The 22 Best Swim Trunks for Men, Worn and Tested by Style Editors

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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