Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Trunk Show: A Guide to Printed Swimwear

Although Christmastime in the Northern Hemisphere generally brings to mind visions of fur-trimmed red velvet or flannel that’s clearly a look that won’t work for those of you who are lucky enough to be spending your holidays in the sun.

And for those of you stuck in frigid temperatures this month, may this post serve as a reminder that spring break is literally right around the corner, so it actually is time to upgrade your swimwear. (Besides, if you belong to a gym with an indoor pool you already know that bathing suits aren’t just for the summer anymore.)

Recommended Videos

A classic boardshort shape or not too revealing pair of trunks still seem to be the go-to silhouette for most guys – Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte being an obvious exceptions – and many new offerings for holiday 2016 liven up this somewhat staid cut with technical fabrics and prints that are eye-catching without being over-the-top or obnoxiously in your face. Although you might shun florals or tropical motifs in your day-to-day wardrobe choices, the bathing suits featured here will allow you don them without looking like a sandy dandy. Worn with a solid-colored T-shirt or polo, they’ll add just a touch of color and fun that won’t overwhelm you.

Consider them welcome, warm weather alternatives to that “ugly” printed Christmas sweater….

Cactus Day Swimsuit by BATHER TRUNK CO., $59.98

bather_trunk_co
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Calder 7.5″ in Ensign Blue/White by ONIA, $145

onia-2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Calder 7.5″ in Green/Multi Toucan Print by ONIA, $195

onia-3
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Charles 7″ in Black/White Print by ONIA, $195

onia-4
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Evolution Trunk ’19 by OUTERKNOWN, $43.98

outerknown
Image used with permission by copyright holder

4″ Miter Print Mykonos Stretch Swim Trunk by PARKE & RONEN, $150

parkronen_miter_print
Image used with permission by copyright holder

2″ Swim Fan Print Stretch Angeleno Swim Trunk by PARKE & RONEN, $135

parkronen_swimfan1024x1024
Image used with permission by copyright holder

5″ Lido Pluma Print Stretch Tailored Swim Trunk by PARKE & RONEN, $145

parkeronen_lido_pluma
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Baeza Swimsuit by RETROMARINE, $155

retromarine_baeza_short_front
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Mistery Eye Swimsuit by RETROMARINE, $155

retromarine_misteryeyeblue_short_front
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Murcia Swimsuit by RETROMARINE, $155

retromarine_murcia_short_front
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Westwater Boardshort 9″ by UNITED BY BLUE, $46.98

united_by_blue
Image used with permission by copyright holder

American Dad Swim Short by WELLEN, $43.98

wellen
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Belvedere Swimsuit by ZACHARY PRELL, $95

zachary_prell
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Christopher Blomquist
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Christopher is a native New Yorker who lives and works (mostly) in Manhattan. A longtime fashion journalist, he served as…
From regatta to deep sea: The top maritime watches for serious collectors
From regatta-ready chronographs to deep-sea divers, these five luxury watches dominate the high seas.
The Rolex Yacht Master series, up close.

When navigating high society and the open seas, possessing a luxury sailing watch becomes a statement piece that opens doors, recognized as a masterclass in engineering. There is a wide range of exceptional maritime watches on the market today, but the best sailing watches are able to impeccably combine precision tide tracking, anti-corrosive robustness, and exceptional accuracy, all while retaining an elevated look of sophistication. No matter what your current status is as a sailor, sea explorer, or collector, these luxury maritime watches from top luxury brands have been designed to make a statement. 

Rolex Yacht-Master II: The regatta chronograph

Read more
Adidas and CLOT turn the Stan Smith into a summer-ready espadrille
Adidas, CLOT by Edison Chen remix the Stan Smith sneaker
man wearing white adidas stan smith sneakers

Continuing their long-standing partnership, Adidas and CLOT by Edison Chen are once again delivering a remix on one of the brand’s most classic designs. Fresh off of the release of their beaded sneakers, the newest launch between this duo is all about a summer-inspired design on the heritage Stan Smith sneaker. As part of the launch, a new campaign featuring various athletic stars, including tennis legend Stan Smith and F1 driver George Russell, captures the essence of the sneaker’s traditional look while incorporating modern upgrades. Adding a seasonally apt espadrille sole to the Stan Smith design, the sneaker becomes the ultimate summer shoe, fusing a classic summer style with Adidas’ iconic casual sneaker. 

Get ready to take on summer with Adidas x CLOT by Edison Chen

Read more
Hunter x Represent redefines western style with a new cowboy boot drop
Hunter, Represent unveil a new cowboy boot
hunter boot in saddle

When it comes to creating a sturdy yet stylish boot that can withstand rain and the elements, Hunter is well established as a major player in the industry. Known for their chic yet practical rainboots, Hunter has nailed the concept of balancing style with function, even in the most extreme environments. Now, with fellow British-based brand, Represent, Hunter is taking on a new frontier: the American West. While both brands hail from the United Kingdom, this partnership explores the ultimate Americana footwear, the cowboy boot. With a fusion piece that embodies this heritage silhouette, both brands have elevated the style with their distinctive British flair. Bringing two new boot styles to the table, this collaboration draws inspiration from Western aesthetics, featuring details reminiscent of vintage cowboy boots. 

Hunter x Represent takes on the cowboy boot with British flair

Read more