Once upon a time beachwear was for the vacationing elite, then came the rebellious surf bums of the sixties followed by the gold rush for the summer sun in the eighties. These days, with more free time, we’re spending more time on the beach and beachwear fashion is more important than ever.

The current beachwear looks are influenced by the major beach cultures of the world, from the surfer to the Brazilian beach football player.

 Board shorts have been the must have men’s beach look for many seasons now. They channel the effortlessly cool look of the surfer, rigorously printed to resemble the flora of Hawaii, loose and worn low on the hips, and on the young man, ever so sexy.

 Beach football has become increasingly popular and migrated from the oceanic beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Whether you want to perform acrobatic passes of engage in a full on game, or are ready to experiment foot volley (a sort of beach volley, played on the court with the net but where the ball is kicked not spiked.) the right swimwear is essential. Opt for shorter trunks, with a drawstring waist for maximum coverage and comfort.

 And then come water sports: waterskiing, windsurfing and sailing. For these sports smaller swimwear which does not get caught in anything, nor fill with air and water are best. Back in fashion, perhaps due to the strong Seventies influences in recent seasons, the brief, rigorously black is a must have for those summer activities.

Modelled by Simone Nobili for Swide

Credits: Dolce&Gabbana