The Very Best Men’s Swim Trunks
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The best men’s swim trunks dry quickly, make you feel confident while half-naked, and are as comfortable underwater as they are on land. Once those three boxes are checked, the other stuff — fun patterns, extra pockets, recycled materials, and UPFsun protection— is just gravy. John Moore, the co-founder and creative director of the swimwear brand Outerknown, says the most important characteristic of proper swim trunks is that they are “water ready,” even if they may not look like it at first glance. Otherwise, you’ll be swimming in what are essentially beachy shorts that could easily slip off your waist, cling to your legs, irritate your crotch, or puff up like a balloon once they hit the water.
Below, we’ve written about all our favorite pairs that have worked for us over the past decade. We also spoke with stylists, designers, athletes, beach fanatics, and surfers to get their recommendations on the very best swim trunks for men.
Updated on June 22, 2025
Bather is still our top pick overall. AddedLA ApparelandEvery Other Thursdayas less-expensive options and replaced discontinued trunks with the latest versions.
Our top picks
Whatwe’relookingfor
Fabric
You want materials that are lightweight when wet and quick-drying once you’re out of the water. Moore says synthetics like recycled polyester, spandex, or nylon are ideal. If you’ve ever gotten jeans wet, you know that cotton becomes super heavy and restricts movement (plus it takes longer to dry). Look for stretchiness in the fabric too, says Moore. This will allow you the range of movement needed for activities like swimming or surfing.
Fit
For swim trunks, one of the most important measurements is the inseam length. Short three- and four-inch inseams will show the most thigh; mid-range five-and six-inch inseams are considered the average; and long seven-inch and even nine-inch inseams will hit closer to, or even below, your knee. We looked for swim trunks that come in a wide range of sizes to fit a wide range of people.
Liner
A lot of men feel more comfortable with a mesh lining in their swim trunks, which is a common feature across many brands. Mesh lining is traditionally used to provide support as you are swimming or taking part in other water sports. Moore explains that some of Outerknown’s trunks don’t have mesh liners because surfers don’t like them. “An important aspect of designing a great trunk is cutting down on anything that would cause abrasion,” he says. Because extra fabric can get in the way, some brands choose to exclude the mesh lining. Below, we’ve noted whether each pair of trunks has a lining or not.
Details
We’ve listed whether there’s an internal or external drawstring, and whether there’s a fully elastic waist or a tie closure to allow you to adjust the fit as needed. Most men will also want their trunks to have at least one pocket. Fashion designer Billy Reid emphasized to us that having at least side pockets or a back pocket can make a world of difference in both style and convenience. Some brands even include a secure key-chain loop within one of the pockets so you don’t have to worry about your keys accidentally getting lost in the water.
Best swim trunks overall
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Fabric:100% recycled nylon |Fit:5.5-inch inseam, sizes XS–2XL |Liner:Stretch-mesh liner |Details:Side pockets, one back pocket, internal drawstring
At first glance, Bather’s Canadian-made classic swim trunks look a lot likePatagonia’s iconic Baggies— another popular pair of water shorts made of recycled nylon. But while the Baggies are more like land shorts that work well in the water, the Bathers are water-first swim trunks that happen to look good on land.
The Bather’s mesh liner contains some spandex for stretch and is much finer than most, so it feels more supple against my skin. The bottom halves of the trunks’ side pockets are also made from mesh. This reduces the amount of drag they generate while I’m swimming by allowing water to pass through freely. And the external-facing drawstring won’t chafe when damp. The trunks even have a right rear pocket with a metal grommet for drainage and a handsome silver snap to keep it closed. They come in nearly two dozen colors, so you’re sure to find a shade that works for you.—Michael Zhao
Best less-expensive swim trunks
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Fabric:nylon |Fit:4.5-inch inseam, sizes XS–2XL |Liner:Stretch-mesh liner |Details:Side pockets, Velcro back pocket, internal drawstring
These made-in-L.A. nylon swim trunks don’t come in quite as many colors as Bather’s, and the fabric doesn’t feel quite as high-end, but they’re a great value for the price. Instead of a brief-shaped liner, the polyester mesh extends all the way from the waistband to the hem for a freer-feeling fit. The rear pocket has a velcro closure and grommeted drains so it works just as well underwater as it does on land.—MZ
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Fabric:nylon |Fit:5-inch inseam, sizes S–2XL |Liner:Stretch-mesh liner |Details:Side mesh pockets, external drawstring
If you prefer your swim trunks with a bit of stretch, Every Other Thursday’s nylon trunks are made from an even airier nylon, blended with 5 percent spandex. I was able to comfortably fit into a small without feeling constricted. Their five-inch inseam and relaxed cut give them a similar fit to Patagonia’s baggies, but the all-mesh pockets are less draggy in the water while swimming.
Best summer shorts (that you can also swim in)
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Fabric:100% recycled nylon |Fit:5- or 7-inch inseam, sizes XS–2XL |Liner:Mesh liner |Details:Side pockets, one back pocket, internal drawstring
Patagonia Baggies are the perfect summer shorts for those long days that may begin with a hike and end in a swim. They’re made from quick-drying nylon, have a comfortable mesh liner, a snap-closure back pocket — with a key loop inside — and capacious side pockets with mesh cutouts in the corners. These mostly solid pockets feel more secure on land but generate more drag while swimming than the full-mesh pockets found in dedicated swim trunks, so I’d look elsewhere if swimming is your top priority.
The Baggies have “become something of a summer staple,” says image consultantPatrick Kenger. “They’re the perfect length, come in multiple color options, and it’s an attractive price point.” PodcasterChris Blackcalls them theperfect shorts, saying, “They are the perfect length and lined, and they dry surprisingly fast.” For tall folks or those who prefer longer trunks, they also come ina seven-inch inseam.—MZ
Best vintage-style swim trunks
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Fabric:100% nylon |Fit:5- or 6-inch inseam, sizes 28–42 |Liner:No liner |Details:Triple-lace closure on waistband, rear buttoned pocket
The 310 from Birdwell is about as close you can get to a pair of mid-century board shorts. Made from 100 percent nylon, they have the familiar cut (and color) of a 1960s lifeguard uniform (out of all of Birdwell’s designs, the 310 is the closest to the first pair of Birdies designed in 1961). The 310 has six eyelets on the waistband, which allows a triple-lace closure, adding a super-secure fit. The nylon fabric feels slightly heavier than the pairs made of polyester on this list.—Jeremy Rellosa
Best long swim trunks
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Fabric:100% nylon |Fit:6-inch inseam, sizes XS–XL |Liner:92% nylon/2% Spandex mesh liner |Details:Side pockets, no back pocket, internal drawstring
Seeing as it’s the summer of big shorts, it only makes sense that we’d recommend a pair of big trunks. Thankfully, décor writer Erin Schwartzwent on a hunt for some, and these unisex shorts from Nu Swim were their favorites: “[The] perfect balance of stylish and wearable,” wrote Schwartz. “They’re made of an easy-breezy ultra-lightweight nylon with a crinkled texture and silvery sheen, and they’re lined with the softest mesh I tried (tied with the Bather trunks above).”—MZ
Best super-short-inseam swim trunks
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CDLP Swim Shorts
Fabric:100% recycled nylon |Fit:2.5-inch inseam, sizes XS–XL |Liner:Mesh liner |Details:Side pockets, no back pocket, internal drawstring
Clothing designer Aaron Levine packed these mesh-lined 2.6-inch inseam trunks as hisonly pair of bottoms for a weeklong beach vacation, and after trying them for myself,I can see why.They’re extra short in a flattering way (that alsoworks for women), and the recycled Econyl fabric feels similar to materials used by Prada and Stone Island.—MZ
Best performance swim trunks
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Fabric:85% nylon, 15% spandex |Fit:6.5-inch inseam, sizes XS–2XL |Liner:Medium-compression liner |Details:Side pockets, one back pocket, phone pocket, secure key loop, internal drawstring
For over two years, I’ve recommended Ten Thousand’s Interval shorts as thebest gym shortsthanks to their durability and fit. The Set shorts are their aquatic counterpart.Kevin Ng, a former collegiate swimmer at the University of Rhode Island, says these shorts allow athletes to quickly transition their workouts in and out of the water. They’re made with quick-drying nylon fabric that is comfortable and nice-looking, and Ng commends “the streamlined fit and minimal waistband” for not feeling too restrictive or limiting your range of motion” on land or in water. The shorts also have spandex for added stretch and comfort and a chlorine- and saltwater-resistant warp-knit liner that kind of resembles a pair ofboxer briefs. It’s meant to provide support without chafing but also be quick-drying. The shorts come in five colors and have a zippered back pocket, side pockets, a zippered hip pocket meant for your phone, and a secure key loop.—JR
Best board shorts
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Fabric:86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex |Fit:7.5-inch inseam and up, sizes 28–44 |Liner:No liner |Details:Rear Velcro pocket, contoured waistband, textured internal drawstring
The Patagonia Hydropeak is the platonic ideal of a board short and happens to be a great pair of swim trunks as well. They’re particularly good for beach use as the lie-flat waistband won’t trap sand the way many scrunchy elastic waistbands do. They’ve been my go-to board short since 2017. I wear them for beach days, surfing, and any activity involving water. They’re made with a polyester-spandex blend that dries quickly, and they have a slimmer cut but don’t ride up or cling to my thighs when coming out of the water. The 7.5-inch inseam is on the longer side but is necessary to prevent chafing when sitting atop a bobbing surfboard. —JR
Best board shorts for serious surfing
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Fabric:43% recycled polyester, 43% polyester, 14% spandex |Fit:9-inch inseam, waist sizes 28–38 |Liner:No liner |Details:No side pockets, one back pocket, external lace-up drawstring
Outerknown’s Apex Evolution Board Shorts are specially designed with surfing in mind. If the Patagonia Hydropeak board shorts are my daily driver pair for surfing, the Apex is my performance pair. I wear the Apex for my most intense (warm-water) surf sessions, because I know it won’t get in the way — it’s super lightweight and resists water so well that I forget that I’m wearing them. Moore says they were designed and tested with 11-time surf champion Kelly Slater. They have unique heat-sealed seams to make the trunks feel as smooth as possible. Moore explains that surfing is such a physically intensive sport that shorts with mesh liners and stitched seams can feel uncomfortable and cause abrasion, which these minimize. The trunks come in 3 colors and have a back pocket with anAquaguardzipper meant to repel water as well as an internal bungee key loop.—JR
Best patterned swim trunks
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Fabric:85% recycled polyester, 15% spandex| Fit:5-, 7-, or 9-inch inseam, waist sizes 28–36| Liner:Mesh liner| Details:Side pockets, one back pocket, key loop, external drawstring
George Brescia, an image consultant and the author ofChange Your Clothes, Change Your Life, loves Bonobos swim trunks. “People always stop me on the beach and ask where I got them,” he says. Brescia says this Riviera style, with its elastic waist, is very comfortable. He likes that they’re fairly fitted but still leave room for your legs to move. And they are available in more than two dozen statement-making colors and patterns and three different inseams (five-inch, seven-inch, and nine-inch), a level of customization that will help you to find your perfect pair. The Rivieras have a mesh liner, side pockets, and one back patch pocket with a velcro closure and a dedicated key loop.—JR
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Fabric:57% ECONYL® polyamide, 39% nylon, 4% elastane |Fit:6-inch inseam, sizes XS-2XL |Liner:Mesh liner |Details:Side pockets, one back pocket, keychain loop, external drawstring
For another pair of patterned trunks that won’t break the bank, Cadmus recommends J.Crew’s six-inch trunks with stretch. She says the brand continues to make decent-quality trunks at a great price point. This pair is available in many patterns (which you can see insearch results, even though they’re not on the same product page) and is made of fabrics that dry quickly and move with you.—JR
Best splurgeworthy patterned swim trunks
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Fabric:100% Recycled Polyester |Fit:5.5-inch inseam, sizes XS-3XL |Liner:Mesh inner briefs |Details:Can be folded into back zipper pocket, no side pockets, elastic waistband with external drawstring
Sometimes you want a pair of swim trunks that stand out. Filmmaker Rafhael Dungca agrees. He believes the best swim trunks are fun and interesting and have a hem that lands just above the knee and no liner. “When you’re at the beach, swim trunks are usually the only thing you’ve got on, so why not go crazy?” he says, adding that a bright pattern will help the lifeguard see you better too. As far as wild patterns go,wardrobe stylistJessica Cadmus called out French brand Vilebrequin. They are a splurge, for sure, but they come in a huge amount of fun prints, including hand-painted wildlife like the fish and shellfish on this pair, full-bleed photographs of vacation scenes, and even trompe l’oeil photographs of fabrics likedenimandfur. But it’s not just the eye-catching prints she likes; these swim trunks also meet her criteria for the most universally flattering trunks: Their 5.5-inch inseam lands a few inches above the knee on most men and they have a relaxed leg. Plus, these trunks are ultralightweight, so they’re perfect for traveling. You can even save space by flipping the zipper pocket inside out and packing the whole pair of trunks inside the resultingBaggu-esquemini stuff sack that will easily tuck into a backpack or glove box.
If you’re a fan of how these trunks fit, but don’t want a pair that’s quite as loud, Vilebrequin makes the same trunks insolid colors.Chris Blackhas had his pair of solid-blue trunks for over a decade, and he says they still look great.—JR
Best tailored-fit swim trunks
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Fabric:100% polyamide |Fit:6-inch inseam, waist sizes 28–40 |Liner:Mesh liner |Details:Side pockets, one back pocket, snap-front waist with adjustable pull tabs
Two of our experts named these mid-length trunks from Orlebar Brown as their favorite despite the high price tag. A shorter pair of Orlebar Brown trunks were famouslywornby Daniel Craig in Skyfall, and stylistPiper Gorecalled out the brand for its “flat-front-trouser design detail and the side-pulls to adjust for the perfect fit.” (There’s also a zip fly.)Olie Arnold, style director at the men’s-fashion website Mr Porter, is also a fan: “Orlebar Brown is known for creating swim trunks based on the traditional 17-piece pattern used to tailor a pair of trousers. They’re made so you can look sharply dressed while at the pool or at the beach bar.” At this price, we know they won’t be for everyone, but they’re great if you’re going for a more refined look. They have side pockets, a zipper fly, adjustable side tabs, a zippered back pocket, and come inmany colors and patterns.—JR
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Fabric:100% polyamide |Fit:6-inch inseam, waist sizes 28–40 |Liner:Mesh liner |Details:Side pockets, one back pocket, snap-front waist with drawcord waist
I’ve been testing the new drawcord version of the Bulldogs for a few months now and love how they maintain the tailored profile through the thigh while being more adjustable in the waist. Like the originals, they’re impeccably constructed and have a smooth zipper fly with a snap button at the waistband. They’d be the perfect pair to wear “out East,” but I’m still waiting on that invitation.—MZ
Best (less expensive) tailored-fit swim trunks
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Fabric:92% polyester, 8% spandex |Fit:10.5-inch inseam, waist sizes 28–40 |Liner:No liner |Details:Side pockets, one back pocket, button-front waist
Lots of board shorts fall way below the knee, but our experts say they’ll look more sleek if you can find something on the shorter side with a slightly fitted look. San Diego–based personal stylistVanessa Valientecalls these Hurley Phantom board shorts “hands down my favorite,” and they’re a big hit with her clients because they’re comfortable — they don’t have a liner, which some might prefer — good-looking, and easily transition from the pool or beach to around town. They have a button closure with no drawstring (as well as belt loops for when you’re out of the water), side pockets, and two back pockets, and they come in six colors.—JR
Additional reporting byLiza Corsillo,David Notis, andJordan Bowman.
Our experts
•Olie Arnold, style director at men’s-fashion site Mr Porter
•Chris Black,podcaster
•George Brescia, image consultant and author ofChange Your Clothes, Change Your Life
• Jessica Cadmus,wardrobe stylist
• Rafhael Dungca, filmmaker
•Piper Gore, stylist
•Patrick Kenger, image consultant
• John Moore, co-founder and creative director of swimwear brandOuterknown
•Kevin Ng, former collegiate swimmer at the University of Rhode Island
• Billy Reid, designer and founder of the brandBilly Reid
•Peter Sheehan, lifestyle director at real-estate firm Related Companies
•Vanessa Valiente, San Diego–based personal stylist
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