5 shares


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 ShortsOrlebar Brown Setter Swim Shorts, £245, Harrods

SHOP THE DROP


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

River Island Cactus Print Swim ShortsNavy Cactus Print Swim Shorts, £20, River Island

SHOP THE DROP


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 Swim ShortsVilebrequin Moorea Printed Mid-length Swim Shorts, £160, Mr Porter

SHOP THE DROP


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 Swim ShortsBoardies® Spray Pink Short Trunks Pink, £44.90, The Idle man

SHOP THE DROP


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 ShortsHilfiger Denim Tropical Print Swim Shorts, £55, Topman

SHOP THE DROP


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.