The swimwear to pack for your summer 2018 holiday.

If men’s fashion is experiencing something of an extended silly season – saturated as it is with ironic, self-aware streetwear, loud slogans, and a disregard for rules or boundaries – what happens now that we are, literally, in silly season? And by that we mean summer: a time when frivolity, drunkenness and general happiness is at its peak. Summer is a time to laze by pools, on beaches or in bars, and we spend a lot of time in swimming shorts. It almost seems like you can get away with wearing whatever you like at the moment – within reason, course. To prove it, we have picked out our current favourite swim shorts, and a piece of clothing that will take them from pool to, well, wherever you like. Still, there’s a way to wear swimwear when you’re not by the pool, so read on to find the right pairs of shorts for the job, plus a little style advice, and everything should go swimmingly.

For better or worse, shorts have been getting shorter recently. We celebrate this fact as, in our minds, the cut makes us look like an effortless Italian sunning himself on a yacht somewhere off the coast of Puglia. This may well not be the reality of course. If so – cover yourself up with a nice linen shirt, such as this one from 120%. Whatever you do, avoid white T-shirts with red shorts. Unless you have a lifeguard qualification, that is.

If you don’t feel brave enough to wear short shorts, try these mid-length ones by Hartford. With that subtle floral design, they’ll look great in the pool, but will also work just as well around town (once they’re dry). Whatever you’re doing, you’ll probably need some simple white sneakers, and you can’t really go wrong with Converse.

A pair of swim shorts printed entirely with a picture of a swimming pool – how’s that for sartorial inception? As well as being a meta marvel though, this pair from Orlebar Brown are also practical, and have adjustable waist straps to keep them secure when you go for a swim. All you need now is a towel – this easy-to-spot one from Vilbrequin will do nicely when you’ve forgotten which sunbed is yours.

If the pattern on these Frescobol Carioca shorts looks familiar, that’s because it’s inspired by the swirling blue and white mosaic pattern on the iconic Copacabana beach promenade in Rio de Janeiro. It doesn’t get much more beach-ready than that, but a pair of sunglasses can’t hurt – keep your cool (and protect your peepers) with these ones from Cubitts, which will have you very much looking the part whether you’re at the Copacabana or not.

Want to make a statement with your swim shorts? Go for a pair from Missoni – the Italian brand’s signature jazzy prints lend themselves particularly well to swimwear, and these shorts are a kaleidoscopic marvel. As such, you’ll want to tone it down with the rest of your outfit so as not to overwhelm, so put on this white T-shirt from Holiday Boileau, and get yourself to the beach.

These striped seersucker swim shorts from Kingsman are a great example of swimwear that isn’t just for the pool. Saying that, if poolside is in fact where you are, these shorts will make sure you’re the sharpest chap there. Beyond that, they’re smart enough to work for a stroll into town, and will look great when paired with a fine polo shirt, such as this cotton and mulberry silk-blend one from Berluti.