Swimwear for men used to be treated as an after thought. Any ill-fitting, washed out things would do or you'd simply default to last year's. Recently, it has become a whole section entirely and much more important. This is you at your most vunerable, this is you stripped. You are wearing one item of clothing so you better make it good. The preppy, New England Lobster/Crab print types are always popular. I love these Rabbit ones from French label Vilebrequin.

Have fun with the prints and colours but stick to the swim short shape. Avoid anything too clingy or too long. I like the swim short style because it suits all body types and shapes. The mid-thigh swim short is perfect for everyone. Slimmer guys can pull off the slightly more formal/structured ones better but generally they work for everybody. Here are my favourite swim shorts out there right now plus a few other bits and pieces you should be taking anyway with you. Bon yoyage!

Vilebrequin - Red Garrigue Rabbit Classic Fit Swim Shorts - £110

www.my-wardrobe.com

 

 

 

Liberty - George Swim Shorts - £140

www.libertyoflondon.co.uk

 

 Brooks Brothers - Crab & Seashells Swim Shorts - £79

www.brooksbrothers.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aussiebum - Scent - £22.05

www.aussiebum.com

Hackett - Multi Hibiscus Print - £75

www.hackett.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gant - Dragon Flower Swim Shorts - £60

www.houseoffraser.com

 

www.gantuk.com

 

Orlebar Brown - Bulldog - £125

www.orlebarbrown.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ted Baker - Lobster Print - £45

www.johnlewis.com

 

 

Topman - Postcard Print Swim Shorts - £26

www.topman.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moncler - Yellow Swim Shorts - £70

www.yoox.com

Paul Smith - Floral Print Classic Swim Short - £70

www.paulsmith.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Smith Large Multi Stripe Beach Towel - £65

www.paulsmith.co.uk

Could you get anymore English? For pure nostalgia value, you have to have a pair of jelly sandals. They are actually really useful, not all beaches are sandy you know and there's nothing worse than tip-toeing in pain down to the surf or worrying about losing your expensive sandals on the shoreline.

£8

www.asos.com

 

 

 

 

Hackett Beach Bag - £80

The best man's beach bag I've ever seen. Masculine and fits everything in. Really like the polo number on the front. Love this.

 

www.hackett.com

 

Who cares about all the added extras? It's just more to carry. Super lightweight Samsonite.

B-lite Spinner - £139

www.samsonite.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Smith Hibiscus Straw Hat - £130

You must have a hat to protect your hair and head from the Sun. If possible buy a hat with matching swimshorts, looks very cool.

www.paulsmith.co.uk

 

If you are planning on leaving the beach, here are some colouful travel guides from Tumi - £125

 

www.tumi.com

 

Before you venture out, get 'Sun Smart' - Click Here

You'll need one of these as well. Find out what the accessory of Summer 2010 is - Click Here