The sun’s out and you can’t wait to brave the waves out on open water for some sea-sport fun or dive into the pool to crush laps. Instead of digging out your old itsy-bitsy, teenie-weenie, yellow mould-dotted man-kini, why not update your pool/beach-side look with trendier threads? Swim shorts are just the in-thing for summer – they are usually made with comfy polyester, fitted with functional mesh lining and pockets, and come in a myriad of sizes, colours and styles. What’s more, take on a pair or two from this list, and you can switch between pool party and dinner outing with spiffy ease.
Topman Considered multicoloured stripe swim shorts in pastel, $27.99, Topman
While Topman stores are gone from our shores, you can still get your hands on its high street fashion wear online, since it is now acquired by ASOS. Here’s one item to, erm, consider, from its eco-conscious “Considered” range: a stripey & summery pair in shades of pastel, white and navy that looks smart enough to be both pool- and mall-worthy.
Available from ASOS.com
Printed swimming trunks, $39.90, Bershka
This one’s for artsy fellas or just those who like to stand out; the colourful, retro-styled illustrations will make you a hard one to miss. Or, if you regard the swimmer as artist and swimming as art, then might as well have your shorts be seen as a painted canvas, too.
Enquire at Bershka outlets for availability, multiple locations, www.bershka.com/sg
Snakeskin water short, $110, Stüssy
Can’t decide between street-style or beach-style? Here’s your solution. Cut from a durable black and army-green snake-print shell, this pair from the comeback cool kid of streetwear, Stüssy, also comes with a back welt zipped pocket so you can keep your locker key safe.
Available at Stüssy.com
Copacabana wave-print swim shorts, $270 (USD $206), Frescobol Carioca
Make waves in the pool and out of it with this “wavy” pair. It’s actually inspired by the swirling pavement mosaic of the Copacabana Beach promenade in Rio de Janeiro, so you can make-believe you are sipping on a mojito by the seaside on your private holiday while you’re tanning at the public pool – we won’t judge.
Available at Matches Fashion
Nylon swim shorts with logo stripe, USD $680, Gucci
Wanna feel “all Gucci” (it’s slang for “all good” if you didn’t know) while lazing in your private Jacuzzi? No better way than dressing down and chic in this pair from the luxury Italian brand. And nothing says “Made In Italy” more than the brand logo trims running down the sides. Besides, monograms may be overplayed but it’s never over.
Enquire at Gucci boutiques and Gucci
Marvel Allover Watershort in blue/red, $65.90, Speedo
Skip the tiny Speedos and aim to be a swim hero in this Speedo shorts instead. This Avengers-themed pair is printed with all your fave Marvel super character logos rendered in a shade of deep blue. Kidults, you and your growing-up kid (he can try the XS size) can each buy and wear a pair to make it a “dad & son” twinning-and-swimming-at-the-pool day.
Available at Royal Sporting House outlets, multiple locations, royalsportinghouse.com
Sicilian Summer mid-length Bulldog swim shorts, $418 (£ 225), Orlebar Brown
This gives new meaning to “beach bum”, because there’s actually one on your behind. Or, rather, the photographic print of Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, in Taormina, Sicily, courtesy of photographer Stuart Candor. And it’s not just meant to be worn for scenery’s sake (for the print and for you to swan around in outside of the pool); the Bulldog is also the British swimwear brand’s first swim short design, making this a right proper pair to splash around in.
Available at Orlebarbrown.com
Marlon flat belt swim shorts in light denim, $420, Vilebrequin
So this is what happens when you marry denim berms with swim shorts. Designed to look like a 5-pocket denim short, this hybrid is made from 94% recycled polyamide with 6% elastane (for stretch), and is flat-belted and tailored to be close-fitted in the back, apparently, to help hug your booty. And with the material’s being slightly iridescent, it’s the closest thing to hot (swim) shorts for men.
Enquire at Vilebrequin stores and brand stockists for availability, multiple locations, www.vilebrequin.com
Nike Spectrum Vital 5” trunk, $79 (USD $60), Nike
Here’s how you do athleisure fashionably and with performance in mind. This pair’s abstract patterns and strong colours (available in four colours; seen in Oracle Aqua here) will make you one-to-watch. Plus, its leg vents allow for improved airflow and motion, with Nike’s Repel DWR (durable and water-repellent) finishing helping to reduce drag and enabling it to dry faster, too. And if you’re the sporty-but-shy kind, there are longer 9-inch versions (instead of these 5-inch ones) that you can don on.
Enquire at Nike stores and stockists for availability, multiple locations, www.nike.com
BONUS: SAFRA members can receive 15% off regular-priced footwear & apparels at Nike stores. Click here for more details.
Cotton On x IRVINS swim short in regal yellow salted egg, $29.99, Cotton On
Okay, nobody asked for it but here it is: a collab between the famous salted egg snack SG brand and go-to fast fashion chain. And yes, they even have a swim short (in four style options) as part of the collection. The affordable price, the cute print… heck, do we even need to convince you why you should take this (and a basket-full of IRVINS’ snacks) to the beach?
Available at Cotton On stores, multiple locations, cottonon.com/SG
All products are subject to availability and prices are subject to change. Prices stated are correct as of time of posting and is based on current exchange rates.
