17 Of The Best Swim Trunks For Men, According To Our Editors And Experts (2024)

Anneke Knot

Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Fair Harbor The Anchor Swim Trunks

Materials: 88% recycled polyester, 12% spandex | Sizes: S to 3XL | Colors: 22 total, including Cobalt Anchor and Red Stripe Anchor | Length: 8 inches

• What’s notable: This suit features performance fabric with four-way stretch so it moves with you, and it has a zippered back pocket and two side pockets that drain easily. The knit liner doesn’t cause chafing, which can be a frequent criticism of mesh liners.
• What could be better: The sizing on these tends to run small.

Fair Harbor has some of the most versatile swim trunks on the market, the majority of which have sleek elastic waistbands. When looking for a suit on their site, you can filter by four different lengths (from five to eight inches), colors and liner types. The Anchor also has a mesh-free, breathable knit liner that’s supportive but eliminates chafing. Given its excellent comfort level and overall design details, we rated Fair Harbor as the best pick for men’s swim trunks.

What the reviews say: Many say this suit stands out for comfort and quality, with one person saying, “the quality of the material makes it an extremely comfortable fit” and another saying, “they wash well, great color and versatile for water activities or lounging.” But while the liner is a standout to most, one user notes, “outer shorts dry quickly but liner stays wet for awhile.”

Materials: Body is made from 89% recycled polyester, 11% elastane | Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: Black and Red | Length: 7 inches

• What’s notable: The zip pocket gives you a place to safely store belongings, and silicone on the drawcord helps these stay on securely when you’re being active in the water.
• What could be better: The fit can run small for some, and the liner is on the fitted side, so if you want less support you should look elsewhere.

Lululemon combines technical, water-resistant fabrics with streamlined fits that suit a range of body types and sit comfortably on the hips. The Pool Shorts, for example, have breathing room for glutes and thighs and specific perforations to drain water (so you don’t emerge from a swim sporting overly soggy shorts).

What the reviews say: Overall, these are praised for fit and flexibility, with users saying, “great quick drying and flexible swim suit. Feels just like the workout shorts,” and “these shorts are the best swimming trunks I have had, they fit well and they could almost double as a running short.” However, the liner in these can be polarizing and is rough to some: “The lining inside can be uncomfortable sometimes.”

Patagonia Baggies 5-Inch Short

Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester tricot mesh | Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 13 total, including Plume Grey and Black | Length: 5 inches

• What’s notable: These are made from recycled fishing nets, which helps to reduce ocean pollution, and they’re praised for their fast drying time.
• What could be better: The fit is a little too voluminous and oversized for some.

You can find cheaper swim trunks out there, but not ones that are as well made as Patagonia’s bestselling “baggies,” which have a 5-inch inseam and a rugged design. They’re made from quick-drying 100% post-consumer recycled nylon with a style that can be worn in the water and out, as regular shorts. They come in a variety of colors and have a drawstring waist plus mesh pockets to drain water and hold small essentials while you’re on the go.

What the reviews say: Reviewers enjoy these shorts for their all-around use, with one saying, “because of the colors and the inner liner I use them for the beach, pool and then to go out and about since they quick dry.” But others would prefer that the liner is more fitted: “the liner fits very loose and doesn’t do a great job at holding in or hiding my guy parts when I need it to (sitting or lounging around etc).”

Materials: 85% recycled polyester, 15% spandex | Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colors: 6 total, including Teal Theo Stripe and Blue Terraza Tile | Length: 5 inches, 7 inches or 9 inches

• What’s notable: These have a UPF rating 50+ and feature a back pocket with a hook-and-loop closure to keep small belongings secure.
• What could be better: Some say that the interior liner is longer than they’d like.

Bonobos’s swim trunks are made to fit all body types. They come in three inseam lengths (5, 7 and 9 inches), multiple sizes (up to 3XL) and a variety of prints and solids with a pull-on elastic waistband. The Riviera is a top seller—the trunks feature an exterior drawcord, boxer-brief style jersey mesh liner and flat pockets.

What the reviews say: Consistently praised for comfort and versatility, one reviewer says, “Substantial and super comfy. Wearing them now to hike, lay by the pool and swim, then get a gym workout.” Another says the suit “doesn't chafe, if you know what I mean.” But others comment that there is “inconsistent sizing across patterns.”

Bather Solid Navy Swim Trunk

Materials: 100% recycled nylon shell, 90% nylon and 10% spandex ultra fine mesh liner | Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 80 total on the Bather website, including Navy and Solid Stone | Length: 5.5 inches

• What’s notable: This swim trunk comes in an extensive range of cool colors and patterns, from solids, to retro florals to nostalgia-inspired geometric prints.
• What could be better: This style could be offered in more lengths.

When it launched in 2013, Bather set out to design the perfect pair of swim trunks, pairing high-performance comfort with relaxed style. Many feature elasticized waists that offer four-way stretch and mesh lining and come in an assortment of solid (but not boring) colors and sophisticated patterns.

Materials: 46% recycled nylon, 41% nylon, 12% spandex | Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 2 total, including Navy and Pitch Black | Length: 5 inches

• What’s notable: This pull-on style in a soft, stretchy fabric has an overall elevated look.
• What could be better: The drawstring is on the longer side so you may have to knot it multiple times.

They’re a bit pricey, but Todd Snyder’s swim shorts can easily double as wear-all-day shorts that take you from surfing at the beach to dinner and drinks. The Montauk has a fine mesh liner and is made from a recycled nylon blend with stretch for comfort and movement. It comes in two classic shades and hits mid-thigh, which is a versatile length for most guys.

What the reviews say: These swim trunks earn style points with users, who say, “the cut is sublime” and “less spandex make them not cling as much when wet and I think they dry faster.”

Materials: 53% recycled polyester, 36% polyester, 11% elastane | Sizes: 28 to 38 | Colors: 5 total, including Sagebrush and Charcoal Hydrangea | Length: 8.5 inches

• What’s notable: Thoughtful construction—including four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric and a zip pocket to securely stash belongings—makes these shorts versatile for everything from playing in the surf to beach volleyball.
• What could be better: These are unlined, so you have to get comfortable with the lighter feel.

Activewear brand Vuori makes boardshorts for guys on the go. Look for water-wicking fabrics that move with you while also repelling sweat and odor and drawstring-closure waists with thin fixed bands, which gives you extra mobility.

What the reviews say: Many praise these shorts for their fit and durability, with comments such as, “they look good and fit well but they're sturdy enough for surfing or other vigorous activity and still stretchy and comfortable.” The lack of a liner is an issue for others, however, who say, “the fit is a little too snug in the crotch” and “they don't leave much to the imagination.”

Ten Thousand Tactical Short

Materials: 80% nylon, 20% spandex | Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 6 total, including Black And Slate | Length: 5 inches or 7 inches

• What’s notable: This performance training short has two zippered side pockets, a thick elastic waistband so they stay put, and you can even order them with or without the compression liner.
• What could be better: These run small, so you should take that into account when ordering.

Ten Thousand’s workout shorts are equipped for active days. Designed with a team of athletes, the styles have a built-in compression liner, water-repellent shell, quick-drying fabric and lightweight construction, which makes them ideal for training in the pool or gym, outdoor workouts and travel.

What the reviews say: Users rave that these shorts are “durable, tough, allow great movement,” “the cell phone pocket is great for going on runs/rucks/hikes,” and “they dry quickly but are tough. The waistband is comfortable.” However, some reviewers don’t love the drawstring placement. One says, “I would like to see the option to switch the draw strings to outside of waistband” and “the liner seemed a little looser than expected and bunches up a little when moving.”

Materials: 100% polyester | Sizes: S to 5X | Colors: 45 total, including Charcoal and Antigua Red | Length: 11 inches

• What’s notable: Lots of board shorts only have a lace tie at the waist, but this one’s elastic waistband makes it easier to get the right fit. It also comes in a wide range of stripes, solids and tropical prints, so there’s a good chance you’ll find one you like.
• What could be better: These have a slightly fuller fit through the leg, so bear that in mind when choosing your size.

Kanu Surf specializes in simple, no-fuss board shorts at great prices, which is sometimes all you want from your swimwear. The Barracuda has more than 17,000 reviews on Amazon, and many reviewers call out the high-quality fabric that’s quick-drying, comfortable to wear and triple stitched at the seams for durability. This pair has side cargo pockets and also comes in up to size 5X.

What the reviews say: Overall, there is lots of positive feedback on these board shorts, such as “look good and have workable pockets if you end up leaving the water and hitting a beach bar with friends” and “light weight, quick drying, easy to pack, lining has stood the test of time”. But several reviewers comment that these run large at the waist, and one says, “only small gripe is that the cargo pockets don't have a way of draining the water easily.”

Materials: 80% nylon, 20% spandex; lining is 100% polyester | Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Navy White | Length: 5 inches

• What’s notable: The compression fit means that this swim brief offers lots of support, and the lining ensures that it’s not at all see through when wet.
• What could be better: These involve slightly more care: It’s best to rinse them with cold water after wearing and lay flat to dry due to maintain the stretchiness of the fabric.

For everyday workouts, Baleaf makes excellent athletic swim briefs: Made from a mix of nylon, spandex and polyester, this highly-rated pair is durable, lightweight and breathable. It’s got four-way stretch so you can easily swim and move, and the opaque fabric has built-in UPF 50+ sun protection and holds up well in salt water and chlorine.

What the reviews say: The snug fit of these makes them popular for lap swimming, with users saying, “this suit is double layer throughout and nice wide, comfortable waistband at the top” and “they stay on and don't stretch out like some other (more expensive, famous-name) brands.” Some don’t love that the fabric can lost its color over time, though, saying they “fade to grey from black.”