Maybe it’s the gay in me, but every summer I have to buy at least one pair of swim trunks inspired by whatever beach trip I have planned, (this year it’ll probably be Tulum). It’s become a seasoned ritual: last month, CDLP trunks; last year, briefs from a fantastic Mexico City designer, Ocelote's Amoral; the year prior, a trio of Parke & Ronan gay-ssentials. Swimwear, more than any other category in men’s fashion, is especially compelling because of how far designers are pushing boundaries for men’s swim each season. This year, they’ve granted us an assortment of prints, cuts, fabrics, embellishments, and ways to show skin unlike ever before. Some styles, like those from Ludovic de Saint Sernin, even dissolve the gender barrier with bikini bottoms and thongs that are—needless to say–executed incredibly well.
Year after year, I rummage through editor picks online and I’m always disappointed because their curation seems to cater to a type of prehistoric man that shouldn’t be too concerned with how he dresses for the beach. These articles feel like they’re just telling us to cover up our arse and nether regions with water-resistant fabric, and move on with it; leave the beach style to women, they might as well conclude.
Enough! I’m taking matters into my own hands with a list I’ve curated from styles I’ve personally worn and aspire to wear, all starting with board shorts.
Just kidding. Don’t ever wear board shorts. I mean, who wants to swim in a pair of cut-off barrel pants? If you need to wear something while surfing to protect your legs, then wear a wetsuit (if that’s too hot, then wear wetsuit bottoms). More on that later.
Swim Trunks
From solids to prints, these men’s styles are timeless staples year after year.
Straight-Leg Mid-Length Logo-Print Swim Shorts
An instant classic that can be worn as swim trunks or summer shorts, especially when there might be an impromptu sojourn to the beach.
Nylon Boxer Swim Shorts
With a nod to their iconic braid work, these designer shorts are stylishly subtle.
Moon Royal Shorter Swim Shorts
This ECONYL fabric, which changes color when wet, is just as incredible as the sustainable brand that makes them. True Tribe implements blockchain technology into their products’ manufacturing process (scan a product’s QR code and you can see every step of its journey from inception to completion).
Le Raphia 'Le Maillot Pingo' Swim Shorts
The whimsical, Fashion Week darling makes no exception for swimwear with a print that makes any time in the sun, well, fun.
Swim Short
Quite possibly one of my favorite sustainable essentials brands out there, CDLP somehow made incredibly comfortable satin-like tiger-striped shorts in burgundy and blue that feel timeless.
Printed Re-Nylon Swim Trunks
I love this triangle print. And I love the classic triangle badge on the back pocket even more.
Swim Briefs
No one asked, but I’ve taken the liberty of organizing this section from the least skimpy to very sexy styles (yes, guys can and should feel sexy by the pool).
Swim Briefs
I have these in their inaugural bright orange color, but I’m obsessed with this style in sage that will beautifully compliment any tan.
Latte Kneibler Swim Brief
This brand is heavily marketed toward gay men (not complaining), but don’t let that deter any of our straight allies from their newest release that doesn’t have their brand logo embellished everywhere like the rest of their styles do. Made to look like ribbed underwear in a latte color, if these fit anything like their classic briefs (I’m sure they do), then they’re incredibly comfortable.
Swim Briefs With Asymmetrical Opening
This up-and-coming French brand is one to watch. We start getting a little sexy here with a peek-a-boo slit under the band (also available in white and red), so I'd put this at a 6/10 on the sexy scale.
Amoral Fierro Swim Brief
Mexico City fashion is severely underrated. One of my favorites is Ocelote and the designer, Cesar Flora, has a complimentary swimwear line that’s pushing boundaries on men’s swim. Metal rings hold the front and back together, and the back band detaches to reveal some lower-lower-LOWER back skin. Sexy scale: 7/10.
Black Hydra Swim Briefs
Rick Owens may be one of the most innovative designers out there. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of his goth-chic runways or not, when Rick comes out with a staple, it’s a staple. I feel like he’s done it with these briefs complete with a large Y-shaped metal fastening to the side. Sexy scale: 7/10.
Swim Tanga Briefs
This season, CDLP introduced a sexier swim brief with a slightly higher cut on the thigh than your go-to Speedo. It’s also very comfortable. Needless to say, I’m here for it. Sexy scale: 8/10.
Lanzarote Lace Up Swim Briefs
Point blank: I love Ludovic de Saint Sernin. I bought a pair of his inaugural swim briefs at the beginning of the pandemic, but the size was too small (when I sent them back to Paris for an exchange, the USPS lost it in the mail—argh!). The comfort and empowering feeling of showing a little more skin brings this to a 10/10 on the sexy scale. Sexy scale: 10/10. And for an 11/10, upgrade to a thong.
Wetsuits
This is your answer to surfing attire that doesn’t involve board shorts.
Wetsuit
In collaboration with Californian brand Vissla, Dior created this beautiful, eco-friendly wetsuit to elevate your surfing experience.
Maverick Wetsuit
Built with extreme performance in mind (think: triathlons), this wetsuit was designed to stand the test of time.