Dive in: these are the best swim shorts for summer

Sunspel made its name in the early days for its boxer shorts (it was the first brand to do them in the UK in 1947), and it further proves its cut-offs worth with these swim shorts. Cut mid length leg, the shorts are manufactured using an upcycled marine plastic from SEAQUAL®, made from waste plastic recovered from the oceans. They also look pretty good.

Made from a soft, brushed Italian fabric that is quick-drying, Ripa Ripa's shorts are the sort of product that will take you from sea to beach club with ease. They have a straight fit, which means they're passable as normal shorts, while two pockets make them ideal for carrying your belongings in. Colour-wise, a deep burgundy hue gives them a subtle edge.

Mr Marvis is a brand that is all about easy comfort. Meet The Seersucker Swims Nautics are cut from quick-dry seersucker fabric woven with polyamide and organic cotton, while they feature a soft mesh lining for comfort and security. Featuring a classic stripe for a nautical touch, these are the swimmers that'll get you through any sun-drenched break.

Constructed from lightweight fast-drying recycled-polyester, Paul Smith's black swim shorts feature's the designer's classic Zebra logo. Cut slightly higher than most shorts, these have a Seventies flare about them that nods to the era Smith often finds inspiration in.

LOVE BRAND & Co. has built its reputation on refined resortwear with a conscience, and these Staniel swim shorts embody that balance particularly well. Cut from lightweight recycled fabric in a classic navy hue, these lean into a cleaner, more timeless approach to beach dressing, the sort of pair that will work just as effortlessly on a yacht in Portofino as they will beside a hotel pool in a Tuscan Villa. The tailored mid-length fit keeps things polished, while the understated design ensures they remain versatile enough to wear long after the holiday tan has faded.

There are few brands better equipped for beachwear than Frescobol Carioca. Inspired by Rio's easy-going coastal culture, the label's Copacabana shorts channel the spirit of Brazil through a hand-drawn wave print that nods to Roberto Burle Marx's famous promenade designs. Cut in the brand's versatile sport fit, they strike the right balance between tailored and relaxed. Crafted from quick-dry recycled polyester, they are also practical.

Fendi approaches swimwear in much the same way it does tailoring: with confidence, texture and a healthy appreciation for statement dressing. These brown swim shorts lean heavily into the house's unmistakable Roman visual identity, delivering a bold poolside option that feels unapologetically Mediterranean. The cut remains clean and contemporary, while the rich palette makes them particularly well suited to sun-soaked destinations where understated minimalism simply won't do.

Ralph Lauren has long understood the appeal of timeless holiday dressing, and the Traveler trunk remains one of the brand's most dependable warm-weather staples. Lightweight, comfortable and unmistakably preppy, they're the sort of swim shorts that work just as well with a linen shirt at the beach club as they do poolside at the hotel bar.

Few brands do elevated essentials quite like CDLP. The Swedish label brings its typically restrained Scandinavian sensibility to these swim trunks, pairing a muted iron sage tone with a clean, minimalist silhouette. The result is quietly luxurious, the kind of understated swimwear that looks all the better for avoiding obvious branding or overly complicated detailing. They are exceptionally easy to wear and probably the faster drying swim shorts on the market.

As with almost everything Loro Piana produces, the appeal here lies in refinement rather than excess. Lightweight and impeccably finished, they're designed for the sort of holiday where one moves seamlessly between yacht deck, terrace lunch and evening aperitivo, preferably without changing. They have a pre worn look that makes them seem like an old favourite.

Ripa Ripa continues to master the art of Italian summer dressing, and the Mosaico shorts are among its most characterful offerings. The geometric print delivers just enough visual interest without becoming overpowering, while the shorter tailored cut keeps things sharp and contemporary. Handmade in Italy and designed with a distinctly Amalfi Coast sensibility. If you want something a bit more unique then we recommend these.

These green stripe swim shorts are handcrafted in Italy and carry the same clean silhouette that has made the brand a favourite among well-dressed travellers. The subtle stripe adds just enough Riviera energy without tipping into excess, while the mid-length fit ensures they feel refined both in and out of the water. Pair them with a towelling polo for an effortless holiday uniform that works everywhere from Capri to Comporta.