The Ten Best Swimming Shorts

Speedo - £17

It'll be Speedo central at the Beijing Olympics, but the sport specialists do more than their classic racing briefs. These shorts are simple, nicely cut, and have a trio of pockets.

www.speedo.com; 0845 850 8582

Zoggs - £20

We don't all want floral prints or sealife imagery. For a bog-standard pair of well cut shorts, this quick-drying grey number with a mesh brief will do the job just fine.

www.figleaves.com; 0844 770 0999

Paul Smith - £73

Expect to see these patriotic pants flying on flagpoles from Southend to St Tropez this summer. Made up of stamps, they're a stylish take on Smith's Union Jack motif.

www.paulsmith.co.uk; 0800 222 444 55

Bjorn Borg - £60

The beady-eyed Swede tennis legend has made an unlikely success of his underwear firm. He serves up decent swimming shorts, too - these vibrant lace-ups are fetching in floral.

www.bjornborg.com

Tommy Hilfiger - £50

Simple, stylish, well cut - you can't go wrong with these fetching boardshorts, which fasten with Velcro and lace. Available in black for modesty.

www.tommyhilfiger.co.uk; 020-7026 3385

Ted Baker - £35

The most tasteful floral prints on the flowerbed that is the swimming shorts market. The turquoise background will set off a tan; pale-legged bathers should get the Zoggs.

www.tedbaker.com; 0845 130 4278

Boss - £59

Floral but not frilly, these boardies from Boss sport a bold pattern, an elastic waist with drawstring and two pockets that won't inflate when you bomb your girlfriend.

www.hugoboss.com; 020-7554 5700

Calvin Klein - £50

Pale colours will show off a tan best and they don't come much paler than these white shorts from Calvin Klein. Just keep them clear of Mr Whippy and his flakes.

www.figleaves.com; 0844 770 0999

Sloggi - £22

If you must flaunt it on the beach like Bond, at least wear dark colours. This budgie-smuggling pair offers style and a snug fit - the full package, you might say.

www.justsloggi.co.uk; 01332 811732

Rip Curl - £54

Pretend you're "hanging 10" in these vintage-look floral boardies which boast a horror-movie motif among the hibiscus. There's also a zip pocket for your (other) valuables.

www.ripcurl.eu