Beach fashion: The swimwear men should choose to suit their body shape

Short, long, tight or tailored, whatever a man’s choice of swimwear, the focus should be on what suits his body shape, not the latest trends, says Deirdre Reynolds.

FORGET the age-old ‘boxers vs briefs’ debate. Now it’s choosing between tight-fitting swimwear and baggy shorts on the beach that’s the latest style dilemma for men this summer.

Real-life Adonis David Gandy has recently launched his first swimwear range for Marks & Spencer, with images of the British model showcasing the collection causing a splash among female fans here.

But will Bermuda-loving Irish men be brave enough to follow (swim) suit as they soak up the last of the summer rays?

“Men’s swimwear has come a long way in recent years,” says stylist and TV presenter Darren Kennedy.

“Unless you’re Daniel Craig though, Speedos are still a no-no.

“The current trend for tailored swim shorts cut about five inches above the knee is much more flattering.”

Emerging from the ocean in a dripping wet pair of baby blue shorts in one of the snaps, indeed Gandy admits to being “inspired by James Bond”— though not necessarily the Casino Royale star.

Channelling Sean Connery in his iconic blue bathers in Thunderball, the model-turned-designer explained: “I was inspired by images of Hollywood stars wearing beautifully made swimwear in the ’60s.

“I’ve incorporated this in the detail by including the use of side adjusters, contrasting buttons and also the hounds-tooth print which has become a signature of the range.”

Just as women’s swimwear has gone from concealing to revealing and back again down through the decades, so too have men’s cossies come full circle. From ’20s-style tank suits like the one worn by Leonardo DiCaprio in The Great Gatsby to the terrifying C-string trend made famous by TOWIE (The Only Way Is Essex) star Bobby Norris last year, this season’s hottest trunks — including Gandy’s are both modest and modish.

“Irish men have definitely become more adventurous in their fashion choices in recent years,” says Laura Robertshaw, menswear buyer at Harvey Nichols in Dundrum.

“When it comes to swimwear though, our customers tend to prefer a tailored, mid-length short in classic colours and prints.

“Orlebar Brown’s Bulldog Short — a mid-length tailored swim short with side fasteners — is our best-selling style. Polo Ralph Lauren’s classic drawstring swim shorts are also popular among our male shoppers.

“Age isn’t a barrier to looking cool by the pool,” she adds. “We cater for men of all ages, shapes and sizes, and find their choice in swimwear has more to do with personal style, lifestyle and attitude.

“Many Irish men are splashing out on designer sunglasses and summer shoes to complete their holiday wardrobe as well.”

At 40, father-of-four David Beckham definitely wasn’t showing any signs of a ‘dad bod’ when he launched his own swimwear line – including tighty-whities, short shorts and longer board shorts – for H&M last year.

“I’ve always tended to go for the tighter, smaller trunks,” the footballer told GQ magazine. “It helps to be in good shape. It also helps if you’ve got a bit of a tan.

“But some elderly gentlemen – generally in Italy – wear them at times and they can pull them off.

“It’s all about personal preference,” he added. “As long as you’re comfortable you can pull anything off.”

Anyone who’s still got the image of Peter Stringfellow strolling down Miami Beach in a G-string in 1996 may beg to differ.

“Men’s swimwear has become a lot smaller over the last few years,” says stylist and personal shopper Mark Andrew Kelly. “In part, it’s due to celebrities like David Gandy and David Beckham, but also because men, in general, are more into their appearance now.

“In terms of trends, the naughties saw a distinct reduction in length from the board shorts of the ’90s, and we can see from the runways that this shorter short isn’t going anywhere.

“If you’re gym fit and eat healthy, then the beach is the prime location to show off all your hard work.

“However, I think there’s a myth that if you’re a certain age or size that Speedo trunks should be avoided at all costs.

“It all comes down to body confidence, so I would say wear what feels right.

“Just like your regular clothes though, your swimwear should suit your shape and make you feel confident. If it feels too tight, it probably is.”

Hirsute star Sacha Baron Cohen had no such qualms when he donned a bright green mankini for Borat in 2006. Though, thankfully, the trend didn’t take off, and now the only Fuzzy Navel body-conscious Irish men are embracing on holidays is the cocktail.

Looking good on the beach needn’t cost a fortune, — Gandy’s shorts go for €35 at Marks & Spencer, but the aforementioned Orlebar Brown Bulldogs fetch €275 at Harvey Nichols.

“The sky’s the limit on what you could spend on swimming shorts now,” reckons Darren Kennedy. “Personally, I wouldn’t tend to invest heavily in swimwear because trends move very quickly, and just update my shorts once a year.

“If you want your trunks to last longer than your tan, my advice is to go for something in between tighty-whities and baggy shorts,” he continues.

“Make sure the garment is tailored, so it’s doing some of the work for you, and watch for flattering details like a drawstring and one small pocket on the back.” Save the floral shorts for a Hawaiian-themed fancy dress party, says stylist Mark Andrew Kelly, and keep it classy: “Colour-wise, I would go for a simple palette of black, navy or dark green, and avoid red unless you want to look like a Baywatch extra.

“Experiment with gingham or a small dot, but keep the rest of your outfit simple and sophisticated.

“Complete the look with a white t-shirt and tortoise shell sunglasses to give even David Gandy a run for his money.”

Tight fit or loosely does it?

Would you wear tight-fitting swimwear on the beach?

NO

Xposé presenter Peter O’Riordan: “I’ve never been a fan of the auld banana hammock. In fact, I’m still scarred from the days of wearing Speedos and sandals on holidays as a child. Suffice to say, this summer I’ll be sticking with knee-length shorts. It’s rare enough that Irish people get to hit the beach — I wouldn’t want to put people off!”

YES

Mr Ireland Karl Bowe: “I’m all about bright, flowery, in-your-face beachwear. It’s not every day that Irish people get the luxury of soaking up the sun at home or abroad, so I figure you might as well wear something that reflects how you’re feeling. I’ll definitely be splashing out on a pair of colourful short shorts this summer. Apart from anything else, I actually find them more comfortable.”

NO

Today FM presenter Ed Smith: “Due to the fact that I have the body shape of a slightly taller leprechaun, I have no choice but to plump for the baggy shorts when I’m beach-bound. Unless you look like David Gandy, I’d advise other dad-bodied, pasty Irish men to do the same. Having said that, even knee grazers come with their own hazards, as I learned to my embarrassment - and onlookers’ horror — when the sea pulled them down once in Ballybunion!”

Waxing an option, but don’t DIY

FOR men looking to take their lead from a fuzz-free David Gandy, waxing is an option, though DIY jobs are not recommended.

“Summer is always our busiest time of year for male waxing,” says Ellen Kavanagh, owner of Waxperts salon in Dún Laoghaire.

“Most of our male clients are over 30, and our most popular male wax is nasal (€12).

“But we also offer male intimate waxing — or manscaping, as we call it — including the ‘Manzilian’ (€65) and ‘Boyzilian’ (€70).

“The options for bikini waxing are essentially the same for men as they are for women,” she explains. “You can either go for a simple tidy up or get everything off.

“Of our male bikini waxes, the Boyzilian — which removes all the hair — is definitely the most popular. Back waxes (from €30) are also huge during the summer.

“Whatever type you go for, always visit a professional salon that’s used to waxing men and be sure to follow the aftercare,” advises Kavanagh. “And never, ever use hair removal cream to attempt to tame your man garden!”