Fashion, Menswear

Top Trends in Men’s Swim and Resort Wear at Miami Swim Week 2024

Body Diversity Embraced for Women, Overlooked for Men – And That’s Okay

By Ryan Perrino

June 10, 2024

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 01: Bea Millan-Windorski, the designer Erik Rosete and Briceson Harrell pose at the finale of the runway for the Mister Triple X fashion show during the Miami Swim Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion at M2 MIAMI on June 01, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

Miami Swim Week has once again set the stage for the hottest trends in men’s swim and resort wear. This year’s showing, a vibrant tapestry of skimpy and traditional styles, showcased an eclectic mix of bold patterns, sustainable fabrics, and colorful designs. I was fortunate to gain an all-access pass for StyleLujo.com with front row seating, exclusive parties and industry events. With designers pushing the boundaries of conventional men’s swimwear, expect to see a blend of functionality and flair that redefines beachside style. Male models made waves in everything from trunks, Euro, Brazilian cut speedos, and singlets to revealing thongs and matching sets, showcasing a bold spectrum of cuts and styles.

Body Inclusivity: A Movement Leaving Men Behind – That’s Okay

Before we get to some of the highlights, I must comment on the men’s shows, especially since it’s Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. One thing that stood out was the lack of diversity in shapes and sizes, with absolutely no emphasis on men’s body positivity—a stark contrast to the narrative at the women’s events.

Traditional model heights with six-pack abs and stellar physiques dominated the runway, with no attention to men’s body inclusivity. Studies show that between 30% and 40% of men struggle with anxiety about their weight, and about a quarter of young adult men report disordered eating behaviors due to body dissatisfaction. Despite the popular “dad bod” trend, it seems designers are still not ready to embrace this diversity in men’s collections via the runway or promotional imagery.

We must remember, however, that we have the freedom to choose how we respond to what we see, including the images and models on the runway. Instead of consuming these visuals with jealousy or a sense of victimhood, we must take a moment to absorb only what serves our greater good, using it for motivation or inspiration. In a free, creative society, designers can showcase whoever brings their art to life. No one should feel pressured to conform in ways that discourage them from being true to themselves or their creations.

So, let’s get back to those creations!

SHAN

On the first night of swim week, I attended the Select Models event, hosted by SHAN at Mediterranean restaurant, Byblos in Miami Beach. I had the opportunity to chat with a couple of the models and they couldn’t have been nicer, including a fresh face from Oslo, Norway with French roots, Evan Bjerke. An obviously humble and wide-eyed Bjerke shared:

“It’s actually my first time walking in Miami Swim Week. For the experience, I don’t know what to expect so I’m a little bit nervous, but it’s going to be fun.”

Signed with Select Model Management Miami, Bjerke, an avid soccer fan, just shot a US Polo Association campaign and walked in three shows including PQ Swim, SHAN and Hunting Hue. Here’s Evan walking in SHAN, below.

**Evan Bjerke** walks for SHAN at the Paraiso Tent in Collins Park. Image courtesy of **Getty Images.**

Mister Triple X

During a media and influencer brunch at Miami’s secluded beachfront hotspot, Joia Beach, I had the good fortune of sitting next to Mister Triple X designer and owner of Art Hearts Fashion, Erik Rosete. to learn about his path from model agent to fashion designer.

Former manager at IMG Models in New York, Erik transitioned from managing models to a career in real estate in Los Angeles. However, his journey took a significant turn when a designer requested his management, leading to Erik organizing Kendall Jenner‘s first show with a $150,000 budget. Despite the success, his client’s signing with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) ended Erik’s managerial role. This experience inspired Eric to create an event celebrating unrecognized industry professionals, hosted at the iconic 333 Live, previously owned by the one and only, Prince.

The event was so successful that Erik was tasked by the venue owner to do another event the following month. Despite initial challenges in securing designers for subsequent shows, Erik’s ambition and ingenuity inspired him to create and display his own collection, but as an anonymous designer known as Mister Triple X.

“I was running around, like arts and crafts cutting up shirts. I wasn’t a sewer. I wasn’t a designer but I had a vision of what I wanted to make it into,” said Rosete. “And that show ended up becoming the Mister Triple X summer of love edition of Art Hearts Fashion. It got twice as many people and everyone wanted to know who this Mister Triple X was. It was a huge success and there, my bunny [his logo] was born.”

Bad Sisters

Standing in the sponsor area of M2 Miami nightclub, the main runway location of Miami Swim Week, powered by Art Hearts Fashion, I had a moment to chat with Love Island USA alum, Harrison Luna. He walked in various shows, including Bad Sisters (below), Mister Triple X, Capelle, and Willfredo Gerardo.

Ca Rio Ca

Male-exclusive swimwear designers like Ca Rio Ca, Capelle, and Hunk made powerful statements on the runway, proving that men’s swim fashion is just as exciting and diverse. These shows didn’t just make waves; they set new trends and left the audience buzzing with excitement.