Dive in! These are the best swim shorts for summer 2023
How to make a splash when heading poolside…
It’s finally beginning to, somewhat, heat up outside our windows, and the wider world — from the Maldives to the Med — is ready to welcome jet-setters after a long and seemingly endless winter. 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 buying would go unused. Thankfully, it looks like we might just get a high-climes holiday after all.
With this in mind, and with everything from far-flung infinity pools to local London lidos opening up once again, we need trunks now more than ever. And Gentleman’s Journal has rounded up the best to buy below, from unembellished options to bright, bold alternatives. So go on – dive in and make a splash…
David Gandy Wellwear, Short Length 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 own 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, perhaps more importantly, belies the fact that the material offers UV protection, and is also crafted from polyamide yarn, which, in other words, means that when they hit landfill, they’ll biodegrade in just a few years.
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. Still sticking to a neutral, risk-free base, the new Setter shorts offers 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 nylon from which it’s made has a touch that sits somewhere between lustrous and substantial. For us, the part-concealed stripe tape – in yellow, green, white and red – is the best feature, a touch as subtle as it is beautiful. Additionally, because it cuts close to the thigh, we recommend pairing it with something equally as sharp – a slim Uniform Standard t-shirt and minimalist sneakers would do the job when bar-hopping in Lisbon.
Tom Ford, Slim-Fit Short-Length Swim Shorts
Thanks to its hue that sits in the middle of pastel and dark, as well as its contrasting white piping, this Tom Ford option has drawn our heads for its retro-style sophistication. The overall look, and the flash of blue, somewhat reminds us of that celebrated sea-surfacing scene in Casino Royale – and, the adjustable buckled waist tabs allow you to constantly change the tightness, depending on how much holiday feasting is to be done.
Gusari, The Deia
Named after a small coastal village that forms the northern ridge of Mallorca, The Deia is anything but minuscule when it comes to aesthetics, its vibrant, spirited pattern, which features 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 through, meanwhile the slim-look and single buckle create a grown-up, sophisticated feel that anchors the bold scheme.
Apnée Swimwear, Short de Bain
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, Apnée Swimwear’s Short de Bain, which is done out in a melange of contrasting yet complementary tones, has a look that will shimmer against water. 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 upcycled plastic collected from the Mediterranean.
Want more seasonal style? These are 5 summer menswear trends you should be prepping for now…
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Further reading
Rough ’n’ ready: tackle the great outdoors with Crockett & Jones’s new high-performing silhouettes
Fit and flair: Oliver Brown’s bespoke service does away with luxury’s gimmicks
