Best Men's Swim Shorts 2024: From Orlebar Brown to Vilebrequin | British GQ

Nov 08, 2024

Whether you're swapping St Ives for Saint-Tropez or you're happy enough on the roof of Shoreditch House, GQ's pick of the best swim shorts will ensure you're serving a poolside style masterstroke

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Lounging by a swimming pool in your best swim shorts. Campari soda in one hand and a rolled-up copy of British GQ in the other. What could be better? And while summer is long gone, consider this: escaping the UK winter makes going on holiday even more satisfying than it already is. If you're off to the Maldives, Australia or Bombay soon, then, you are a) totally jammy, and b) possibly in need of a new pair of swimming kecks.

Since we're UK's leading men's style magazine, we are uniquely positioned to help you out on that second point. And so we will! First, make sure you're set on the other essentials — sunglasses, sandals and SPF moisturiser — then come with us through a comprehensive tour of the brands making the best swim shorts right now — along with our favourite picks from their collections.

For the summer of ‘24, there was a big trend for swim shorts with oil-spill high-shine metallic finishes that'll come into their own as the sun shines on them and look especially cool underwater. Stone Island has been ahead of the trend for many seasons now with its simple but effective offering, while elevated undies label CDLP's latest offering of swimwear is glistening to perfection.

Florals? For your summer holiday? Groundbreaking. Well, actually, the SS24 wave of floral-print swim shorts takes things in an artistic new direction, be it through abstract stylings or playful, pop-arty vibes. The fast blooming trend for flowery swim shorts spans high fashion and high street fashion alike, with excellent takes from Abercrombie to Jacquemus.

There’s a very different vibe to be had at the poolside dependant on whether you go drawstring or tailored, but the latter is really upping the ante this season. We have, after all, been stuck at home in loungewear for a year, so why wouldn’t you add some sartorial smarts to your holiday wardrobe? Tom Ford does a tailored swimming short that’s in its own tier, but the high street has plenty of more affordable options to offer, with particular highlights from Cos.

Whether you’re the kind of man who idolises the 1970s or one who simply wants people to know you never miss leg day, the good news for you is that retro, running-style shorts are as big this summer as they have ever been. Generally, they’ll have throwback contrast piping and an elasticated drawstring waist, but there are plenty of options out there for guys who prefer a graphic print too (see Prada). Worn with pool slides and a white T-shirt they look seriously cool by the pool.

It's no secret that we love clothes here at British GQ, and that means the lot of us are constantly locked into discovering the best new trends, brands and samples in order to put our finger on the ones that are worth your attention and money. Section head for menswear on GQ Recommends, Heidi Quill has spent the past five years up to her neck in samples, while contributing writers Faye Fearon and Jessie Atkinson have over a decade's worth of combined experience working in menswear. In the pursuit of finding the right pair of swim shorts for you, they've combined their experience with brands with real-life reports from the men in their lives — partners, brothers, and GQ editors.

Reiss

Reiss

Crafted from a luxury cotton/linen blend, Reiss’ ‘Che’ shorts are perfect if a trip to Italy sits on your imminent schedule. They’re shaped to an ultra-short fit and come complete with a vintage trim. Also work as part of a (dry) daytime 'fit.

Cos

Cos

It's only fitting that the go-to high street destination for minimalist menswear is championing a simple and effective pair of swim shorts. Built to sit with a more tailored fit (and therefore double up as a pair for poolside and street alike), this navy style is built from a recycled polyamide and is detailed with belt loops and back welt pockets. Just excellent.

Vilebrequin

Vilbrequin

At first glance, these checked Vilebrequin shorts look to be made by Vans. Look again, look closer, and you'll find exactly that style, but made from some of the industry's finest quick-drying shell material — and in one of the best cuts going.

Sunspel

Sunspel

Keeping it simple but always elevated, a pair of Sunspel's drawstring swim shorts in goes-with-everything black can do no wrong at the poolside. Keeping things eco-friendly, they're made from Seaqual, an up-cycled marine plastic from discarded ocean waste, thus keeping the waterways you want to be splashing around in cleaner.

Frescobol Carioca

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Mr Porter

This Frescobol Carioca addition to the swimwear department is as conscious of ethics as much as it is style. Crafted from 100% recycled polyester (which is also known for its lightweight and quick-drying qualities), these pale blue shorts are shaped with a straight fit and looks supiciously like those Daniel-Craig-as-James-Bond-in-Casino-Royale kecks.

Missoni

Mr Porter

Missoni has been making waves in menswear since its inception in 1953, and this is largely thanks to its selection of prints. For Spring/Summer 2024, the Italian brand favoured a gradient effect, embraced in a bright blue format for these swim shorts. Designed with a straight-leg fit and featuring on-seam pockets at the side, their silhouette is strikingly reminiscent of sea waves, making them a top pick for endless holidays to come.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Selfridges

If you're looking to serve a statement at the poolside, a popping pair of swim shorts is the easiest way to do it. Enter Ralph Lauren's latest Polo style. Clad in a bold red shade (which instantly brings big Baywatch energy), this stretchy style is assembled from recycled polyester, fitted with internal mesh briefs and finished with the designer's iconic equestrian logo at the bottom corner. The pair for those that dare.

Tom Ford

Mr Porter

Nothing makes a statement at the poolside more than a pair of short shorts, and Tom Ford is on hand to provide them in the most elegant manner. Communicating a strong sense of a French Riviera style, this stark black design is crafted in Italy from a quick-drying shell. Be sure to make use of the buckled waist tabs for a perfect fit.

Mr P.

Mr Porter

Mr Porter’s in-house range is always a top port of call for classic menswear essentials, including swim shorts. Modelled on ‘70s runner styles, this fresh black pair are cut to a short and straight leg from a shell texture which uses at least 50 per cent lower-impact materials. Consciously crafted and ultra-classic through their monochrome colour scheme, they’re a timeless favourite for team British GQ.

Zegna

Mr Porter

Stripes for basking? It's a yes from us, especially if embraced through these Zegna swim shorts. Made from a quick-drying shell, they're emblazoned with a paintbrush stroke take on the traditional pattern and sealed with the brand's signature 232 Road Brand Mark at the back of the waistband. Pair them with a white linen shirt (ideally left unbuttoned) and leather sandals for serious poolside appeal.

Carhartt WIP

Carhartt WIP

To those who prefer a more understated stance at the poolside, these black Chase swim shorts by Carhartt WIP are a failsafe option. Shaped with a relaxed cut across the elasticated waist and thigh (which falls to a flattering mid-length), their simple silhouette is bound to see you through endless summer seasons to come, making them a smart addition to your holiday wardrobe.

Lululemon

Lululemon

Lululemon always goes the extra mile when it comes to functional details, and that's not just true of its yoga clothes and gymwear. Its 5" pool short boasts bonded perforations for superior drainage and a fit engineered for optimal thigh and glute breathing room.

The Resort Co.

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The Resort Co.

Few brands manage to capture wanderlust through clothing quite so successfully as The Resort Co. The Stockholm-based brand specialises in holiday-friendly menswear, from Terry fabric polos to chic shades, and its swimwear is another big star of the show. We love these tailored-fit striped shorts, that'll double for summer go-to's even when there's no pool in the pipeline.

Orlebar Brown

Better known for wanderlusty-y prints showcasing paradisic holiday destinations, we're digging the more timeless styles of Orlebar Brown for ‘24 getaways. This sophisticated slate grey take on the label's signature Setter swim shorts is inspired by Bond's outfit in Thunderball (1965). And if it's good enough for Bond…