Warmer weather is finally here. We’ve gone through one of the snowiest winters we’ve had in years and it’s finally time to take out our summer clothes. You know what that means: it’s time to grab the best men’s swim trunks from the bottom of your underwear drawer and let those legs breathe again.
If you reach for your most recent pair of swim trunks, only to find they no longer fit, are completely trashed or you suddenly despise the way they look, it’s time for new men’s swimwear. Luckily, you don’t need to worry. We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best swim trunks from our favorite brands.
But before you choose your next pair of swim shorts, decide what you’re looking for. In the old days, men’s bathing suit trunks were quite uniform with similar cuts, materials and patterns. Now, swim trunks have become a diverse market with options for every activity and style. Here are a few types of men’s swimwear you should consider before purchasing:
- Surf boardshorts for beach activities and workouts, as well as surfing.
- Throwback swim trunks for a trendy old-school look
- Designer swim trunks for stylish jet setters
- Statement bathing suits to stand out in a crowd (while social distancing, that is)
- Hybrid performance shorts for emergency dips while hiking, traveling or running errands
- Sustainable trunks for the conscious shopper
Once you figure out your needs and style direction, you’re ready to start shopping. Read on for our roundup of the best swim trunks to buy from Vuori to Mack Weldon and Patagonia.
1. Fair Harbor The Sextant Trunk
BEST OVERALL
If you want to help save the planet, but don’t want to spend a lot on swim trunks, Fair Harbor offers a stylish swim trunk worth a look. Made from 92% recycled bottles (6% more than Outerknown’s) these stylish swim trunks are cool and cut like the classics. The shorts feature a navy blue construction with two parallel seafoam green stripes running down the sides, a 6″ inseam and a zippered pocket in the back for safe storage of your valuables. What’s more, for those who are fans of the inner liner, these shorts come with a Cool Max Liner, which feels more like wearing a pair of boxer briefs than those old mesh liners you had to deal with as a kid. The Sextant comes in several different colors and styles, including a white palm frond print which is sure to attract some positive attention.
2. Bonobos Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks
RUNNER UP
It doesn’t get any more handsome than Bonobos. This made-for-men brand doesn’t only have handsome suits, button-downs and polos, but they also make some of the freshest swimsuits of all time. The Bonobos Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks are everything you need and more for this summer. They’re eco-friendly using entirely recycled polyester and come in a plethora of colorways and patterns perfect for matching your style.
3. Goodfellow & Co Swim Trunks
BEST COLOR
Pastels are perfect for soaking up the sun — especially when they won’t break the bank. These $15 trunks from Target are the perfect solid-colored swim trunks to rock all from the cabana to the water. They are made with UPF 50+ to keep your legs safe from the sun’s harmful rays and have a provided mesh liner to keep your jimmies in place. The waistband is adjustable in case any unforeseen wave comes out of nowhere. No one wants to stand back up from being underwater with their trunks floating nearby!
4. SAXX Betawave Swim Shorts
BEST BLACK
Let’s face it, all-black shorts go with just about everything, making them an easy must-have for your summer adventures. If you want a classic pair of black swim shorts that will last you years upon years, consider yourself lucky. You’ve found them. SAXX’s Betawave swim shorts aren’t only good-looking, they’re as comfy as it gets. They ditch the itchy mesh liner often attached to swim trunks and choose to use a design similar to SAXX’s underwear instead, complete with their extra cozy BallPark pouch. If you want to stay comfortable and look stellar doing it, these are the shorts you need.
5. ASOS Short Length Swim Trunks
BEST SHORT SHORTS
Short shorts are the best shorts. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it. It’s 2021, so if you haven’t dipped into the short shorts trend as of yet, now is finally the time. Start off strong with a swimsuit as eyecatching as you by snagging these bright green short shorts that look just as great poolside as they do at the seashore. With a pair of swim trunks this short, you’re going to need some of your buds to take an Instagrammable photo for sure. Our e-commerce editor Tyler Schoeber has these and he swears by them.
6. J.Crew 6″ Swim Trunks
BEST COLORBLOCK
J.Crew is known for its swim trunks and men’s shorts, and we love these short swim trunks for 2021. J.Crew’s slim-fit swim trunks can be a bit too tight for bigger guys, but these shorts feature a stretch waistband that gives you a little bit of extra space. We like the gingham colorblock option pictured below, but you can also buy these men’s swim trunks in solid colors and stylish patterned prints. On the inside, you’ll find a mesh lining.
7. Vuori Banks Hybrid Shorts
BEST FOR ALL-DAY
Go from running errands to the beach with these extremely moveable hybrid shorts made for chilling, swimming and everything in between. These shorts are perfect for your casual summer backyard barbecue when you’re hopping from the pool to the grill then back to the pool again. These Vuori swim shorts are quick-drying and totally comfy so you won’t feel like you’re wearing a swimsuit even when you’re quite literally wearing a swimsuit. While we’re loving these in black, there are a number of colors to choose from that will ensure you’re stilling looking cool.
8. H&M Swim Shorts
GOES WITH EVERYTHING
To get the best pair of black swim shorts of the season, there’s no need to break the bank. Our favorites are these easy $13 black trunks from H&M (yes, they are available in other colors). They will match anything you wear them with and look especially great soaking up the sun. These short swim trunks come with an inner mesh lining, pockets and an elastic drawstring waistband.
JUST $13!
9. Lululemon Channel Cross Swim Short 7″
BEST FOR SWIMMERS
Are you the type who can’t consider it a solid beach or lake day without a dip? If so, these are the shorts for you. We all know that Lululemon totally rules when it comes to activewear. So it should come as no surprise that they took a seemingly regular pair of trunks and made them ideal for doing more than just lounging. Thanks to their lightweight fabric that sports a four-way stretch and anti-chlorine properties, you can feel light and loose as you body surf waves at your favorite spot. You should never have to worry about wardrobe malfunctions while catching waves.
10. Mack Weldon Swim Board Short
MOST SECURE
Is security a big thing when it comes to men’s swim trunks? Uh, ya, of course, it is. Ever been at the beach and lost your keys in the sand? We have, and it’s not as easy as borrowing that strange guy’s metal detector. Mack Weldon helped solve this issue by including zippered front and back pockets. So whether you’re keeping your keys, phone, wallet, credit cards or whatever in your pockets, you lounge easy knowing they won’t unexpectedly fall out.
Aside from prime pockets, Mack Weldon does everything else right with these shorts. They come in a handful of cool prints and colors and boast four-way stretch for comfort.
11. Carhartt Shaka Swim Trunk
MOST DURABLE
If you know anything about Carhartt, you probably know most about how tremendously durable their products are. From beanies to jackets to tees to these Shaka Swim Trunks, everything Carhartt is made for tough conditions. These beach-ready trunks are made from lightweight, fast-drying cotton poplin to keep you cozy both in and out of the water. It has two regular pockets and one at the rear for keeping items safe wherever you are. Additionally, it has a key holder if you’ve got no other safe place to keep your keys.
12. Amazon Essentials Quick-Dry 9″ Swim Trunk
BEST AMAZON PICK
Amazon Essentials has done it yet again with yet another handsome yet affordable clothing option just about any dude will love. These quick-dry swim trunks are perfect for the kind of guy that links their trunks on the longer side but doesn’t want to ditch out on color. There are a number of fun colors available and each pair will cost you just under $20, so you might want to snag a few.
Buy: Amazon Essentials Quick-Dry 9-Inch Swim Trunk $18.90
13. Hurley Phantom
BEST LONG
Hurley raised the bar when they created the Phantom boardshorts. Before 2007, there wasn’t a difference between swim trunks and surf trunks. Even though swim trunks tend to be rigid (and therefore cause a ton of chaffing for your average surfer), brands didn’t care all that much. However, that all changed when Hurley invented the Phantom. With a signature stretch, the shorts became the benchmark for athletic surf-wear. Now, 12 years after their debut, nearly every surf brand has its own take on the Phantom.
If you’re the type to hit the beach, surf a few waves and then hop into a quick game of volleyball or frisbee, the Phantom was made for you. Created with an impossibly light polyester and spandex mix, these swim shorts feel so light, you’ll forget they’re there.
14. Body Glove Valon Beach Day-Print Walkshort
LIFE OF THE PARTY
Body Glove is known for their seriously durable line of wetsuits, but did you know they’ve got a number of handsome swim trunks ideal for men to rock all summer long? Just check out these below and see what they mean. These subtly printed swim trunks are covered in tiny graphics like tiki drinks, flamingos, beach umbrellas, palm trees and flip flops to keep you looking like the life of the party — even when there’s no party going on.
15. Patagonia Baggies Swim Shorts
BEST HYBRID SHORTS
We’ve all been in these situations: you’re hiking, traveling or hanging out with friends and a body of water calls your name through the distance. Hybrid shorts such as these Patagonia Baggies offer a solution, allowing you to take a dip whenever and wherever — even if you forgot your swim trunks. They’re made of lightweight, quick-drying nylon that lets you swim but also keeps you dry and comfortable on hot days if it’s still warm by you. The shorts come in a range of stylish colors and patterns, but we suggest the light blue pictured below because they work with almost anything in your closet and every setting from California mountaintops to a Mediterranean beach.
16. Atalaye Suertea Swim Shorts
BEST STRIPED
Pulling these swim shorts up over your knees will feel like you’re being instantly transported to the Amalfi Coast. The Atalaye Suerteas have a Euro allure to them that feels almost romantic. They’re incredibly lightweight, making them the perfect material for wearing on extra hot days. Not only are they quick-drying and great for swimming, but they make the perfect companion for licking melty ice cream on the boardwalk or admiring the sunset from the sand. Pair it with a white shirt and make it a summer staple.
17. Le Club Original Beach Band Swim Trunks
BEST PATTERNED
Hey pal, have some fun, they’re just shorts. If you’re looking for a quality bathing suit with a pattern, or something more fun than just a plain color, look no further than Le Club Original’s Beach Band Trunks. These trunks clad in an island escape are lightweight, lighthearted and fit well whether on the sand, at the nearest beach bar or chilling in your backyard hot tub. The Beach Band bathing suit comes in two different length options depending on how much thigh you normally show.
18. MaaMgic Vintage Swim Trunks
BEST VINTAGE-INSPIRED
Short shorts are a modern staple to all men, but the look is entirely derivative off of menswear from the past. Trends and patterns have changed ever-so-slightly, but these vintage-inspired, Gatsby-esque swim trunks from Amazon look like they time-traveled into 2021 from a pool party that happened 100 years ago. The gold and green combo makes these feel really rich, but surprisingly, they’re only $24. If you’re trying to relive the Roaring ’20s in the modern-day ’20s, this swimsuit is the best way to do it.
Buy: MaaMgic Vintage Swim Trunks $25.99
19. UO Daisy Print Swim Short
BEST GRAPHIC
We know you’ve seen an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants. You can’t tell us that these awesome swim trunks didn’t automatically bring you to Bikini Bottom, either. Urban Outfitters’ Daisy Print Swim Shorts give a subtle nod to the “clouds” seen in SpongeBob whether that was the original intent for these or not. They have a vivid coloration that will have you standing out from the crowd, too.
20. Nonwe Men’s Swim Trunks
MOST AFFORDABLE
If comfort is your concern, opt for the Nonwe Men’s Swim Trunks straight off of Amazon. These cozy, soft-washed shorts are made from 100% polyester and are roomy enough to fit comfortably on your waist and body without looking out of style. They’re quick-drying and water-resistant so you can go from the pool to the store in a matter of minutes if need be. There are two pockets on each leg and one back pocket for anything you might need to carry. For just $20, you might even be tempted to snag a couple.
Related: Best Water Shorts
Buy: Nonwe Men's Swim Trunks $22.99
21. Outerknown Apex Trunks
BEST FOR THE CONSCIOUS CONSUMER
Coming to you from straight from the brain of Kelly Slater (also known as the greatest surfer to ever step foot on a board), Outerknown is taking a different approach to men’s swimwear. Aside from being simple yet stylish, Outerknown makes a point of being environmentally friendly, too. A perfect example of their ethos is found in their Apex Trunks. These trunks are made primarily from recycled polyester and spandex. Or, as the website figures, this pair of trunks is made with the same amount of plastic as 10 to 12 bottles. While other brands are grabbing whatever material they can, with little consideration of the environmental impacts, Slater and his crew are pushing to make a product that doesn’t hurt the environment (and still looks great). These stylish men’s swim trunks are the perfect beachwear or hot tub soaker for 2021.
22. Birdwell Beach Britches Swim Trunks
BEST THROWBACK
Still built in Santa Ana like it was 1961, Birdwell Beach Britches are about as classic Southern California as surfing or skateboarding. And for good reason, these swim shorts are built to last. Utilizing just-in-time manufacturing (meaning they don’t make your pair until you order your pair) Birdwell has kept itself relevant in an ever-changing, over-crowded market for half a century. We love our Beach Britches in red and cut with a 15″ outseam. Emulating the style of the greats like Sean Connery or Steve McQueen, you can’t go wrong with an old-school swim trunk like Birdwell.
Buy: Birdwell Beach Britches $79.95
23. J.Crew Lightweight Sunfaded French Terry Dock Short
BEST TIE-DYE
Tie-dye has been on the mind of every stylish dude since last summer. The print has gone from hippie to high-fashion in a matter of months, and tie-dye swim trunks are a great way to sport the look. We’re kind of obsessed with these tie-dye swim trunks from J.Crew because of their relaxed off-orange color that will brighten up any backyard. They also feature a modern, mid-thigh length that makes the shorts work with a variety of shirts and sneakers. Plus, they’re very reasonably priced at just $40, so there’s no need to worry about scuffing or staining them.
24. L.L.Bean Classic Supplex Sport Shorts
BEST FOR BEACH SPORTS
Oh, we got a beach ball player on our hands, don’t we? If you find yourself hitting the v-ball over the net every single time you make it to the ocean side only to get so into it that you rip your trunks each time, you’re going to need a pair of swim trunks that can take a little bit of action. No one wants to see your shlong pop out again, my man. With that being said, these Supplex Sport swim trunks are perfect for your next sport-filled beach day. They are made with 100% nylon with UPF 50+ to ensure you’re safe to go on with any adventure you have planned for the day. Additionally, they’re quick-drying and have a polyester mesh lining for support.
25. Chubbies Domingos Are For Flamingos 5.5″ Stretch Swim Trunks
BEST STRETCH
If you aren’t afraid of showing off a little leg, we love these immensely stretchy swim trunks from Chubbies. These swim shorts are constructed from a wildly malleable polyester/spandex blend so you can move around with ease. A lot of 5.5″ shorts can feel constricting, but Chubbies promises you’ll never feel constricted in these short swim trunks. You can choose from a wide range of styles and colors, but we like the flamingo print featured below, as it will match just about any t-shirt or button-up you throw on before heading to the pool or jacuzzi. If you’re looking for the best swim trunks for bigger guys, you’ll want to check out the Chubbies line of swim shorts.
26. TUONROAD Men’s 3D-Printed Funny Swim Trunks
BEST FUN PRINTS
Swim trunks can be trendy, stylish and cool, but they can also be a great way to have fun, and not take things too seriously. Enter these 3D-printed trunks from Tuonroad. We had to go with the craziest print we could find, so check out these taco cats clad on a pink backdrop. These shorts are also available in everything from an all-over Galaxy print to more subdued pineapples with sunglasses. Each pair of trunks comes with an elastic waistband and a drawstring to keep things secure and a set of side pockets. At the reasonable price of just $20, these men’s swim shorts are inexpensive and sure to get some second looks as soon as you step into the pool or onto the sand.
Buy: Tuonroad Funny Swim Trunks $20.99
27. Fair Harbour The Anchor Palm Leaf Swim Trunks
BEST PREPPY
A lot of people may assimilate the word “preppy” with tacky. You know what we’re talking about, the cookie-cutter kind of white dude who can’t get out of his college phase, even though it’s been, like, seven years. While this kind of preppy dude absolutely does exist, the preppier side of fashion trends still has a ton of pertinence in summer wear — especially in terms of swim trunks. These trunks from Fair Harbour have a low-key yet flashy look to them with a deep blue color and tiny palms plastered all over. It has the, “yeah, I went to college and I do love my preppy sense of style, but I’m not lame” kind of look to it. Aka, snag ’em, they’re preppy and you’ll look fire in them.
28. Goodfellow & Co Fiery Swim Board Trunks
BEST FROM TARGET
We know you Target lovers out there are specific shoppers. Like, do you guys even consider shopping at Walmart? Nordstrom? Amazon? Honestly, to each their own, we respect it. For those Target-only shoppers, here are the best swim trunks you can purchase both in-store and online. They’re from Target’s Goodfellow & Co brand, so if you’ve ever had the chance to own anything from them before, you’ll know they’re of stellar quality. Wear these at the beachside bar or on a relaxing summer day on the front lawn with your sprinklers on.
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Some FAQs About the Best Men's Swim Trunks
As you might imagine, swim trunks are meant for the water and shorts are not. Swim trunks are normally made with quick-drying materials that make them easy for getting in and out of the water. Shorts, on the other hand, are normally made from materials that don't dry as quickly. Some men will still will their regular shorts when swimming, but we don't recommend that.
Swim trunks that are in style right now range in a bunch of different categories. Right now, the most popular are likely swim shorts for men, which act as a short/swim trunk hybrid and shorter swim trunks for men to show off some thigh.
Wearing underwear with swim trunks depends on preference. Lots of swim trunks come with mesh or underwear-like liners that act as underwear, but others don't. Some men even cut out the liner included in their swim trunks so they can wear underwear. It really depends on your comfort level, but underwear will not dry even remotely as fast as your swim trunks will. Keep at in mind.