22 Great Swim Trunks for the Ultimate Summer Style Flex

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SWIM TRUNKS for men are the stuff of legend: they can be worn in or out of the water and make the ultimate beachside bottoms or everyday shorts. The best swim trunks for men today have a moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric, four-way stretch for mobility, a flattering length, and an athletic fit. In fact, celebrity wardrobe stylist LooksByLunden says that there's no reason you can't have it all in the best swim trunks that are "a perfect blend of both comfort and style."

Here at Men’s Health, we’ve scoured the depths of the seven seas with a panel of 10 experts and three style editors—who personally tested more than 100 swim trunks in total—to bring you the holy grail.

Read more: How Men's Health Tests Products

What to Look for

Liner

If you're performing heavy activities in swimsuits, consider doing without liners. Board shorts, for instance, aren't made with liners for more wiggle room and comfort. Otherwise, liners should fit snugly, but should never be too tight or pinch your skin. Built-in mesh liners provide extra support to your down-there and keep everything in place as you move. Since it's mesh, they're also breathable and quick-drying.

Inseam

Shorts are getting shorter, and so are swim trunks. According to McNally, five inches in inseam length is the trendy fit that hits at the mid-thigh, and seven inches or more for more conservative wearers. If you're looking at outseam lengths, 14-inch is more fashion forward, 17-inch is a casual mid-length, and 20-inch is as full coverage as you can get without wearing pants.

How We Selected

To find the best swim trunks for men, our style and gear editors have personally tried on a variety of them and put them to the test, such as going rafting in Mack Weldon's swim trunks, taking a dip or bathing in a tub while wearing Vuori's board shorts, enjoying beach activities in Patagonia's Baggies shorts, or putting Fair Harbor's swim trunks on stylish guys to see how they fit and feel. We've also considered swim trunks that were picked by our Fashion Director Ted Stafford for print and tested in our fashion closets, as well as options recommended by experts such as style influencers, stylists, and designers.

From there, we evaluated these swim trunks based on their style, fit, price point, performance in and out of the water, and versatility to make the final top picks. Specifically, we're looking for styles that are not trendy or trend-chasing; instead, our picks of the best swim trunks all fit great even on buff or athletic guys, provide a ton of value at reasonable price points, and come in styles that will look great years from now.

The 22 best swim trunks for men tested by our experts below are all quick-drying, comfortable, and look great on fit guys, bringing a tidal wave of style, performance, and versatility to your wardrobe. Whether you're planning to wear these to the beach, poolside, or to your weekend lunch, the best swim trunks for men have you covered.

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Swim Trunk

I wore Mack Weldon's swim shorts to a rafting trip just recently, and that experience showed me that they might just be the champ of all swimsuits. Their smooth, quick-drying fabric braved the whitewater rapids, and the inner mesh liner is stretchy and breathable while providing extra support. The four-way stretch made them move so easily and comfortably like I was wearing sweat shorts. I also love the all-over print which looks sophisticated yet ready to get wet. The only downside is that I had to really tighten the drawcord since the waistband feels a bit too relaxed.

The Anchor

Fair Harbor is one of the best when it comes to making what is practical and stylish, and their Anchor swim trunks add comfort to the mix as well. The first time I put on these shorts, I was blown away by how smooth the inner liner felt; it is breathable and soft like knit, and rather supportive when it comes to cradling the crown jewels. Having worn these for a few months now, the all-day comfort performance has proven itself each and every time. Whether it's the four-way stretch that moves with my thighs when I swim or walk, the quick-drying fabric that won't drag you down, or the natural odor resistance, the Anchor has a tapestry of good stuff that can't be beaten especially at this price.

What Do Experts Say? "Fair Harbor is making some of the most eco-friendly, comfortable, and cool trunks of the moment. This swimsuit made with recycled polyester—which is made from 12 plastic bottles—makes for feel-good beach attire while catching some waves. The four-way stretch fabric with water-repellent coating allows for optimum flexibility and comfort for all beach activities,"says our Fashion Director Ted Stafford.

Cruise Boardshort

I've been wearing these board shorts since fall 2022, and they're now one of my go-to shorts for lounging about at home or taking a dip in the hot tub. The quick-dry fabric feels eternally lightweight and soft, and the scalloped leg plus the athletic fit and four-way stretch make these bathing suits well-built for both the land and water. Compared to other board shorts we've tested, what won me over with Vuori's board shorts is that their drawcord won't come loose once you tie it, so you can rest assured you won't flash anyone. Lastly, if the odor is an issue, they have you covered there too with an anti-microbial fabric.

What Do Experts Say? "The Cruise Boardshort is not your average swim trunk and features a performance fit, pockets, and the versatility of a walk short. Built for land and water. Made from recycled plastics with a 7.5-inch inseam, 4-way stretch, and mesh pockets it is a great step towards ocean appreciation and care. If you know someone who loves nature and wants to take extra steps to protect it suggest these swim trunks," says travel gear expert Aiden Freeborn.

Read more: Best Gym Shorts

Pool Short

The best way to reward yourself after an intense workout? Taking a dip, without having to change your shorts, which is exactly why I've been wearing Lululemon's swim shorts as my versatile summer bottoms since 2021. Not only do these water-repellent, abrasion-resistant swimsuits double as my everyday go-to shorts for running errands, but they also work well as casual workout shorts thanks to their incredible four-way stretch (at 11% elastane!) that really lets you move your thighs however you like, underwater or above land. The breathable mesh liner has also never chafed me once.

What Do Experts Say? "These are the best swim shorts because they hold all of the superior qualities of top-tier swim trunks for men. They have the best and highly recommended length and fit. These trunks are mid-thigh-length classic trunks. They dry out quickly and are comfortable," says celebrity wardrobe stylist Pilar Scratch.

Essentials Quick-Dry Swim Trunk

Our testing editors all give Amazon in-house brand's budget swim shorts their thumbs up, so you can rest knowing that they're not some cheap swimwear that will make you feel like a washed-up sailor. Not only do they look cool for the summer in many prints, but our testing also shows that they're crafted in a knit fabric that's soft, dries fast, and comes with UPF 50 protection. Though the fabric doesn't have any built-in or natural stretch, because of its roomy fit at the thigh and seat areas, you will in fact be able to move with ease in them.

What Do Experts Say? "Believe it or not, Amazon Essentials has a great brand of affordable, comfortable, and quick-drying swim trunks. They generally run around twenty bucks and are pretty solid. They don’t last as long as more expensive shorts, but can still last for years if taken care of. They come in a variety of colors and patterns and all different sizes,"says adventurer and travel expert Jeremy Scott Foster.

Swim Trunks Flat Belt Stretch

Vilebrequin's bathing suits look just like your ordinary shorts but don the swimwear features of mesh lining and quick-drying fabric. They're designed to feel soft and look tailored for a luxe fit. While they come at a higher price point, they're definitely worth splurging if you have the means. The more structured fabric and tailored fit of these shorts render them as elevated as your best chino shorts, and in the water, they have a soft, comfy internal netting that never feels itchy to support you.

What Do Experts Say? "These are less stretchy and more structured than the OB Bulldog Sports, but I actually like the heftier fabric, even when it's hot outside. It doesn't get as wrinkled. They're just a hair shorter and slimmer than Orlebar Brown Bulldogs, but the fit is pretty similar. They have a hidden drawstring and snap button closure, so it's a sleek look that's more akin to chino shorts than swim trunks,"says menswear expert and influencer Brock McGoff.

Redondo Edge Volley

Unlike the typical for-model-only triangular Speedos briefs that squeeze really tight, these UPF 50+ comfort stretch swim bottoms are entirely better. Made with durable water-repellent fabric, these swim shorts have earned the co-sign of 2x Olympic gold medalist, 13x World Championship gold medalist, and world record holder Caeleb Dressel as his go-to. And let it be known that the four-inch inseam length can indeed look very flattering, as several of our athletic testers have found. We also love how great the stretch works on the beach or in the waves, and the fabric that never chafes.

What Do Experts Say? "This is a great versatile short that easily goes from beach to bar that stays comfortable all day (and night) long. The stretch on these shorts allows me to paddleboard, play volleyball and run on the beach with ease. And quick dry fabric and a comfort liner, they keep me safe from chaffing,"says professional swimmer Caeleb Dressel.

Outrigger Stretch Cargo Swim Trunks

Believe it or not, Bullet Train Star Andrew Koji was able to do a perfect high kick in these swim shorts like a piece of cake. That's how stretchy and unobstructed they are on land. In water, however, the performance is just as well according to our testing. In fact, when testing for a pair of swim trunks that can match this level of movement, our Fashion Director Ted Stafford noted this option's lightweight but extremely stretchy fabric that moved with the thighs. My favorite part is of course the cargo pockets which can really come in handy in or out of the water.

What Do Experts Say? "These trunks are designed with plenty of pockets including a cellphone pocket, cargo pockets, and two back pockets. That means you can wear these bad boys hiking, water rafting, or deep diving. They are made with UPF 50 sun protection and are quick to dry. With 9-inch seams, they come in a variety of colors but beware most of the options come with no liner. However, I still suggest it as a top contender for swimwear,"says travel gear expert Aiden Freeborn.

Read more: Best Hiking Shorts

73 Pro Boardshort

Looking for mobility in swim trunks? You really should, because you don't want your trunks to tie up your legs when you need them the most. I tested these out in our fashion closet and by the beachside, and all in all, they are comfortable and very flexible to wear and move in, with a regular fit and length that hits just above the knee. The fabric is lightweight as well so you're ready to rock it on the go. But our favorite part is the high-performance stretch which can cater to your activities in and out of the waves.

What Do Experts Say? "Here's one of our favorite swimming trunks for this season. These trunks focus solely on performance and comfort. Its four-way stretch provides excellent mobility for both casual swimming and water sports. It's a quick-drying fabric with Micro Repel that sheds off the water as soon as you get out,"says Jessica Kats, a shopping and trend specialist at Soxy.

Read more: Best Running Shorts

Baggies Shorts

Patagonia Baggies are essentially the Gold Standard when it comes to adventure shorts. The new Baggies are made with more eco-friendly materials and are better suited to handle swimming, kayaking, and more. Having tested them in our fashion closet, we found that these versatile swim trunks have a comfortable mesh liner that breathes and doesn't chafe, and their quick-drying nylon fabric is soft and water-resistant. Our testers love how good they feel good while swimming or enjoying the sunset at the Cape.

Throwback Swim Trunks

Create your pool style around Bonobo's vintage surf-inspired trunks, made with water resistance and UPF defense. Having sported them several times since the summer of 2022, I love them because they check pretty much all the boxes: comfortable fabric and liner, an athletic fit and inseam, fabric that really stretches to move with your thighs in and out of the water, UV protection, and a really handsome profile. They simultaneously look like the kind of swim shorts you could imagine Don Draper wearing in the 1960s, while also the light blue color also calls to mind the pair that Daniel Craig wore in his first appearance as Bond in Casino Royale in 2006.

What Do Experts Say? "It allows you to show off the gains you've been making on leg day, has an interior drawstring as opposed to the exterior which provides a more streamlined, sophisticated look while still providing just as much cinch. The piping and the retro styling are on-point and totally timeless,"says men’s style specialist Dave Bowden.

Read more: Best Athletic Shorts

Stretch Swim Trunk with ECONYL® Nylon

Everything feels just right about J.Crew's swim trunks: the right length, stretch, print—and there're several to choose from—feel, protection (water-repellent finish for underwater activities and UPF 50 fabric for beachside plays), and, most importantly, price. No wonder they have received stellar responses from our testing editors. They've got colors that scream "I'm here to party!" and patterns that will make heads spin. The short inseam is also great for pairing with polo shirts and sunglasses. I also love how they're fairly tailored in a slim fit but still leave enough room for movement.

What Do Experts Say? "These classic board shorts are made from quick-drying nylon fabric, and come in a range of colors and patterns to suit any style. They have a comfortable elastic waistband with a drawstring closure, and a handy back pocket with a Velcro closure,"says e-commerce and retail specialist of product reviews site FindThisBest.

The ReNew Swim Short

If you're down for wearing swim trunks as shorts every day, Everlane's two-way stretch swim shorts are a no-brainer. By looking at them, you’d notice that they appear to be basic shorts, which is exactly my first reaction when I got them online last summer. But, having worn them to the pool and to the beach, I testify that they are made with water-repellent fabric to last for long periods underwater. Available in only monochrome colors, we can't fathom how easily they can double as everyday shorts for running errands or going out and about.

What Do Experts Say? "A blend of 95 percent recycled nylon and 5 percent elastane is used to manufacture these lightweight, stretchy, and sustainable shorts. The mesh line on the inside, made from 100 percent recycled polyester, makes them comfortable enough to be worn with or without underwear,"says retail specialist Kristi Smith from Honest Brand Reviews.

Bulldog Mid-Length Swim Shorts

Orlebar Brown makes swim shorts that look so good on land but can still let you have at it in the deep ocean. Its signature Bulldog style, which offers over 30 patterns, looks like tailored chinos, especially in this geometric print that is dressy enough for a summer wedding. Their liner is comfortable and supportive, and the fabric keeps you dry and cool. The stretch is a bit questionable, but our testing editor was able to move with ease in them. The tailored fit makes them perfect for styling with polo shirts or short-sleeve shirts and loafers.

What Do Experts Say? "These are made from stretchy, lightweight synthetic fabric that dries quickly and doesn't stick to your legs. The side tabs are superior to a drawstring, in my opinion. The length is perfect for most guys (shows a little thigh, but not too much). I've tested these for years in all kinds of water, and they hold up nicely. The internal mesh netting is soft and doesn't feel intrusive,"says menswear expert and influencer Brock McGoff.

PFG Backcast III™ Water Shorts

Columbia's swim trunks are easy to throw on, great for both recreational swimming and fishing, packed with outdoor-friendly feats like built-in UPF 50 and quick-drying, and designed with mobility and protection in mind. In our testing, we were impressed by how versatile these swim shorts are for water as well as on-land activities, beachside or in the great outdoors. The nylon fabric is naturally stretchy, and with a comfortable mesh liner built in, our tester has even worn them to hike once. Thus, feel free to live your best summer style in and out of the water in these—no changing needed.

What Do Experts Say? "Columbia Men's Big Backcast III Water Shorts offer good quality at a very low price. This product is very durable. These trunks are being used to promote the idea of wearing them outdoors as well. People are adapting it as a summer uniform. The younger generation is adapting it to look different and stylish. It is gaining popularity due to its durable and lightweight fabric,"says costume designer Susan Gagnon.

Andros Trunk

Freefly really takes the comfort level of men's swimwear to the next high with these swim trunks. Not exactly board shorts, they're of the rare unlined swim trunk breed. Hence, their versatility is off the chart: with a lightweight, four-way stretch fabric, I had easily paired them with a t-shirt and sandals last summer to form my everyday fit, or have relied on their quick-drying and unlined-ness to take a dip or even surf the wave a bit. Roomy, soft, and breathable, they make great fishing shorts too. My testing also shows that their ingenious bamboo fabric is extremely breathable and lightweight, and dries in a heartbeat.

What Do Experts Say? "Swim trunks made of nylon or polyester, even bamboo fabric are not only extremely comfortable but also very lightweight and quick drying. Bamboo fabric is much more expensive than traditional fabric but is also more sustainable to produce than polyester or nylon, which are plastic based,"says adventurer and travel expert Jeremy Scott Foster.

Apex Trunks By Kelly Slater

Co-signed and tested by 11x World Champion Kelly Slater, these gnarly shorts are designed with optimizing performance in mind. In fact, the surf legend himself has worn these rad shorts on some of the best waves in the world. In our testing, we simply can't get enough of how performance-heavy these board shorts are. They come with more than 10% spandex, so our guys even wore them to jog or to the gym. Other feats like weightless drainage, ventilation, and quick-dry which we've tested in the water really render these shorts unbothered by waves or tides. They're also completely chafe-free to boot.

311 Nylon Board Shorts

You can't talk about board shorts without talking about Birdwell's 311. These are your classic, old-school surf trunks. They are in fact one of the first we've tested, and we love how commando-friendly they are since they have no liner. They're also made in 100% nylon—which is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and breathable. While nylon isn't as stretchy as spandex, in my experience of wearing these, they are elastic enough for me to slowly jog a bit on the beach. Overall, they're so comfortable that I have survived the entire day at the beach without any disturbances in them.

More Men's Swim Trunks We Love

Max Tropical Leaves Swim Trunks

In the water, the two-way stretch fabric of Bugatchi’s trunks lets you swim with ease. On land, the quick-drying fabric and drainage grommets ensure you’re never soaking wet for long.

GG Nylon Jacquard Swim Shorts

These Gucci vintage-inspired swim shorts are made of breathable, fast-drying nylon, and look great beachside, or barside.

5" Stretch Montauk Solid Swim Trunks

These sporty lined swim shorts from Brooks Brothers are great for swimming, running, playing pickleball—you name it. They’re made with 10 percent spandex and have a roomy thigh fit so you can really move as you kick, stretch, or squat. The five-inch inseam also shows off your summer quads.

Clay Swim Shorts

Thorsun’s classic Americana swim shorts can dry in a Miami minute. Wear with a cotton camp shirt to keep you cool at a pool- side party or on a rooftop deck

What Else to Consider

Stretch

If you're swimming, surfing, or just moving around a lot in bathing suits, Kathleen McNally, Creative Director at SAXX, advises stretch as a must-have factor. "A 4-way stretch woven shell allows for a great fit and range of motion in and out of the water," she says.

Waistband

Waistbands should fit comfortably on your body, and a drawstring may help you to adjust the waist size if needed. McNally recommends a full-elastic waistband with a drawcord because it "ensures you keep your trunks on, even if you’re diving from the high dive." If you’re going for a snap closure, just make sure it’s not too tight with the ability to unsnap after one beer.

Quick Drying Fabric

When the fabric gets wet, swim trunks will get heavy and thus restrict your movement in and out of water. "For me, it is about the comfort and how quickly they dry. I need to be able to go for a swim, change real quick, and go to the next location. Having quick-drying swim trunks is essential as I don’t want to put a soaking wet bathing suit in my bag," says Foster.

What Is the Best Material for Men's Swim Trunks?

Obviously, cotton is way out of the way—they get way too heavy when met with water. "Always look for lightweight synthetic fabrics, that are quick-dry and fade-resistant to sun and chlorine," says McNally. These synthetic fabrics are ideal for underwater wear they won't get hefty and pull you down when drenched in water.

Lee Johnson, founder of West Coast clothing brand Old Bull Lee also doubles down on synthetic materials as the go-to. "Poly with the addition of stretch (Lycra, elastane) material is the most common with good reason—more comfortable, forgiving," he says. "Some brands use nylon instead of poly because it absorbs less water and does not get heavy as the waterproofing wears off over time, but nylon does not (take color) dye as deeply and vibrantly as poly."

How to Choose Colors and Prints for Men's Swim Trunks

Justin Berkowitz, men’s fashion director at Bloomingdale’s, recommends a back-to-basics style for men's swimwear. "I love a great print when it comes to swim trunks, but the key for me personally is choosing ones that tie back to the colors I traditionally wear regularly, so they fit more seamlessly into what I am packing for a vacation.

"Therefore, whether it's solid colors or patterns, it's best to go for those that stay true to your year-round style. For instance, if you don't traditionally wear bright colors, Berkowitz then wouldn't suggest starting with your swim trunks. "Rather, look for options that mirror the ones you have in your t-shirts, polos, and linen shirts."

Why Trust Us?

At Men’s Health, our testing editors and writers always make sure to actually test and use the products ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience, and you can read more about our testing process here.

In addition, we have a whole fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best and newest menswear products including swim trunks. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear their opinions and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers, etc.—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.

Meet Our Experts

• Ted Stafford, Fashion Director at Men's Health

• Pilar Scratch, stylist

• Aiden Freeborn, adventurer

• Jeremy Scott Foster, adventurer

• Caeleb Dressel, Olympic swimmer

• Peter Martinez, designer

• Dave Bowden, men’s style specialistAlex Williams, retail specialist at FindThisBest

• Kristi Smith, retail specialist at Honest Brand Reviews

• Jessica Kats, retail expert at Soxy

• Brock McGoff, influencerSusan Gagnon, designer at Costumes Heaven

• Nicole Bolton, designer at Iconic Celebrity Outfits

• Kathleen McNally, Creative Director at SAXX

• Lee Johnson, founder of Old Bull Lee

• LooksByLunden, stylist

• Justin Berkowitz, Fashion Director at Bloomingdale’s

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