SUNboring Swimwear for Boys: 2010 Edition

Board shorts are cool and all, but there's something so sweet about little boys in euro-style swim trunks, like the adorable Hip Racer Swim Trunk, left ($9.60, 12 months), from Australian-based ZOGGS. I just wish it was available in more U.S. stores and in larger sizes!

For a similar style, check out Mini Boden's collection of snug fitting swim trunks ($20), which are offered in sizes 1 to 11-12 years. We love all three prints, but our favorite is the bright green crocodiles. If you're looking for more sun protection, we like their bright and stripey Surf Suits ($48), and for post-beach, cuddle your unboring boy up in their comfy Towelling Throw On ($44).

Older boys will really get into Munster Kids' hip and irreverent White Paperplane Board Shorts (sizes 8 & 12, on sale for $39.95 at Tutti Bella), which picture King Kong on top of a building throwing paper airplanes!

Every year I check out Vilebrequin's swimwear collection for boys and I really, really wish their pieces were within my price range, because they have some of the hippest and most inspired styles for boys I've seen, going beyond the surfing and Hawaiian themes we see so much of here in the U.S. Their junior lines--Jim for ages 2-6, and Jam for ages 8-14--were introduced in 1995 and are modeled after the men's collection. This year my favorites are the Rabbits and Corner of Paradise. Both are pricey at $130 but if you plan to live at the beach this year (and can hand them down to a younger child next summer), it might be worth it. You can pretend you're vacationing on the French Riviera!

Just a reminder! There is still time to enter our latest giveaway for a science-themed bodysuit (winners choice!) from KatyANDZucchini. For details click here.

SUNboring Swimwear for boys

Our favorite swim suit for boys this summer is Mini Boden's Euro-style Swim Trunks, left ($20, 1-12 yrs). The company calls them a "sleek and aerodynamic alternative to longer bathers." We just call them adorable! Mini Boden's regular length bathers are cute too. We like the Ocean Funny Fish print.

You can't go wrong with Hanna Andersson's swimwear. What they lack in uniqueness as far as colors and prints, they make up for in sheer quality and durability. Plus you get the added peace of mind of sun protection with their UPF 30+ trunks and mix-and-match rash guards. For baby boys, check out the Sun Ready Rash Guard Babysuit.

Unique and truly offbeat prints are hard to find in boys' swimwear, which is weird because this is one area where we see a lot of florals and bright colors. Still, designers seem to stick to the same surfing, marine animal and Hawaiian themes year after year.

We found two companies that offer interesting alternatives. First is Munster Kids out of Australia, which offers a cool comic book print. The second, Vilebrequin has the most interesting and unboring prints for boys we've seen. Vilebrequin was founded in 1971 in Saint Tropez on the French Riviera and even if you can't afford the designer price tag ($115 and up) take a look at their collection anyway. Our favorite is the Red Visas, but we also really dig the frogs wearing scuba gear.

Know of a hip and unique swimwear designer/retailer we missed? Share it here!

Also, don't forget to leave us feedback about the blog to win a free necktie from Little Ace (see our previous post for details). Next up on the blog: boys' sandals.