Spotting a guy in a workout class is (incomprehensibly!) rare, so I’m here to tell you that if you’ve never heard an instructor shout “Swimsuit season is coming!!!!!” at you as a reason to push through the last 30 seconds of mountain climbers...well, honestly it’s probably for the best. While I’m not here to body shame you into calorie-burning, I am here to tell you that it might be time to re-examine the state of your bathing suit collection. And maybe even invest in a new style (or two), in the exact same size you bought the last time.
Perhaps you’re rocking board shorts more faded than Matthew McConaughey in Dazed & Confused, longer than Slenderman, or more torn than Natalie Imbruglia. Whatever their damage, now’s the time to ditch ’em and treat yourself to something a little more recent. With quick-drying material, plenty of pockets, and striking patterns, brands have overhauled their men’s selections in recent years. And they know you’re doing more than just hanging out by the water in them. Think: shorter and slimmer styles, meaning you can go from the beach to bar without skipping a beat.
Below are five SG-approved picks to help you slip into something new for summer 2019.
Ask a Clean Person and Style Girlfriend are teaming up this month to bring you the latest on what to wear for spring and summer...and how to care for your new wardrobe acquisitions. This week: swimsuits.
Bonobos Banzai E-Waist Trunk, $68
The mesh lining interior, pockets, and key catch make this Bonobos pair a good upgrade if you’re looking to ~ahem~ dive into something nicer, without shelling out too much of your summer wardrobe budget. The overall ‘preppy watermelon’ vibe would be great with a navy T-shirt and some white sneakers (once you’ve dried out from a dip, that is).
Bather Acid Tie-Dye Swim Trunk, $85
Fueled by designers parading the pattern down the runway this past season, tie-dye is back in a big way. From sweatshirts to socks, the backdrop to your faux-vintage Grateful Dead T-shirt you wore in middle school (it’s fine, we all had one) is showing up in all kinds of clothing this year. Start with something relatively muted like these pastel Bather trunks to test the waters on whether or not tie-dye feels right for you.
Saturdays NYC Timothy Flapper Swim Short, $115
Given their roots as a haven for NYC-based surfers, Saturdays NYC has always boasted slick-looking designs for well-made trunks. This flapper print feels fun without veering too far into silly (we’re looking at you, pineapple wearing sunglasses and drinking a mojito prints).
Vilebrequin Classic Moorea Swimtrunks, $190
I’ve got good news for you if you’ve been slacking on leg day. Vilebrequin trunks are tailored perfectly (not too short, not too long) to flatter the physique of any man who pulls on a pair.
They’re also super soft, which is great if you want to spend the whole day lounging—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t? When you do finally jump in the water to cool off, a neat lil trick is that the small vent holes in the back cut down on that billowing effect that can happen post-cannonball. It’s a small-but-key feature that I’m frankly surprised hasn’t been ripped off by other brands.
Orlebar Brown Riviera Shorter-Length Swim Shorts, $245
The OG of tailored swimwear. Orlebar Brown treated swim trunks like a real suit before anyone else did. They cut the legs shorter for a more flattering silhouette, added side tabs for a customizable fit. and included smart details like heat-resistant zippers.
The result is a pair of trunks that legit makes you feel like you’re wearing some sort of made-to-measure poolside tuxedo. Oh, and this particular style? It was worn by Daniel Craig in Skyfall. Yes, these trunks are endorsed by James Bond himself. If they’re cool enough for Bond, they’re cool enough for you.