THE JOURNAL
Jessica Paré and Jon Hamm in Mad Men season six (2013)
Going anywhere nice this summer? If so, standout swimwear should be the first thing you sling in your luggage. What you wear in – or, at least, by – the water can go a long way to shaping your entire vacation. Maybe you have an itinerary of activities lined up. Or you might have nothing planned beyond covering the short distance from the lounger to the bar.
With that in mind, we’ve selected the swimmers that are more than up to the task, whether you’re hoping to get your lengths in or if the only lap that interests you is “of luxury”. In short, shorts for the particular – even when worn perpendicular. Below, a deeper dive into the swim shorts to make your summer.
01. The printed swim shorts
Maybe you want to be noticed on the lounger. Or, worse-case scenario, spotted in the swell. Whether it’s the attention of other bathers or the lifeguards that you’re after, you want a pair of swim shorts to help you stand out for all the right reasons. That could be Vilebrequin’s trademark turtle motif, rendered in a lower-impact recycled shell (a nod to those beach-born critters in their’s). Or signature prints from the likes of Versace, Missoni or Burberry. Call it making a splash – of colour, that is.
Shop printed swim shorts here
02. The minimalist swim shorts
For some, dipping a toe in the water is enough. Forget the pool, there’s page-turning literature to dive into. Not to mention a mai tai in the cocktail bar with your name on it. If you’re venturing from poolside to local restaurant, you might want some swim shorts that also look the part on dry land. Such as ZEGNA’s, which feature adjustable tabs and a quick-drying material, and Frescobol Carioca’s Consciously Crafted cossie. Or look to Orlebar Brown, who practically invented the tailored swimmers. Think low-key styles for those at sea level.
03. The block-colour swim shorts
What if you’ve placed your towel down somewhere between the two? You want a pair of shorts in a tone that says “my out-of-office automatic reply is on,” but doesn’t look off with the other clothes you’ve packed. That could mean an Orlebar Brown pair in a citrusy shade so fresh it could be served alongside the breakfast buffet. A creamy yellow version from Polo Ralph Lauren that might go well with a tan (don’t forget the SPF). Or sporty reds and blues from Brunello Cucinelli and TOM FORD respectively, both of which suggest you know how to catch a Frisbee, should the situation arise.
The people featured in this story are not associated with and do not endorse MR PORTER or the products shown