As it finally starts to feel like spring, you might not be looking ahead to your summer wardrobe just yet, but there's one area that deserves some planning and forethought: your swimwear. Here's the deal: Gym shorts and boxers do not count as swimsuits. At this point in your life, you really need to have at least one proper pair of trunks to choose from. The good news? We're here to help you out. Whether you're the kind of guy who eschews color in general or the guy who loves all things loud, there's a perfect swimsuit out there for you. Look below for the best of the best. And who knows? Rolling up to the beach in style may just impress an Instagram goddess to celebrate spring with.
1. | Hartford Malibu Swim Short
$179; buy now at endclothing.com
The red, white, and blue look is appropriate all summer long, especially in timeless silhouettes, like this vintage cut swim short. Plus, the color-blocking makes a fashionable statement without going over the top. And for more ways to maximize your style game in time for summer, be sure to check out our list of The 30 Coolest Pairs of Slip-On Shoes for Summer.
2. | Onia Calder Long-Length Striped Seersucker Swim Shorts
$145; buy now at mrporter.com
You probably know that seersucker is a summer staple, but if you're not enthused about a jacket and pant set made from the stuff, try a swimsuit like this one on for size.
3. | Vilbrequin Moorea Coral and Fish Swim Trunk
$250; buy now at amazon.com
Simply put, Vilbrequin makes a great swimsuit. Though they're a little harsh on the wallet, these guys will get you through countless summers of ocean dips. Sea-themed prints are kind of their thing, so go big or go home when selecting one.
4. | Birdwell 311 Board Shorts
$79; buy now at birdwell.com
These are board shorts all grown up. As one of the original American surf brands, Birdwell should be your go-to for a swimsuit with a hit of California-vibes. With four different lengths to choose from and tons of solid color options, you can't go wrong with their swimsuits.
5. | Theory Cosmos Simulate Swim Trunks
$154; buy now at amazon.com
Some guys just want a super plain swimsuit that they can hang onto forever, and that's totally okay. A basic black style, like this one from Theory, is always a safe bet. Just look for high-quality fabrics and well-finished hems and details so you avoid looking like you're wearing gym shorts to the pool.
6. | Orlebar Brown Bulldog Mid-Length Printed Swim Shorts
$345; buy now at mrporter.com
Want to make a statement? Then you need these, which are printed with a Slim Aarons photograph for the ultimate '50s Palm Beach–era homage. Added bonus: The waist is adjustable so you can tighten it up as you work on those summer abs.
7. | Emporio Armani Men's Leaf Mid Length Swim Shorts
$145; buy now at amazon.com
Palm fronds are trending at the moment, and for guys who generally keep things neutral, this swimsuit is a great way to dip a toe in the print pool.
8. | Saturdays NYC Grant Short-Length Colour-Block Faille Swim Shorts
$85; buy now at mrporter.com
Sporty but not too "technical" looking, these swim shorts ooze casual cool. These hit at mid-thigh, which is the length of the season, ideal for showing off squat-toned quads.
9. | Mollusk Cut Out Stripe Trunks
$68; buy now at amazon.com
The nautical look is always a safe way to go for any guy who isn't sure what style his swimsuit should be.
10. | Scotch & Soda Two Tone Swim Shorts
$68; buy now at amazon.com
If you like dressing in neutrals but want to try out a new hue, these olive swim shorts are just the right fit. Complete with zip pockets—so you don't have to worry about losing your stuff while you lounge on the beach—these are totally practical, yet the opposite of boring.
11. | BOSS Hugo Boss Anemonefish Swim Trunk
$99; buy now at amazon.com
A mix between a graphic and a novelty print, these trunks are perfect for someone who wants to have a little fun without going off the deep end. If you're new to prints, it's a good idea to look for ones that use a solid, tame color as a background, like the navy blue on these.
12. | Everest Isles Draupner Mid-Length Printed Swim Shorts
$255; buy now at mrporter.com
Sure, these look cool, but they're also super high-performing. Made from UV-protective fabric that's also chafe-resistant, you can actually swim in these without any worry of irritated skin or feeling uncomfortable.
13. | RVCA Men's Parker Trunk
$60; buy now at amazon.com
Still into the surfer look? It's okay to wear board shorts like these; just avoid prints that scream "I'm a teenage skateboarder!" Look for a length that hits just below the knee, and skip any styles that fall super low on the hips.
14. | Original Penguin Men's Engineered Horizontal Stripe Fixed Waist Swim Trunk
$79; buy now at amazon.com
If you want to give very short swimsuits a go, look for something that's colorful but not fluorescent—which can be less than appealing. Geometric and stripe patterns tend to work best.
15. | Zanerobe Men's Oil Laguna Trunks
$79; buy now at amazon.com
This print is like a cross between an oil slick and crashing waves—perfect for the downtown man who also loves the beach.
16. | Patagonia Men's Stretch Planing Board Shorts
$79; buy now at patagonia.com
Planning to be get your sweat on outdoors this summer? These shorts have got you covered since they're super light, stretchy, and quick-drying. Go seamlessly from a run on shore to a swim on the lake to a kayaking session without a second thought.
17. | Billy Reid Anthony Swim Trunks
$125; Buy now at amazon.com
These are basically pajama shorts that you can swim in. A roomier cut is great for men with muscular builds, especially ones who are on the taller side. Plus, wider-cut legs mean you've got more space to move around. But if you're looking to fill these bad boys out, learn the 10 easiest ways to gain muscle fast.
18. | Maison Kitsuné All Over Patch Stripe Swim Short
$155; buy now at endclothing.com
Feeling nostalgic for the '80s or '90s? It's all good, because cool-kid brand Maison Kitsuné is right there with you. This patchwork design might remind you of throwback tennis shorts, which is totally the intention.
19. | Polo by Ralph Lauren Yosemite Trumpet Florida Swim Trunks
$69; buy now at amazon.com
Classic Hawaiian prints will never go out of style, so if you're looking for some trunks that will last you for years to come, we say zero in on these.
20. | Neil Barrett Short-Length Printed Swim Shorts
$220; buy now at mrporter.com
A running-short silhouette with a swim fabric is a genius idea for athletic guys. And if you're looking to go straight from a swim to a run, you should check out the top 5 new running shoes for 2017.
21. | Lacoste Taffeta Basic 6 Inch Swim Trunk
$75; buy now at amazon.com
Solid, bright swimsuits, like this seasonal kelly green number from Lacoste, are amazing ways to start introducing color into your wardrobe. Solids are also appropriate no matter what your destination, especially if it's the beach—or an amazing, exotic island getaway.
22. | Sundek Rainbow Mid-Length Swim Shorts
$160; buy now at mrporter.com
We bet you never thought you'd wear animal print to the beach, but on these tone-on-tone shorts, it somehow works.
23. | Solid & Striped The Classic Monaco Stripe-Print Swim Shorts
$122; buy now at matchesfashion.com
Tired of the same old horizontal stripes? Switch it up and go vertical with these retro-in-a-good-way trunks.
24. | Tom & Teddy Kangaroo Print Swim Trunk
$125; buy now at amazon.com
Something about swimsuits makes silly prints feel 100 percent appropriate. While you'd probably never wear a kangaroo print like this on your regular clothes (if you would, you do you), it looks pretty cool on swimsuits.
25. | Missoni Mid-Length Zigzag-Trimmed Swim Shorts
$230; Buy now at mrporter.com
Sportier cuts on swimsuits are awesome for beach activities like volleyball, stand-up paddle boarding, or even just tossing around a football with your buddies.
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