3. What will you do in your swimsuit?
Will you actually be swimming laps or just taking a dip? Will you be getting athletic (beach volleyball or kayaking) or pretty much lying around on a towel? Going from the beach straight to a family barbecue? Swimsuits in a spandex blend, like MaaMgic Men's Quick Dry 4-Way Stretch Swim Trunks in Mint ($23, amazon.com), keep their shape and provide some body-sculpting help so that you don't jiggle. Nylon suits, like the Silkworld Men's Swim Trucks Quick-Dry Beach Shorts ($18, amazon.com), are fast-drying and lightweight so that you can practically swim and jump in the car to head home without changing. Suits with built-in sun protection — called UPF or ultraviolet protection factor — like the L.L. Bean Men’s Vacationland Stretch Swim Trunks with UPF 50 ($50,llbean.com), shelter skin from UV rays that penetrate regular clothing. They're a good choice if you're prone toskin canceror just need extra level protection.
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Kohl's Men's Dolfin Solid 5-Inch Swim Trunks in Green (left); L.L. Bean Men's Classic Supplex Sports Shorts 6-Inch in Iron Blue (top right); Lands’ End Men's 6-Inch Color-Block Volley Swim Trunks in Blue Triple Color Block (bottom right)
Kohl's; L.L.Bean; Lands' End
4. Short trunks are for showing off
Trim square-cut short trunks, like L.L. Bean Men's Classic Supplex Sports Shorts 6-Inch in Iron Blue ($35, llbean.com), Kohl's Men's Dolfin Solid 5-Inch Swim Trunks in Green ($42, kohls.com) and Lands’ End Men's 6-Inch Color-Block Volley Swim Trunks in Blue Triple Color Block ($40, landsend.com), fit pretty much like boxer underwear. With an inseam between 5 and 6 inches, they display enough thigh and are great for active beach activities like swimming, jogging, running, volleyball or lying around on a lounge chair or towel — but not so much for social activities like a family barbecue, a picnic in the park or having lunch at a café. Forget skintight briefs. Yeah, they look great on Olympic swimmers and triathletes, and you see them on men of all ages on European beaches — but let's get realistic: Unless you're swimming alone in your own pool (and even then), don't go there. They're the equivalent of a string bikini, and women age 50-plus (aside from ex-supermodels) know when to draw the line. You should, too.
(Left to right) Amazon Essentials Men's 7-Inch Swim Trunk in Anchor Print; Goodfellow & Co. Men's 7-Inch Floral Swim Trucks in Red; Lands’ End Men's 8-Inch Volley Swim Trunks in Sea Mist Blue
Amazon; Target; Lands' End
5. Mid-thigh drawstring trunks look good on everyone
They're the equivalent of a woman's one-piece tank — not too skimpy, not too covered up — so in other words, foolproof. Every guy should have at least one. Look for an adjustable drawstring waist to compensate for weight fluctuations, a mesh lining and a flattering color, like the Lands’ End Men's 8-Inch Volley Swim Trunks in Sea Mist Blue ($40, landsend.com), Goodfellow & Co. Men's 7-Inch Floral Swim Trucks in Red ($20, target.com) and Amazon Essentials Men's 7-Inch Swim Trunk in Anchor Print ($15, amazon.com). Shades of blue look fresh on every skin tone, while vibrant red, orange or green makes a statement and you'll be easy to spot in the water or a crowd. Big fellas who are stocky or beefy and want to look slimmer should choose a size larger (not smaller) than their usual pant size and let the adjustable drawstring waistband do the work. It should fit gently snug — not so tight that it pinches — and any love handles will overflow the band. The straight, semi-loose fit helps balance width at the hips, rear and upper thighs if your body is more Homer Simpson than Brad Pitt.
(Left to right) Speedo Men's 9-Inch Marina Long Volley Swim Trunks in Gray; Old Navy Patterned Built-In Flex Board Shorts for Men 10-Inch in Teal Stripe; Goodfellow & Co. Men's 10-Inch Afterburner Swim Board Shorts in Black
Target (2); Old Navy
6. Knee-length board shorts turn guys into surfer dudes
Look for styles that end around an inch or two above your knees, like the Goodfellow & Co. Men's 10-Inch Afterburner Swim Board Shorts in Black ($25, target.com), Old Navy Patterned Built-In Flex Board Shorts for Men 10-Inch in Teal Stripe ($25, old navy.com) or Speedo Men's 9-Inch Marina Long Volley Swim Trunks in Gray ($30, target.com). And yes, note the length — sometimes board shorts are labeled as trunks. To look cool at 50, be sure they're not too wide (your body will look broader) or too long (your legs will look shorter). Skip any that go past your knees (these are not clamdiggers or capri pants) or have lots of excess boxy, baggy fabric (when wet they'll drag the waist down). Women know that the more leg you show, the better proportioned your body looks in a swimsuit. Aim for a relaxed, roomy look with enough fabric on either side of the thighs to run, sit, bend and move without feeling constricted.
(Left to right) Norty Men's Swim Trunks Water Short Cargo in Aqua 2; L.L. Bean Men's Classic Supplex Sport Shorts, Cargo 10-Inch; Kanu Surf Men's Echelon Swim Trunks in Flex Aqua
Walmart; L.L. Bean; Amazon
7. Cargo-style swimsuits give you hands-free security
Longer, above-the-knee-length suits, like the L.L. Bean Men's Classic Supplex Sport Shorts, Cargo 10-Inch ($40, llbean.com), Norty Men's Swim Trunks Water Short Cargo in Aqua 2 ($17, walmart.com) and Kanu Surf Men's Echelon Swim Trunks (regular and extended sizes) in Flex Aqua ($19, amazon.com), work for guys like a cross-body bag does for women. Multiple pockets — including the extra patch pockets on either side of the thighs — can hold a wallet, keys, sunglasses and sunscreen. Just remember to empty them before jumping in.
