DGU GUIDE: BEST SWIMWEAR BRANDS

Men's swimwear is often the poor relation to male underwear, but not at Deadgoodundies.com. Luxury or affordable, classic or high fashion, minuscule or full body cover, at DGU gents' swimmers are carefully chosen, stocked year-round and ready to buy 24/7.

But which are the best swimwear brands for summer 2019? What male swimming costume style is best for the pool, posing, laps or beach sports? Which colours and prints work best with a tan and when is it safe to get a bit salty with your swimming choices?

Deadgoodundies select swimwear only from brands they know and trust, so customers can too. A handful of international designer men's swimwear collections can satisfy all demands from tiny beach thongs and adjustable pouches for maximum tanning to classic and smartly modern swim shorts and full body swimming costumes for men.

As Adam Davies, DGU founder, explains: "We are unusual because the website sells swimwear all year round, unlike high street stores which have stock only in spring and summer, then it's all gone. We have core male swimshort and brief styles available all year and top that up with seasonal additions from cool swimwear brands like Jockey, HOM, Modus Vivendi, Olaf Benz, Manstore and Bruno Banani.

"We offer men's swimwear that's affordable and classic to total luxury. There are designs with a drawstring and no drawstring, with an enhancing pouch or totally flat across the front. Our criteria is always that DGU's swimwear for men must look good and serve a purpose, for example some of our beach boxer briefs have small hidden or zip pockets handy for a key or money."

DETAILS, DETAILS...

Adam recommends considering the end use of men's swimwear before purchasing. Are you going swimming for exercise, to clock up laps in the pool? This requires a fabric that's resistant to chlorine. If maximum tan is your heart's desire – the DGU has lots of inspiration, from strings and thongs to beach slips, male bikinis and micro swimmers. More coverage is always an option too, for holiday sports, walks or beach-to-bar… The choice of swimming trunks, close-fitting swimshorts and looser board shorts caters for all occasions.

And any gent seeking that retro glam look, worthy of an iconic Bond or a Hollywood hunk, can easily find vintage cut boxer briefs, trunks and shorts, or a full all-in-one swim body.

And Adam has some final hints on what to look for: "Looser shorts need an internal brief to keep everything contained, plus a snug waist or drawstring for security. A drawstring can be hidden inside or emerge at the front to add to the overall look created by male swimmers. Watch, too, for special drainage holes in pockets, and consider whether you want sleek styling with no pockets, small or deep pockets and ones with open access, a zip or flap?"

DON'T BE SHY

Men often forget that when it comes to buying male swimwear, they have to remember it will be in full view in public. For some guys this makes them play safe in plain, dark colours in timeless classics in sporty shapes. But when the sun comes out it should be time for a bit of fun. Wear something in a shape that feels comfortable, but push the boat out with bright shades, multicolour prints, or a signature look. For 2019 there are plenty of great solid and stripe colours like turquoise, yellow, red, electric blue and bright pink. (Remember white isn't always right to show off a tan – believe it or not navy blue and turquoise do it better)

Patterns this year are inspired by exotic leaves and flowers, parrots and fruit alongside new interpretations of favourites like camouflage, zebra stripes, polka dots and Aztec designs. Bands of colour are narrow in vertical rows, or deep across wider-leg swim shorts.

Fabrics can be matt or shimmer, some positively sparkle in the sunshine. White can be tricky but will stay more opaque with a good lining. DGU always mentions the extent of lining in men's swimwear – centre front, full front or full product lining.

And finally, waistband choice is important, whether that's a minimal no-waistband look or a contemporary matching or contrast deep waistband on swimwear for men, offering a comfy fit but also a really flattering shape.

CHOOSE YOUR MEN'S SWIMWEAR THE RIGHT WAY

Which is best for you?

• side depth
• pouch or flat front
• looser or snug fit
• drawstring or no drawstring
• waistband depth and look
• pockets or none
• fast dry fabric
• colour – plain or patterned
• finish – matt or shiny

7 SWIMWEAR SINS (don't commit even one guys!)

• never buy last minute before a holiday (especially not in the airport)
• never wear swimmers that are past their best - bobbly, ripped, too small, too baggy, frayed, transparent…
• don't leave it wet with pool or sea water - always rinse in tap water asap
• don't sit on rough rocks or walls which spoil the surface of your swimmers
• don't wear dripping wet beach boxers or briefs more than 10 feet away from the pool or sand – fast dry fabrics are handy if you fancy a quick trip to the bar
• don't reveal more than you intend with unfortunate transparency, unexpected undressing or inadvertent dangling!
• don't be shy – have fun with colours and prints on male swimwear

 
STRIPES: Modus Vivendi's Marine Swim Low Cut Brief (£40.00) comes in classic nautical red or blue stripes – this collection is designed and made in Greece, where they know a thing or three about brilliant beachwear.

PLAIN: Jockey's Classic Beach Swim Trunk (£28.00) in black or navy is a great retro shape and has a secret zipped hip pocket.

PRINT: Always exclusive, always different, Bruno Banani swimwear for 2019 stars the Animal Patch Swim Short (£40.00) - a fresh take on zebra stripes.