Our guide to swim shorts

Three years ago, we gave you a lot of advice on choosing a swimsuit in this article , here we are more specifically interested in swim shorts. Of which Jordan says here all the good things he thinks about it. Here are our tips for looking perfect on the beach.

What length and cut?

The shorter it is, the more revealing it is . A swimsuit that reveals a little more of your legs has a slightly more "sporty" connotation; you would more easily expect to find it on a young man. Conversely, the longer the jersey is (without ever going beyond the knee), the more "classic" it will be, but also "relaxed" if it is looser.

There are swim shorts ranging from a little above mid-thigh to "long Bermuda shorts", bordering on being capri pants.

As with boxers, I am convinced that in addition to the connotation, certain lengths better highlight certain physiques: if you have rather short legs, or simply quite muscular, a shorter length will be more flattering and will compact you less.

Conversely, the taller or more slender you are in your lower body, the proportions will seem more accurate if your shorts stop closer to the knee.

It's then up to you to judge what represents the best balance between your silhouette and the connotation that speaks to you the most. It's not more complicated than that.

To understand how different lengths can greatly affect the appearance on the same model, I recommend going to see the Orlebar Brown shop: this brand specializes in swimsuits (very beautiful, but excessively expensive for what they are). ) offers five lengths which are iterations on the same model (Setter, Springer, Bulldog, Dane).

Example here with the Setter (left) and Dane (right) models. The second will be more recommended if you have a slender figure.

Coming back to fullness, it’s totally ok to have fitted swim shorts.

But too tight, to the point of tension when you bend, is a no. It doesn't make you look good and is uncomfortable.

Hey, I see you coming from afar, the fans of loose volumes who laugh inside at those who would prefer fitted shorts. I remind you that the parachute which collapses in all directions is not much better. If you choose the fullness, make sure that it falls correctly without being baggy.

Example of swim shorts with the right size: neither baggy nor tight, they follow the thighs correctly while leaving room for your movements (Photo credit: Seagale).

Besides, you don't choose a swimsuit a size larger if you want a looser fit : you take your size, and you just find a looser model. Otherwise, you risk finding yourself in embarrassment following a dive. Or worse, you'd have to tighten your cord all the way every five minutes to avoid giving your backseat neighbor an involuntary smile.

The right choice of material

Cotton or synthetic?

Synthetic dries faster but cotton is nicer. Some favor a mixture of the two to preserve a relatively natural hand that remains close to cotton. Like these Atelier Particulier seersucker swim shorts .

Obviously, a more natural material will have a less "technical" result, which will appeal more to those of you who are used to beautiful materials.

What color and pattern?

Okay on that... Sincerely...

I know this is where you expect to find perhaps the most advice.

And it's true that seen from a certain angle, compared to the rest of the year, all the rules are turned upside down in swim shorts "Only one color? But what if it doesn't suit my complexion? And how do I go about it? do neither too much nor too little? And if I don't put a pattern, it's boring? And if I do, isn't it too much?"

Well stop. Let's relax, friends. If you're in a swimsuit, there's a nine out of ten chance that it's vacation. In our opinion, there is no question of worrying about this piece.

Obviously there are some AWFUL prints that we wouldn't rather see you wearing. But on this, you have to follow your instinct.

For example, your instinct may tell you to avoid it.

Are you a man of funny patterns? On the team, I think we don't. But if it really is the time of year for you when you want to get crazy and be second-rate in your swimsuit, go ahead, no one has the right to tell you anything.

If you are more concerned about the image sent back, if you have more restraint, and if you do not want to appear exuberant, then again, you know this better than us. And you know what to do: you will probably choose a sober color. Possibly a little less sober than usual so that we still don't get bored. And then the pattern, you will probably take it quite small or classic, rather than a large colorful design. That is, if you want one.

So yes, the relationships between skin and color still apply: the darker your skin, the easier it will be for you to wear very bright colors. But other than that, there are no more questions to ask. Especially since it's entirely possible that by spending enough time in swim shorts, you'll end up having skin that's just dark enough to wear this color, which you found a little too strong at first.

If you like red or are a fan of Baywatch, don't worry and go for it. (Photo credit: Orlebar brown).

Technologies, nets, pockets and closing systems?

We talk about style, but we must also remember that swim shorts are also a highly functional object. So also keep an eye on all the practical aspects: is the material of the mesh (or the “integrated boxer shorts” for certain brands) unpleasant?

Is there a particular technology in the material that allows quick drying, stretch, increased respectability? Is the closure system comfortable and does it hold in place? does it leave room to maneuver to be adjustable?

Drawstring, elasticated belt... don't hesitate to comb the whole thing over (Photo credit: Sunspel).

The boxer question

I don't know about you, but I've never worn boxers under my swim shorts. I have never found it more comfortable, nor more pleasant, in addition to being very ugly when the belt sticks out.

I know that some will defend this practice to the end of their days. I wouldn't want to assume what is essential for their comfort or not, but know that aesthetically, it's still not great, so make sure that it doesn't show too much at least.

Moreover, it seems that some people do it so that we can see the mark of the boxers under the shorts. Well if it's true... For us it's yet another reason to avoid it.

If it's to leave an unsubtle logoed band like here, you might as well let it go.

My brand recs

• Seagale and Outlier , for a more technical rendering, a more “sport” and “outdoor” visual appearance.
• Orlebar Brown , Sunspel or Suitsupply which manage to make shorts with a slightly "dressy" look thanks to their side adjusters and or ticket pockets inspired by tailored pants.
• The Frescobol Carrioca shorts which have a very casual side with their rounded bottom, their prints and their drawstring, but whose short length still gives a more structured look.

Our selection of swim shorts

Rubinacci - Jordan

“I am especially seduced by the color of these swimming shorts . Simple color but more summery than summer itself. I can see myself sunbathing, between the blue mosaic and the azure sky, lying on the hot tiles, like Delon in La Piscine.

The shorts are made of polyamide, normal for this type of piece, but a polyamide that seems quite light all the same and all made in Italy.

At the end of the day, when it has dried well and I too, I will put on espadrilles, a white linen shirt wrinkled from the trip and on my face the satisfied look of people on vacation. »

De Fursac - Michel

“For me, the beach is a bit like a playground: a short break in the middle of the year during which you can have fun without taking yourself seriously. And what could be better than the Hawaiian designs of this De Fursac model for rolling around in the sand?  Its yellow color supports the offbeat tone of the room, without putting aesthetics aside: the patterns are correctly made and the finishes make the whole thing well executed. There are even pockets to store my shell collection. »

Robinson les Bains Oxford Khaki - Benoît

“No, no, no expensive techwear swim shorts this time!

Here, it's Robinson Les Bains, a French brand that I like which offers swimming shorts in a very beautiful seersucker. The brand has been making swimsuits for 12 years, it has a lot of experience in terms of comfort and fit.

We often talk about Orlebar Brown, but for me, Robinson les Bains is a real source of French pride!

The color is special, like a khaki that subtly mixes with gray, in short, we are sure of timelessness. And obviously, the basics are there: a beautiful material that dries quickly, but also pretty finishes like a piped pocket and a secret zipped pocket.

It’s like the ultimate swimsuit for having the best vacation of your life.”

Berg & Berg - David

“I opted for swim shorts that go beyond the classic “drawstring + light color + summer pattern”.

I wanted something a bit more elegant. And I found what I had in mind at Berg&Berg, a beautiful Swedish brand that Jordan particularly likes.

Clamp tabs are a great alternative to the drawstring. Note also the slightly offset buttoning, once again a rather dressy detail.

Next comes the color: brown. It wouldn't necessarily come to you in mind on a bottom (pants or shorts) and yet! These brown swim shorts have a slightly vintage side that speaks to me.

Although too short to replace city Bermuda shorts, I can totally see myself wearing them to stroll around town after coming out of the water.”

Update: The “I freaked out” selection – Nicolò

Good.

I returned briefly from vacation , and what do I see there? Just before publishing my article, colleagues from the editorial department added a selection of jerseys. Except I couldn't participate!

So for the sake of it, here it is: I'm taking my revenge, and I'm adding not one but THREE.

And to mark the occasion, I will imagine in this selection that I have an unlimited budget , and that I am prohibited from wearing a basic swimsuit. Prepare yourself for a “space” selection.

Vilebrequin X The Rake - For the love of camo

It's no secret: I love camo, friends.

Is it because it manages to reconcile my fantasies of a kid who thinks he's GI Joe with the world of fashion? Maybe. Is it because it is a motif that is both provocative and timeless and keeps coming back year after year, without ever really becoming mainstream? Certainly. Is it just beautiful? I have always found that yes.

For commando-pool missions.

In any case, I think this one is just right. Dark and blended enough not to harm the retina. The killer detail for me is the metallic end of the cord which is gold, which perfectly matches the green and light brown shades of the jersey. Besides, in this photo we actually realize that the shine of the fabric will almost give them a golden appearance in the right light.

And the fine, luminous material with a little stretch suggests great comfort.

In short, that was the good side of the criticism.
The other side of the coin is that according to customer service, these models are made in Morocco. I admit that at €220 for a pair of swim shorts, we are entitled to say that the gap between the assumed production cost and the final price is excessive. Even if it would be well done. And even if the material was pretty.

Sorry The Rake, I really like you (and the camo too), but it had to be said.

Crankshaft - Prince-of-Wales Iridescent (and still a little camo)

So, on paper if you read the title without seeing the photo, it's a completely absurd escalation. But in photos... Damn. Against all odds, I think it looks really good.

Yes it's still camo, but if that wasn't enough for you, this one is in an iridescent blue fabric , with PLUS a tone-on-tone Prince of Wales.

For the commando-pool missions, which lead to a rave party just after Pitti Uomo. Ah yes, the famous...

Except that ultimately, the visual “noise” of the two superimposed patterns calms them mutually, more than anything else. What is strongest in the piece is ultimately the shimmering side of the material. And I don't find it shocking in the context of swim shorts, where we are used to fluid and silky materials.

And obviously, at €10 less than the previous one, it's still way too expensive for swim shorts made in Morocco. Maybe one day on the brand's outlet, eventually...

Frescobol Carrioca - "Copacabana Especial"

With a name like that , frankly, we could imagine that this jersey would be expensive. And I swear I didn't do it on purpose: when I fell in love with it, it had to be the most expensive in the entire e-shop. That’s definitely my style, I say...

At 345€ unsold , what can explain such a price for this “special” edition? Especially since unlike the previous brand, most of Frescobol's models are at more reasonable prices. (Especially since they are on very good sale at the moment... Take a look!)

Okay, these swim shorts are beautiful, but they're normal, right? Unless...

Well I think that paradoxically, it is more understandable than for the other two models.

Not only is it an “in house” fabric , but in addition the brand's usual Brazilian manufacturing is here enhanced with a great bonus: embroidery made in Italy.

Oh yes anyway. It's entirely embroidered in fact. Okay, I didn't say anything.

Yes, what appeared to be just a print from afar is in fact subtle needlework and thread. Respect guys.