Best Dressed at the Beach
Swimwear isn’t just for summer anymore. Suit up all year ‘round—in the hot tub, hot springs, or on a hot poolside date in these every-occasion bottoms that’re screamin’ for a splash.
Kenny Flowers Club Cartagenas
Caribbean senses meet Colombian expressions on the Club Cartagena mid-length swim trunks by Kenny Flowers, a solid vibe for poppin’ bottles in the cabana or breakin’ hearts on the beach. $50, KennyFlowers.com.
Fair Harbor Blue Paisley Bungalows
As an on-trend print, paisley comes and goes—but timing is perfect for the Persian-pattern to make a comeback during summer 2023, thanks to Fair Harbor’s stonewashed, sun-faded offering, which look just as stylish shirtless as they do dressed-up in demure denim button-downs or plain piqué polos. $68, FairHarborClothing.com.
Black Grillo Swim Briefs
You don’t need to book a flight to Rio to embrace the region’s signature sunga-style swim briefs—compassionately designed to be breathable up front and form-fitting in the back—and Brazil-based Black Grillo has you (barely) covered with its selection of mini and classic cuts in solid, floral, geometric, and metallic colorways to keep your thighs out while the sky’s out. $30-$35, Shop.BlackGrillo.com.
Infamous Swim Amalfi
Board Shorts
Swishy-wristed sun bums will wanna squeeze them lemons when they catch a glimpse of your beach bod in Infamous Swim’s Hank board shorts in its tantalizing Amalfi prints. $79, InfamousSwim.com.
Chubbies’ Apex Swimmers
Your thighs and round guys stay tight and taut in Chubbies’ Apex Swimmers thanks to the built-in, anti-chafe mesh boxer-brief liner, available in a pastel-predator print and 13 other wild styles in 4-, 5.5- and 7-inch lengths. $80, ChubbiesShorts.com.
Patrick T Cooper Be Cools
Pop art meets la playa in Patrick T Cooper’s mesh-lined, extra-light Be Cool trunks that’re bursting with enough color and Cubist-collage influence to make Picasso proud. $50, PatrickTCooper.com.
Saxx ‘Bite Me’ Oh Buoys
According to the New York Post, “Women are debating whether the ubiquitous fish in men’s profile pics on dating apps symbolize a catch—or toxic bass-culinity.” Ask queer men and it’s unanimous: Reel us in, daddies. Do your own luring in Saxx’s Bite Me lined trunks, featuring a quick-dry shell in a gumball shade, full elastic waist, and the brand’s signature BallPark Pouch to keep your boys cool, confident, and just a lil’ slippery when wet. $70, SaxxUnderwear.com.
Orttu Julien Shorts
A quality vacay cover-up can’t be discounted, especially if you’re splashing in your Speedo before hitting the casino, and Orttu’s Julien shorts in a hibiscus-and-palm print are relaxed and playful even when your chips (and inhibitions) are down. $145, Orttu.com
Speedo Melbourne
Escape Brief
Surf’s up in Speedo’s Melbourne Escape Brief—featuring an external drawstring for a secure fit and CREORA HighClo chlorine-resistant fabric with Endurabrite for long-lasting color—equally suited for dips and dives by the docks or Down Under. $45, US.Speedo.com.▼
Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBTQ lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. Connect with Mikey on Instagram @mikeyroxtravels