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Trunk Show: A Guide to Printed Swimwear

By Christopher Blomquist Updated March 22, 2017

a guide to printed swimwear shorts — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Although Christmastime in the Northern Hemisphere generally brings to mind visions of fur-trimmed red velvet or flannel that’s clearly a look that won’t work for those of you who are lucky enough to be spending your holidays in the sun.

And for those of you stuck in frigid temperatures this month, may this post serve as a reminder that spring break is literally right around the corner, so it actually is time to upgrade your swimwear. (Besides, if you belong to a gym with an indoor pool you already know that bathing suits aren’t just for the summer anymore.)

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A classic boardshort shape or not too revealing pair of trunks still seem to be the go-to silhouette for most guys – Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte being an obvious exceptions – and many new offerings for holiday 2016 liven up this somewhat staid cut with technical fabrics and prints that are eye-catching without being over-the-top or obnoxiously in your face. Although you might shun florals or tropical motifs in your day-to-day wardrobe choices, the bathing suits featured here will allow you don them without looking like a sandy dandy. Worn with a solid-colored T-shirt or polo, they’ll add just a touch of color and fun that won’t overwhelm you.

Consider them welcome, warm weather alternatives to that “ugly” printed Christmas sweater….

Cactus Day Swimsuit by BATHER TRUNK CO., $59.98

bather_trunk_co — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Calder 7.5″ in Ensign Blue/White by ONIA, $145

onia-2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Calder 7.5″ in Green/Multi Toucan Print by ONIA, $195

onia-3 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Charles 7″ in Black/White Print by ONIA, $195

onia-4 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Evolution Trunk ’19 by OUTERKNOWN, $43.98

outerknown — Image used with permission by copyright holder

4″ Miter Print Mykonos Stretch Swim Trunk by PARKE & RONEN, $150

parkronen_miter_print — Image used with permission by copyright holder

2″ Swim Fan Print Stretch Angeleno Swim Trunk by PARKE & RONEN, $135

parkronen_swimfan1024x1024 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

5″ Lido Pluma Print Stretch Tailored Swim Trunk by PARKE & RONEN, $145

parkeronen_lido_pluma — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Baeza Swimsuit by RETROMARINE, $155

retromarine_baeza_short_front — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Mistery Eye Swimsuit by RETROMARINE, $155

retromarine_misteryeyeblue_short_front — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Murcia Swimsuit by RETROMARINE, $155

retromarine_murcia_short_front — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Westwater Boardshort 9″ by UNITED BY BLUE, $46.98

united_by_blue — Image used with permission by copyright holder

American Dad Swim Short by WELLEN, $43.98

wellen — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Belvedere Swimsuit by ZACHARY PRELL, $95

zachary_prell — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Christopher Blomquist

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Christopher is a native New Yorker who lives and works (mostly) in Manhattan. A longtime fashion journalist, he served as…

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