Color might not be the first thing you think of when buying swim shorts. But once you walk across the beach in them, you know: it does matter. Some colors look great on you, others make you look pale or just uncomfortable. Below we explain which colors work, which you better avoid, and what the safe choice is if you don’t want to hesitate long.
The safe swim short color: always good, never boring
Want to keep it simple — and there’s nothing wrong with that — then navy blue and black are the safest choices. Timeless, suits almost everyone, and fits any holiday, pool, or barbecue.
Navy blue isn’t the most popular swim short color for nothing. It suits everyone, slims neatly, and looks calm. Also a smart choice for men with a bit more belly or legs: it’s less noticeable than lighter colors and creates a slimmer look.
Black is a bit more stylish and serious. It slims nicely, looks sleek, and is easy to combine. Only downside: black heats up faster in the sun. But otherwise: always good, and definitely no hassle.
Safe, solid colors are easy to shop for in the solid swim shorts.
Other colors: what works and what doesn’t?
Want something other than black or blue for a change? Fine — just make sure it suits your skin and style.
- Light blue – fresh and summery, but on pale skin sometimes a bit washed out. Works better if you already have some color.
- Green – an underrated, strong choice. Especially olive or dark green looks good and appears calm and tough.
- Red – eye-catching and warm. Better to choose dark red or burgundy than bright red; it gives warmth without shouting.
- Yellow & orange – true holiday colors: cheerful and sunny. Great on tanned skin, but on pale skin more of a warning sign.
- Prints and patterns – can give you that little extra. Rule of thumb: the busier the pattern, the calmer you should be.
Standing out is allowed: the bright swim shorts
Sometimes you do want to be seen. A bright pair of swim shorts gives a sporty, cheerful vibe — and on a crowded beach, it’s simply practical: your group will spot you faster, no more searching through thirty gray shorts.
A bright color isn’t just for daredevils. Think sunny yellow, bright red, or royal blue, or a wildly busy print. Want to stand out without overdoing it? Choose one bright element — either the color or the print, not both. You’re on the beach, not on a festival stage.
Bright styles can be found in swim shorts, swim boxers, and swim briefs — and often discounted in the sale.
What does your color choice (a little) say about you?
Just for fun — because color also says something about your character:
- Blue – calm, reliable, and stylish; a determined person with principles.
- Black – reserved, elegant, and a bit mysterious.
- Red – life lover with courage: passionate, active, and outgoing.
- Yellow – optimistic and sunny, with a sense of humor.
- Green – social, diplomatic, and loves nature.
- White – fresh, pure, and honest; loves simplicity.
Nothing scientific, but fun to think about while choosing.
Practical tips from Hans
- A wet swimsuit looks different from a dry one. Light colors can be see-through, bright colors often become duller. Unsure? Test it at home in the shower.
- Look at your skin tone. Dark skin? Almost anything works. Pale skin? Better to go for warmer or darker shades.
- Make sure you feel good in it. If you’re tugging at your shorts all day because you find them too bright, it’s the wrong choice — no matter how nice the color is.
In summary
| Color | Type | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| Navy blue | Safe, stylish, slimming | The safe choice. Suits everyone, looks calm, and visually slims. |
| Black | Timeless, powerful, slimming | Slimming and easy to combine. Does get warm faster. |
| Light blue | Fresh, sporty | Summery and approachable. Works better if you already have some color. |
| Green | Calm, tough | Dark or olive green is a strong, underrated choice. |
| Red | Warm, eye-catching | Dark red often works better than bright. Suits a bit of boldness. |
| Yellow/orange | Sunny, cheerful | Striking and summery. Looks best on tanned skin. |
| Prints | Playful, expressive | Choose wisely. Busy prints attract attention, so make sure they suit you. |
Are you going for colorful or safe?
Whichever way you go — safe navy blue or a bold bright color — the most important thing is that it fits well and you feel good in it. Check out all men’s swim shorts and find your color.
