Feast on the visual splendor of this article in our May magazine...
Written by Contributor Meaghan Clark
If you’ve ever seen Michael Phelps slice his way through a chlorine pool, you know his cool factor doesn’t have anything to do with the trunk (his time, on the other hand, does). Whether you’re a swim fan or not, you know that Phelps’ physique wouldn’t look quite as effervescent without the skintight Speedos he brings poolside. Short from wearing the actual Olympic team duds, these are our picks on this season’s hottest swear wear just in time for the sun.
Swim trunks, banana hammocks, speedos, bathing suits – call them what you will, this summer’s hottest accessory is about to hit your wardrobe hard. It’s never too early to start planning ahead, especially if you still need to hit the gym – so with a little more than a month to go, we’ll help you pick next season’s suit of armor for the lucky exposed.
Orlebar Brown Bulldog
For an effortless chic that translates from brunch to the beach, Orlebar Brown’s simple swimsuit sans drawstring is as manly as you’re going to get in a short that goes above the knee.
$240
http://www.orlebarbrown.com/bulldog/
VIDEO: ORLEBAR BROWN
Parke and Ronen Angeleno
Make a statement with a bold print that still accentuates your features. Retro-style shorts have proven themselves on the runway and off, especially paired with Ray Ban sunglasses and a whiskey on the rocks.
$110
http://www.parkeandronen.com/2-Angeleno-Swim-Trunk--Catalunya-Bright_p_887.html
Hugo Boss
Boss knows how to keep it classy with these mid-length shorts in a bright color that reflects Caribbean waters. With their Velcro and drawstring additions, viewers are teased into thinking you’re a bit younger than your look suggests (don’t worry, we won’t tell).
$64
Love Brand & Co
Classic trunks from this Brit brand do more than just look good – they support a good cause, too. Love Brand & Co. partnered with Elephant Family to halt Asian elephants and their animal friends from going extinct. Helping out a good cause while looking good? Sounds like a win-win to us.
£128.00
http://www.lovebrand.com/mens-print.html/
Hermès – Broderie H
Women swoon over Hermès’ signature scarves, but men can get in on all the action too with a pair of swim trunks outfitted in one of several signature prints this French brand has been recognized for. Sophisticated without being too fitted, we can just picture Cary Grant wearing these suckers on a beach with his leading lady.
$830
VIDEO: HERMES
Prada
The Italian brand has stuck with its roots on a pair of swim trunks that are short, fitted with pockets and featuring a snap button. Though entirely European, sport these on some American beaches this summer and you’re sure to be the star of several summer flings (and perhaps some wet dreams).
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/product.jsp?itemId=prod78060010
Emporio Armani
Taking note of the ladies’ popular pastel trend, Armani dressed up its rather simple draw-string, knee-length polyamide shorts with a pop of minty color. The accent will electrify your volleyball match as even the most trained players won’t be able to keep their eyes off your string.
Polo Ralph Lauren – Hawaiian Seersucker
Ralph Lauren hasn’t messed with his style for decades, so the seersucker pattern isn’t a far cry from his original style –but sometimes sticking with a classic does a body good. The bright color is loosened up with a signature print from the Hamptons, crafted from cotton and nylon and shouldn’t be bothered by anything but boat shoes and a polo.
