Focusing on modern resort dressing, the article shows how men’s swim shorts have become core wardrobe pieces rather than single-use beachwear. Designers highlight tailored cuts, premium quick-dry fabrics and understated trims that work with polos or resort shirts, allowing travellers to pack lighter while staying stylish from morning swims to sunset cocktails and city strolls.
This summer is all about tailored swim shorts, paneyos and short shorts with hemlines going up, colours getting more vibrant and eye-catching prints making a splash. Micro shorts are definitely better for your tan and keep you cool as opposed to long ones. A great reference point could be Tom Blyth in the Burberry High Summer campaign sporting a pair of check short shorts as he poses against a sunset on the beach. Back home, tailored swim trunks with classic mid-thigh length have been a staple for actors like Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra. And when it comes to pulling off statement prints and colours, no one can match Ranveer Singh's confidence. We got a panel of swimwear experts to suggest some chic picks of the season.
Shivan Bhatiya, Founder & Head Designer of Shivan & Narresh sounds excited about the rise of the men's resort paneyo, which brings a fresh sense of ease to beach dressing. "It's incredibly versatile and can be effortlessly draped or styled with a vest or an open resort shirt. The modern man wants pieces that feel relaxed and adaptable, and that's exactly where resort wear is headed," he says.
The designer recommends buying swimwear as part of a holiday wardrobe, not as a standalone piece. "Look for colours, prints, and silhouettes you'd be happy wearing beyond the shoreline. If your swim shorts work well with a resort shirt at lunch or a cocktail by the pool, you've found the right pair. The goal is to pack less and style more," he adds.
Moreover, one sees swim shorts garnering acceptance as day shorts, of late. "Today's swim shorts are far more refined in terms of tailoring, fabrication and design, making them perfectly suited for all-day wear. Modern travellers want pieces that work harder for them, and swim shorts paired with a resort shirt, polo, or even a lightweight jacket can easily take them from the beach to brunch and beyond. The future of menswear is less about categories and more about versatility," notes Narresh Kukreja.
Swimwear specialist design houses like House of Malabaar have seen a strong demand for mid length styles in timeless solids and refined prints that can be worn beyond the beach. Lightweight resort separates, easy shirts, and comfortable footwear complete the look. Krishna Kilachand, Co-Founder of the brand observes, "The biggest shift, however, is towards versatility. Men no longer want swimwear that's only worn for an hour in the water. They want pieces that can take them from a morning swim to lunch, a beach club, or an evening drink. Swimwear is increasingly becoming part of a broader summer wardrobe rather than a standalone category."
When it comes to choosing the correct tailored swim shorts, look for a clean silhouette, premium quick dry fabric, and understated details. "Avoid anything overly sporty or heavily branded. The best swimwear should feel equally at home by the pool, at lunch, or during an afternoon around the resort," adds Shalin Shah, Co-Founder of House of Malabaar.
Today men wear their swim shorts for activities such as padel, casual workouts, walks, and weekend errands. "The comfort, lightweight construction, and quick dry performance make them a practical choice beyond swimming. In many ways, swimwear is evolving into a core part of men's summer dressing rather than a separate category altogether," adds Shah.
Rey&I (a premium men’s swimwear & resort label) Founder, Nishant Singhal points out that quick-dry fabrics are key to moving effortlessly from the beach to the bar and without this feature, you'll still need to wring out your swim shorts and carry a change. "Functionality aside, to upgrade from basic swim shorts to a more refined resort wear look, invest in a pair with a well-cut silhouette, mid-rise and mid-length, classy trims like waist-adjuster buckles and prints that are truly unique," he says.
Modern travel has changed the way men dress with the distinction between swimwear and daywear less defined. "Holidays are often fluid, with the same day often moving from poolside to sightseeing, sunset drinks, and dinner. Men increasingly want pieces that can adapt to these transitions and circumstances without requiring multiple outfit changes," he adds.
These classic check short shorts are likely to turn heads at just about any beach.
This tangerine pair can even be worn for running errands during a beach vacay.
This green pair is versatile and can take one seamlessly from a pool to a brunch with some styling tweaks.
These multi-toned shorts are ideal for some beach sport with your buds.