When choosing swim shorts, colour is just as important as fit. The right shade can complement your skin tone, pair easily with the rest of your wardrobe, and suit different occasions throughout the season. Whether you're packing for a tropical getaway or spending weekends by the pool, choosing versatile colours ensures you'll get more wear from every pair.
From classic solid colours to stunning prints, here's how to choose swim shorts that fit your style and make dressing for summer simple.
Navy Swim Shorts: A Wardrobe Essential
Navy swim shorts have earned their place as one of the most dependable choices in men's summer wardrobes. They offer the versatility of black without feeling too heavy for warm weather, making them suitable for everything from beach holidays to yacht days and casual lunches.
One of the biggest advantages of navy is how easily it pairs with other colours. Crisp white linen shirts create a classic combination, while beige, brown, olive and pale blue tops all complement navy beautifully. This means you can pack fewer pieces while creating multiple outfits throughout your trip.
The Navy also transitions well beyond the water. Simply add a linen shirt, leather sandals or white sneakers, and your swim shorts become an easy option for exploring coastal towns or enjoying an evening meal outdoors.
Navy swim shorts pair well with:
- White linen shirts
- Beige or sand coloured linen shirts
- Light blue cotton shirts
- White sneakers
- Espadrilles
- Leather sandals
White Swim Shorts: Fresh and Sophisticated
White swim shorts bring a clean, relaxed look that's synonymous with luxury summer destinations. They reflect sunlight, feel light during warm weather, and instantly brighten an outfit.
Although many hesitate to wear white, high-quality lined swim shorts provide excellent coverage while maintaining a polished appearance. The key is choosing premium fabrics that retain their structure both in and out of the water. White works especially well with earthy tones like olive, sand, chocolate brown and taupe, but also pairs beautifully with soft blues and subtle stripes. These combinations create outfits that feel relaxed without looking overly casual.
Because white is naturally eye-catching, keep accessories simple. A woven belt, leather sandals and classic sunglasses complete the look without overpowering the outfit.
White swim shorts pair well with:
- Olive linen shirts
- Sage green polos
- Beige camp collar shirts
- Sky blue resort shirts
- Tan leather sandals
- White sneakers
Neutral Colours: Easy to Wear Every Day
Neutral shades like sand, brown and sky blue have become increasingly popular because they work with almost everything already in your wardrobe. These understated colours create a relaxed aesthetic that's perfect for warm weather dressing.
Unlike brighter colours that may only suit certain occasions, neutral swim shorts are incredibly versatile. They pair effortlessly with white linen shirts, navy polos, lightweight knitwear and simple cotton T-shirts.
Another advantage is that neutral colours remain stylish season after season. Rather than following short-lived trends, they offer lasting versatility that makes them a worthwhile investment for frequent travellers.
If you're building your first holiday wardrobe, a neutral pair of swim shorts is one of the easiest places to start. They provide the flexibility to create multiple outfits while keeping your suitcase light.
Neutral swim shorts pair well with:
- White linen shirts
- Navy polos
- Striped linen shirts
- Leather sandals
- Espadrilles
- White sneakers
Bold and Fun Printed Swim Shorts
Printed swim shorts add personality to your wardrobe and are perfect for holidays where you want your outfit to feel more playful. Tropical florals, geometric motifs, coastal patterns and artistic prints all capture the relaxed spirit of summer.
The secret to styling printed swim shorts is balance. Since the shorts naturally become the focal point of the outfit, everything else should remain understated. A plain linen shirt or solid coloured polo allows the print to stand out without making the overall look feel busy.
Neutral footwear, minimal accessories and clean lines help create a polished appearance. Avoid combining multiple bold patterns, as this can make an outfit appear cluttered.
Printed swim shorts are also an easy way to introduce colour into your wardrobe if you typically gravitate towards classic neutrals. One statement pair can instantly add variety to your holiday wardrobe without requiring an entirely new collection of clothing.
Seasonal Colour Trends
Every summer is an opportunity to introduce fresh colour palettes inspired by coastal destinations, natural landscapes and Mediterranean living to your wardrobe. While trends evolve, the strongest seasonal colours usually build on classics rather than replacing them.
This season, deep navy remains a favourite thanks to its versatility, while crisp white continues to deliver a clean summer aesthetic. Earthy shades like sand, olive and stone offer understated style, while accents of coral, sky blue and botanical green bring freshness without overwhelming an outfit.
Prints are also becoming more considered, with many designs drawing inspiration from tropical foliage, ocean waves and hand-illustrated patterns rather than loud graphics. These patterns add visual interest while remaining easy to style with classic wardrobe staples.
Choosing the Right Colour for Your Holiday
The best swim shorts are not simply about your favourite colour. They should also suit the type of holiday you're planning and the activities you'll be enjoying.
For tropical beach escapes, brighter colours and playful prints naturally complement relaxed surroundings and vibrant scenery. Pair them with lightweight linen shirts and comfortable sandals for an easy daytime outfit.
For luxury resorts, solid colours like navy, white and brown offer greater versatility. They transition effortlessly from swimming to lunch or evening drinks with the simple addition of a linen shirt.
If you're travelling through coastal towns or planning sightseeing, neutral colours work particularly well because they can easily double as casual shorts throughout the day. Choosing versatile shades means you'll pack less while still having plenty of outfit options.
Build a Versatile Summer Wardrobe
You don't need a large collection of swim shorts to create a variety of summer outfits. Choosing a few thoughtfully selected colours allows you to mix and match with the shirts, footwear and accessories you already own. A balanced collection might include a classic navy pair for everyday wear, a white or sand option for lighter resort looks, and one printed pair for holidays where you want something with a little more personality.
Together, these three styles provide enough variety for almost any summer destination while making packing simpler. Investing in versatile colours ensures every pair works with the rest of your wardrobe, allowing you to create comfortable, polished outfits throughout the season.
