Wednesday
Feb182009
Swim Trunks
Posted on 
February 18, 2009 by Ryan Willms
February 18, 2009 by Ryan Willms 
I am supposed to go on a family trip to Hawaii this summer, I'm in Vegas now and the weather is definitely getting warmer. What are some good swim trunks? I have come across Birdwell Beach Britches a few times and I like the general look and feel, but they happen to have THE worst website I've ever see, and I can't tell if they have a model with an elastic waist. For some reason I am thinking the elastic waist is a cool look. Throw in some lining, maybe a drawstring and some pockets and your set. I think navy blue or soft red would be the best colors, but I'm fairly open. I thought I would get the search started early this year, any tips would be nice. So far these are the best I've seen, but something a little more interesting might be in order.
Tags : Swim Trunks
Swim Trunks 
Reader Comments (28)
I like the Lifeguard shorts willard sell ...
I'd just grab some regular slim/short, simple ones from American Apparel. I wouldn't spend much on swim trunks unless you're going to be in water more than land
Take a look at Parke & Ronen.
http://www.vilebrequin.com/ makes some pretty dope swimsuits, I got one pair and have worn them to death over the summer and they are still in perfect condition. Their pretty expensive but how many bathing suits does a man really need
I only wear these super corny white and red Saint-Tropez shorts my parents brought me back from France. Middle of the thigh length, banana hammock and all with a big Saint-Tropez across the ass
Ryan,
Why are you stuck on the elastic waistband? Birdwell's site is old school like their service. Give them a call. They'll treat you right. Vilebrequin makes several beautiful shorts with and without an elastic waistband. For shorts with a mesh lining and an elastic waistband, I have always loved Patagonia's Baggies, which they now offer year-round. The elastic waist, in this reader's humble opinion, makes big guys look bigger, and small guys look smaller. Unless you're fit, the fitted trunk, sized to your waist is a much cleaner looking option. Again, just my opinion. Looking forward to this debate come spring-time.
~ Max
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/product_focus.jsp?OPTION=PRODUCT_FOCUS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&catcode=MAIN_SP_US.CLOTHING_GEAR.MENS.SHORTS.BOARD_SHORTS&style_color=86686-254&ws=
patagonia - similar to birwells, but more confortable, IMO.
J crew had some nice ones also - Chris i wouldn't dress in AMERICAN Apparel to walk my dog ! The clothing is awful over priced shit which looses shape after one wash - successful due purely to hideous advertisement ala Abercrombie e..t..c
I have some original penguins ones, theyre the retro style fit. They're a little too short and not overly comfortable.
From what you've mentioned, I'd suggest Vilbrequin. I'm happy with mine.
I second Chris' recommendation of AA swim trunks. While I'm not a fan of their other offerings, their classic-cut trunks are durable - lasting many trips to the beach in the past summer. I have them in black and pack them always for trips.
http://store.americanapparel.net/rsan402.html
I'm a fan of these trunks from parke and ronen. I prefer the 8 inch to any of there other models, but they definitely offer some classic styles that look good in or out of the water.
http://www.parkeandronen.com/product_list.asp?code=157&sub=3
i have owned the same pair of Birdies (Birdwell's) for probably 10 years. At least.
they are perfect. plain red. the website is that way because they built it at the begining of time. probably used Typestyler. They are still made by the same family that started making them back in the day. if you can't find a surf shop that carries them, you should just call the lady and start askiing questions. i can't recommend these enough.
I also broke down and bought a second bathing suit last season when patagonia had some nice patterns from geoff mcfetridge. the cut is probably based on Birdies. very simple and almost to the knees.
i always just go to rei or some other camping/outdoor sports store. I really like columbia or north face shorts for swimming, some even come lined, but I normally just get the lightweight nylon ones....simple lines and design.
check out Patagonia's surf line. they have a solid navy pair of trunks with a good fit & classic look. good for having a surf or cruising on the beach. its Gerry Lopez approved!
I would go with Parke and Ronen's swim shorts...Check out their website www.parkeandronen.com for their selection
This may lose some credibility since it was also recommended by GQ last summer, but I still think Parke & Ronen make the best trunks around. And if you have the right body, the snap shorts can look incredibly masculine (in that Daniel Craig kind of way). Of course, if the word crunch makes you think of chips rather than the gym, the 4” swim shorts in black will do just fine.
I'm looking at the ones at the bottom of this page.
http://www.apolisactivism.com/?event=collSS09
I have harry legs hence I never swim.
You probably won't do this, but stay away from the bright obnoxious flower prints. The tourists that come here seem to love that stuff. :)
The only way to deal with Birdwell is to call them directly-- they prefer it. And they'll make you whatever you want-- the service is great.
JP
Check out the Monocle x Orlebar colab at monocle.com. Great trunks.
What you need to do is sit down and think about this, LOGICALLY.
Are you actually thinking of buying designer swim shorts? Like are you serious? How insecure are you that you need to spend a lot of money on freakin' swimming shorts and make sure you look good while you're swimming! First of all, no one's gonna see them. Second of all, wow. I just don't know what to say. Wear some old athletic shorts, or go to Lululemon and buy shorts. They can double as athletic shorts and swimming shorts...
Parke and Ronen are the best swim shorts. The cut is not too baggy and fit perfect. Some of their patterns are questionable, but they always do classic looks like plaid and polka dots.
Don't understand the hate towards nice fitting swim trunks. Wearing mesh gym shorts to the beach is not a good look.
When it comes to swimming trunks, simplicity prevails.