Make A Splash: The Key Men’s Swimwear Trends For Summer 2025

Don’t think trends apply to swimwear? Think again. If it wasn’t for fashion’s eternal march, we’d still be hanging out by the poolside in woollen one-pieces or, harking even further back, nothing at all. But the changes aren’t always so drastic.

From season to season, fluctuations in men’s swimwear trends are more subtle, but still worth keeping up to speed with if you like to look as though you have your finger on the pulse. Certain colours ebb and flow in popularity, the perfect inseam paradigm gradually lengthens and shortens, and patterns and prints come and go.

To keep you clued in for the coming season, here are the key 2025 swimwear looks you should know.

The Clue Is In The Name

David Gandy Wellwear

In case you hadn’t noticed, hemlines have been creeping northward where shorts are concerned. Hey, they are called ‘shorts’ after all. It’s a trend that has been gathering pace over the last few summers, but in 2025, it’s front and centre.

Think 5-inch inseams – or even shorter if you’ve got the thighs for it. Cuts that sit high and flatter the leg.

It’s a breed of swimwear that rewards time in the gym and lends itself to a bit of sun-worshipping – a nod to retro beach style, harking back to the athletic silhouettes of the 70s and 80s.

Sharp Shorts

The Resort Co

If you’re the type of guy who likes to travel light (or the sort who is likely to accidentally leave things behind), this one will be right up your street. Tailored swim shorts are the smarter sibling of Speedos and board shorts.

They’re sharp, clean and could easily be mistaken for something dressier than swimwear from a distance. This makes them great for hopping from pool to bar.

Check out brands such as Orlebar Brown, Frescobol Carioca and Resort Co. for some of the best.

Bold Stripes

Reiss

Stripes are everywhere this season, from blocky deckchair-style designs to skinnier, high-contrast pinstripes.

The key to this trend lies in the colour. These aren’t muted navy-and-white Breton lines. Oh no. They’re loud, they’re lively, and they’re great for livening up your poolside looks. Red and pink, teal and orange, lemon yellow and forest green. If it feels slightly off-kilter, you’re on the right track.

Just be sure to lean in the opposite direction with your top and footwear. Keep them simple and understated, allowing the shorts to take centre stage.

Eco-Friendly

Outerknown

People are becoming more aware of the impact their clothes have on the planet. The inconvenient truth is that garment manufacturing is detrimental to the environment, from the vast amount of water required for cotton production to the toxic chemicals released from production facilities.

As a result, sustainable brands across all sectors are switching to recycled materials and adopting more transparent production methods. Outerknown and Patagonia are two prominent names driving the agenda in the swimwear space, alongside smaller independents like OAS and Neem London.

This is one seasonal trend you can shop without the guilt.

Functional Features

Finisterre

It’s official: gorpcore has reached the beach. We’ve been seeing outdoorsy, functional elements creeping into casual wear for a while, but now swim shorts are being reimagined with practical touches more at home on a hiking trail than on a sunlounger.

Expect to see details such as zip pockets, integrated webbing belts, water-resistant ripstop fabrics, and even cargo pockets. These details add utility and a bit of visual interest, taking your poolside look in a slightly more technical direction.

Brands like Nike ACG, and wander, and Battenwear are worth checking out if this all sounds like a bit of you.

Co-ords

Che

Love it or hate it, matchy-matchy looks set to stick around for another season. A short-sleeved shirt and swim shorts in the same pattern or colourway isn’t for everyone, but there’s no denying it makes a strong statement. The good news is it’s easier to pull off than it looks.

The trick is choosing a print that works well as a pair and on its own. This way, you can break up the set and get mileage out of both pieces individually. It’s also one of the easiest ways to look relatively put together on holiday without actually trying too hard.

Seersucker

The Resort Co

Seersucker has long been a summer staple, and it’s making serious moves in swimwear now, too.

That trademark puckered texture isn’t just there for the sake of it. It actually serves the purpose of lifting the fabric away from your skin, allowing air to circulate and keeping things cool and dry. It also takes dye really nicely, so it looks great in dusty pastels or more vibrant shades.

From a style perspective, it gives your swim shorts a point of difference, offering a subtle bit of texture that makes them feel more elevated than your average nylon pair.

Geometric Prints

David Gandy Wellwear

Florals? Old news. This year it’s all about all-over geometric motifs. Tessellated diamonds, checkerboards and dizzying Bauhaus-style grids. These kinds of prints feel a bit more modern and directional than the usual palm-tree-and-piña coladas fare.

Remember to keep the rest of your outfit low-key – plain tees, open shirts, simple slides – and let the print do the heavy lifting. Aim for balance, not overload.

Pastel Hues

Reiss

Where bold, punchy colours once ruled, soft pastels now lead the way. Shades like dusty rose, mint green, powder yellow and washed-out lilac are taking over from their more heavily saturated alternatives, offering a more relaxed take on poolside style.

They work especially well with a tan and pair nicely with neutrals like white, navy and beige.

These sorts of shades have a way of making even the most basic swim shorts feel considered, and they can lean either sporty or sophisticated depending on the cut.