Swim season is HERE. While there’s a trickle of pools that are opening early (bless them), the BIG opening is this weekend. Memorial Day marks the start of pool season, which means I’m living in a swimsuit until at least Labor Day. Our boys are at the age where summer sports mean absolutely zero to them. Nothing. All they want to do is swim at the pool. Any pool. Any body of water. The higher the diving board, the better. For me, it’s as good as it gets. They are still small enough to toss around and love competing together in the water.
In terms of swimsuits, I like options that look good with a sun shirt or a polo. I typically have a pair of Rainbows, Treton Nylites, or Camp Mocs in tow, so I want something that works with any of those combinations. Quick-dry material is a must. Lined is fine, and in fact, preferred. I don’t mind 7″, but prefer 5″ inseams. Here is what has my attention this year:
From top left:
1. Peter Millar Crown Crafted Mosaic Trunks: I love these. The mosaic is so cool, and the fabric is very utility-friendly. They’re great with a white polo and Tretorns.
2. Birdwell Beach Britches 310 Trunks: These are classics. They can take a beating and still look cool. PSA: They are not very dad-bod friendly.
3. Lululemon Lined 5″ Trunks: Don’t sleep on Lulu. They’ve got the tech fabric game figured out. I’ve got a pair of their unlined 5″ shorts, and love them. These live up to the hype (and the price is just right).
4. Onia Calder 5″ Swim Trunks: I really got into Onia when Mrs. RCS got me a few pairs when they were on 260Sample. GREAT shorts. Good fit, great fabric, and the inseam is just right.
5. Duck Head On the Fly Shorts: Much more of a utilitarian short, these bad boys are a great 7″ option that will take you from the creek to the pool and look good while doing it.
6. Faherty Shoreline 5″ Trunks: I love the fish scales.
7. Duck Camp 5″ Scout Shorts: These have become my go-to for the last few years. I love the 5″ inseam, and the colors (including Camo) are very appealing. Try the camo. Trust me.
8. Sid Mashburn Standard Swim Trunks: An updated version of #2, these are your standard, middle-of-the-road trunks. Hard to go wrong. Pair with a linen shirt and mocs for a smart lunch look.
9. Peter Millar Awning Stripe Trunks: Very Palm Beach. Very good.
What did I miss?
Abercrombie makes some incredible 5 inch seersucker swim trunks
Important to note that nylon is a bit more rigid and keeps its shape whereas polyester is thinner and clings to the body when wet. One is a better option for cold water….
I haven’t found anything yet that beats Polo swim trunks. Nylon, 5-6″ inseam, look great.
You mean…shrinkage?
Second Polo. I still have a pair that’s 15 years old I sport throughout the summer. Also, wear baggies quite a bit because they make that easy transition to the grill or patio.
Check out the Aftco Strike Swim Shorts. They have a 5.5″ inseam and a great price point at only $40-$45. They offer tons of solids and patterns to choose from and they have a little stretch. I use them to work out and at the beach.
Aftco and Patagonia 5″ baggies have been my summer go-tos for 20 years, can’t beat ’em.
Third the Polo trunks. Sadly all my pairs from undergrad (15+ years ago) have finally had the elastic waist bands give up the ghost in recent years. Scout shorts from Duck Camp are my go-to for summer knocking around town and at the lake