How to Choose Swimwear Colour for Men Based on Skin Tone

Your skin tone isn't just about how light or dark it is. What really counts is the undertone lurking beneath. That undertone? It's the reason some colours make you look like a bronze god, and others make you look like you’ve had a rough night.

There are three main players: warm, cool, and neutral. Warm undertones have hints of gold, yellow, or peach. Cool ones lean more towards pink, red, or bluish hues. Neutral? Somewhere in between, neither too warm nor too cool.

To find your undertone, check the veins on your wrist. Blue or purple? You’re cool-toned. Greenish? Warm-toned. Can’t quite tell? Probably neutral. Easy.

Need more clues? Jewellery is another tell. If gold looks banging on you, chances are you’ve got warm undertones. If silver makes you look like a legend, you’re probably cool-toned. Neutral skin tones tend to look good in both.

Also, think about how your skin reacts to the sun. If you tan easily, warm undertone. If you burn before bronzing, likely cool. If you do both, again, probably neutral.

Once you’ve nailed down your undertone, the rest is smooth sailing. Or in this case, smooth swimming.

If you’ve got warm undertones, you're in luck. Earthy, rich tones are your secret weapon. Think burnt orange, olive green, mustard yellow, warm red, and browns. These shades work with your natural warmth and make your skin look even more attractive.

Deep greens, rich teals, and terracotta shades? Yes, please. You’ll look sun-kissed even before you hit the beach.

Avoid icy tones, pastel blues, or anything too cool, they’ll wash you out quicker than a wave.

Cool-toned guys, your vibe works best with crisp, bold shades. Go for navy, cobalt, emerald, or cool greys. These shades pop against your skin and make you look sharp, not sweaty.

Pastels like baby blue, lavender, and mint green can also work, as long as they’re on the icy side.

Steer clear of earthy browns, oranges, or yellows. They tend to clash with your cooler edge.

Shorts and trunks are the go-to for most blokes. They give you coverage, comfort, and plenty of style options. Want to look sharp? Stick to mid-thigh length with a clean, structured fit. It flatters most body types and avoids that awkward boardshort bulk.

Patterns? Go for it, but keep it consistent with your undertone. Warm skin? Try geometric prints in burnt tones. Cool skin? Nautical stripes or crisp contrasts are your friend.

Feeling brave? Good. Speedos and briefs are sleek, masculine, and confident as hell, when done right. They’re for people who like a sleek fit and don’t mind turning heads.

Choose a solid colour if you want something timeless. Feeling bold? Try strong colours or clean patterns. Again, pick shades that complement your undertone, and you’ll look like you know exactly what you’re doing.

Swimwear’s great, but it’s the extras that pull your look together. Sunglasses, always cool. A stainless steel necklace or a stainless steel bracelet, adds a flash of polish. Or perhaps even a tote bag? Yes, real men carry them.

Stick to a colour palette that plays well with your swim shorts. If your trunks are bold, tone down the accessories. Keep things balanced and you’ll always look sharp.

Watch the materials too. A cotton tote looks relaxed. Polyester? Sharp and modern. Avoid clashing prints and colours, you want cohesion, not chaos.

And don’t forget your shades. Black frames are always handsome. Clear or coloured ones can look fresh, as long as they’re not fighting the rest of your kit.

• Know your undertone: Once you’ve got it, shopping’s a breeze.
• Fit is king: Doesn’t matter how nice the colour is if it’s sagging or strangling.
• Balance it out: If your swimwear is bold, keep your top layer or accessories simple.
• Confidence counts: The best colour is the one you feel good in. Wear it like you mean it.

Now hit the beach like a man who knows his colours and knows how to wear them well.