Whether you’re beach-bod ready or you’re rocking the much-touted dad-bod look this summer: when the sun is shining and the sea beckons, you’ll appreciate clothing that makes you feel cool, comfortable and confident on the beach. That might mean investing in more loose-fitting clothing than usual, or it might mean strapping a pair of speedos onto your Herculean frame in the manner of Michael Phelps. More likely, however, it will mean something in between, something that strikes the perfect balance between masculinity and modesty. The sartorial equivalent of factor 30, which won’t leave you looking like a well-cooked lobster or a pallid, SPF 50-wearing ghost, but will result in a healthy golden shine.
A happy middle ground, in other words, between sweltering swathes of cloth and Baywatch body-baring. This means thinking about fabrics, and paying careful attention to the silhouette that your choice of clothing results in. Then there are practical matters to be dealt with; namely protecting yourself against both sun and sand, without compromising on aesthetic. It’s a good thing, then, that The Rake’s Beachwear Edit includes everything you need to stay stylish at the seaside. Featuring some of the world’s leading swimwear brands, choose wisely from this list according to what best befits your regular, everyday style. That way you’re more likely to put together a beach ensemble structured around tried and tested style principles, and this will result in a look that conveys an aura of natural self-assurance, which as we all know is the most stylish thing a man can wear.
Plain Swimshorts
A pair of plain, beautifully made swimshorts will be your best friend on the beach. As proven by Daniel Craig in his role as James Bond for the 2006 film Casino Royale, the way to master the plain short is to opt for a flattering cut that finishes just above the midway point of the thigh. This is much more elegant than a longer style, and much more discreet than a pair of short shorts. Italian brand Coast Society brings the precision of fine tailoring to swimwear, and is our go-to for timelessly masculine swimming gear. While the beach is the perfect place to trial brighter, more vibrant hues, a dark navy pair gives you the opportunity to experiment with floral Hawaiian shirting.
