The Best Men's Swim Trunks To Wear All Summer Long (2024)

Heading to the beach isn’t always hassle-free, it means that we’ll have to bust out a pair of our favorite swim trunks for the occasion – and if they aren’t in line with our aesthetic, you can bet that we’ll be tossing them aside for something that better represents our unique lifestyle. Naturally, that means that we’ll be looking for the most stylish, multi-faceted garments around, allowing us to traverse the urban landscape, head to thebeachfront bar, and take a dive, all in the same fell-swoop. Below, we’ve aggregated a handful of our favorite swim-focused offerings, helping to outfit you for the season of sun. So put on that sunscreen, don your favorite pair of shades, and pack up the picnic tote — it’s time to dip our toes into the best men’s swim trunks for summer.

Trunks or board shorts?

The simple answer to this is that board shorts are meant for aquatic activities like surfing, waterboarding, and everything in between (although they were originally made for surfing). Popularized by the Aussies, these shorts are more durable than swim trunks including sturdier blends of synthetic material, like nylon and polyester, to withstand contact with a surfboard, among other things. They’ll also usually be longer than your average trunks. Trunks are reserved for hanging by (or in) the pool and the beach, that’s not to say you can’t find trunks meant for professional swimmers or high-intensity water training, but generally speaking, fashion and light weight are favored over function. Sometimes brands will use these labels interchangeably, so when looking for trunks make sure they’re light, quick-drying, and a style that you enjoy. For this guide, we’ve stuck with swim trunks to make shopping easier, so check out our board shorts guide if that’s what you’re looking for.

important Swim Trunk characteristics

Most swim trunks will feature a majority nylon or polyester blend along with a mesh lining, a few pockets, and a drawstring. These features can vary slightly so keep in mind what you’d like out of your trunks. For instance, an extra zipped pocket may be an important feature for you, or maybe you’d like some trunks that look just as good at dinner as they do in the water. The ideal swim trunks vary from person to person, but the key features tend to stay pretty similar.

Patagonia Men’s Baggies

The Safe Choice: Patagonia’s Men’s Baggies are a simple short, but we’d feel somewhat uncomfortable if we didn’t include one of the outdoor world’s most prominent proprietors on this list. Luckily, the swim-focused variants hold true to the brand’s cutting-edge manufacturing principles, calling upon a Fair Trade-sewn, quick-drying 100% recycled nylon, a multifunctional design, and a dialed-back silhouette to make them the undisputed king of low-key legwear.

Inseam: 5”, 6.5”, and 7”
Material: 100% recycled nylon
Lining:Mesh

Everlane The ReNew Swim Short

The Sustainable Pick: Made with recycled materials and bluesign-approved dyes, the ReNew Swim Short from Everlane is a versatile pair of trunks. With a mesh liner and a water-repellant nylon shell ready for the pool or the walks in between. And the sustainable construction can give you peace of mind.

Inseam:7″
Material: 95% recycled nylon and 5% elastane
Lining:Polyester

Ten Thousand Set Short

The Best All-Arounders: Ten Thousand teamed up with professional athletes to craft the perfect trunk and board short hybrid. The Set Short is another versatile pair of trunks that are lightweight and quick-drying. But they aren’t limited to the water, as they’re great for training as well.

Inseam: 5” and 6.5”
Material: 85% nylon and 15% spandex
Lining:Medium compression

OAS Company Honolulu Swim Shorts

The Best Hawaiian Trunks: If you’re looking for some classic swim trunks with some island flair, then the Honolulu Swim Shorts from OAS Company should catch your eye. They have some retro hula dancers decorating the quick-drying shell and mesh lining. In addition to the two traditional front pockets, there’s a hidden zip pocket on the side of the shorts for more security.

Inseam:10-12.5” in increments of .5
Material: Quick-drying
Lining:Mesh

Outerknown Apex Trunks

The Best Surf Trunks: Outerknown’s Apex Trunks are some of the most well-informed options, thanks to professional surfer Kelly Slater’s years of water-borne experience. They’re the champion’s signature swim shorts, and as such, they’ve taken on a variety of high-performance inclusions, including an ultralight four-way stretch fabric crafted with recycled polyester, stitch-free welded seams, and a double-bonded butt seam to keep things intact. To round out these formidable shorts, a bonded back pocket joins with a series of Aquaguard zippers, an internal bungee key loop, and laser-cut detailing to provide wearers with one of the most capable swim trunks on the market.

Inseam:9″
Material:43% recycled polyester, 43% polyester, and 14% spandex

Todd Snyder Riviera Swim Short

The Upgrade: The modern Riviera Swim Short from Todd Snyder is the perfect choice for a sophisticated pair of trunks. With two eyelets on the back to drain water and uphold the trunk’s shape while swimming. Made in Portugal, these shorts are great for lounging at the beach both inside and outside of the water.

Inseam:5″
Material:100% polyester
Lining:Fine mesh

Orlebar Brown Setter Swim Shorts

The Best Retro Trunks: Orlebar Brown specializes in the creation of retro swimwear, and the Setter Swim Shorts are another great addition to the label’s lineup. It comes in a classic paisley pattern with a border along the hem and nickel side fasteners. Additionally, the shorts are garment-dyed in Portugal.

Inseam:3”, 4.5”, 6”, and 9”
Material:100% recycled polyester
Lining:Mesh

Banks Journal Wilder Swim Short

For the wild man, the Banks Journal Wilder Swim Short comes in a cheetah print pattern. The company was founded with roots in Australia, so these swim trunks are certainly a tribute to the wild coast. With mesh pockets and a cotton blend, these shorts will fit right in the ocean or lounging poolside.

Inseam:6″
Material:97% cotton and 3% spandex
Lining:Mesh pockets

Bonobos Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks

Bonobos’ classic design philosophy and its commitment to iconic style are inherently prominent in its clothing, and that doesn’t end when it takes a deep dive into the world of swimwear. The Riviera Recycled Swim Trunk is one such example. It boasts an elastic waistband, a quick-drying interior liner, on-seam pockets, and a hook-and-loop fastener for that iconic look that we’ve become so accustomed to while contrasting elements adorn its interior. There are even a pocket bag and key catch to keep your important items secure as you comb the sand.

Inseam:5”, 7”, and 9”
Material:85% recycled polyester and 15% spandex
Lining:Mesh

Saturdays NYC Talley Swim Short

The Talley Swim Short from Saturdays NYC will feel just as good in the water as they do out of it. Made with a cotton and nylon blend, these shorts have a relaxed and stretchy fit. One of the side pockets also has a pocket bag for additional storage with better security.

Inseam:5″
Material:65% cotton and 35% nylon
Lining:Mesh

CDLP Slim-Fit Short-Length ECONYL Swim Shorts

Made from plastic waste salvaged from our oceans, the CDLP Slim-Fit Short-Length ECONYL Swim Shorts feature ECONYL fabric, made from recycled materials. This material is much easier on the environment compared to nylon and other synthetic materials. The fit is slim yet relaxed, with a mesh lining and zipped back pocket.

Inseam:4-7” in increments of 1
Material:100% ECONYL
Lining:Mesh

Sunspel Tailored Swim Shorts

Worn by international man of mystery Sean Connery in Thunderball, these Sunspel Tailored Swim Shorts are made with Sequal, another material derived from recycled materials recovered from the ocean. These shorts are quick-drying with an adjustable side tab for a more personal fit. And you may find yourself ordering your martinis shaken after putting these swim trunks on.

Inseam:6″
Material:70% Seaqual and 30% recycled polyester