Stylish men’s swimwear is not just reserved for the summer catwalks, billionaire playboys and the ‘George Clooneys’ of this world. A tailored and timeless pair of swimming shorts should be a wardrobe essential for every guy. Designers specialising in high-end trunks offer a wide selection of sophisticated styles. Yes, the dearth of male poolside attire has ended. Retro prints and cuts particularly circa 1950s are currently being favoured for their old Hollywood charm and ability to make the ladies swoon. Granted, there are many fashionable modern looks available also. A lot can be said about a man by his bathers. So here are the top 5 brands to splash out on to attract the right attention.

Orlebar Brown

Orlebar Brown brought men’s swimwear back from the depths of hippie surfer and budgie smuggler hell with its classic, tailored range of shorts. Daniel Craig is even rumoured to don a pair in the new Bond film, Skyfall. Celebrating its 5th anniversary this year, the British brand has released fun prints sporting iconic holiday and in-the-water photographs. They come in the popular ‘Bulldog’ mid-length cut with engraved side fasteners and zip fly. We love the ‘Monte Carlo’ limited edition version featuring an image by late high society photographer Slim Aarons.

http://www.orlebarbrown.co.uk/

Vilebrequin

Worn by the likes of style icon George Clooney and former bond star Pierce Brosnan, Vilebrequin has been a sartorial ‘lifesaver’ for suave men who enjoy the water. The company has been synonymous with French-Riviera-chic for over three decades. Renowned for their impeccable quality, the fabrics used are embroidered in traditional French workshops. They have more than 50 colours to choose from – and a phenomenal range of quirky aquatic, animal, fruit and floral prints. Made from quick-dry spinnaker canvas, their five main designs include double stitching resistant chord with drawstring tips in sterling silver or white-plated zamac.

http://www.vilebrequin.com/

Onia

New York-based swimwear brand Onia attracts mature and sophisticated men by keeping it classy and simple. It’s pronounced ‘Oh-nee-ah’ and means ship in hebrew. The ‘Calder’ trunk, their signature cut, sports a classic chino fit and clean finish along the inner and outer seams inspired by formal dress pants. The style is available in a 10-inch and 7.5-inch inseam. Fabrics in solid colours, patterns and an array of sliming stripes are sourced from Spain, Italy and England. The washed out eggplant stripes and banana yellow ones are summer personified.

http://www.oniaswim.com/

Myo

Orlando Bloom and Tinie Tempah are reportedly fans of Myo’s contemporary beach-to-bar swim shorts. With fine detailing and patterns woven from jacquard fabric sourced from Como, Italy – their celebrity following is no surprise. You can even have your pairs personalised with your own initials or crest. The elegant designs comprise subtle rainbow-coloured stitching and logo engraved chord. Plain colours are framed with bright white trims, and offbeat prints include motifs such as revolvers, fish bones and exclamation marks.

http://www.myoswimwear.com/

CHUCS Dive and Mountain Shop

CHUCS Dive and Mountain Shop in Mayfair, London gives men’s swimsuits a touch of old world glamour. The owner Charles Finch is the son of Academy Award winning actor Peter Finch. He was born in Jamaica where his high profile father chilled with friends Errol Flynn and Ian Fleming. Famous family connections aside, his swimwear for men can hold its own. The striking Moroccan print with classic front clasp fastening is bound to be a bona fide hit at the beach. Another guaranteed winner is, the shorter-length gingham Capri style inspired by 1950’s European aristocrats of the Italian Riviera.

http://www.chucs.com/

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