STYLISH GUYS IN SWIMWEAR

The name David Beckham may be synonymous with the sarong but, these days, Becks keeps his beachwear pretty basic. The style connoisseur’s cobalt-blue shorts are a cool classic that tick all the style boxes: they complement his tan, fit him perfectly (not too baggy or too tight), and keep the focus on his toned top half and signature tattoos. If you want to go big on colour like DB, it’s best to go for trunks in a mid-length with minimal detailing.

Another man who definitely knows how to holiday in style is Justin Bieber. The Canadian’s look has come a long way from his early oversized-everything aesthetic and when it comes to swimwear he knows big isn’t always better. Having previously favoured long board shorts a little too large for his frame, Bieber now lets the colour do the talking, opting for a steezy pair of pastel pink shorts and no doubt a pair of Calvins underneath.

Sure, you’re probably going to end up in the water at some point, but swimwear isn’t all about the swimming. If, like Zac Efron, you’re a ripped guy who may find himself running, working out, playing volleyball, saving lives, or just generally being buff on the beach, then you’ll need an appropriate pair of shorts. Your trunks are essentially another piece of performance gear, so it’s best to invest in the proper piece of kit. Efron's grey RVCA trunks look as good with his trainers as normal cut-offs would and, because they’re made by a surf brand, they’re tougher than your average swimwear.

With trunks now available in almost every print imaginable, it’s easy to get seduced by pineapples and parrot patterns. Granted, there’s nothing like a Fresh Prince-style print to get you in the holiday mood, but wear them once and the novelty soon wears off. Instead, go for a pair of shorts in a more understated hue like Scott Disick and there’s plenty of room to work in a statement shirt up top that you can switch out every day. Add in some signature detailing like Disick’s embroidered monogram and you’ll look more original than anyone in a generic jazzy print.

Finally, there’s no need for you to have a style lobotomy just because you’re stepping out of your everyday wardrobe. Your trunks should basically be a waterproof version of what you’d wear normally and while we’ve never actually seen Robert Pattinson out and about in a pair of shorts, his swimwear look is as cool, low-key and effortless as you’d expect. All he needs is a black cap, white tee, techy grey trunks and a pair of black shades, and he can quietly take his place as the coolest guy on the beach.