The Latest In Men's Beachwear

Whether you're lucky enough to live in a city by the sea, or are visiting a hot climate, you need the threads that'll make you look hotter than the sizzling sun and the ladies in thong bikinis -- okay, maybe not the latter.

Nevertheless, you'd better check out this "beach must-have" list because, even though you won't have much on, onlookers will still notice even the most minute amount of clothing you are wearing. Hey, even if you're heading to a nude beach, you have to wear something on the way there, right?

So get your bag ready, grab your buddies or your date, and prepare to give the lifeguards a run for their money.

Swimming trunks

This season's swim shorts are all about Hawaiian prints and flashy colors. Forget your usual navy, black or beige pair -- trunks are a great way to display your flair for color and patterns you wouldn't normally dare go out in.

In addition to flash and floral, cargo pockets are a popular addition to many trunks, as you might have noticed in this year's fashion collections.

The greatest thing about many of the swim shorts out there today is that they can double up as regular shorts, and look great with any sleeveless T or short-sleeve shirt.


Sleeveless T-shirt

Now that you've got your shorts on, you need to get in gear with a stylish, sleeveless T-shirt. Now by "sleeveless," I don't mean "tank top," but rather a T-shirt with cutoff sleeves -- there is a difference.

The most fashionable sleeveless T-shirts out there have a "thrift store" appeal, and are either adorned with a retro-inspired logo or design, and/or have a vintage quality to them -- thanks to a washed-out look and feel.

Another great sleeveless T-shirt style features a drawstring at the neckline. Just make sure your lady doesn't use it to punish you whenever your eyes stray from the prize...

Also known as a muscle T-shirt, it looks great with jeans on a casual day or night out, and can double up as a great top for the gym (so long as you don't spend too much cash on it).



Collared short-sleeve shirt

Admittedly, this is more of an extra than a must-have, but you'll never know what you may need on the beach. A great day can turn into an even better night, and you want to make sure you're ready for anything.

A dressier alternative to a regular or sleeveless T-shirt, a button-down short-sleeve shirt is something you can throw on after your day on the sand, and wear with trunks or a light pair of pants (more on these later).

Hey, once you're done swimming, tanning and playing volleyball, you might want to hit an outdoor café or restaurant, and will need something nicer than the T-shirt that's covered in sand and sweat.


Sandals

I've already given you a rundown on the kind of sandals you should be sporting, but here's a recap: the trendiest styles of open-toe shoes out there today include thongs, flip-flops (they look like shower shoes) and lounges (backless loafers).

Since I don't recommend wearing leather, suede, or any kind of dressy shoe to the beach, plastic or rubber flip-flops are the perfect solution.

Okay, you almost caught me there: Birkenstocks and similarly styled shoes are indeed made from leather or suede, but to be honest, they're not the most fashionable choice you can make, despite how comfortable they are. As well, skip the Velcro-strapped sandals and stick to thongs or flip-flops.

Sunglasses, a hat, and more beach must-haves


Sunglasses

This season's most popular styles of sunglasses include aviator, rimless, oversized, shields, and wraparounds, but since I'm focusing on great beachwear, the style you choose should depend on your beach activity of choice.

If you're lying around soaking in the rays, then feel free to wear your aviator or rimless frames, and even shields. But if you're engaging in more sporty activities like beach volleyball, you might want to opt for wraparounds or other sporty-looking shades. Rimless frames and shields are more fragile, so be wary while wearing them to the beach (especially if they're expensive).

While clear tints, like those featured to the right, are still on this season's sunglass scene, remember that your eyes are visible behind the lens. Tread carefully.


Hat

Whether you cover your head on the beach or on the way to and from it, it's important to protect your head from the sun's heat. But nobody said you can't do it in style.

One hat look you've probably seen on every celebrity or trendsetter in your neighborhood is a mesh baseball cap. Von Dutch is one popular brand name that comes to mind, but today you can find this trucker-style cap at most fashion retailers.

The mesh back makes the hat more breathable than a regular baseball cap, so you'll feel and look cool while you truck along.

Another trendy cover-up is a visor, which offers enough protection and comfort, without completely covering your head. You've surely seen visors on celebrities (especially rap artists) and you'll be freestyling in the heat with one of these.

Beach bag

Bagging it for the day? Well chances are you'll need something in which to lug around your towel, cell phone, and other important items.

Skip out on the typical beach bags and try out a nylon bag like this one by Rucksack. Its drawstring closure offers easy access so you can pack up in two minutes flat, while its nylon fabric ensures that your belongings won't get wet or ruined. Most importantly, its ultra-cool look will attract the attention of fellow beachcombers.


Comfortable pants

Your awesome day at the beach has drawn to a close and you want to switch out of your wet trunks. Good thing you have your linen drawstring pants to wear with your sleeveless T or nice button-down short-sleeve shirt.

Linen pants are one of summer 2003's must-have items, so if you don't have a pair by now, then there's no better time to take the plunge. As you might have noticed, drawstring is a popular detail on clothing today.


Mesh shirt

This recommendation comes with a disclaimer: this shirt is not for everybody. In fact, only a select few can pull it off. If this is the look for you, make sure you only wear it on the beach.

Okay, so most of you might be wondering, if this shirt is so limited, why bother getting it? Sometimes looking great comes with its share of risk-taking and a whole lot of confidence, and if you've got it, then flaunt it. get beached


Between the flashy swim trunks, sleeveless T-shirt, low-key flip-flops, smoking shades, fly hat, comfortable pants, and fashionable beach bag, you'll see that life truly is a beach. Don't forget the sunscreen (tomato-red tans will never be in style) and head out for a day of surf, sand, sun, and sheer style.