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Summer means being lathered head to toe in sunscreen, hunting for a lounge chair, and lugging a heavy raffia bag — but the season hasn’t properly started until you’ve gone for a dip in a pool or, if you’re not petrified of what lies underneath, the sea. From the days of Roman baths to the budget-friendly package holiday, we’ve always gone out of our way to bathe in large bodies of water. But like any sporty pastime, it’s a heck of a lot easier if you have the right equipment.
We tested out some of the finest towels, trunks, and goggles that money can buy. Take a plunge into our selection of the season’s best swim accessories.
Carhartt WIP
We’re used to seeing Carhartt WIP’s classic “Hamilton Brown” color on its hard-wearing workwear, but it looks just as good on a pair of trunks as it does on a pair of double-knee pants. And the forgetful among us will be happy to hear that the back pocket features a key holder.
Tommy Hilfiger
Inseam length is a very personal thing when it comes to shorts; some like to swing low at over 10 inches while others don’t want one at all, opting instead for a tight speedo-like thong. The inseam on these shorts measures in at seven inches, ending just above the knee — the perfect middle ground for a pair of everyday swimmers.
Hermès Men’s Bathing Suit
If you’ve got the budget, then no label can compete with Hermès for high-end design. These little trunks come in a pale yellow hue with a distinct lack of branding for a touch of quiet luxury.
CDLP
Crafted from Econyl, a material that recycles landfill and ocean waste, these trunks are made for swimming in the sea and cleaning it up. Beyond the environmental pros, CDLP is an expert at designing flattering wardrobe essentials — just look at that little inseam and subtle sheen on the fabric.
Speedo Goggles
It’s not just teeny-tiny trunks that you can buy from Speedo, but also some miniature goggles to match. This sporty pair lets everyone at the pool know you’re not there to mess around. It’s time to get some seriously fast laps recorded.
AEGEND Goggles
Let’s be honest, very few people look good with a pair of swimming goggles strapped around their skull. So, you may as well opt for a highly futuristic, borderline garish pair to make a bold statement.
Nike Nocta Flippers
Forget taking your slides off for a swim, these sliders are fully amphibious. Drake’s NOCTA label has put its own all-black, co-branded spin on Nike’s swim fins, designed to give you maximum propulsion as you battle it out with the speedy old folks doing laps at the pool.
