As with all trends, fashion fluctuates in the water as it does on land year after year and swimwear is a great way to test out the latest trends without committing to a wardrobe overhaul. If you’re heading down to the pool, beach or lake this summer you’re sure to see some key swimwear trends emerging.
Whatever the current popular fashion trends are at the time, the most popular swimwear of the moment often reflects what we see in day to day fashion. Over the years, swimwear has cycled through every trend imaginable, from Hawaiian board shorts to retro-inspired sporty styles, bright florals, simple basics and many more – swimwear is one of those garments where pretty much anything goes.
If you’re the kind of guy who must be up-to-date with all of the latest trends, then keep reading to familiarise yourself with our top picks for the most popular men’s swimwear trends for 2023/24.
Men’s Patterned Swimwear
Who doesn’t love a good print? Bold, funky prints are a great way to have fun with your summer look, both in and out of the pool. With patterned swimwear there is a style to suit everyone, whether you want to keep it classic with Hawaiian print swim shorts, try something new with a paisley look or opt for a contemporary abstract floral print, here at Standout we’ve got your funky swimwear covered.
Superdry Vintage Hawaiian Swimshorts – Optic Banana Leaf £23.95, Farah Colbert Bandana Print Swim Shorts – True Navy £35.95 and HUGO Memo Camo Swim Shorts – Open Blue £41.95
Swimwear is no stranger to the iconic Hawaiian print, once a staple of every dad’s holiday wardrobe across the world, a Hawaiian printed short is now a summer must-have we see dominating swimwear trends. This eye-catching print that we can see in this pair of Superdry Vintage Hawaiian Swimshorts is one to brighten up your holiday look. This all-over banana leaf print in a mix of vibrant orange, blue and green colours will seamlessly blend in with your holiday surroundings and with its quick-drying recycled materials, can take you from the pool to the bar effortlessly.
A print we’ve not seen as much in swimwear but one that is proving to be a popular choice this summer, paisley printed swim shorts are a great way to incorporate a bold print without committing to a garish and bright pattern. These Farah Colbert Bandana Print Swim Shorts boast a striking white paisley print against a navy base. They are designed in a classic board short style and are made from 100% recycled polyester to create a breathable and lightweight pair of swim shorts that are perfect for those shy about experimenting with patterns.
A timeless print that will always be on trend, floral patterns are a summer essential when it comes to your swimwear. While it’s not exactly groundbreaking that flower prints are on-trend, they are still surging in popularity this season and come in many eye-catching variations and colours to suit your style preferences. These HUGO Memo Camo Swim Shorts take an artistic approach to a classic floral and have created an abstract floral print in a mix of blue hues. This abstract floral print offers a unique take on a tried and true pattern, creating a pair of swim shorts that are perfect for those wanting to dip their toe into a floral print without going too bright and bold.
Men’s Bold Colourful Swimwear
Gone are the days of boring black swim shorts, swimwear trends are continuously moving forward into a brighter and bolder future. We all know that a summer holiday would not be complete without bold, vibrant colours and swimwear is the perfect way to execute this trend. Punchy block colours in all shades of the rainbow are a big swimwear trend this year, with citrusy orange, yellow and pink being key favourites. If patterns aren’t for you but you’re still wanting to have fun with your swimwear then bold colours are the best choice for you.
Lacoste Logo Swimshorts – Rose £41.95, GANT Logo Swim Shorts – Natural Blue £49.95 and Hackett London Solid Swim Shorts – Coral £41.95
Paying homage to Pantone’s 2023 colour of the year, viva magenta, these Lacoste Logo Swimshorts in a bright rose hue are ideal for adding a pop of colour to your holiday look. Made from quick-drying fabric, these shorts are perfect for transitioning from the water to exploring the sights, keeping your look on-trend all day long. Although men tend to shy away from bright pink colours, we can confirm that this pink hue is perfect for making your tan pop on holiday and is definitely an essential swimwear piece to add to your wardrobe this year.
For those wanting to experiment with bold colours but are not confident enough to take the leap into pink, an electric blue colour is a great middle ground. These GANT Logo Swim Shorts boast a vivid blue hue that varies from your classic navy or baby blue and features a vibrant orange drawstring cord that adds a unique splash of contrasting colour to your holiday look.
A popular colour we’ve seen making an appearance on the runways this year, orange is set to be the colour of 2024 and what better way to get ahead of the trend with this pair of Hackett London Solid Swim Shorts in a bright coral shade. These swim shorts are made from a breathable polyester, feature a contrasting blue drawstring cord and are perfect for pairing with a bright white t-shirt for a colourful and bright look.
Men’s Short Shorts Swimwear
A retro-inspired trend that we have seen more in the spotlight in recent years, short-shorts are making a comeback. Inspired by the popular 70’s running shorts, short shorts swimwear are the perfect way to ensure you get a great tan, keep cool and stay comfortable both in and out of the water. Not as daring as a speedo but with less material than your classic boardshort, shorter length swimwear is one of the most popular summer trends for men this year.
Ellesse Solara Swim Shorts – Dark Grey £20/95, Calvin Klein Short Runner Swim Shorts – Navy Iris £35.95 and HUGO Abas Swim Shorts – Red £35.95
Inspired by the classic sporty running shorts of the 70s, from one of the most popular retro brands, the Ellesse Solara Swim Shorts boast a shorter mid-thigh length with iconic contrast stripe piping down the side, a stylish double waistband and Ellesse’s signature logo. These short shorts are perfect for those wanting to try out the trend for the first time as they have a more relaxed fit and are not too scant, easing you into the shorter swimwear look.
If you’re looking to go all-out with the short shorts trend then this pair of navy Calvin Klein Short Runner Swim Shorts are the ones for you. Featuring a 5 inch inseam, these swim shorts have less length than most but with an elasticated waistband and curved hem, they compliment your shape and allow for a comfortable fit. The navy colour of these swim shorts offer versatile wearing options, both in and out of the water and with the quick drying, water-repellent fabric, you’re able to comfortably go from the pool to lunch.
When you think of retro short shorts, the iconic Baywatch look may come to mind and you can achieve that throwback look too with these bright red HUGO Abas Swim Shorts. With an elasticated waistband, loose fit and short inseam, these red swim shorts replicate an iconic vintage swimwear trend perfectly and add a vibrant pop of colour to your poolside outfit.
Back to Basics Men’s Swimwear
It goes without saying that your swimwear doesn’t always have to be bright and patterned for it to look on-trend – simple, monochrome basics will never go out of style. Looking good at the beach is easy with swimwear in versatile neutral tones that suit every person, regardless of personal style preferences. For those who like to keep their style low-key, taking swimwear back to basics is the best way to achieve an effortless, on-trend look.
Tommy Hilfiger Medium Drawstring Swim Shorts – Black £32.95, Ellesse Knights Swim Shorts – Beige £16.95 and Lyle & Scott Plain Swim Shorts – Olive £26.95
For a pair of swim shorts that are guaranteed to always be on-trend and go with any outfit you wear, a black swim short is a foolproof swimwear look. This pair of black Tommy Hilfiger Medium Drawstring Swim Shorts are made from 95% recycled cotton and feature an above-knee length, relaxed fit and elastic waistband for a comfortable and breathable fit.
On the opposite end of the colour spectrum, a white pair of swim shorts are also a versatile swimwear option that not only compliments the rest of your holiday wardrobe but will also compliment your tan perfectly. White shorts also offer a cooler option when relaxing by the poolside, as they reflect the heat of the sun. This pair of Ellesse Knights Swim Shorts are the perfect laidback swimwear option, featuring a subtle Ellesse logo and contrasting yellow drawstring, these swim shorts are a must-have for your next holiday.
If you’re looking for a neutral, basic swimwear option that differs from the usual black and white, a pair of khaki green swim shorts offer the same versatility but with a twist. The Lyle & Scott Plain Swim Shorts in a dark olive green colour are perfect for the water but also smart enough to pass as an out-of-water swimwear option too. Featuring a longer-length that hits just above the knee with a seamless all-over olive colour, these shorts offer a quick-drying and comfortable basic swimwear option to add to your holiday wardrobe this year.
Get Summer ready with Standout
If you stick with these key trends, you’re on your way to being the most stylish person around this summer both in and out of the water. For further style inspiration, check out our full range of men’s designer swimwear and men’s clothing from popular designer brands here at Standout to find even more on-trend summer styles to add to your wardrobe this season.