As menswear loosens its hold on dressing decorum, inner layers and beachwear provide ideal vehicles to display a newfound fondness for color, print and fashion-forward details. All these elements characterized the swim and underwear on display at Mode City, Curve, Miamiʼs SwimShow and Salon Allure, Salão Moda Brasil, Agenda, Bread & Butter, Magic and Pitti Uomo. Shortened yet classic silhouettes also upheld this bold attitude, while an emerging loungewear sector promoted an around-the-clock sense of ease to go along with the playful mood.
CHEAT SHEET COLORS Color blocking in distinct panels Crayon brights Fresh mint and sea foam ITEMS + SILHOUETTES Square-cut trunks Revamped V-necks 2-inch swimshorts PRINTS Photorealistic tropical patterns Water splatters and splashes Mod-inspired geometrics
Vans Mash Rhythm Charlie by Matthew Zink Twothirds Frank Dandy Lightning Bolt Color blocking provides an effective medium between solids and prints. Colors arranged in distinct panels, both functional and decorative / Contrast pockets, edge bindings, waistbands, yokes and gussets / Contrast mesh linings deliver subtle pop / Wide, dimensional stripes / Tonal blue combinations look appealing
Creora 2 Xist Charlie by Matthew Zink Papi Smartwool An array of bold primaries and brights creates an arresting color palette for S/S 12. Red, blue and yellow are ultra saturated and vivid / Sharp citrus combinations of orange, lemon and lime / Turquoise is key / Hot pink emerges in solids and as an accent
Wellen Vans Quiksilver Blue Man Wellen Neff Headwear Nike 6.0 Shades of mint refresh warm-weather wardrobes. Especially essential for swimwear / From bluish sea foam to neon spearmint / Sharp greens update basic stripes / Black grounds the glowing color / White brings out its cool, fresh quality Related Report: S/S 12 Runway Flash > Mint Man
Borsalino Just for Man Papi Zimmerli Mash Square-cut trunks replace boxer briefs as the underwear of choice. Completely straight horizontal cuts give way to curved, slightly slanted hems for a new take on briefs / Low- to mid-rise waists are key / Relaxed fits offset truncated lengths
Borsalino Papi Zimmerli 2 Xist V-neck tees move forward with subtle new design details. Boldly colored tees are must-haves / V-necks show off decorative back neck facings / Lightweight, soft, drapey jersey adds luxurious dimension / Scrubs-style tees inspired by Prada are directional interpretations
Freshjive Roark Just for Man Episode No Ever-popular sweatpants give way to trans-seasonal shorts. Raw edges recreate the look of cutoffs / Basic sweatshirt fleece evolves into textured knit fabrics / Ribs and waffle knits look new / French terry continues to gain momentum / Fully fashioned sweater knits for fall / Drawstring pants inspired by football tights / Underwear-style gussets / Trendy pegged silhouettes enhance ready-to-wear appeal
Argento Vivo Papi Aza Hema Charlie by Matthew Zink Warriors of Radness Tailored mid-thigh silhouettes sweep into swimshort assortments. Two- to four-inch styles are key / Flat-front buttoned waists create a polished look / Straight and slim silhouettes update longer shorts / Dapper foulards and stripes retain the classic appearance
Mash Blue Man Aza Hema Nycked Square-cut trunks are modest and elegant alternatives to bikini styles. Low-rise waist, straight-cut legs / Wide elastic waistbands prevent digging in / Fashion details like welt pockets, zippers and belts / Color blocking adds a sporty sensibility
Rhythm RVCA Quiksilver Blue Man Jedidiah Blue Man Katin Lightweight denim and chambray invade swimwear. Cornflower blue and faded washes look fresh for the category / Chambray pops up in new colors like red and green / Directional color blocking / Printed stripes / Denim used as an accent on spandex trunks
Lovege Blue Man Diesel Osklen Jack & Jones Tropical prints update in photorealistic interpretations. Island and resort scenes depicted in digital prints / Collaged prints / Photographic elements mixed with illustrations / Greyscale photocopier styles / Scarf-inspired mirror prints are the next evolution for tropical prints
Sundek Diesel Nicolita Quiksilver Moody, water-splashed prints are a new form of camouflage for swimwear. From water droplets to crashing waves / Birdseye views of the ocean / A range of blues is the natural color palette / Black and white photocopier prints provide a subtle interpretation / Soft watercolor stripes and ombrés
Glamour Kills Papi Lifetime RVCA Anna & Boy Quiksilver Eye-catching geometric prints capture a mod attitude. Black and white scheme is key / Cubes inspired by Ipanema beach sidewalks are recurring motifs / Angled, intersecting stripes / Quilt-like diamonds modernize with stark blocks of brights / Mediterranean-inspired tile prints provide a warmer, more traditional look Related Report: S/S 12 Runway Flash > Strong Stripes
EDITOR'S CHOICE: LOUNGEWEAR JUST FOR: MAN justforman.com.br/web Brazilian brand Just For: Man elevates menʼs loungewear with fashionforward details, contemporary silhouettes and exuberant color. Tropical prints and colorful stripes enliven trunks, while lounging separates take on trendy fashion details for around-the-clock appeal. According to the brandʼs mission statement, the comfort and well-being of the modern man is its key focus, along with innovation and originality all elements the spring collection captures in spades. DEREK ROSE www.derek-rose.com Luxury Savile Row staple, Derek Rose has resurged in recent years thanks to a renewed interest in classic tailoring and dapper dressing. This season, their signature cotton PJs get a lift with playful polka dots, notched club collars and abbreviated silhouettes. To their posh pajamas and robes, the label has added a more casual range of loungewear and daywear that is finding much success in fine department stores and boutiques.
EDITOR'S CHOICE: SWIM 2(X)IST shop.2xist.com The label responsible for turning underwear into an integral fashion wardrobe component, 2(x)ist debuted their much-anticipated line of swimwear at Miamiʼs SwimShow. The bold colors and cuts that define their underwear were present; however, tailored shorts, basic tees and preppy prints showed surprising restraint and sophistication a refreshing new direction for the brand. PAPI www.papiinc.com Papi embodies the playful, sultry flavor of its Miami surroundings, creating bold yet masculine swimsuits for men who are not afraid to stand out. Tasteful, tailored silhouettes, sporty details and sleek color blocking balance vibrant hues. Coordinating flip-flops, hats and other beach necessities reinforce the brandʼs lifestyle approach and offer convenient, chic options for beach bums on the go.