The 18 Best Swimsuits for Men of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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These are the best swimsuits for all your summer travels.
Travel + Leisure / David Hattan
You can tell a lot about a man by his swimsuit. Is he a thrill-seeking surfer, or more of a hotel pool aficionado? But finding the right men’s swimsuit can be challenging when the options are seemingly infinite.
That’s why we tested more than 40 men’s swimsuits over a period of six months to compile a comprehensive guide for your summer shopping needs. We tested each swimsuit based on fit, comfort, quality, performance, coverage, and value, going over each and every detail with a fine-toothed comb to find the best options for every man. Top honors went to Vuori’s fantastic Banks Short, thanks to its soft fabric, flattering fit, and smart details such as a small zippered pocket for carrying keys. But we also found 17 other swimsuits that won in their categories — and we’re confident there’s something for every type of swimmer.
Best Overall: Vuori Banks Short
Why We Love It
They’re made from a buttery-soft material that dries quickly.
What to Consider
They might be a little long for shorter guys, and they don’t have a liner.
In testing, this versatile suit felt like a swimsuit-shorts hybrid, featuring high-quality materials that will likely last a long time. Indeed, versatility and quality design are the names of the game with California-based Vuori, which has quickly become a favorite of the athleisure world in recent years for their comfy joggers and versatile tees. These swim shorts are no exception — they are soft, comfortable, and feature practical details such as a drawstring waist, a small zippered pocket for keys, and a scalloped edge that appears flattering on any leg. They are unlined, and also dry relatively quickly, so they’re a great option if you’re looking for one-and-done bottoms to wear all day long without having to change in and out of a suit. The Banks Short is designed in the brand’s “VCycled” fabric, made from four to five recycled plastic bottles each.
The only thing to consider is that the fit is somewhat on the longer side. Our tester noted that on guys under 5-foot 9-inches tall, these might be a little too long. But otherwise, they’re a pretty much perfect pair of shorts that will serve you well, whether you’re hanging ten in California or looking for something to wear straight from the beach out to lunch in Positano.
Price at time of publish: $68
The Details: XS to XXL | 44 percent recycled polyester, 44 percent polyester, 12 percent elastane
Best Waterproof: L.L.Bean Men's Classic Supplex Sport Shorts
Why We Love It
These shorts dry very quickly and don’t get waterlogged like other swimsuits do.
What to Consider
This style only comes in solid colors.
Most swimsuits are a blend of polyester and nylon — but when you choose something that’s 100 percent nylon such as this quintessential option from New England icon L.L.Bean, you’ll watch as water just rolls off, drying in minutes. We love the old-school, pared-down design aesthetic of this pair — something low-key enough to wear all day long for weekends by the lake or sunny beach days. They’re made from a three-ply Supplex fabric that is lightweight and breathable, and feature comfortable built-in mesh briefs for support. This suit also offers UPF 50+ protection which blocks over 97 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays, making it a protective option for the sunniest days. Overall, our tester praised this swimsuit for its comfort, its light weight, and its affordable price point.
Price at time of publish: $40
The Details: S to XXXL | 100 percent nylon
Best Sustainable : Free Fly Men's Lined Swell Short
Why We Love It
It’s made sustainably from recycled coconut husks.
What to Consider
While the exterior dries very quickly, we found that the lining tends to stay wet for some time.
Sustainability when it comes to apparel is a tricky proposition — it has to do not only with materials, but also with supply chains and how things are made. This one is made from recycled coconut husks and finished with a water-repellent DWR finish, for a lower-impact swimsuit that’s kind to the environment. The fit, feel, overall look, and quality of this suit scored high marks, but while the exterior of the suit dries within minutes of getting out of the water, the polyester lining does tend to soak up water and stay wet long after leaving the pool. But for a swimsuit with all-day versatility made from a fabric that’s gentle on the environment, this is a solid choice.
Price at time of publish: $78
The Details: S to XXXL | 45 percent coconut charcoal, 42 percent polyester, 13 percent spandex, 100 percent polyester liner
Related: The 12 Best Swimsuit Brands of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Versatile: Patagonia Men's Baggies Shorts
Why We Love It
The shorts were comfortable and dried very quickly.
What to Consider
With a five-inch inseam, they are on the shorter side for guys used to a longer fit.
“Everything about these shorts was super comfortable,” our tester gushed, even if the length was a little shorter than he was typically used to. A 5-inch inseam isn’t for everyone, but the overall old-school look and feel of these shorts make them a foolproof choice. Otherwise, the drawstring felt well-made and secure and the waistband was stretchy. These shorts were mostly dry in under twenty minutes, and completely dry overnight — making them a versatile style that can easily be worn all day long as you go between wet and dry environments, outdoor activities, and water sports. Plus, being from eco-conscious brand Patagonia, it’s worth pointing out that they are made from recycled fishing nets — so the low carbon footprint makes them a compelling purchase for those who value sustainability.
Price at time of publish: $65
The Details: XS to XXL | 100 percent nylon
Best Quality: Everlane ReNew Swim Short
Why We Love It
These shorts are made from a luxe-feeling recycled nylon blend that’s comfy enough to wear all day.
What to Consider
The 7-inch inseam is on the longer side.
A great sign of quality for a swimsuit isn’t how it looks when you buy it — it’s how it looks after you’ve been wearing it doing all sorts of activities all day long. We wore this particular pair swimming, hiking, ziplining, and even horseback riding, and it never got stretched out or lost its cool. Everlane is known for its eco-conscious approach to clothing, and this style is made from both recycled nylon and polyester, with a touch of elastane for a four-way stretch that keeps up with your every move. The material is gathered from recycled plastic bottles, which diverts waste from landfills, and is made with blue sign-approved dyes, which are safer for workers on the production lines creating these shorts, and are better for our waterways and the environment generally.
Price at time of publish: $75
The Details: XS to XL | 95 percent recycled nylon, 5 percent elastane, 100 percent polyester lining
Best Splurge: Southern Tide Solid Swim Trunk
Why We Love It
We love the comfortable fabric of this suit.
What to Consider
It’s quite pricey for a swimsuit.
Guys from coast to coast (not just in the South!) love Southern Tide for their punchy colors and functional pieces. The 6-inch inseam on these trunks seems to hit that perfect mark of not-too-short but not-too-long, and features a micro-mesh brief liner that our reviewers found very comfortable — and can even be easily cut out if you prefer your trunks liner-less. Rubber drainage outlets on the back ensure water doesn’t get clogged up in the pockets, though we did notice it took a while to dry. This style packs neatly into its own back pocket, making it a fantastic swimsuit for any and all trips, whether you’re tossing it in a tote for an afternoon at your local beach, or stowing it away in your carry-on for more exotic journeys.
Price at time of publish: $90
The Details: X to XXL | 52 percent polyester, 38 percent recycled polyester, 10 percent spandex
Best Pattern: Birddogs Inner Banks Bathing Suit
Why We Love It
This suit comes in colors and patterns that truly scream “summer.”
What to Consider
It comes with a compression-style liner — which is neither good nor bad, but depends on your personal preference.
Birddogs, known mostly for their athletic shorts with built-in liners, offers a number of swimsuits in fantastically colorful and patterned options that capture all the joy of getting outside in the summer months. But it’s not just about style with this pair — it’s also about function. “It’s what I’m looking for in a swimsuit,” is how our tester summarized his thoughts on this pair. “It performed well and did its job. It was comfortable and I could move around easily. I could run in it. I don’t have to worry about it going anywhere.” We only wish the zippers were a little less flimsy.
Price at time of publish: $75
The Details: S to 3XL | 95 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex
Related: The 20 Best Shorts for Men in 2023
Most Comfortable: Mami Wata Beach Shorts
Why We Love It
During our tests, this swimsuit never felt heavy or bulky.
What to Consider
This suit is made from natural materials so it will fade over time.
This swimsuit gets its soft touch and comfortable feel from a unique cotton-canvas blend with 3 percent spandex for an added performance upgrade. During our tests, this was a comfortable option that could be worn in both wet and dry environments, and dried relatively quickly (not as quickly as some of the 100 percent nylon options, but still dry enough in under an hour that we could walk around comfortably). We like this option for its coverage and fit, with a comfortable elasticated waist and a mid-thigh cut. For all day wear, this is a fantastic option.
The Details: S to XXL | 97 percent cotton, 3 percent spandex
Best Resort Wear: Bearbottom Stretch Swim Short
Why We Love It
It’s stretchy enough for all-day comfort, and has a DWR finish so it dries in minutes.
What to Consider
The fabric is slightly rough to the touch.
“Resort wear” pieces of clothing lend themselves to being worn all day at a resort — so you can wear a single outfit without needing to go back and forth to your room to change multiple times. If that sounds appealing to you and to your upcoming travel plans, consider this Bearbottom Stretch Swim suit. It’s made from recycled materials for a smaller environmental impact, and comes in a number of bright colors and fun prints that are perfect for your next trip.
Price at time of publish: $45
The Details: S to XXL | 90 percent recycled polyester, 10 percent spandex
Best for Water Sports: Lululemon Pool Short
Why We Love It
It’s a suit that performs well, and looks good doing it.
What to Consider
The sizing is a little snug so you may want to size up.
Water sports demand a higher level of performance than the average swimsuit — you’ll need a waistband that doesn’t budge and a leg that offers coverage while simultaneously allowing freedom of movement. This Lululemon Pool Short offers both, in addition to a higher degree of stretch than the average swimsuit, thanks to a higher percentage of elastane woven throughout. This suit offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to hit the reef and snorkel, followed by swimming up to the hotel bar for a Piña Colada.
Price at time of publish: $78
The Details: XS to XXL | 89 percent recycled polyester, 11 percent elastane
Related: The 16 Best T-shirts for Men of 2023
Best for Surfing: Bather Technical Surf Shorts
Why We Love It
This suit has a stretchy fit for high performance, and a drawstring waist with rubberized tips that won’t chafe while surfing.
What to Consider
The fit runs slim.
Surfers require a higher degree of functionality from their swimwear than the average Joe: they’re paddling, kicking, hopping on and off of boards, and changing their stance on short notice. These Bather surf shorts are just long enough for adequate coverage, but have a trim fit that takes excess fabric out of the equation. No detail was overlooked, either. The drawstring perfectly matches the tone of the fabric, they are breathable, and feature a 3M reflective label for added visibility while you’re hanging ten.
Price at time of publish: $100
The Details: Sizes 28 to 38 | 92 percent recycled polyester, 8 percent elastane
Best Long: Fair Harbor The Anchor Swim Trunks
Why We Love It
A “BreezeKnit” liner offers support yet remains breathable.
What to Consider
This suit absorbs water for longer than some others we tested.
Some guys simply prefer the coverage of a longer inseam — especially taller guys. The 8-inch inseam on this Fair Harbor style feels right, offering plenty of coverage without feeling overly long or old fashioned. The fit is just right, with a trim leg most guys will find flattering. This pair also has a few features that make it stand out, including a durable water repellent fabric that dries quickly, crafted in a four-way stretch that is comfortable yet keeps things moving. We noticed that the inner brief lining takes some time to dry off, whereas the exterior dries off in just minutes — but overall, this one scored highly during our tests and is a reliable choice for those looking for a little more coverage.
Price at time of publish: $68
The Details: S to 3XL | 88 percent recycled polyester, 12 percent spandex
Best Active: Bonobos Throwback Swim Trunks
Why We Love It
We love the retro-inspired design.
What to Consider
Some guys may find the length a little short and the fit a little slim.
We love these Bonobos swim trunks for their retro-inspired look, which recalls the activewear of the 1970s and classic all-American designs. The athletic fit and shorter inseam are designed for active days: playing volleyball, running along the beach, riding jet skis, and getting your pulse pounding with the latest water sports. They get that vintage look from the surf-inspired curved hem and contrast piping along the seams, but are updated with contemporary details to keep them feeling modern and performing well, including UPF resistance, a mesh interior lining for support, and water resistance that helps them dry quickly, so you can go from wet to dry environments without feeling bogged down by a sopping swimsuit.
Price at time of publish: $89
The Details: XS to XXL | 85 percent recycled polyester, 15 percent spandex
Most Stylish : Chubbies Lined Classic Swim Trunk
Why We Love It
These come in a great range of charming colors and patterns.
What to Consider
The 5.5-inch inseam, while longer than the typical 5-inch inseam, might still be too short for some guys.
Nobody does colors and prints better than Chubbies. There’s a sense of whimsy and happiness in their styles that simply make you want to throw on a pair and go live your best life. It’s worth pointing out that this style comes in a 5.5-inch inseam — shorter than most swimsuits, but just a touch longer than the typical 5-inch inseam that many other brands offer. That makes this suit a great entry point into the world of shorter swimsuits for first-timers. It frames the thigh, is neither too slim nor too baggy, and is fantastically stretchy to keep up with all of your adventures.
Price at time of publish: $65
The Details: S to XXXL | 92 percent polyester, 8 percent spandex
Best Lightweight: Silkworld Men's Quick-Dry Swim Trunks
Why We Love It
This pair is super lightweight and suited for a range of activities, from water sports to ball sports.
What to Consider
We loved the lightweight fabric, but felt it was so lightweight it might easily rip.
Keep it simple. If you’re looking for something super versatile you can wear all day long, this suit is a great option — and it’s budget-friendly. The lightweight fabric dries in a flash and is a natural option for hotter climates, but we did feel a bit concerned that it was so soft it could easily rip. For this price, however, you won’t find a softer, more comfortable swimsuit.
Price at time of publish: $18
The Details: XS to XXXL | 100 percent nylon
Best Classic: Onia Charles 7 Inch Stretch Swim Trunk
Why We Love It
The fabric feels luxe, like something you can invest in that will never go out of style.
What to Consider
If you’re traveling with this one, just remember to pack it carefully to avoid wrinkling.
It’s all about the fabric with these stylish Onia swim trunks — they come in a high-quality stretch nylon in a number of different colors and patterns. We love its soft-to-the-touch feel, and how quickly it dries when wet. That quality extends to the interior as well, with superfine mesh briefs that offer support and comfort with minimal chafing. This suit performs well, never feels heavy, and always stays comfortable and stylish. While we noticed that it did stick to our legs a bit when wet, the overall look and feel of this refined style still felt like a worthy investment to stand the test of time.
Price at time of publish: $110
The Details: S to XXL | 95 percent nylon, 5 percent spandex
Best for the Beach: Faherty 7 Inch Beacon Swim Trunk
Why We Love It
It feels like the right length for wearing all day outdoors.
What to Consider
It has a small percentage of cotton woven in for softness, so it may take a bit longer to dry than 100 percent synthetic swimsuits
This eco-friendly take on a classic swim trunk is the perfect swimsuit to bring along for your next beach day. It uses recycled polyester made from plastic water bottles, with just a hint of cotton woven in for added softness, so there’s no chafing or discomfort to be found here. The pockets, in particular, are very useful. The two front pockets are deep enough to stow a phone during your next round of volleyball, and the rear pocket has a zipper that keeps a wallet or keys secure while you’re out and about. This suit will take you from laying out to swimming to beach activities without missing a beat.
Price at time of publish: $98
The Details: XS to XXL | 80 percent polyester, 12 percent cotton, 8 percent elastane
Best Short: Orlebar Brown Bulldog Mid-Length Swim Shorts
Why We Love It
A 6-inch inseam is a great introduction to shorter swim shorts.
What to Consider
They run slightly slim. If you’re between sizes, size up.
Orlebar Brown has long been the standard for high-quality swimwear that can be worn all day, from beach to boat and beyond. The unique polyamide fabric has a sleek feel that resists sun- and chlorine-related fading, looks upscale, and dries in a jiffy. We loved the darts this style has down the back, for a more tailored silhouette that’s pretty universally flattering. Many guys might find a 5-inch inseam a little too revealing, so if you’re curious about trying shorter swim suits, the 6-inch inseam on this style is a much easier place to start. It also comes with a drawstring bag in matte stretch polyester so you can pack this swim suit up and bring it along for all your travels.
Price at time of publish: $295
The Details: 28 to 40 | 100 percent polyamide
Other Swimsuits We Liked
Three other swimsuits we examined scored well with our testers, but not quite well enough to earn a spot on this list. Either way, they had some features we think some guys would really appreciate.
Solid & Striped The Classic: We loved the design and fit of this one, but we found it chafed when wet, and the price was a little steep relative to other swimsuits on this list.
Bather Swim Trunks: This one scored well for its classic design and sustainable materials, but we thought the fabric felt a little flimsy relative to the price tag.
Goodthreads Men's 7" Swim Trunk: Not too long, not too short, but just right — this swimsuit nails the fit that most guys will find appealing. However, it felt heavy when wet, and took a long time to dry.
Our Testing Process
T+L’s expert product testers took time to test swimsuits from top brands like Vuori, L.L.Bean, Orlebar Brown and more. We scored each suit according to different metrics including fit, comfort, quality, performance, coverage and value on a scale of one to five.
After taking careful notes on the swimsuit’s fabric, construction and any standout design features, our testers put the suits on, then walked around, took a seat, and did a few squats to test their range of motion and level of comfort. From there, we got the swimsuit thoroughly wet for five minutes and did the same range of motion tests to see how each suit performed while wet. We wrung them out, hung them up and took note of how much time passed before they were completely dry.
Ultimately, our favorite swimsuits were comfortable in both dry and wet conditions, were easy to pack, comfortable to wear, fit well, and, simply put, looked good. We kept the prices hidden from our testers so they could objectively compare quality to the price only after examining each suit’s features.
Tips for Buying Bathing Suits
Consider drying time
Almost all swimsuits you’ll find on the market are made from a blend of polyester and nylon fibers designed to dry relatively quickly. If left to hang in the sun, a good swimsuit should be dry in under an hour. Things like elastic waistbands and different types of liners can extend the drying time necessary — which could be an issue if you’re looking to go from poolside to airport without getting everything else in your carry-on luggage drenched.
Think about liners
Swimsuits these days come with a few different types of liners you’ll want to consider. First, there are the classic mesh brief liners, which dry quickly and are extremely breathable, but have been known to chafe, especially if you’re wearing your bathing suit for long periods of time. Second, compression liners — in the same universe as compression shorts you might wear to the gym — don’t trap sand as easily and offer a snug fit that doesn’t restrict movement, but can sometimes lack the airflow some men need to stay comfortable in warmer climates. Do your research, think about how you’ll be wearing your swimsuit, and make the decision that feels right for you.
Choose your preferred length
Trends in length come and go like waves on the beach, according to John Moore, co-founder of sustainable swim and apparel brand Outerknown. Back in the ‘90s, trunks were “as long as 22 inches and they were also quite wide at the bottom.” That’s not the case today: “our best seller is 19 inches, but it’s a very slim 19 inches — we cut out a lot of the extra fabric so it still fits relatively lean,” he said, for a style offering a modern update on the classic surfer trunk silhouette. If you’re doing a lot of water sports, you may prefer the coverage of a longer leg. But if you’re laying by the pool and looking to minimize tan lines, something a little shorter might work better for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to have a swimsuit with or without a liner?
Of course, it has to do with individual preference and what you find comfortable. That being said, consider where you’ll be wearing the swimsuit. If you’re going to be surfing or doing a lot of water sports that require mobility, you may find the addition of a liner constricting. But if you’re just looking for some trunks to wear poolside where your greatest exertion will be walking from your hotel’s lounge chair to the bar and back again, the support of a liner could be reassuring. “For leisure activities, a lot of men like to wear something that has a lining inside of it,” confirmed Moore.
What material is good for a swimsuit?
“99 percent of men’s swimwear is either polyester [or] nylon,” said Moore, so don’t expect to find tons of variation out there in the marketplace. The thing to consider, he advised, is to do a deep dive into how those fabrics are made — there are huge variances in how materials such as polyester are created in terms of sustainability and carbon footprint. But when it comes to the actual touch and feel and performance of a fabric, those aren’t things you’ll necessarily be able to tell just by looking at a suit.
How do you wash a swimsuit?
There’s no need to go hard with washing machines or invest in costly “swimsuit-friendly” laundry detergents — they’ll only shorten the life of your suit, according to Moore. “Every time I… throw [a swimsuit] in a washing machine with the soaps, and the heat cycles and then a dryer, it tends to break down the seams or the glues and a lot of other things that trunks are constructed from,” said the designer. He suggests “a light rinsing [in] cold water,” and hanging them to dry in the shade. This gets rid of any corrosive substances (salt water, chlorine, other pool chemicals) and will extend the useful life of your suit.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Todd Plummer is a Boston-based attorney and writer who covers travel and menswear. He has been writing professionally since 2010 and product testing for nearly ten years. Todd worked with Travel + Leisure’s editors to determine the best men’s swimsuits based on a series of tests completed by expert product testers in our New York City lab.
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