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Every summer we come to question our swimwear. This interrogation is induced either by the boredom of what we already own, the overexposure to a print, or the constant slew of snacky roundups on what really is the best waterside apparel.

This here is one of those snacky roundups but also not, because rather than go by just any set of generalized criteria, we've consulted Highsnobiety's own VP of Buying, Herbert Hofmann, to give his very subjective but very trustworthy two cents on swim shorts.

Though the term "shorts" is a bit of a generalization, one of Hofmann's go-to pieces and this list's kick-off has got to be, of course, the Speedo. For surprisingly utilitarian reasons, that is.

Speedo

"I‘m tired of men’s magazines' recurring summer topic that is if Speedos are okay to wear or  not," Hofmann says. It's not even about the skimpiness of it all, but more so how "they are insanely comfortable to swim in and dry super fast. But above all, "it’s true what the memes say: the gays set the pace, and the straights follow — or not."

Hurley

"Now that Speedos have finally made it to the mainstream, we've embraced the opposite and started wearing longer shorts again, too, which made me rediscover Hurley board shorts. I haven’t worn any since I was a teenager, back when I thought you needed to wear underwear beneath them."

adidas

"The iconic three-striped adidas shorts always work!"

Stüssy

"Stüssy's swim and activewear shorts work as everyday shorts or as swim shorts, appropriate even for meeting the parents in law by the pool or beach."

SUNNEI

"Same goes for SUNNEI's beachwear, which comes with a matching top and contrast stitching. Evergreen, if you ask me."

Prada

"An honorable mention is due, going to a pair Prada's infamous black nylon swim trunk. I love it, and it is, factually, the little black dress of swimwear for men."

Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit the HS Style Guide for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty.

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