Apr

2010

for Valet.

Get It

"The Endless Summer," from $10 at Amazon

Suit Yourself

The Summer 2010 Swimsuit Buying Guide

When Robert August and Mike Hynson set out to chase the sun in Bruce Brown's seminal surf film "The Endless Summer" (at right, with the director), they looked much more dapper than today's beach bums. It wasn't just the sharp suits and slickly-coiffed hair that caught our attention—it was the slim, yet comfortable-looking swimwear. These guys made surfing look totally classy, and inspired us to put together a few recommendations channeling some of that classic cool.

Trunks

O'Connell's cotton madras, $69.95

Birdwell Beach Britches, $56

Sundeck, $125

Original Penguin, $39

The safest bet, close-fitting swim trunks are available in a variety of solid colors, fun prints, and breathable materials. Plus, they offer more support where it counts than looser board shorts.

With a greater range of motion, these are ideal for volleyball players or runners.

J.Crew, $59.50

Board Shorts

Apolis Activism + Katin, $99

Theory, $135

Converse One Star, $20

Reyn Spooner, $73

Hanging loose is a lifestyle, not a look. The ideal pair of board shorts should sit at your hips and remain above the knee. They'll still do their job of keeping the backs of your thighs away from surf wax without making you look like a slouch.

Beware: An oversized suit will make skinny guys look even smaller.

Old Navy, $15

Square-Cut

Marc by Marc Jacobs, $128

Diesel, $55

Speedo, $34

Boss Orange, $45

You've finally got your ideal beach body and want to show it off? Square-leg trunks or boxer-brief-style shorts are ideal. But try to avoid racing stripes and techy fabrics or you'll look like you're still training.

The smaller inseam makes shorter guys look taller.

Cheap Monday, $60

How to

Fake a
Beach Body

Side pockets can add extra bulk and will often balloon up with excess water and air.

Avoid elastic waistbands which pinch soft stomachs. Your drawstring should be tied comfortably at the hips, yet tight enough to stay put with a tug.

Darker colors and vertical stripes along the sides make for a long, leaner appearance.

Don't hide behind long shorts—the leg opening should hit a few inches above your knee.

Aether swim trunks, $135

Worried You're Too Pale?

If you're still rocking a gray, wintery pallor, opt for a suit in the blue family. It's been proven that wearing shades of blue will make skin appear less pasty. That will help until you get some natural color.