themanual.com - February 2016

Although it’s still winter in the Northern Hemisphere ‘tis nearly the season for spring break and so now’s a perfect time to upgrade your beachwear. (And, if you are lucky enough to belong to a gym with an indoor pool you already know that bathing suits aren’t just for the summer anymore.)

A classic boardshort shape or not too revealing pair of trunks still seem to be the go-to silhouette for most guys – Michael Phelps being an obvious exception – and many new offerings for spring 2016 liven up this somewhat staid cut with technical fabrics and prints that are eye-catching without being over-the-top or obnoxiously in your face. Although you might shun florals or tropical motifs in your day-to-day wardrobe choices, the bathing suits featured here will allow you don them without looking like a sandy dandy. Worn with a solid-colored T-shirt or polo, they’ll add just a touch of color and fun that won’t overwhelm you.

Or, if flowers and fish just are not your thing, there are retro-inspired geometric patterns and good old-fashioned paisleys. For an even more modern choice, go with a photo-inspired print of the foamy surf or, even cooler, a typhoon photographed by a NASA satellite in space…. Dive in!