Colour-block designs and sunny stripes are good fail-safe options, but the way to make a statement is to do swim shorts with eye-catching, offbeat prints.
This season swimwear prints take inspiration from nature – detailed patterns zoom-in on fauna and flora or natural landscapes are celebrated in photographic prints.
These statement print swim shorts are so stylish you'll want to wear them out of the water too. Team your trunks with a plain linen shirt and slider sandals for off-duty cool.
Beach-side photography
Orlebar Brown Setter Swim Shorts, £245, Harrods
Orlebar Brown’s collection of swim shorts feature photographic prints of seascapes and beach life. The range features multiple photo prints – each pair is a work of art in its own right.
The tailored fit and shorter length hark back to vintage fifties design. Style yours with a plain tee and some retro shades.
Cactus motifs
Navy Cactus Print Swim Shorts, £20, River Island
The cactus print is a thing – how or why we don't know, but it turns out the cactus is very ‘in’ right now.
These cactus print swim shorts are demure in navy but the kooky cactus print adds style points. Another random icon having a moment this summer is the pineapple.
Bold & ballsy abstract prints
Vilebrequin Moorea Printed Mid-length Swim Shorts, £160, Mr Porter
Abstract florals and ditsy prints scream summer – with detailed patterns in bright, bold hues, this isn’t a trend for the faint-hearted. This look requires some balls.
These Moorea swim shorts by Vilebrequin in orange, white and blue will get you started.
Spray-on prints
Boardies® Spray Pink Short Trunks Pink, £44.90, The Idle man
Spray it don't say it with arty spray-paint prints. Street art and swimwear combine in this modern trend, done so well by Boardies®. This short and sweet pair feature all-over light pink spray-paint.
Tropicana prints
Hilfiger Denim Tropical Print Swim Shorts, £55, Topman
The palm tree is out in full force for SS16. Pink palm trees, sunsets and Hawaiian prints all help to turn up the heat poolside. These Tommy Hilfiger printed swim shorts are our favourite from the 2016 collections and will instantly give your holiday wardrobe a lift.
Paul Smith, Diesel and Polo Ralph Lauren are also swaying with the palm trees. Piña Coladas at the ready.
