The 24 best men’s swim trunks under $100, according to experts | CNN Underscored (2024)

“I think a 5-inch inseam works for most guys, but the 5.5-inch inseam on these trunks might be ideal for those who want to dip their toe into the shorter shorts trend,” says Nordstrom men’s fashion and editorial director Jian DeLeon.

• Related: 26 cheap Amazon swimsuits we tried (and actually loved)

Just looking for a basic suit in a classic cut? These lightweight shorts from Open Edit are all you need.

• Related: Editors’ picks: The best men’s shorts we actually own and love

“The North Face takes some inspiration from trail shorts for these belted swim trunks,” DeLeon says, noting that zip pockets make this pair useful on or off the beach.

The gold standard in tried-and-true activewear, Nike also makes top-rated swim trunks. You can also grab these shorts in a 5-inch version if that length suits you better.

Adidas also brings its trusted quality and construction into the water with these trunks in its classic three-stripe design.

Grab your best beach towel and pull on these colorblocked trunks suited to make a subtle statement.

With its crocodile logo, Lacoste is no stranger to the water. Available in 13 hues, these shorts will make you feel right at home in the water.

“Leopard print has become pretty common in menswear by now,” DeLeon says. We know that cheetah print and leopard aren't exactly the same thing, but these cheetah shorts from Duvin Design are the perfect statement trunk to pair with your favorite white tee.

A classic fit with more coverage, this pair from Old Navy comes with a 7-inch inseam in a variety of prints and colors.

For even more coverage, check out these 10-inch board shorts in this sleek striped print. Sizes range from 28 to 50.

These shorts from PacSun are made with 100% recycled polyester, and their fun pastel print will let everyone know you’re down for a good time.

These simple, sub-$20 Goodfellow & Co. trunks are top-rated at Target and have UPF 50+ sun protection to help keep more sensitive areas from getting burned.

Goodfellow & Co. Men's 10.5-Inch Rotary Hybrid Shorts

This knee-grazing pair is ideal for transitioning from a walk around town (or even a casual office) to lounging by the pool.

Patagonia Baggies Shorts Men’s 5” Inseam

Jeremy Kirkland, host of the fashion-focused “Blamo!” podcast, notes that Patagonia makes some of the best swimwear on the market. “I only wear the 5-inch inseam,” he says. “I promise you, the weirder the pattern, the better!”

Birdwell Men's 310 Nylon Board Shorts

“The classic Birdwell Beach Britches are a California staple,” Kirkland says, noting the brand is made in the US.

Chubbies has become one of the most recognizable casual menswear brands, thanks to social media. These trunks evoke a hazy sunset on the water and are available up to a size XXXL.

For a similar feel with double the inseam, Old Navy’s board shorts come at a more modest price point.

“Bonobos offers several lengths on their swim trunks, which makes them perfect for guys of all sizes,” says New York-based men’s stylist Sam Spector. Choose between 5-, 7- and 9-inch inseams.

Available in tons of colors and prints as well as two different length options, these retro trunks from Bonobos will have you living out your best ’70s surf fantasies.

“I love the color of this Volley trunk, which offers a zippered back pocket” to keep valuables safe, Spector says.

Available in 5-inch and 7-inch lengths, these streamlined shorts have a zippered pocket for storing valuables and look just as great in or out of the water.

Speedo Men's Swim Trunk Short Length

Though the brand name is synonymous with its popular brief style, Speedo also makes top-rated trunks in a variety of bold colors, including this pair with a 4-inch inseam.

Speedo’s signature cut comes in a variety of prints and offers optimal performance support for the serious swimmer.

Reviewers love this attention-grabbing brief from Todd Sanfield with one reviewer writing that the suit "shows some skin but won’t rock the boat if you’re by the pool with family" and stays tight without squeezing unflattering areas.