern that gives an effortless touch of the Riviera to any outfit — even if you’re only heading down to your local lido.

Opt for a classic thin horizontal stripe from Hemingsworth if you’re looking to add a vintage feel. Alternatively, keep things classic with Morville’s red vertical pattern. Or, if you really want to make a splash, try Frescobol Carioca‘s bold ‘Copacabana’ wave stripe.

If you’re one to keep things simple, go for a big, bold block colour. Even if your trunks have a logo or few small embellishments, don’t underestimate the waterside style statement of a big, brash hue.

If you want a nice bright primary colour, then these bold burgundy shorts from Ripa Ripa are an excellent choice. And don’t forget, simple white can also pack a punch — as evidenced by Hemingsworth‘s Clipper swim shorts. Or, if you prefer to go with something a tad more turquoise, you can’t go wrong with these recycled shorts from Fighetti.

Adding a subtle texture or pattern to your swimwear may be all you need to stand out by the pool this year. Because, though some of us can pull off the bold colours or super stripes, that level of patterning isn’t for everyone.

If you’re keeping things quieter, then, why not add a small sartorial flair this summer with Ripa Ripa‘s quick-drying, cotton-feel Amalfi shorts — as stylish as the coast from which they take their name? Alternatively, you could pull on Orlebar Brown‘s patterned ‘Standard’ shorts — which are anything but. For a little more flair, Ripa Ripa‘s Tramontana Blu are a good bet — a vibrant burst of Italianate colour.

For those who want to add a splash of colour and vibrancy to their summer outfits, a floral print can be a great way to go. They may seem overly exuberant to some — but if you can pull them off, why not?

Derek Rose has kept the cut classic, but the print abstract with this trippy leaf pattern. Ralph Lauren has taken a Caribbean tropical twist with their palm print. Or, if you prefer something a little more Mediterranean, there’s always Ripa Ripa with this fantastic Italian 60s flavoured floral print.

Want to know where you swim shorts come from? Here’s why high-end trunks are suddenly such big business…

Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.