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Whether you’re moving from St Ives to St Tropez or partying on the roof of Shoreditch House, GQ’s selection of the best swimwear will ensure you’re in style by the pool.
What’s better than relaxing by the pool with a Campari soda in one hand and a rolled-up copy of GQ magazine in the other? Luckily, summer ’23 brought more time spent by the pool than in years past, meaning summer style is back, from sunglasses and sandals to swim shorts and even your trusty bucket of SPF Frost moisturizer.
If you’re one of those people who wears the same chlorine-treated swimsuit for years (or one of those people who forgets to buy a new pair and settles for whatever at the airport Speedo concession), now is the time for new trends and styles that suit you best.
Here, we’ll cover the top trends for 2023, as well as the best swimsuits to consider for your summer vacation.
Swim trunks with a waterproof, glossy metallic finish have been a big trend for summer ’23, making a statement when the sun hits them and looking especially cool underwater. Stone Island sets seasonal trends with its simple yet effective products, while premium lingerie brand CDLP shines with its latest swimwear offerings.
Floral? For summer holidays? Innovative. In fact, the spring/summer 2023 wave of floral print swimsuits is taking things in a new artistic direction, be it an abstract silhouette or a playful pop art vibe. The floral swimsuit trend is quickly taking over the high fashion and high street scene, with everyone from Abercrombie to Jacquemus having a star presence.
The pool has a completely different vibe depending on whether you opt for the lanyard or custom option, but the latter really ups the ante this season. After all, we’ve been stuck at home in loungewear for a year now, so why not add a few stylish pieces to your holiday wardrobe? Tom Ford has released custom swim trunks that are in a class of their own, but there are plenty of more affordable options to be found on the high street, especially the Cos highlights.
Whether you’re a person who adores the 70s or just want people to know that you never miss a leg day, the good news for you is that this summer, running shorts are in retro style is as popular as ever. They typically feature vintage contrast piping and an elastic drawstring waist, but there are plenty of options for men who prefer graphic prints (see Prada). Paired with pool slides and a white tee, they look super cool by the pool.
It’s only fitting that a leading men’s tailor store is launching bespoke swim trunks for summer ’23. Keeping it sleek and classy in a timeless navy tone, pair the shoe’s smart energy with clean black Wayker accents before heading to the nearest rooftop pool. £68.00. on reiss.com
To experience the elegance of the French Riviera this summer, be sure to pack the latest beige swim trunks from Orlebar Brown into your luggage. Made from premium cotton fabric, they feature slim patch pockets for storing essentials and adjustable side tabs to suit any silhouette. Pair with the best black leather sandals for timeless poolside glamour. £195.00. on matchfashion.com
Looking for shorts that are suitable for both the pool and the street? Uniqlo has you covered. The fashion brand’s newest crop top doubles as a swimsuit, with drainage holes in the back pockets and a key lanyard at the back. Available in four different shades of orange, olive, blue and navy to suit any resort style. £24.90 Uniqlo.com
CDLP takes its first step into the swimwear sector through a partnership with the famous Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como. Since then, the Swedish brand has individually released eye-catching new silhouettes, most notably this shiny Deep Lagoon pair made from recycled nylon from ocean waste. £93.00. at cdlp.com
For those who prefer to keep a low profile by the pool, the black Chase Swim Shorts from Carhartt WIP are a reliable option. Elastic fit at the waist and hips provides a relaxed fit (and a midi length for a flattering effect). The clean silhouette will last you through the long summer months and is a great addition to your holiday wardrobe. £60.00. on matchfashion.com
Ready to embrace a bolder style? The fastest way is to wear bright swimming trunks. Hartford’s newest offering: coral style inspired by the free spirit of travel. This fashionable pair features exposed white stitching and a subtle logo patch on the back pocket. £120.00. on matchfashion.com
Are you looking for inexpensive and eye-catching swim trunks? Asos has you covered…literally. Featuring an eye-catching seahorse print, this midi-length style instantly transforms you into a sea creature, while the elastic waistband at the top keeps you comfortable. If you’re interested in the full print, the good news is that you can pair it with a great Cuban collar shirt. £16.00. on asos.com
Paul Smith swim trunks are both eco-friendly and stylish. Made from 100% recycled polyester, this navy cropped style features side patch pockets and features a bold signature pattern with colorful ties and a small zebra patch at the hem. Big yes. £75.00. on matchfashion.com
Few sportswear brands are as classic as Adidas, so you can’t go wrong with swimwear from this brand this holiday season. Featuring the brand’s signature Three Stripes pattern, this lightweight style is made from at least 60% recycled materials and comes with briefs that provide full protection while worn. FYI, these are currently on sale so add them to your cart while you still can. £30 for £15. at adidas.co.uk
Lululemon always spares no expense when it comes to functional details, and that doesn’t just apply to yoga and activewear. Its 5-inch pool shorts feature bonded perforations for superior drainage and a form-fitting design that provides optimal breathing space for your thighs and thighs. And with this psychedelic floral pattern, you can take them with you to the local pool and various overseas festivals. £49.00. lululemon.co.uk
Nothing makes a statement poolside like shorts, and Speedo has you covered. Suitable for all skin tones, this cropped burgundy style adds a romantic touch and hugs the body with an elastic waistband and sporty side stripes. This is a brave pairing for those who dare to take risks. £25.00. on asos.com
Made in Italy from quick-drying fabric, these Tom Ford Zebra Print Swim Shorts are perfect for your upcoming holiday. They’re available in brown or black (we recommend the former for warmer locations) and feature an adjustable buckle at the waist, making them comfortable for a variety of body types. Choose prints this summer. £297.00. www.mrporter.com
Mr. Porter’s own collection always features classic menswear essentials, including swim trunks. This navy blue pair features a straight fit that can be pinned at the mid-length, contrasted by practical white ties and elegant piping on the sides. With a preference for the most flattering cut and slim-fitting design, they are a safe choice for everyone. £65.00. www.mrporter.com
Hello Baywatch Reds. Represent’s Hof swim trunks in a scarlet hue add an elegant touch to the pool interior, while subtle branding throughout is complemented by some street edges that further enhance the brand’s energy. David would be proud. £80.00. www.presentclo.com
Few brands have captured the desire to travel through clothing as successfully as The Resort Co. The Stockholm-based brand specializes in men’s loungewear, from terry polo shirts to chic sunglasses, and its swimwear was another big star of the show. We love these tailored striped shorts, which are a must-have for summer, even when there’s no pool. £145.00. www.resortco.com
If your casual style favors simplicity, check out the Polo Ralph Lauren swim trunks. Specifically, this latest black travel design features silver hardware, mother-of-pearl buttons, side patch pockets, and subtle signature embroidery on the front hem. Poolside wins easily. £90.00 at selfridges.com
The Vilebrequin turtle is an icon in the world of swimwear, appearing in new forms every season. Designed in collaboration with JCC+, these lace-up shoes feature stripes throughout the capsule. £210.00. www.vilebrequin.com
Orlebar Brown is known for its travel prints depicting paradise resorts, and we find more classic silhouettes from Orlebar Brown’s Resort ’23 collection. Featuring the iconic Setter swim trunks, these sophisticated slate gray styles are inspired by Bond’s suit from Days of Thunder (1965). If it’s good enough for Bond… £245. www.orlebarbrown.com
Tom Ford’s visuals are notoriously seductive, often using dark tones, metallic details or animal prints. To encourage you to unleash your wild side, the sophisticated fashion house has launched a custom thigh-length swimsuit in leopard print. £172.00. on matchfashion.com
The Sunspel Drawstring Swim Shorts are simple yet elegant and look great poolside with all black. To stay eco-friendly, they’re made from Seaqual, an ocean plastic recycled from discarded ocean waste, keeping the waterways you want to splash around clean. £160.00. www.sunspel.com
The origin story of these swimmers is beyond doubt. Featuring Burberry’s signature classic check, these tie-up bottoms make for an effortless poolside look, and if you borrow colors from other styles, you can create a casual summer look. £320.00. at burberry.com
Known for its Parisian chic and a healthy dose of rock ‘n’ roll, Sandro’s designs elevate even the most discerning menswear silhouettes to new heights. Case in point: these flowing, pointy drawstring shorts feature a series of ocean blue patchwork stripes. £111.30. www.sandro-paris.com
Prada’s recycled nylon fabrics are just about the best option for swimsuits (or any swimwear for that matter). Eco-friendly fabrics made from recycled ocean plastic and solid colors with white stitching highlight the typical Prada style. £490. on prada.com
Los Angeles Apparel’s bright red men’s swim shorts give off Baywatch vibes. One of seven colors you can buy the style in, the brand is filling the gaping American Apparel-shaped hole in our hearts with sophisticated basics in a variety of colorways. With a 4.5-inch inseam that fits snugly at the hip, they satisfy all the fantasies of our beautiful rescuers. £58. atlosangelesapparel.eu
Gusari was founded in 2019, but its swimwear inspiration is entirely vintage and ultra-chic. Its easily adjustable, custom fit will add a pop of appeal to your holiday wardrobe and perfectly reflect the Caribbean destination for which it takes its name. £100.00. www.gusari.co.uk
Post time: Oct-24-2023