Best men’s swim shorts for summer 2022

They say fashion comes full circle, but let’s hope that board shorts – the seriously unflattering and uncool staple of the 90s – never make a comeback.

Thankfully, men’s swimwear has come on leaps and bounds of late, from tiny briefs to tailored shorts, and discerning gentlemen have more choice than ever when deciding on a holiday wardrobe that makes a splash.

But these days, the suitability of shorts for a lap in the pool or a lounge on the sunbed aren’t the only considerations, with sustainable materials, expert craftsmanship, trending colours and statement prints all heating up. With the perfect pair, you don’t need to kill yourself in the gym to be hot to trot this summer.

British leisurewear brand, Derek Rose, says: “We’re seeing a rise in demand for functionality and comfort, from fully-elasticated styles that offer a forgiving fit, to small details that make a big difference – think seamless linings and pinlock zipped back pockets. Whether budgie smugglers or baggy shorts, men’s swimwear has truly evolved over the years, and the favoured trend for 2022 is, quite simply, choice.”

Here, we’ve rounded up the best swim shorts for the season ahead – from designer splurges to budget buys – taking you from beach to bar, and back again.

Dive right in - the water’s lovely

Scotch & Soda Striped Swim Short

Celebrating the carefree spirit of Amsterdam, Dutch brand Scotch & Soda offer clothing for all kinds of dressing, but their swimwear strikes just the right note between comfortable and chic.

These swim shorts, made from super-soft polyester and featuring a summery coral stripe, is the epitome of their laid-back ethos. An elasticated waist with drawstring ensures the perfect fit of an upbeat upgrade to your holiday wardrobe.

Buy now £90.00, Scotch & Soda

Vilebrequin Men/Boy Swimwear X Te Mana O Te Moana

Founded in 1970s Saint-Tropez – is there anything more glam? – Vilebrequin has become synonymous with long, hot, lazy summers abroad.

They’re famed for their bold, graphic prints – think everything from starfish to turtles – with their famous label emblazoned across the back of their signature thick waistband. The father-and-son prints are now iconic: matching pairs of shorts designed to bring families together.

Their fresh collaboration with Te Mana O Te Moana – a non-profit organisation in French Polynesia that looks after turtles – will make a statement in Saint-Tropez or anywhere else.

Both men’s and boy’s (£105) are crafted in recycled, lightweight materials and feature a green turtle design with a portion of every pair sold going to the foundation. Feel-good father-son time.

Buy now £210.00, Vilebrequin

Frescobol Carioca Sport Swim Shorts

Named after the beach-bat game invented on the beaches of Copacabana, Frescobol Carioca is all about the spirit of Rio de Janeiro, with a louche but luxurious aesthetic.

Their sexy silhouettes draw on the sculpted physiques of Cariocas – the athletic inhabitants of this sizzling city – while their prints are inspired by the mosaic boardwalks along its beaches. It’s safe to say founders Harry and Max have knocked it out the park: the Sport Swim Shorts in the Ipanema Print are as comfortable as they are charismatic, with a cut to show off golden thighs and a fit to flex for Frescobol. But the best bit? A stretchy waist to accommodate one too many caipirinhas.

Buy now £145.00, Frescobol Carioca

Orlebar Brown Springer Swim Shorts

Orlebar Brown were arguably the first to bring tailoring to swimwear with a tapered waist finally smart enough for poolside soirées. Founded by photographer Adam Brown, the London-based label has evolved since it launched in 2007, now offering a whole line of 1960s-inspired resort wear. When it comes to their swimmers, shorter is always better, and the Springer Swim Shorts are a timeless classic. Plus, they’re made from polyamide fabric and feature their signature side-fasteners – perfect for minor adjustments post-lunch.

Buy now £165.00, Selfridges

Adidas Melbourne Graphic Swim Shorts

The thing we love most about the Melbourne Graphic Swim Shorts from Adidas is that they can easily be running shorts, too – meaning you can pack a single pair for both activities to save on all important baggage allowance. The ultra-lightweight fabric means you feel like you’re wearing nothing – in a good way – while the colourful print is inspired by the many shades of the ocean. The very same ocean the style aims to protect by using 100 per cent recycled materials, no less.

Buy now £38.00, Adidas

CDLP Swim Shorts

From posh pants to luxury tees, Swedish design house CDLP has become a byword for beautiful basics, and their swimwear is a cut above. A collection of briefs, trunks and shorts are all exquisitely made with tailored fits and progressive fabrics. Chief of which is Econyl: a nylon fibre repurposed from landfill and ocean waste.

The Ultra Violet Swim Shorts are just the thing to get you noticed on the sand. The lustrous, twill-weave finish isn’t only tactile, but quick-dry, while the short leg and vibrant colour scream attitude. Made in Portugal, the price tag is worth every penny.

Buy now £125.00, END

Oiler & Boiler Pineapple Swim Short

With their styles inspired by the best beaches around the world – and their models looking like they’ve washed up from Love Island – Oiler & Boiler is a swimwear brand for the Instagram generation.

The shorts make you look and feel good in the sunshine, with flamboyant designs and vibrant colours, while they’re made using 100 per cent recycled materials. The snazzy Pineapple Swim Short in the regular length – they do short shorts, too – will ensure all eyes are on you. No filter required.

Buy now £28.00, Amazon

Barbour B.Intl Block Stripe Swim Shorts

Not just catering for rainy days and dog walks, Barbour does – perhaps, surprisingly – a small but perfectly formed line in swimwear. While there are crazier patterns and bolder colours, smart utilitarian is what this British brand does best, and the B.Intl Block Stripe Swim Shorts tick all the boxes. In classic navy and white, they’re stylish but subtle, and are perfect for those who prefer to go bold up-top rather than down below.

Buy now £40.00, Very

Nautica Cranbrook Swim Short

Did somebody say ‘Yacht Week’? Evoking all the thrills and spills of a high-seas race, without having to expel the energy of a high-seas race, the Cranbook Swim Short from global lifestyle brand Nautica are great for would-be sportsmen. Detailed with contrasting legs and an oversized print, they’re on the athletic side of swimwear, and are as much for sailing as they are lounging.

Buy now £38.00, ASOS

Lyle & Scott Multi Stripe Swimshort

About as far removed from their original knitwear as you can get, the Multi Stripe Swimshort from Scottish brand Lyle & Scott are more high summer than Highlands, and will banish the winter blues the moment you slip them over your hips. Colourful, quick-dry and tough, they’re equally suited to walking around town as they are getting wet.

Buy now £45.00, Lyle & Scott

Easy at Matalan Pink Zig Zag Pineapple Swim Shorts

Sometimes, a simple budget buy for a spontaneous weekend away is all you need, and when such an occasion arises your local Matalan comes up trumps. Case in point is their Pink Zig Zag Pineapple Swim Shorts, featuring a striking pineapple motif that rifts on designer styles, and finished with a green drawcord for an extra splash of fun.

Buy now £7.00, Matalan

Superdry Studios Swim Shorts

Better known for their jackets and hoodies, Superdry are surprising us all this summer with some pretty decent swimwear, including the Studios Swim Shorts in blue tie-dye. At a snip of a price, they’re at the more affordable end of the spectrum, and encourage those who usually play it safe to experiment with colour without breaking the bank.

Buy now £34.99, Superdry

Ron Dorff Swim Shorts Vertical Stripes

Ron Dorff – the Portuguese-made brand that fuses Swedish functionality with French aesthetics – is singlehandedly putting sexy back into men’s swimwear.

Glistening hunks-in-trunks advertising aside, all bronzed skin and bulging muscles, their quality is second-to-none with everything made in quick-dry, high-tech fabrics.

The Swim Shorts Vertical Stripes are classic RD, featuring a tailored fit with side slits and breathable mesh lining, plus an elasticated waistband for those who prioritise the good life over punishing themselves.

What’s more, the recycled polyester materials add sustainable creds, while the short length harks back to the golden era of the Med. A camp classic.

Buy now £135.00, Ron Dorff

Derek Rose Men’s Swim Shorts

With happiness at the heart of their ethos – and the priceless value of leisure time – London-based Derek Rose is very much a brand we can get on board with.

Their Mau 41 Green Swim Shorts are simply joyful, emblazoned with a cherry print that screams ‘summer’, and are crafted from a quick-drying polyamide fabric that’s pre-washed for a super-soft finish.

While the more generous fit is geared towards older gents, they do offer a shorter length in other styles, which is all the better for young ‘uns flashing the flesh.

Shop the brand at Harrods and Mr Porter.

Buy now £165.00, Derek Rose

Riz Boardshorts Blythe Drawstring Swim Shorts

Inspired by Savile Row and surf culture – an unusual but winning combination – Riz Boardshorts are made from 100 per cent recycled materials with £1 from every pair sold donated to the Marine Conservation Society.

Better still, the ‘Rizcling’ Program (genius) offers free repairs for life, or resells if you want to part ways (but honestly, why would you?).

Sustainability doesn’t come at the cost of style: ocean-loving founders Riz Smith and Ali Murrell blend elegant tailoring with a laid-back mood, commissioning a small group of artists on their prints, all using inks that are eco-friendly and water-based.

Our pick is the Blythe Drawstring Swim Shorts in the Endangered Bee Chalk Print: mid-length with a relaxed fit, they come in a convenient quick-dry material with a supportive mesh brief and an array of pockets – taking you seamlessly from dive to dinner.

Buy now £90.00, Riz Boardshorts

Reef Knots Blue Octopus Classic Swim Shorts

It’s a classic story: man gets made redundant from his corporate job, turns his dream into a reality, and unexpectedly launches a successful start-up. It’s what the best British brands are made of.

Here, Patrick is said founder, and his dream was selling ties with a difference, turning them from a symbol of office slavery into something people wanted to wear. The rest, as they say, is history, with his ties now a signature of Reef Knots.

Like the ties, his swimwear doesn’t take itself too seriously, and the Blue Octopus Classic Swim Shorts are a case in point. Made using 100 per cent recycled plastic material – collected from nets, turned into yarn, then woven into fabric – these are soft to touch and comfy to wear. Plus, they’re a whole lot of fun, too.

Buy now £79.00, Reef Knots

Sink Swimwear Signature Papakolea Green Swim Shorts

Created on the peacocking island of Ibiza – where else? – Sink Swimwear are just the thing for beach-clubbing with luxe finishes, sexy colours and confident fits.

Better still, the solid zips and custom hardware in blingy metallics have fast become their calling card, together with a super-short length. Inspired by the emerald sands of their namesake beach in Hawaii, the Signature Papakolea Green Swim Shorts are certain to sizzle on the sand, and are quick-dry to boot.

Sink? More like float to the top.

Buy now £40.00, Sink Swimwear

Pink House Mustique Men’s Swim Shorts Coconuts

Inspired by the private Caribbean island of Mustique – playground to the rich and famous – Pink House Mustique is a tropical label to covet. Founder Lotte has called the isle home since relocating in the 90s, when her husband became its resident doctor, after which she started designing silk sarongs.

The men’s swim shorts all feature a mid-length cut, as favoured by Europeans, with everything made from sustainable fabrics. As the name suggests, Coconuts come with a colourful print and pattern, teamed with an elasticated waist and handy pockets. Exotic and elegant, now all that’s left to do is book somewhere befitting.

Buy now £126.00, Pink House Mustique

LOVE BRAND & Co. World Is Your Oyster Staniel Swimming Trunks

Who doesn’t adore a love story? The couple behind summer lifestyle brand LOVE BRAND & Co. have been chasing the sun together since they first met in 2010. With family ties to the Bahamas, everything they create – from swimwear to shirts – is infused with island flavour.

Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic, their World Is Your Oyster Staniel Swimming Trunks don’t only look the part in a bold red print, but they’re designed to shine a light on the Solent Oyster Restoration Project. They’re quick-dry and chlorine-tested, meaning they won’t lose their punch after a week in the pool, while the matching shirt just begs to be thrown on for a sundowner at the bar.

Buy now £120.00, LOVE BRAND & Co.

OAS Brick Swim Shorts

Launched in Sweden by Oliver Adam Sebastian, OAS – geddit? – is a resort wear brand inspired by his holidays to Spain. The line soon expanded from espadrilles to other essentials, and the swimwear is second-to-none, both for guys and gals. Tailored shorts come in all kinds of colourful prints and patterns – all with a boho edge – but we’re taken by the Brick Swim Shorts. Boasting a pink, coral and green pattern, they’re cool but understated, made from fast-drying materials for ultimate comfort post-dip.

Buy now £80.00, OAS

Mr Marvis The Seersucker Swims Cruisers

Originally just a shorts brand – designing ‘the perfect fit because nobody else did’ – Amsterdam-based Mr Marvis have since expanded into the likes of trousers and even a limited-edition sweater. Striped and stretchy, their Seersucker Swims boast just as much attention to detail, and the fit is everything. The Cruisers come in a lemony yellow, and look more Mediterranean in style than Dutch, made from sustainable fabric that’s quick-dry and super-comfy. Better still, they’re smart enough to enjoy a long lunch in the sunshine, which is the most important bit.

Buy now £99.00, Mr Marvis

Nike Swim Belted 5 Volley Short

From activewear heavyweight Nike, these swim shorts are a great addition to every man’s summer wardrobe. With an integrated belt and cargo pocket, they have a utility vibe that is perfect for wear both in and out of the water, as well as a zip pocket on the back for any essentials. Crafted in a bold blue quick drying polyester, they’ll make you stand out on any beach or poolside - and at £45 it’s a no brainer.

Buy now £45.00, End Clothing