One of Italy's finest designers offers an exquisite range of swim shorts for chaps who just can't bear to brave the trunks…

Etro is an Italian fashion house and manufacturer of fabrics, furnishings and fragrances. It's tremendously appreciated on the Peninsula yet (inexplicably) less well regarded by the outside world.

It was founded in 1968 by Gimmo Etro and is still a family business, with menswear headed since 1990 by Kean Etro.Its signature look, incorporating bright colors and bold, kaleidoscopic patterns paired with classic tailoring, have frequently featured the paisley. Its men's and women's retail collections also include shoes, leather goods and accessories.

But recently Etro have come into their own offering a daring and distinctive selection of swimwear for men. So, if you're hoping to stand out and offset your tan with a little flair, you'd be hard pressed to find more vibrant and essential designs to choose from.

Check out Etro's latest shorts here, paying particular attention to the simple stripes and knockout paisley creations.

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