When summer rolls around, sure enough, the day arrives when it's time to review your mens swim shorts. Last year's old favorites look tired and shabby, and you want to hit the beach looking good. So what's your best choice for comfort, style and a lot of beach cred? Mens beach shorts are the clear choice. Beach shorts are styled for fit and comfort. Typically they are worn commando style – don't even think about wearing those tightly whiteys underneath. They should have a draw cord waist, and a fly closure. They will generally have a pocket or pockets, with a button down or Velcro closure to keep small important items safe while you are enjoying beach life.

The great thing about beach shorts is that they look good on pretty well everyone. Unlike skimpy, uncomfortable athletic swimwear, you don't need to be Mr. Universe to carry them off. Even if you are a little larger than you'd like, a coordinating shirt in sea island cotton matched with a well made pair of mens beach shorts is a good casual look for any man. (Think James Bond). Of course, beach shorts are very versatile. You can wear them for lounging by the pool and swimming, but you'll feel completely comfortable walking round that nice little resort in them too.

Choosing the length of mens beach shorts

Beach short lengths generally range from 18” to 20” (that's measured from the waist along the outside seam). The longer length should be the choice for taller guys. Naturally, you want them to be made from a soft yet quick drying fabric, a polyester cotton mix with maybe a touch of elastin for four way stretch is a good choice. When you buy your shorts, check out for features such as long, high quality draw cords in nicely coordinated colors, sturdy seams that aren't going to rip on you as you reach for that impossible volleyball shot, and generous fly closures to keep your tackle tidy! This year's fashion colors for men's' beach shorts are a little on the conservative side, with favorites being blues and earth tones like greys and browns (see all our mens swim trunks). Other key colors are warm and sunshiny pinks and yellows, but this year, you shouldn't sport anything too flamboyant if you want to look good. Horizontal stripes with fades are definitely in, but if you are on the heavy side, choose a more solid color to flatter your shape, rather than a bold pattern. The choice of men's' beach shorts is really excellent these days, and whether you are heading to the beach, the lake, or just relaxing in the yard, you are going to want to feature several pairs in your summer wardrobe. Remember that after a long fun day on the beach those shorts can get a little funky, so make sure you've got a nice clean pair to slip into for the evening's adventures.