The Ten Best swimming shorts

Whether you're packing for the beach or heading to the local lido, ditch the trunks and get something more substantial

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1. F&F

£7 tesco.com

A gaudy floral print on swimming shorts is never a good look. Vivid colours may clash with sunburnt skin so opt instead for something more tasteful and restrained.

2. Reiss

£45 reissonlone.com

This pair of swim shorts has a Mediterranean connection – it's named after the island of Corsica and the bright coral colour conjures images of summer sun.

3. Hartford

£80 thecorner.com

This Paris-based clothing company is a well-kept secret. Make a splash in these tastefully cut blue swimmers. The tiny floral design gives them a sophisticated edge.

4. APC + Tooshie

£130 apc.fr

Tooshie has become a byword for flattering swimwear. This black pair is part of a collection created in collaboration with French label APC. Classic, unflashy style.

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs

£135 mrporter.com

The leg of these is cut high but they are cool and understated. Has two side slant pockets and a small button pocket to keep your locker key in.

6. Topman

£25 topman.com

This pair of two-tone swim shorts has a 1970s feel to it and the cream piping is a nice retro touch too. These shorts are smart enough to double up as a casual day look.

7. Nautica

£35 debenhams.co.uk

This pair from Nautica in the classic block colours of red and white has the obligatory mesh-lined brief and elasticated waist. They're embroidered with the brand logo.

8. Myo

£138 matchesfashion.com

The go-to brand for urbane beach wear that travels from poolside to bar. This black pair is given a playful makeover with this purple skull print.

9. Polo Ralph Lauren

£90 harveynichols.com

The Ralph Lauren label epitomises moneyed, preppy East Coast style, so it should come as no surprise that these Polo swim shorts feel like the softest cotton.

10. ASOS

£25 asos.com

The summer's ubiquitous Hawaiian print may be a little too colourful for some, making this blue tone-on-tone print from Asos easier on the eye.

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