Q: Ever see The Swimmer, with Burt Lancaster? He was 54 when it was released (in 1968), he’s shirtless the entire movie, and he’s in better shape than I’ll ever be. But my question is, what’s up with the kind of swim trunks he wears? Do you know if anyone makes them like that these days?

A: The suit of which you write is a ’60s style of European influence, the kind of suit that became possible with the development of man-made fabrics. It’s snug yet stretchy enough to permit vigorous aquatic exercise. In an era in which every man wears board shorts, I prefer to opt out of the surfing charade with classic suits like the one Burt wore. I have two pairs made by Hermès, but they are going to wear out soon. Prada makes a similar suit, and I would have bought one in orange if they’d had my size. Almost every other store I’ve visited carries only that baggy style, basically attributable to Brian Wilson. However, a New York boutique called Parke & Ronen offers excellent examples of the style we’re discussing. They are called snap shorts, and they’re stretch low-rise suits with a snap closure. At $52, they come in three solid colors and eight discreet prints. They’re a handsome alternative for those with the physique to carry them off.

August 2005

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