Trendspotting: Stylish swimwear

With the Irish summer having been moved up to spring this year, we're left with a series of windy, drizzly days. Time to grab swimwear for a cheap sun holiday then.

By Emmet Purcell

Thank the fashion gods that tight trunks/budgie smugglers are no longer a fashion staple for anyone other than 60-year-old Mediterranean sleazebags.

Nowadays it’s about board shorts and not-too-snug-fitting swim shorts and since you’ll never wear them in Ireland by the looks of the weather reports, it’s time to stock up on swimwear and pile onto the next sun holiday flight, Icelandic ash cloud permitting.

Here at JOE we’re always there to help steer you in the most stylish directilon and as such, we roamed the interwebs to find our top picks to look your best on the beach this summer. We also found one pair of shorts that had cats on them. Enjoy.

Calvin Klein Graduated Logo Board Shorts - ASOS €56.41

These shorts feature a logo print with a graduated ombre dye effect and a drawstring waist with printed logo ties. Maybe not the best pick if you're especially pale but a great design nonetheless.

Oiler & Boiler Palm Tree Swim Shorts - ASOS €41.02

ASOS Board Shorts with Floral Print - ASOS €22.20

Floral prints never go out of fashion and these shorts featuring classic styling, twin pockets to the front, pockets to the legs and an elasticated waistband with lace up fastening.

Original Penguin Two Tone Trunks - Urban Outfitters €55.00

Todd Selby Swim Shorts - Topman €46.22

These are part of the Topman Swims Collaboration and are quite terrifying to the non-cat-lover. Having said that, they're a brave design and if you can pull the look off well, then you're a more handsome man than most.

Red Thin Stripe Swimwear - River Island €23.95