Whether you're planning a trip to an exotic tropical destination or escaping to a seaside retreat for the weekend, you'll need to be adequately kitted out with all the essentials for your summer holiday. Pack your bag with a breezy linen shirt, statement-making sunglasses, a beach-ready tote bag and, most importantly, a pair of comfortable and effortlessly stylish men's swim shorts that can take you from beach to bar.

Sitting somewhere between too-tight budgie smugglers and notoriously daggy board shorts, men's swim shorts are the ultimate summer style saviours that will seriously up your swimwear game. Go big and bold with statement-making prints or keep it low key with classic hues. Retro-inspired running-style swim shorts will add a sporty edge to your outfit, while shorts with a slightly tailored fit will serve you just as well at the pool as when you're sipping cocktails later on in the evening, teamed with a Cuban collar shirt and espadrilles.

Whatever your taste, you'll find your perfect warm weather wardrobe heroes with our round-up of the best swim shorts for men in 2024. Take your pick.

Best men's swim shorts to buy in 2024

CDLP Deeper Lagoon Swim Shorts

Consciously crafted in Portugal from  Econyl – a regenerated nylon fibre made from salvaged plastic waste from oceans and landfills – these men's swim shorts from Swedish label CDLP not only look good, but do good. The luminous, polychromatic 'Deeper Lagoon' hue will turn heads for all the right reasons.

Aurélien Light Grey Beachside Swim Shorts

Keep things classic in these elegant tailored swim shorts from Aurélien. Whether you're lounging by the pool or hopping from beach to beach, you can rest assured your sartorial credentials will be in check.

WAHTS Hudson Swim Shorts

Channel a sporty look in WAHTS' Hudson swim shorts. Crafted from quick-drying fabric, they feature an internal mesh lining for support and have a secure back pocket for your room key or credit card. Choose from an array of bold colours.

L'Estrange Anywear Swim Shorts

L'Estrange has mastered the art of the everyday staple and now, the London-based label has extended its expertise to swimwear. Its new Anywear Swim Shorts are designed for seamless transition between the beach and the city – with a tailored cut and the option of netting for ultimate comfort and support. They also happen to be made from recycled marine plastics, in keeping with L'Estrange's commitment to sustainable design.

Forét Away Swim Shorts

Danish label Forét always seems to nail it with its stylish yet ultra-wearable designs, and these striped swim shorts are no different. The blue and white stripes add just the right amount of character but the look is minimalist enough so as not to take away from the rest of your summer aesthetic. A beach holiday must-have.

The Resort Co Navy Blue Tailored Swim Shorts

These sophisticated swim shorts from luxury resort wear label The Resort Co are as precisely tailored as suit trousers, yet they also happen to be super comfortable and easy to wear. Plus, they're sustainably crafted from upcycled marine plastics, so you can feel good about your purchase. Team them with a plain white tee and clean white leather sneakers for everyday elegance made effortless.

Stone Island Logo-Appliquéd Straight-Leg Swim Shorts

Crafted from a lightweight, quick-drying fabric with a unique crinkled texture, these Stone Island swim shorts are functional yet stylish. Choose from a wide variety of versatile block colours — the black gets our pick for its inherent versatility.

Orlebar Brown Bulldog Swim Shorts

These mid-length swim shorts from Orlebar Brown are based on the pattern of men's traditional tailored trousers, making them a sophisticated choice for a day at the beach. Elegantly understated, they feature sleek nickel-effect side fasteners and bold contrast colour side seams.

Looking for more summer outfit inspiration? These are the very best polo shirts you can buy in 2024.