Between Hawaii and California is a mass of 100,000 metric tons of waste materials bobbing in the water. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is already three times the size of France and growing exponentially. Rather than a solid island of rubbish, it’s more of a soup, mostly made up of fishing nets and microplastics. You can sail a boat through it, but we wouldn’t recommend swimming in it. What we would recommend swimming in is these brilliant white Moka swim shorts by French label Vilebrequin. They’re made from recycled nylon, so represent pivot towards meaningful change. Not just a drop in the ocean.

The French Navy famously wear stripes of a similar shade to make sailors easier to spot if they fall overboard (with the bonus popular legend linking each line to a Napoleonic victory at sea). Polo Ralph Lauren’s sartorial triumphs were largely won on dry land. However, this marinière-inspired polo shirt is worthy of attention wherever you end up this vacation. The bold contrast horizontal bars draw the eyes in, while the jaunty Johnny collar promises a pop of suntan below.

These straight-leg trousers by James Perse are the physical embodiment (lower half) of how we plan to spend this summer. Made from an airy, soft linen, they’ve been garment dyed in an optical white tone that turns creases into a badge of honour. They also have a laid-back gait and an elasticated drawstring waist, like pyjama bottoms it’s OK to leave the house in. Honestly, to breeze through life like these pants is all we ask.

Expect the debate around short lengths to be heightened this summer. Will you be wearing yours short and riding right up your thighs or hanging down by your knees? Somewhere between the two, but erring towards the latter, you’ll find this pair by Saman Amel. Sitting comfortably, we’d add. They’re made from a lightweight linen with a breathable handle and natural texture. The fit and drawstring waist say relax, although they can easily be dressed up for a smarter look.

Frescobol Carioca is known for capturing the spirit of Rio de Janeiro with its resort-like summer-facing collection. It often goes for bold designs, inspired by – or lifted from – the patterns, textures and even pavements of Brazil’s Marvelous City. That’s not all that the label has repurposed. The shell material used here is recycled, given a second life, as well as a punchy print. And as visually arresting as these swim shorts are, you won’t see them anywhere else – they’re exclusive to MR PORTER.

Made in Spain – as it should be – this model of espadrille is called Porto by Castañer, meaning we’ve considered the Portuguese turn of phrase, “alpercatas”, instead. Whichever camp you have a foot in, it will be handsomely shod in these. The woven suede upper is set on traditional, but comfortable, jute soles to see you through summer.