8 Swimsuits You Won’t Find in a Big Box Store

Now that the temperature has made shorts a necessity, it’s time to start thinking about this year’s swim trunks. When it comes to swim trunks, swimsuits and board shorts, you have plenty of options other than the staple brands you’ll find at your local big box store. Don’t feel like you’re locked in to the cheap, flimsy shorts that fall apart after one year at the shore. Also, there are attractive people at the beach, so why not try to pick up while you’re there? If you’re going to, you’ll need something better than the bland stuff Target had on sale.

For more than half a century North Sails has been making technically advanced sails for the America’s Cup that are on the cutting edge of design. The North Sails Collection is their lifestyle imprint where they make clothing and gear cut from the same cloth. Their Nylon Swimsuit is inspired by vintage shorts but updated for today’s conditions with a volleyball length, inner mesh brief, 100% polyamide (sailcloth) construction and three different solid colorways with white contrast piping. $55

If you’re one of those guys that prefers a cut closer to the knee and doesn’t want to make waves (had to) with a loud print when it comes to your water wear of choice, look no further than Mollusk Ojai Trunks. The simple two-tone color block in navy and grey is stylish without being over the top. The cotton and nylon, double-needle construction make sure these trunks will stand up to everything from a weekend in Venice Beach to an epic end-of-summer party. $70

Bather is a Canadian brand that’s been producing quality “streetwear-inspired beachwear” since 2013. Their collection of swim trunks and surf trunks runs the gamut from banana and palm tree prints to solid colors and simple stripes, but each option is vibrant and built to last. Our pick, the Black Floral Swim Trunk, is a a 5.5″ inseam, 12″ leg opening pair of trunks with an ultra soft mesh liner, elastic waist with drawstring and 3 pocket construction decked out in a white on black line work pattern taken from a classic Japanese floral pattern. $78

If you’re looking for any piece of clothing that could be considered “classic prep,” odds are you’ll find at least one piece produced by GANT. Swimwear is no different. The GANT Sailor Swim Shorts are as nautically preppy as a pair of Warfarers or boat shoes because of their mid-thigh cut, horizontal stripe print, minimal detailing and, of course, the iconic GANT shield logo near the bottom hem. The 100% polyester shorts are available in red with blue stripes or blue with white stripes depending on your desired color palette. $88

Want a print pattern that’s iconic while still being unlike anything we’ve ever seen on a pair of trunks? The Pangea Swimwear Cuban Tile Azul Trunks are the pair you should wear to the beach. Standard features like a full elastic, drawstring waistband, polyester construction and a fine mesh interior are upgraded with a stylish print based on “Granada” tiles, the use of luxury, Japanese polyester with quick-dry properties and a reinforced back pocket that zippers closed to protect the contents. $92

Mack Weldon has a habit of making quality staples that perfectly tote the line between technical garments and stylish basics. Their Board Shorts are made with a combination of polyester and spandex to give you coverage to just above the knee while still keeping a slim fit and the quick drying properties everyone needs in a pair of swim trunks. They’re also built with an easy access, zipper leg pocket and come in four different colorways. Bonus points because Mack Weldon throws in a water resistant bag for your beach gear, though we also have some of our own picks if you feel need for a beach bag. $98

Onia’s Calder Shorts are made with a nylon and spandex construction that’s slick and slightly stretchy while still being capable of maintaining it’s shape over time. What really sets the Onia Calder Shorts apart is the fact that the numerous color and pattern options are available in two different lengths: 7.5″ inseam/17.5″ outseam or 10″ inseam/19″ outseam. In other words, you’ll be able to find a pair of quick drying, stylish shorts capable of doing double duty at the beach or around town without feeling like you’re showing off too much (or not enough). $145

100% premium Japanese nylon with a luxurious satin finish. Lightweight, single-layer construction with technical details. Integrated side vent and back snap pocket. 100% cotton drawstring and Japanese Velcro closure. Like everything else that bears the Saturdays NYC name the Logan Board Shorts are simple and laid back while still being luxurious and effortlessly cool. And that’s why if Hef was going to wear a pair of trunks with his smoking jacket on the way to the pool he’d probably be wearing these. $198