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Swim shorts: we don't have to tell you that they're a summer essential.

Unfortunately, they're also often one of the most overlooked parts of your warm-weather wardrobe. If the summer crept up on you before you had time to update your old high school Speedo, don't worry. Whether for the Rockaways or the Riviera, a perfect swim short springs eternal.

From a statement-making Jean-Paul Gaultier pair to a classic everyday style courtesy of Ralph Lauren, we've scoured the internet for this season's best swim shorts and grouped them all together down below.

Shop the season's best swim shorts below.

Commas Surfer Artwork-Print Swim Shorts

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CommasSurfer Artwork-Print Swim Shorts
$263
Buy at Matches

Hailing from Sydney and inspired by its founder's beachside lifestyle, swim shorts are a part of Commas' DNA. This pair comes with an all-over print depicting a surfer enjoying time by the water, something you'll hopefully also be doing in these shorts.

Carhartt WIP Island Swim Trunk

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Carhartt WIPIsland Swim Trunk
$85
Buy at Highsnobiety

As is typical for Carhartt WIP, these shorts come in a relaxed, baggy fit and a casual look for everyday wear.

Jacquemus 'Le Maillot Praia' Swim Shorts

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Jacquemus'Le Maillot Praia' Swim Shorts
$200
Buy at ssense

Cut in a classic baggy boxer fit, it's all about the details with these Jacquemus shorts. These include the gold-colored tips on the drawstrings and a subtly embroidered locker loop at the rear.

Jean Paul Gaultier Printed Morphing Stripes Swimsuit Shorty

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Jean Paul GaultierPrinted Morphing Stripes Swimsuit Shorty
$240
Buy at Highsnobiety

Bordering on being psychedelic, these little shorts come with Jean Paul Gaultier's signature morphing, anatomical stripes all over. JPG knows how to make a statement and this might be the most eye-catching pair of shorts on this list.

Nike 5" Belted Packable Swim Trunks

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Nike5" Belted Packable Swim Trunks
$64
Buy at NIKE

Blending both style and function, these Nike swim trunks come with an integrated belt and small cargo pocket for a piece of highly-practical swimwear. And, to make things even better, the packable design won't take up much space in your bag.

Vilebrequin x Highsnobiety Stretch Swim Shorts

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Vilebrequin x HighsnobietyStriped Stretch Swim Shorts
$275
Buy at Highsnobiety

A producer of high-end swimwear for over 50 years, our latest collaboration with Vilebrequin includes a range of the label's signature swimming trunks. An ode to the brand's hometown of St. Tropez, the shorts are crafted from 100% recycled nylon with a durable mesh lining and side pockets.

Bottega Veneta Tech Swim Shorts

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Bottega VenetaTech Swim Shorts
$650
Buy at Luisaviaroma

If there's one thing you can expect from Bottega Veneta, it's that it's going to add its crisscrossed "intreccio" pattern to everything. High-end leather bags, shirts, technical swimwear... you name it and Bottega's found a way to add some intreccio flair to it.

Dries Van Noten Phibbs Swim Shorts

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Dries Van NotenPhibbs Swim Shorts
$270
Buy at Highsnobiety

Dries Van Noten is a master of artful prints and patterns, as can be seen on these swim shorts embellished with a floral print framed through contrasting brown lines.

Acne Studios Water Reactive Logo Swim Shorts

Acne StudiosWater Reactive Logo Swim Shorts
$185
Buy at Highsnobiety

As if by magic, when you enter the water wearing these swimshorts Acne Studios' signature straight-faced logo changes colour. It's a type of sorcery that Acne has been experimenting with a lot recently, also utilizing heat-reactive fabrics that change color based on temperature.

Loro Piana Straight-Leg Mid-Length Printed Swim Shorts

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Loro PianaStraight-Leg Mid-Length Printed Swim Shorts
$495
Buy at Mr Porter

Loro Piana might be getting touted as one the embodiment of quiet luxury, but there's nothing quiet about these shorts. The mid-length style is decorated with a playful hot air balloon print that covers the entire style.

C.P. Company Eco-Chrome R Utility Swim Shorts

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C.P. CompanyEco-Chrome R Utility Swim Shorts
$195
Buy at Highsnobiety

When purchasing something from C.P. company, you can expect it to be made with a focus on utility — and that counts for its swimwear as well as its signature outerwear. Produced in the brand’s signature nylon material, created through the upcycling of fish nets, the left leg features a cargo pocket adorned with the brand's signature goggle branding.

Polo Ralph Lauren Traveler Straight-Leg Mid-Length Swim Shorts

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Polo Ralph LaurenTraveler Straight-Leg Mid-Length Swim Shorts
$85
Buy at Mr Porter

Crafted from a moisture-wicking stretch shell and lined in lightweight mesh, these shorts come in a classic straight-leg and mid-length fit.

Want to keep browsing? Head to the Highsnobiety Shop for more products that we love. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

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