Bathing suits for every man!
Whether you live steps away from the ocean or are hoping to spend more time at a backyard pool this summer, a good bathing suit is an essential part of every man’s summer wardrobe. Good bathing suits do a lot more than help you look your best, they can also perform a number of useful functions depending on what you need and where you’re going to swim. The best bathing suits combine pleasing aesthetics with high quality materials and thoughtful design, but with so many options to choose from, finding the right one can be a challenge. The last thing you want is to get a brand new suit only to arrive at your destination to discover it’s the wrong length or style.
Although there are variations between categories, men’s bathing suits generally come in one of three general length groups: short, mid-length and long.
Before deciding on your next suit, make sure to consider what you plan to do in said suit. For example, if you plan on using your suit to get regular exercise in the pool, you should avoid long bathing suits, even if you prefer the look. The bagginess of a long suit will cause excess drag and get bunched up, causing discomfort while swimming laps. On the other hand, if you’re about to embark on a tropical vacation, you may want a quick drying suit that you can wear all day, regardless of whether you are in the water or not.
If you want your suit to maximize the areas of your body you want to show off, there are certain steps you can take. Aside from the obvious, such as getting a smaller inseam short to show-off big quads, you can do things like get a bathing suit with a faux-fly to add dimension and structure to your hips and waistline. If you’re particularly interested in displaying the lower portion of your torso, opt for a pair of low-rise trunks. Alternatively, if you want to make yourself appear taller, choose some with vertical stripes and avoid horizontal stripes if you want to make yourself appear thinner.
Bonobos Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks
The Riviera trunks have a tailored fit and come in more than 15 different colors and patterns. Although these trunks are short, the comfortable mesh lining, which is designed to reduce chafing, and deep side pockets allow the wearer to feel comfortable in any summer environment, whether it’s poolside or at a casual restaurant.
Silkworld Quick Dry Swim Trunks
These shorts are affordable, functional and flattering. Equipped with a quick drying fabric, zippered side pockets and a deep back pocket, this hybrid suit maximizes the style of a 5 inch inseam and the functionality of running shorts. If you’re looking for something that you can use for cross training or hiking, these trunks are worth considering.
While this suit isn’t cheap, it stands out from the crowd in regards to its quality, design and versatility. The Pool Short is a true hybrid, and most people likely won’t realize that it’s primarily a bathing suit. The pool short has a slim profile but won’t constrict your movement, which is critical if you’re looking to participate in watersports such as surfing or waterskiing.
Maamgic Slim Fit Swim Shorts
This suit hugs you in all the right places with constricting your movement or causing chaffing. They’re also quite affordable and come in a variety of colors and patterns, which makes them ideal for anyone that needs to get more than one suit for an extended oceanside vacation, or something similar. To top it all, affordability doesn’t come at the expense of quality or functionality in these shorts, which are made from a quick drying fabric and include deep side pockets.
If you’re stuck between wanting a pair of mid-length shorts for their style and a pair of long trunks for their functionality, these shorts are ideal. With an inseam of 6.5 inches, four way stretch and highly breathable fabric, these shorts are just as functional as they are good looking. One of the best features is the cross-laced waist band, which allows the wearer to create a custom fit at the hips.
Orlebar Brown Bulldog Swim Shorts
With a whopping $245 price tag, the Bulldog is one of the most luxurious suits you can slip into. Made with the same 17-piece template that expert tailors use to make traditional shorts, and equipped with an adjustable waistband adorned with high quality hardware, these shorts are supremely comfortable and provide a customizable fit. In Skyfall, James Bond famously wore this pair of Orlebar Brown trunks, which are an interaction of the Bulldog.
Dry Pocket Apparel Board Shorts
If you’re an outdoor adventurer, these board shorts are right for you. Not only does the extra length offer increased protection from the small scrapes and scratches you may get while exploring the ocean or the banks of a river, these shorts also have a built-in waterproof pocket. The Dry Pocket trunks are ideal for anyone who wants to take their phone with them on their next excursion but have the desire or need to bring a full bag.
Hurley One and Only Board Shorts
Hurley has been a leader in the swimwear and surf industry for decades, and their pedigree is evident in these swim trunks. The fabric is partially made from recycled materials and designed to feel as soft as suede while also being tear resistant, which is essential for anyone who’s going to be surfing.
Similar to Hurley, Billabong is known for their long bathing suits. The 73 Pro trunks are cut to fall right above the knee and include a notched leg opening that not only adds style but also increases mobility. On top of the notched leg opening, these shorts also have four way stretch, which makes them a great choice for all water and beach activities, such as surfing or volleyball.