Six Aussie Labels Making Men’s Swim Shorts for the Beach and Beyond

Afends·Photo: Grant Tyrell

Feel (and look) equally at home at a rooftop bar, by the sea or at a festival in these picks, from tie dye patterns and bold block colours to relaxed fits and high cuts.

Words by Gideon Cohen · Updated on 24 Nov 2024 · Published on 14 Nov 2024

Commas Short Swim Shorts

$270

Menswear label Commas puts a playful spin on quiet luxury with tailored silhouettes and high-quality fabrics, leaning into abstract prints and unexpected colour combinations. Putting the “short” in swim shorts, this pair has a high cut and a comfortable elastic waist, with a hand-painted pattern inspired by surf swells.

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Afends Tie Die Baywatch swim short 18

$89.99

Blending style and sustainability with a skater edge, Afends’ garments look equally at home on a rooftop bar or by the beach. Made from 100 per cent recycled nylon, these eco-conscious swim shorts have an eye-catching tie dye pattern. Plus, there’s a Velcro pocket to secure your valuables, making them great for both a summer festival and a dip in the sea.

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ORTC Travelling Past swim short

$90

Inspired by timeless silhouettes and neutral colour palettes, fashion and sportswear brand Ortc designs quality garments that are made to last. Featuring artwork designed by Pintupi artist Debra Nangala McDonald, this special-edition design combines style with social change. All the proceeds go to the ALNF, helping promote literacy and numeracy among Indigenous Australians.

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Venroy brown knot border printed swim short

$120

Bondi-born label Venroy launched in 2010 with a single run of just 60 pairs of swim shorts. Now, the brand has a global following for its pared-back resort and leisure wear. Its beloved printed swim shorts are back for summer, with bold patterns including an off-white covered in Grecian coins and this brown pair with an abstract knotted motif.

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Jac & Jack Toto swim shorts

$140

Sydney label Jac & Jack has been making minimalist gear since 2004. These Toto swim shorts are crafted in a soft Japanese nylon and feature an internal gusset plus side and back pockets. With a classic fit and five colour options – from neutral cocoa brown to bold tomato red – they’re a trusty summer style staple.

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Double Rainbouu Black Multi Surf School short

$99

Describing itself as an “antidote” to traditional resort wear, Double Rainbouu’s designs stand out with Australian-inspired prints and vibrant colours. Splicing together black, blue and red fabric panels, these shorts are business in the front and a summer party in the back. Thanks to the quick dry fabric, you can wear them straight from the beach to a sunset dinner.

Shop at Double Rainbouu

This article first appeared in Domain Review, in partnership with Broadsheet.