Hot Swimwear for Summer in the Hamptons

It’s swimwear season in the Hamptons. Here are some good places to go on the East End to pick up your bathing gear.

DUDES:

The surf and beachwear experts at Flying Point Surf and Sport confirmed that the “beach to bar” men’s board shorts are big this year. With belt loops and made in a very comfortable material, these shorts are the new hybrid of menswear—making their way from the beach to the bar. Check out the latest from O’Neill and Billabong. (Note: don’t forget a t-shirt and flip-flops for the bar.) Flying Point Surf and Sport, 69 Main Street, Southampton. 631-287-0075 flyingpointsurf.com. (Now open down the road at 79 Main Street!)

Style-savvy men need not look further than SunBarth. Here are a few key brands and styles to check out: Sunkek, the original surf brand from the ’70s, comes in every color of the rainbow and then some. (Matching kids too!) A Saint Tropez import, 83 990 Tenue de Plage “swim shorts” come in patterns reminiscent of vintage postcards from the Cote d’Azur. Featuring side pockets, back pockets, and front buttons, you can wear them après plage. (That would be the summer version of après ski.) Just don’t forget to take your wallet out before you jump in the ocean. Olebar Brown, coming to us from London, is a great fit and comes in three lengths. Not familiar? You may have seen the Orlebar Brown “Setter Sky” swimming shorts worn by James Bond (Daniel Craig) in SkyFall. Now that’s hot. SunBarth, 53 Jobs Lane, Southampton. 631-873-4121.

CHICKS:

Judging by the Roxy by Quicksilver bikinis at Island Surf, it’s all about fringe, ruffles, patterns, and tassels for this season. The colors? Neons, coral and turquoise. Island Surf, 49 Sunset Avenue, Westhampton Beach. 631-288-4155 islandsurfny.com.

At J.Crew, bikini prints have gone vintage–from classic pokadots to vintage-Hawaiian hibiscus flower prints. Tropical is definitely a trend for this summer. Natural cotton cover-ups and ladies’ Sperry’s complete the look. J. Crew, 84 Main Street, Southampton, and 15 Main Street, East Hampton. 631-287-2869 and 631-324-5034,  jcrew.com.

“Gurney’s Inn” bikinis, yes, named after the Montauk spa/restaurant/hotel, from Jessica Simpson Collection come in fun, vibrant patterns, perfect for that tribal/global pattern-y look that’s making waves. Available at lordandtaylor.com. For similar pattern-happy prints, check out Vix Swimwear and Missoni, both available at net-a-porter.com.

You’ve probably noticed one-pieces appearing here and there. Nothing like the Speedo you wore for swim team, these have plunging V’s, cut-out O’s, and sexy backs. Case in point: the Isla Grande crochet swimsuit by 6 Shore Road, available at 6shoreroad.com and saksfifthavenue.com.