Style Pick of the Week: Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks – The Perfect Pair of Beach-Ready Men’s Swim Trunks

The surf’s up this summer, or at least, it is in my neck of the woods — has there been a better time to hit the beach in style than right now, particularly when wearing a set of the best swim trunks for men? That’s why we’re here on this fine summer Saturday, with a world of potential getaways, coastal hangs and days at the pool still in front us — and that’s where our good friends at Faherty Brand can deliver the goods when it comes to one of the best swimsuits for guys.

As well-known for its buttery-soft, hard-wearing flannel shirts, shirt jackets and expertly cut henleys in the fall and winter months, it makes perfect sense that the coastally inspired, New York-based Faherty would offer up some finely crafted swim trunks for men. The Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks get plenty of details big and small correct in terms of design, effortlessly cool looks and even a dash of crucial performance.

And trust me: When it comes to getting out there the rest of summer, you need a dash of all three — and then some.

The Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks — available in an array of 10 patterns and colors to suit every sense of style — are outfitted with plenty of bells and whistles, making them the brand’s most technical set of swim trunks yet.

The technical specs kick off in fine fashion with a comfortable, breathable compression liner for a secure fit and critical support, while the quick-drying, lightweight performance fabric is not unlike the fabric found on your favorite gym shorts.

Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks

Those features give your new favorite pair of swim trunks some serious versatility for coastal adventures, day hikes to a secluded stream and even sunset lounging (note the just-right 7-inch inseam on the Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks, after all. A left-side zipper pocket nicely accents two side slash pockets and one back welt pocket, while the compression liner even boasts an interior media pocket to secure your everyday carry essentials on the go.

The Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks also feature a gusseted crotch for even greater ease of movement, plus a side split hem on either side — Faherty Brand truly thought of everything when developing some of the best men’s swim trunks out there.

With a comfortable elastic drawcord waistband and a wear-with-anything 7-inch inseam, the versatility of the Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks is nearly unmatched, with plenty of style points up for grabs via 10 vibrant color and pattern options. The beach is calling, and you’ve now got the perfect trunks for your next getaway.

Style Pick of the Week: Mack Weldon Swim Trunks – An Expertly Crafted Pair for Your Next Getaway

Unfortunately, we’re not quite out of the woods yet as far as the high heat of summer is concerned, and perhaps that means it’s time to evaluate the status of your swimwear. A refresh is never a bad thing to consider, especially if you’ve been hanging onto an older pair of swim trunks that’s been put through the ringer these past few weeks and months.

That’s why I trust Mack Weldon to deliver some of the best of the best when it comes to men’s accessories (and more, of course).

In my experience, the best men’s swim trunks can lend themselves quite handily to a stylish swim, as well as a more comfortable, dare I say better, dip in the pool or ocean. I’m already a major fan of Mack Weldon men’s shirts for their comfort, durability and breathability (plus a dialed-in, yet not overly tight, fit). And luckily for all of us, Mack Weldon swim trunks are a supremely safe, solid bet in terms of performance and beach-ready good looks.

I’ve tried out Mack Weldon swim trunks over the years, and have been impressed by the lightweight, supple yet strong fabric (a four-way stretch blend that’s proprietary to Mack Weldon). The fabric on these Mack Weldon swim trunks dries quickly and doesn’t weigh you down, while the micro-mesh liner is comfortable and supportive, rather than cumbersome.

I’ve also found that these Mack Weldon swim trunks get the fit just right — the 6″ inseam is a touch sporty, with a fit that hugs my legs without proving too tight or constricting. One of my favorite features about Mack Weldon swim trunks, though? The seam-sealed side and back zipper pockets, ideal for holding small everyday carry essentials on the go.

For good measure, my new favorite pair of Mack Weldon swim trunks come in a vibrant range of colors and styles, all the better to suit every sense of taste. And right now, these performance-ready swim trunks are even marked down to just about $61 — that deal is an excellent one given their quality and value. In my opinion, a set of Mack Weldon swim trunks belong in your getaway bag the next time you pack up to catch some surf, sand and sun.

The Thursday Buy: Buck Mason Is Now Making the Perfect Swim Trunks for Summer

Buck Mason swim trunks.

In my experience, when you find a brand making menswear essentials you know and love, it’s a wise move to venture back to that brand when they seem to *swim* into a new category: In the case of my friends at Buck Mason, that means Buck Mason swim trunks could quickly become a go-to favorite.

The recently introduced category brings the iconic modern menswear retailer’s emphasis on the classics to the forefront, and in a major way. The best men’s swim trunks are now being crafted by the Los Angeles-based brand, and they’re here not a moment too soon in the summer heat.

The Buck Mason Diver Cloth Swim Shorts are as timeless as it gets in every way possible, starting with the fabrication and fit. Unlike baggy cargo swim shorts of days gone by, these stylish men’s swim trunks boast a tailored cut and a shorter inseam — not to mention hard-wearing recycled nylon construction.

These swim shorts are also lined with nylon for support and comfort, but it’s the retro-leaning design (including a front-buttoned pocket) that drives home the proper blend of form and function.

Whether in a sharp Olive Drab or a crisp, darker shade, the Buck Mason Diver Cloth Swim Shorts are as essential as one of your favorite T-shirts from the famed brand. In my experience, they make a worthwhile addition to your next summer beach packing list (and then some).

See Now, Buy Now: Flint and Tinder’s Vintage Boardshorts are the Perfect Swim Trunks for Summer

The best men’s swim trunks on the market? Sure thing.

If you don’t yet have a pair of the best men’s swim trunks, well, check your calendar — it’s time to get on that, and before you pack for your next beach trip, at that. Luckily for you and me both, the Flint and Tinder Vintage Boardshorts are here to save the day, offering up USA-made style and dependability, just like they used to make ’em in the old days. That’s the refreshing thing about gear you get from Huckberry — this is gear made the right way, and made for plenty of situations; helpfully, that means the Flint and Tinder Vintage Boardshorts perform like your new favorite swim trunks, yet fit like a proper pair of tailored shorts (as Huckberry says, that makes ’em sharp enough for a post-swim happy hour). And like other gear from Flint and Tinder, including the brand’s perfect T-shirts and essential denim, they’re made to last to exacting standards — that’s great news if you enjoy catching some waves (or just catching some Z’s on the beach, at any rate).

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One of two standout colors on tap this season.

It starts with the fabric when it comes to the Flint and Tinder Vintage Boardshorts — it’s abrasion-resistant, four-ply nylon fabric that makes these stylish boardshorts so functional, and a soft nylon interior lining sets them apart in that regard, too. A cotton drawcord provides both durability and a perfect fit, while a rear back pocket with grommet means that water drains easily. And those are just the specs you need this summer — don’t think twice about throwing on the Flint and Tinder Vintage Boardshorts to head to the beach, and then to head to the beach bar after. The real kicker? You can pick up these essential men’s boardshorts in two colors, including the Indigo and Sky Blue option shown above. All the bells and whistles here are covered — meet your new favorite swim shorts, folks.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Swimsuits to Buy This Summer

It’s definitely, definitely in the air: Summer, followed closely by the promise of sunny days in the water, stylish beach gear and yes, stylish swimsuits. If you need an upgrade in that department, we’ll get you sorted out in no time today. And if you start by taking a look at your swimwear, you’ll be set when it comes to what to wear to the beach this summer. Specifically, you’re going to want to reach for a pair of swim trunks that fit more like your favorite pair of chino shorts. Look for a clean, not baggy, fit — one that hits above the knee, namely. Although there are many iterations — from thigh-baring numbers to longer board shorts — we’re focusing on picks that generally hit the sweet spot today. Crucially, feel free to inject a bit of color and pattern into your ensemble. Reach for a stylish summer shirt that can go from beach to boardwalk — like the Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt — and perhaps slip on a pair of SeaVees sneakers to top it all off. It’s all in a day’s work, and I’m confident you’re going to like the picks we’ve sorted out for ya below. After all, the right swimsuit can be worn with just about any casual gear you can dream up. To see how I’m hitting the beach, follow me on Instagram. Don’t like the below picks? Just drop a comment below, or ‘Like’ us on Facebook.

#1. Finisterre Talland Beach Short — $84.98

Finisterre

Retro-leaning stripes, a clean fit and sharp style — perfect for summer.

Yes indeed, the brand that makes your favorite pair of chinos can make a heck of a pair of swim trunks, as well. Finisterre focuses on functionality merged with just a bit of fashion-forward edge — that’s what makes the colorful, striped Talland Beach Shorts a worthy (and premium) pick-up. You get retro style without veering into full-on lifeguard territory and you get the added benefits of quick-drying, UV-resistant functionality. Snap up the Talland Beach Shorts before your next beach trip, will ya?

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#2. Bather Trunk Co. Surf Trunk — $69.98

Bather Trunk Co.

An eye-popping print and unique, quick-drying fabric are but two positive design features on these trunks.

Let’s keep the color and pattern going here with the Bather Trunk Co. Surf Trunk  an ideal addition to your summer swimwear rotation. For quite the solid price, you get a pair of swim trunks that are anything but ordinary. With a 6.5-inch inseam — a length nearly mimics the cut of most chino shorts — you’re looking at easygoing style that’ll stand out on a beach full of black, knee-length swimsuits. The waxed cotton drawstring and quick-drying polyester shell are also upgrades over your standard pair of swim trunks — not too shabby.

#3. United By Blue Stillwater Boardshorts — $68 

United By Blue

A different-than-expected pattern and cool, easygoing four-way stretch.

If you want swim trunks with a longer cut and yet a tailored fit and eye-catching style, United By Blue is the place to go — and the Stillwater Boardshorts are the trunks to buy. Particularly useful if you’re catching some waves or doing a bit of waterfall hiking (or poolside beer-sipping), the pattern is one-of-a-kind and the material is injected with four-way stretch for easy wear. Plus, every purchase of the Stillwater Boardshorts helps remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways — what gets better than that?

Greats

#4. Birdwell Beach Britches for Todd Snyder 311 Boardshorts — $138

A recent collab from a great American menswear designer and a great American menswear brand.

Leave it to Mr. Todd Snyder to knock it out of the park when it comes to everything from suits to stylish pocket tees to … well, swimwear. The designer’s recent collaboration with heritage California surf brand Birdwell Beach Britches takes a classic, hand-stitched silhouette and updates with New York-centric colorways. That means they’ll work at every pool or beach this summer — you can even wear them to your next summer BBQ. Trust me — I took mine on a Memorial Day weekend trip to Florida, and loved ’em.

#5. Mack Weldon Board Shorts — $98

Mack Weldon

With stretchy fabric, quality materials and the brand’s attention to fit and quality, these new board shorts are a must-buy.

First, Mack Weldon conquered your underwear drawer. Then, they started producing stylish, slim merino T-shirts and other great basics. After that, it was the Mack Weldon Vesper Polo. And now, they’ve just introduced functional, well-fitting and well-made swimwear into their rotation. Made with a quick-drying fabric and available in neat, versatile colors (I’d recommend the Total Eclipse Blue), they should provide tailored beach style for months to come.

If I were you, I’d make sure I got my summer swimwear game sorted out ASAP — and I hope the picks on this list do prove helpful in that regard. From the retro striped pattern and bold color of the Talland Beach Shorts to the eye-catching sensibility of the Stillwater Boardshorts and the cool, versatile pattern on the Bather Trunk Co. Surf Trunk , I’d  bet you’ll be the best-dressed guy on the beach (particularly if throw on something as wearable as a slim chambray shirt with your trunks. Picks from Todd Snyder and Mack Weldon are also nothing to sneeze at — with neutral colorways and reliable fits, those are two premium swimsuits worth buying. What are your must-haves for the beach this year? And which pair of the above stylish swim trunks will you be picking up?

Let me know over on Twitter. Until then — thanks for reading!

-Beau

Style Suggestion: What to Wear to the Beach This August

Editor’s note: Click here for another look at a casual menswear outfit.

We’re still rolling right on through the hot days of summer here at The Style Guide (and elsewhere) — hopefully by this point, you’ve made it out from the office to a refreshing lake, pool, sprinkler … you name it. If you haven’t and are worried you’re running out of time, fear not! There’s still plenty of time before Labor Day to hit the water in style. Just as with other situations — from Sunday brunch to a first date — there’s a lot to be said for keeping your casual style on-point (especially for that first date). That means paying attention to proper fit and fabric, plus other details — right on down to the gear you bring along in your everyday carry. Even if the pool or beach happens to be a short stroll away from your humble abode, you should still take the time to smarten up — it’s not Jersey Shore out here, right? Grab the gear below, and consider this a full primer on what to wear to the beach this August. To offer up your own suggestions, check out The Style Guide on Facebook, and see what I’m bringing in my beach bag on Instagram.

The Swim Trunks: JACHS NY Circle Print Hampton Swim Trunk — $59.40

Men's swim trunks

A continental-inspired pair of swim trunks for the rest of summer.

Let’s start with what you most need for hitting the water — great swim trunks. While your style-obsessed author is all about sticking with neutral basics, it’s fun to mix it up sometimes. And if we’re talking heading to the beach or pool for the last few weeks of summer, you’ve got an opportune chance to switch up your swim trunks. JACHS NY produces elevated takes on casual sportswear, and these trunks are a refined addition to that assortment. The side fasteners add a bit of a tailored feel, and the trimmer fit should be more flattering than baggier trunks.

The T-shirt: JackThreads The Daily Vee — $15

A slim fit and comfortable fabric = a steal of a deal.

A slim fit and comfortable fabric = a steal of a deal.

We’re sticking with just a V-neck T-shirt here, with the idea that you’ll be catching some rays in the meantime. Don’t think of this as just any tee, though — approach it like a style upgrade. On the other hand, it would also be agreeable to rock a slim striped shirt in case after-beach drinks at a nice restaurant are in the mix (that’s also where refined swim trunks will serve you well). JackThreads does just about every #menswear item you could ask for at low prices, and this T-shirt is no different. The fabric quality should be surprisingly high for just $15, and the agreeable price point will leave plenty of room for a few extra brews at the beach.

The Sneakers: SeaVees Hawthorne Slip-on Standard — $78

A boardwalk-ready classic that'll serve you well away from the water, too.

A boardwalk-ready classic that’ll serve you well away from the water, too.

Why stick with stylish slip-on sneakers here as opposed to flip-flops? Well, style should be all about versatility whenever possible. These particular sneakers give you styling potential ranging from a slim summer polo to your favorite pair of chino shorts — as well as the printed swim trunks seen here.  You can slip them off easily when you get to the beach or pool, and then slip ’em back on just as easily (don’t forget no-show socks once your feet dry off). Plus, the price is quite agreeable as far as classic sneakers go, and the folks at Huckberry offer speedy shipping.

The Watch: Seiko 5 SNZH55 Stainless Steel Watch — $175

A refined dive watch that's ready for action nonetheless.

A refined dive watch that’s ready for action nonetheless.

The first key when heading to the beach or pool — aside from grabbing a watch that looks reliably stylish — is picking up a timepiece that can stand up to the rigors of the day. In this case, that means the Seiko 5 SNZH55 Stainless Steel Watch is the way to go. It’s water-resistant to 100 meters, which should be more than enough depth. And it features a slightly beefier 43mm case diameter, perfect for getting beat up a bit. It’s a classic diver style with a sporty face that eschews numerals in favor of clean lines, so it’s as style-ready as it is durable.
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The Sunglasses: Knockaround Fort Knocks Polarized Sunglasses — $29.98

An affordable pair of sunglasses that's nearly unmatched in terms of durability.

An affordable pair of sunglasses that’s nearly unmatched in terms of durability.

How do you meet the dual forces of sand and sun in style? Easy — with sunglasses that are built to take a beating, yet retail for a dirt-cheap price. The Knockaround Fort Knocks gets that balance exactly right, with a model that features injection-molded frames for extra durability, along with a sharp and versatile Tortoise/Amber blend. The frame shape isn’t too sporty or too dressy — it’s right in the sweet spot, making this one pair of frames you can wear at a summer wedding or as a complement to a slim pocket T-shirt and lightwash denim.

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap — $39.98

A combination of vintage style and functionality.

A combination of vintage style and functionality.

If you’re going to invest in a hat, you might as well reach for one you can wear the rest of the year. The Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is precisely that hat, featuring a versatile navy color and neat touches like a customized compass embroidery on the back. The color plays nicely off the blue print on the swimsuit (and the red of the tee), and it’ll work much more stylishly to shield the sun from your face than a regular athletic logo ballcap might. It’s made in the U.S.A., and the cotton sweatband should ensure your head doesn’t get too hot in the sun.

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

The Accessories: Onia Tilden Towel — $78.98 AND Tread for Men Traveler Sunscreen — $6

Don't overlook the benefits of a great beach towel -- or much-needed sunscreen.

Don’t overlook the benefits of a great beach towel — or much-needed sunscreen.

A high-quality beach towel and sunscreen are the two things that should be in every beachgoer’s bag from the get-go, so it stands to reason that you should reach for quality when on the hunt. The Onia Tilden Towel  blends the brand’s signature swim print & fabric with absorbent French terry fabric for a towel that’s at once functional and stylish. The fact that it’s close in color to the swim trunks is another bonus. And an easy-to-carry sunscreen provides the same benefit as a bulkier bottle, but it won’t weigh your bag down. On that note, you would do well to grab a middle-of-the-road option to haul your gear — take the JackThreads Denim Tote, for instance. It looks like your favorite pair of denim but hauls a heck of a lot more than your pockets ever could.

Stylish, smart accessories should be top of mind wherever you’re headed, but doubly so in a situation where others might let their style slip a bit. Slim swim trunks with an eye-catching print — not one that’s too wild — are a great place to start, especially when matched up with classic slip-on sneakers and a simple-yet-stylish V-neck tee. Understated accessories, like a classic ballcap and versatile sunglasses, help complement the rest of the look. And you should never forget tough essentials like a great dive watch when hitting the water — or a nearby bar thereafter. If you’ve got other suggestions to finish off this #menswear ensemble, head over to Twitter to continue the debate.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Swimsuits for Summer

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007. Nice swim trunks, right?

007. Nice swim trunks, right?

First of all: We should all aspire (I think) to get to a  007-level type of fitness — and of course, to own clothing options like the Orlebar Brown swim trunks pictured above (but more on those later). Even if you don’t have the bank account of everyone’s favorite secret agent (or the physique), upping your swimwear game should be top of mind for the warmer months. Baggy boardshorts are the norm a lot of places where the water hits the sand (or even the sides of your local pool), but streamlining your swim trunks is a nice style move that’s an extension of dressing better everyday. And if you’ve already got that down and are just looking for a new pair of trunks, look no further than the picks assembled by your humble #menswear writer below.

#1. J. Crew Factory 7″ Tab Swim Short in Anchor — $39.50

The styling touches of shorts combined with the functionality of swim trunks.

The styling touches of shorts combined with the functionality of swim trunks.

The first noticeable thing about this pair of swim shorts is that they … don’t really look like typical swim trunks in terms of styling. The lack of a drawstring waistband and the more tailored appearance are both definitely good things, though. The slant pockets and tab front are also touches you would find on a pair of shorts, and doing away with the stylistic trappings of a baggy pair of swim trunks is certainly a great upgrade. The print is fun and nautical, too — the company’s seersucker version is slightly toned down but still warm-weather friendly, on the other hand. Best of all? That price, which helps you keep more cash on-hand for that beer you need to bring to the beach.

#2. H&M Striped Swimshort — $17.50

A low, low price point that's hopefully not indicative of overall quality.

A low, low price point that’s hopefully not indicative of overall quality.

For those looking for something slightly more basic than the above pair (yet still want some color and pattern), H&M has you covered with these swimshorts. The price is typical of H&M, but hopefully this isn’t the type of swimsuit that’ll go to pieces as soon as you wear it. The touches here are more traditional — the drawstring waistband is back, as is a Velcro back pocket. However, even this pair is better than a baggier set of trunks that hang below your knees. And you could even pick up a back-up set in one of nearly a dozen colors or patterns.

#3. J. Crew 7″ Boardshort with Contrast Pocket — $75

A classic offering from a classic brand.

A classic offering from a classic brand.

The more traditional counterpart to the JCF trunks listed above (yet still a style upgrade). J. Crew’s swimwear options, like the rest of its apparel offerings, hit things straight down the middle of the fairway as far as style goes — the 7″ length of these J. Crew swim shorts should work with those at a range of different heights, as they eliminate the fabric of the typical baggy boardshort and keeps things slimmer overall. The light blue color and contrasting white waistband and back pocket are old-school, athletic-inspired touches. While not fully the type of swim trunk you could wear straight out to a casual dockside dinner afterward, the styling is ideal and the price is pretty agreeable.

#4. Bonobos Amalfi Boardshort — $150

A vibrant print and tailored touches make this pair stand out nicely.

A vibrant print and tailored touches make this pair stand out nicely.

Option number four on this list comes to us courtesy of Bonobos — the brand is also taking a more tailored approach to its swimwear, much like several of its menswear counterparts. These Amalfi Boardshorts also offer the crisp, classic design touches of the J. Crew Factory boardshorts seen above, but at a much higher price point; the Italian-sourced fabric and Italian-designed prints definitely see to that.  They feature the brand’s famous curved waistband, which should offer comfort not normally found in swim trunks. While the print is louder, this is one pair that gives off a very continental vibe.

#5. Orlebar Brown Setter Swim Trunks in Sky — $230

 

As luxe a swimsuit as it gets right now.

As luxe a swimsuit as it gets right now.

Gulp. That price tag. But still — worthy of an inclusion as the official swim trunk of James Bond himself. These are perhaps the most luxe pair of swim trunks on the market right now; they do feature a substantially shorter inseam than other pairs on this list (roughly 4.3″) but they still wear like a pair of (very) tailored shorts thanks to the side tabs and front metal slide (or “popper”) closure. They’re available in a range of colors, but the Sky version seen here is the one 007 wore to get in his laps in Skyfall. If you’re particularly ambitious and like hunting and waiting for a good sale, a fairly wide selection of Orlebar Brown swim trunks are actually available through Nordstrom. Let me know how the search goes and good luck on your latest mission, 007.

Of course, any online roundup that narrows things down to five picks is bound to slot some pieces into the ‘Honorable Mention’ spot — if you fancy a larger selection of trunks, STAG Provisions offers up an array of potential picks from both classic retailers like Birdwell and more fashion-forward brands like Saturdays Surf NYC.  Of course, price, fit and versatility are key to keep in mind when picking up a pair of trunks — hopefully, each of these five will carry you far (or at least to the water) this summer.

What’s your favorite of these selections? Which pair are you planning on picking up — or have you already done so? Shoot me a note or leave it all in the comments!

Ernest Alexander

Florsheim