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7 Sophisticated Swimsuits Every Preppy Dad Should Add to Their Collection

Vacation is the perfect time to let your style shine, so let's match you up with a swimsuit that will keep you looking preppy and stylish.


Here are 7 swimsuits that will keep you cool and comfortable this summer...



If you're looking for a sporty, go-anywhere short that works on the beach but doesn't scream "swimsuit!" take a look at L.L. Bean's Classic Supplex Sport Shorts.


Perfectly at home in the surf or lake, you can also throw a polo and sneakers on with these to grab an early morning coffee.


These come in a variety of colors, but I'm drawn to this cool gold color.



If you've never owned a zip-front swimsuit, take my word for it and treat yourself.


While all the other dads are walking around the pool in their long, shapeless board shorts, you'll be decked out in shorts as sophisticated and preppy as you are.


These zip-front mid-length swim shorts are made from cotton seersucker, which doesn't sound like the ideal swimsuit material, but having owned a pair like this you've gotta take my word for it: you'll love the way these look and feel.




Sticking with a colorful, preppy look, have a peek at the Draper James x Lands End Print Volley Swim Trunk.


Crafted from fast-drying polyester and printed with a classic blue gingham pattern, these shorts also feature a contrasting navy patterned elastic/drawstring waist that adds a nice pop of visual interest.



As a general rule, I'm anti-board short. If you look at all the worst shorts you'll see around the pool or at the beach, it's a safe bet they're gonna be board shorts.


I don't know where this bias comes from. Maybe I was bullied by a surfer in a past life.


But I'm making an exception for this Faherty Retro Surf Stripe Board Short. With a 7-inch inseam, these shorts are going to hit well above the knee (shorter than your typical board short).


The real stars of this product are the colors. I don't know how they did it, but Faherty managed to land perfectly on shades of blue and red that exude nostalgia.


Again, not a board short guy but I'd buy these in a heartbeat.



One thing I always look for in a swimsuit is versatility.


Can I wear this on the beach while I victimize the people who have to see me shirtless? Can I wear this while I drag a 75 lb. wagon full of chairs, umbrellas and coolers across soft white sand? Can I wear this with a polo and loafers to get a sweet tea and platter of fried shrimp?


This cool patterned suit from Soul of London checks all those boxes.



If you tend to be a "less is more" person, you might be a little picky about patterns.


After all, why plaster your undercarriage with a funky pattern when a classic solid will always look great?


I'm 100% with you. I'm putting this Brooks Brothers Montauk Print Swim Trunk on the list because I think it would look hella cool with a nice white or cream linen button up on top.


Alright, let's finish strong with my last pick...



Our pals over at J. Crew have taken classic, preppy polka dots and put their own cool spin on 'em with these white dots on a navy background.


Look closely and you'll see the dots are irregularly shaped and spaced, which gives the print a slightly exotic appearance.


These trunks are cut with a 6-inch inseam and what J. Crew calls their modern slim fit. Lovely pair of swim shorts.


Accessorize your summer look


Once you've got your swimsuit picked, polish off your summer look with a nice watch that won't break the budget or a pair of dad-friendly sneakers.


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