Men's swimwear

Men's swimwear from Hackett London is built for the part of the holiday that happens away from the pool as much as in it — poolside lunch, boat trip, the walk back to the room.

Fabric and fit

Cut from a quick-drying polyester blend with a small percentage of elastane, the fabric moves without clinging and dries fast enough to wear straight through an afternoon of pool to bar to pool again. A mesh lining sits inside every pair, finished to a standard that avoids the chafing cheaper swim shorts are known for after a few hours in salt water. Colours and prints follow a considered edit each season rather than a scattergun approach, in keeping with the more restrained aesthetic Hackett London has favoured since its earliest collections.

Length options across men's swimwear

A tailored mid-thigh length is the house standard, striking a balance between the very short cut that's fallen out of favour and the below-the-knee length that reads more like a board short. An adjustable drawstring waist and a secure internal pocket are standard across the range, small details that matter considerably once you're actually in the water.

Printed swim shorts with a linen shirt worn open and espadrilles for lunch by the pool.
The same shorts on their own for the water, towel over the shoulder, nothing else required.

How quickly does swimwear fabric dry?

A polyester-elastane blend typically dries within an hour of ambient heat, considerably faster than swimwear made from heavier cotton blends. This is the main reason technical swim fabric outperforms cotton-based alternatives for repeated wear in a single day.

What length of swim shorts is most flattering?

A mid-thigh length suits most builds, sitting short enough to avoid looking dated while offering more coverage and comfort than a very short cut. Taller frames can comfortably wear a slightly longer length without it looking disproportionate.

Can Hackett London swimwear be worn as casual shorts?

While technically possible, swim shorts are cut from a lighter, quick-drying fabric that doesn't hold its shape the way a cotton twill short does, so they're best kept for the water rather than doubling as everyday shorts.