Saint-Tropez of the 70’s Style: Dive into Men’s Swim Short Styles

The charming coastal town of Saint-Tropez is known worldwide as one of the most popular and trendiest beach destinations on the French Riviera, attracting the coolest crowds of jet-setters every summer with its laid-back vibe contrasted by the glitz and glamour of the luxurious lifestyle it exudes. 

But few know that this small fishing village has been a hot spot for holidaymakers since the ‘50s and reached its epitome as a playground for the rich and famous in the ‘70s. With legends of the silver screen like Brigitte Bardot, Romy Schneider, Alain Delon, and Grace Kelly and chic tourists frolicking around in their best outfits, the fashion scene at the time was a big part of Saint Tropez’ appeal, so much so that the styles of this iconic era have become a major reference in fashion and are still used today as a source of inspiration for both designers and those looking to up their summer wardrobe. 

The golden age of Saint-Tropez served a heady mix of bold colours and patterns, alongside causal yet sophisticated looks that perfectly encapsulated the famous French joie de vivre philosophy and the relaxed Riviera lifestyle. Obviously, men’s swimwear was a big part of the picture and unsurprisingly the shorts that made a splash in the resort town in the ‘70s are now experiencing a most welcome revival. 

This calls for a more in-depth exploration, or should we say a dive into the men’s swim short styles that can help you emulate the relaxed but refined aesthetics of retro Saint-Tropez and bring back the bohemian feel of this bygone era. 

Short(er) shorts 

The ‘70s were a time of liberation, self-expression, and exploration, and that was directly reflected in people’s fashion choices, especially when it came to beachwear. This means that the less the better was the rule of thumb for both women and men when getting ready to hit the sandy beaches in Saint-Tropez. 

Back then, brands took the concept of shorts quite literally and cut back on the length, creating swim shorts for men that left very little to the imagination. This style is rather daring by today’s standards, so if you’re comfortable with showing a little more leg, the ’70s-inspired skimpy shorts are all about letting go of inhibitions and providing total freedom of movement – and they’re also the best for tanning. 

Sporty shorts 

For the young and the restless who wanted to flaunt their summer beach bodies, staying fit was a major priority. This propensity for fitness and working out caused sportswear to transition into mainstream fashion and led to the emergence of athlete shorts which were worn by everyone in the ‘70s, even those who didn’t have any interest in sports whatsoever. 

And just like that, the basketball shorts worn by athletes on the court turned into the ultimate beachwear staple. Make no mistake, these types of shorts follow the same recipe as all the other swimwear pieces of the decade, so their close-to-skin fit doesn’t offer much coverage. 

Cut-off jean shorts

Now here’s a style you may be a little more familiar with: cut-off jean shots. But as expected, there’s a twist here as well. If you really want to channel that ‘70s Saint-Tropez style, you can’t just cut off your regular jeans and call it a day. 

For the perfect retro vibe, you need a pair of high-waisted ultra-short denim shorts, the kind that were paraded by skater boys. You get extra points if they look a bit distressed and worn out. Obviously, you can customise cut-off jeans according to your own liking, so there’s no need to follow the exact recipe. 

Dress shorts

From the styles we’ve mentioned so far, one might get the idea that 70’s beach fashion favoured the bold and the rebels, which is not far from the truth. But the Saint-Tropez fashionable crowds also taught us that you can dress casually while also looking smart and stylish without much effort at all. 

So, if you want to opt for a more elegant and classy coastal look, dress shorts are the absolute winners. Needless to say, the short and tight theme is recurrent, regardless of style, so even these dressier pieces are quite revealing. But worry not, with a pair of well-tailored dress shorts you’ll feel perfectly comfortable and give off an air of confidence at the same time. 

Eye-catching prints

Saint-Tropez’s beachfront knew no shortage of prints and patterns in the ‘70s as vacationers were more than happy to experiment and wear the flashiest and most dazzling combinations. As a tribute to that colourful era of creative revolution, many brands have brought back or reimagined many of the popular prints that were all the rage back in the day. 

From graphic patterns to classic navy stripes or exotic flowers, there’s a myriad of vibrant prints you can choose from to include in your summer wardrobe this year. There’s nothing better than a lively pair of retro revival shorts to make you stand out from the crowd and brighten up your day.  

Colour block shorts 

If you’re not a fan of prints and patterns, neatly cut trunks in block shades offer a great alternative. They are more subtle than shorts with busy prints, and if you’re worried you might be leaning towards a dull look, you can compensate by choosing a brighter colour. Pair them up with a classic T-shirt and a pair of leather sandals and you’re good to go. 

As demonstrated throughout the years, the wild ‘70s remain a huge influence in fashion and the iconic Saint-Tropez beach style is still as relevant today as it was a few decades ago. So, if you want to update your swimwear collection, a few pairs of timeless retro shorts could be a welcome addition.