The Best 5 Men's 2009 Swimsuits for Under $30

Spring Break is right around the corner and summer fun is closer than you think. It's time to get ready for the beach, the pool, or anywhere you need water wear. But before you pull out that pair of swim trunks you've had since the 9^th grade. Come on, we all know that guys wear it until it rots off. Take a look at the trends for men's swimwear in 2009. Plus, you won't have to break the bank to make a big splash on the waterfront this season.

The 2008 swim season resurrected the 1950's beach party look with somewhat shorter length trunks and shorts. Men's fashions in general featured an Americana Revival look toward the end of 2008 which will carry over into 2009. Many of these looks were featured in shows during Fashion Week in New York, Paris, Montreal and Italy. The American Revival look combines retro styling with vintage patterns, color blocking (a 1980's influence), and nautical inspirations featuring bold stripes and insignias. The color palette offers brighter, lighter colors with a powerful punch of black and white.

You might think that guy's swimwear would be a simple choice of trunks versus Speedos®. But based on design, style, functionality and how much skin a you want to show, the selection is pretty broad to meet the different tastes and needs of any man. There are swimming trunks, wet suits, jammers, triathlon wear, square leg suits, mid-cuts, boxers, reash guards and board shorts in several lengths available in different colors, prints and designs. The first step before buying swimwear is to figure out what you will be doing in it, as well as how it will look on you. Choose a suit that covers you more and offers SPF protection for competition and more intense water sports. Wet suits, jammers, and triathlon wear usually have a high SPF and are designed with extreme action in mind. At the other end of the spectrum you have bikinis and thongs for the more exhibition minded male. Remember, this swimwear is completely unforgiving; you must have a tight body to sport these skimpy togs. For the more modest guy who has a good body, boxer style trunks or a mid-cut bikini will do the trick and turn all the ladies heads. Board shorts and rash guards are popular among the surf crowd and to them length matters. Surf Style is short at 16-18 inches in length, while Stoked offers style and function just above the knee at 19-21 inches. The longest Board shorts are Knee Length at 22-23 inches for full coverage style.

There are a number of Swimwear brands out there. Some of the high-end brand names include: Andrew Christian, Aquatica, AussieBum, Billabong, Christian Audigier, Diesel. Dolfin, Ed Hardy, Finis, Hugo Boss. Island Company, Ron Jon, Rufskin, Sauvage, Speedo, TYR, and WaterPro to name a few. These brands can run as high as $140 per pair and often range from $30 - $90 from the top suppliers. But in today's economy we are all much more cost conscious. Here are five sharp suits from the 2009 Men's Swimwear collection for under $30 each.

UNDERGEAR® NEW WINDSURFER TRUNKS
International Male now known as Undergear® offers up a simple, streamlined design in this slightly shorter version of a classic trunk in a machine washable nylon. The shorter in-seam is great for those active days and the bold colors are sure to turn heads. Choose from a wide assortment of screaming hot colors like Ocean Blue, Red, Yellow, Royal Blue, and Black. Other features include an adjustable drawstring elastic waist, on-seam front pockets and a nylon mesh liner with a large key pocket. If you're on the chunky side or very skinny, these sporty shorts might not be your speed as they are built to showcase a lean, athletic body.
Price: $24.99 on-line at Undergear.com

VARSITY AUSSIE ROWER SQUARE-CUT SWIMSUIT BY GARY MAJDELL SPORT
Hello! An amazing look and fit and affordable too! These Aussie Rower Boxer trunks from Gary Majdell Sport are inspired by vintage surf wear with their snug fit, contrasting double stripes on both sides, tunnel waistband with white drawstring and number "02"screen print on the left leg. They offer the protection of a partial front lining and are constructed of an 80% Nylon / 20% spandex mix for easy care and quick drying. These sexy shorts come in all the basic colors; white with black, black with white, red with white and navy with white. When the temperatures rise, you will be the season's MVP in and out of the water.
Price: $22.49 Direct from manufacturer at GaryMajdellSport.ca

OLD NAVY WINDOWPANE BOARD SHORTS
Go to the next level of fashion with Old Navy's preppy, knee length, plaid boxer-style board shorts. These shorts will flatter bodies of all shapes and sizes. The fine lines of the classical windowpane print will take attention away from your trouble zones. Plus, the lace-up elastic waistband can accommodate a heftier waistline, which is great, if you prefer drinking a six-pack to flexing one. This short also sports a full mesh lining to let your skin breathe and has an interior coin pocket, a secure-close fly, and a secure-close cargo pocket with grommet drain on the right leg. Made from machine washable 100% polyester these every-guy trunks come in a choice of Dark Sea Blue or Stone for cool casual comfort perfection.
Price: $19.50 at Old Navy (www.oldnavy.com)

SPEEDO® SOLAR BRIEFS
Do you feel the need for speed? Speedo® Solar swim briefs give you a sleek silhouette cuttingt through the water. These bikini briefs are designed for both comfort and speed in a washable nylon lycra knit. You didn't think Speedos were going away did you? No siree-bob, these imported Speedo®swim briefs are an absolute necessity in the competitive swim world. They are also the perfect foil for revealing fine examples of masculine eye candy. If you have a body like Michael Angelo's David, grab one of these little models in brilliant sapphire or bold black and get ready to turn up the heat at the beach or make a steamy entrance at poolside.
Price: Original $28.00; Now just $17.99 at J.C. Penney (www.jcpenney.com)

MERONA® SWIM BOARD SHORTS AT TARGET
Go beyond the basics in these versatile, long board shorts that feature retro inspired and nautical prints and patterns in easy care 100% polyester. These board shorts bring a boatload of cool to the scene in a variety of bold, bright colors. Some styles offer a single secure side pocket or two slit Cargo Pockets to keep your keys and such safe. The back elastic waistband, drawstring and easy fasten closure make for a relaxed fit for all body types. These shorts look great on land or sea and by far are the best buy on men's swimwear.
Price: $14.99 - $16.99 at Target (www.target.com)

While women are totally comfortable with purchasing several new suits each swim season, men hang onto their old tried and true until it is no longer recognizable as the swimsuit they originally bought. If that sounds familiar, perhaps it is time you trade up to the next generation of water wear from the 2009 men's swimwear collection. These little numbers won't break your bank and they will buy you a world of fashion bang. Surf's up dudes - look like you mean it!