Finding swimwear that makes you feel dapper is not easy for most butches and tomboys. Each post in this series will feature a different stylish swimsuit and accompanying gear to keep you feeling confident at the beach, lake, or pool.
This edition is inspired by the simple pleasure of spending an afternoon at the pool. After spending a year holed up in our homes, there is something incredibly freeing about grabbing your gear and heading out for a few hours of soaking up the sun and floating your cares away.
Clockwise from top left
White Short Sleeve Shirt ($23). You obviously don’t have to wear a shirt with a swimsuit. But I’ve found that when I have one with me I reach for it more often than not. I might throw it on for a minute if the sun dips behind a cloud and the breeze picks up. Or if I decide to run to the grocery store before heading home. Or maybe it would even make a great pillow.
Outplay Flat Sea Swim Tank ($59). I’ve raved s about this tank before because it changed swimming from something I would do despite being uncomfortable in my clothes into an activity where I actually feel confident. It’s handsome. Androgynous. Comfortable. Basically, it’s perfect.
Sport Sun Visor ($7). I’m that guy that loves wearing ball caps but doesn’t actually look very good in ball caps. Somehow a visor is different. I love the way my hair comes out the top all kinds of crazy. I like that I never get too hot or start sweating like I do in a ball cap. Visors are also just a little bit different. You don’t see them all the time. They have a bit of a sporty vibe. A beachy feel. Come to think of it, visors are kinda like me. Maybe that’s why they feel just right.
The Bone Art Place Small Bone Koru Necklace ($35). There’s usually a pretty limited amount of accessorizing you can do with swimwear. This bone carving necklace is perfect. Originally worn by New Zealand’s Maori people, this style of bone carving was passed down through families. They believed that the spirit and essence of one who wore it was infused into the necklace and so each necklace would become a powerful totem through the generations. There are a bunch of styles with many different meanings. This one is a Koru spiral which symbolizes “new life, tranquility, and spirituality, along with a strong sense of regrowth or new beginnings.” I’ve worn mine for a dozen years, but it looks particularly apt at the pool.
J+S Aviator Polarized Blue Mirror Sunglasses ($17). Sunglasses at the pool have one very basic requirement: they must be mirrored. This allows for you to people watch much more easily. And we all know the pool is a great spot for people watching. I think the blue lenses on this pair really give summer vibes.
Takeya Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($21). I know lots of people prefer alcoholic beverages at the pool. I like those too. But honestly sitting in the sun makes me feel cured like jerky. I always need my water bottle nearby so I don’t have to call it an early day because I’m parched.
Birkenstock Arizona Eva Sandals ($45). Nothing says pool time like a pair of slide sandals. You could go with a basic swim-looking type from a sporty brand. Sometimes those are perfect. But sometimes just a little notch nicer makes a big difference between looking like you’re ready for a shower at college or looking like you’re a handsome Dan out for some summer fun. (hint: these Birkenstocks are the handsome Dan choice)
Chubbies Swim Shorts ($65). First things first: swim trunks are life-changing. Wearing trunks makes me feel handsome as hell. They just feel right. I’ve tried a few other options that are much cheaper from a site that delivers quickly and I was actually surprised at the difference in feel. None of the cheaper ones I tried felt good and I returned them all. Contrast this with Chubbies swim shorts which are fantastic. I love this print for a few reasons: (1) it’s freaking fun; (2) the colors make it really versatile for matching with tops; and (3) I think prints like this kinda camouflage all my curvy bits. Now, I like my curvy bits (mostly). But it’s a little harder to look masculine in a super-thin piece of nylon fabric with your curvy bits showing up. So for me, these swim shorts give me the more masculine look I prefer even tho I wear them up at my natural waist.
Alright, fellas & folx! You’re looking handsome as hell for your summer pool time fun this year!
(If you need more butch swimsuit ideas, check out our swim archives.)
