Anderson & Sheppard Swim Shorts

Shorts.

Fairly short shorts.

Swim shorts.

Not chino shorts, too provincial Bank Manager.

Baggy Saggy Cargos? Only for your Suburban Style Savant, so no.

Football shorts, occasionally, round the house, Swansea & Wales only.

So swimmers, pockets deep enough to carry just card and keys, shorts with purpose even if that is to do nothing.

Instant holiday alert, we might be stuck here, under the midday spring sun, thinking of climes’ foreign, sun tan lotion on the breeze, sweating glasses and Jacquemus dresses. 

Perhaps more Brits abroad, on tour, trying (failing) to be sophisticated - steak tartare ‘medium well’ and bottle of that vin trop cher from le menu touristique.

Not me though, sophistication personified & drunk all the negronis to prove it.

So why swim shorts? 

Practicality aside, if you avoid novelty patterns and pick a good & short length, they have an air of simple but decadent nonchalance.

Dreaming of the South of France whilst wilting in Wiltshire.

Thoughts of La Colombe d’Or just feeling broke and poor. 

That doesn’t matter, because they help us to dream, looking the part, ready for action. 

And to dream, that is what we need right now. To glimpse through the present, at a hopeful future.

They’re the choice of the man who likes things, very particular things, but also couldn’t care less. There is more to life, well sometimes. 

Utterly democratic and need neither dressing up nor down, worn with a tan, Wakouwas with pushed down heels, happy with t-shirts or shirts, as long as well loved. They remove any chance of the ultimate turn off of prissiness. 

I have lots, Orlebar Brown are good and flirty, Drakes have done some great ones and Uncle Ralph is there for a hit of acid bright.

But, the best, are from Anderson & Sheppard, the colours are better, deep and nuanced,  the patterns simple but effective. 

Made from what I would elegantly call swim short fabric. Well cut with inner mesh, simple pockets and finished with almost ecclesiastical thick cord with pleasingly swishy and clangy hardware. 

They are nothing more than exactly what they are meant to be, and all the better for it.