Tech & Gear Luggage The Best Men’s Swim Trunks in Every Style By Krystin Arneson Krystin Arneson Instagram University of Edinburgh Krystin Arneson is a writer and editor based out of Berlin, Germany. She covers an array of hotels, products, and destinations for TripSavvy. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 02/04/22 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. From swimming to fishing to hiking, there are a variety of swim trunks out there to suit your needs. The best swim trunks for men will be breathable and quick to dry, while also providing protection from the sun and any gnarly waves. To help you find the perfect swim trunks for your style, we rounded up our top picks. Here are the best men's swim trunks on the market. The Rundown Best Overall: The North Face Class V Pull-On Trunks at The North Face Much-loved for their great cut, relaxed fit, and vibrant shades. Best Budget: Fort Isle Swim Trunks at Amazon The price is hard to beat for casual swimmers and outdoor loungers. Best Board Short: Hurley One & Only Board Short at Amazon They're comfortable in and out of the waves due to the loose fit and 10.5-inch inseam. Best Active: Lands' End Outrigger Swim Trunks at Lands' End Made with durable water repellent, so they dry quickly and are ready for any active adventure. Best Tailored: Orlebar Brown Bulldog Mid-Length Swim Shorts at Orlebar Brown Adapted for swimming with quick-drying nylon, zip fly, rear darts, and a polyester mesh lining. Best Solid: Solid & Striped The Classic at Solid & Striped We love the solid olive and mustard colors because they're bold, but go with almost anything. Best Pattern: Marine Layer Board Short at Huckberry The washed hues and soft tones keep the overall look as chilled as your poolside drink. Best Striped: Saturdays NYC Timothy Striped Polka Dot Swim Short at Saturday's NYC Stands out from the ordinary thanks to its contrasting colors and floating color-blocked spheres. Best Minimalist: Avid Swim Void Id Trunx at Avid Swim Take you from bar to beach with their minimalist design and monochrome black colorway. Best Big and Tall: Lands' End Solid Volley Swim Trunks at Lands' End Feature a comfortable three-piece mesh lining and an adjustable elastic waistband. Best Overall: The North Face Class V Pull-On Trunks Courtesy of The North Face Buy on Thenorthface.com Buy on Zappos Buy on Moosejaw.com The North Face’s Class V shorts are much-loved for their great cut, relaxed fit, and vibrant shades. They feature a comfortable mesh liner, UPF 50 protection, and a rear zippered pocket. Reviewers loved how durable they were and noted that they fit true to size. These shorts are available in many colors and prints including blue arrowhead, red, and lemon, but something about the color blocking of the coastal green and blue teal encourages us to spend lazy days by the water. Best Budget: Fort Isle Swim Trunks Buy on Amazon For infrequent swimmers, these highly-rated swim trunks are great if you’re just planning to take a dip in the water once or twice a year. They’re made with four-way stretch to move with you and have a mesh liner for breathability. There's also a 7-inch inseam and plenty of pockets to store your valuables. Admittedly, the color palette isn’t the most creative—gray, black, red, or navy—but the price is hard to beat for casual swimmers and outdoor loungers. It's available in sizes S to XXL and comes with a storage bag so they can be easily packed. Best Board Short: Hurley One & Only Board Short Buy on Amazon These popular Hurley boardshorts are designed to be comfortable in and out of the waves. They're loose-fitting and have a longer 10.5-inch inseam for those who prefer it. This length can be tricky to find and are great for taller guys. They don’t have mesh, so you can choose what works for you as a layer underneath. These also run on a little narrow side on the legs, so if you have more athletic thighs, you might what to consider going up a size. They're available in multiple stylish colors including pistachio, cyan, burgundy, and jade. Best Active: Lands' End Outrigger Swim Trunks Courtesy of Land's End Buy on Landsend.com Lands' End Outrigger swim trunks are ready for any active adventure; you can wear them while hiking to a waterfall or while you're fly fishing. That's because these shorts are designed with a virtual toolbox of practical considerations, including a cellphone pocket, two hoop-and-loop cargo pockets, and two back pockets. Plus, they fit comfortably thanks to an adjustable waistband and snap closure in the front. They're also made with UPF 50 sun protection as well as coated with durable water repellent, meaning they dry quickly, too. Best Tailored: Orlebar Brown Bulldog Mid-Length Swim Shorts Courtesy of Orlebar Brown Buy on Orlebarbrown.com With a soft blue and white stripe pattern, these mid-length swim shorts are akin to wearing your favorite tailored shorts while in the water. Orlebar Brown’s clever designs are based on traditional men’s tailored trousers, just adapted for swimming with quick-drying nylon, zip fly, rear darts, a polyester mesh lining—and yes, pockets. Plus, you can use the adjusters on each side of the waist to get the fit just right. These shorts are a little pricey, but Orlebar Brown guarantees that they'll last for five years. Simply register the trunks on the site once you receive them, and if they wear down during the five-year period, Orlebar Brown will mend or replace them for free. Best Solid: Solid & Striped The Classic Courtesy of East Dane Buy on Solidandstriped.com Solid and Striped have become a popular swim brand due to their high-quality materials and hip but minimal aesthetic. This minimalism was carried over into the design of The Classic men's swim trunks which were created to be worn anywhere. While these swim trunks are also available in three different patterns, we love the solid olive and mustard colors because they're bold and make a statement, but go with almost anything when you need to put a shirt on. And while the practicalities of these shorts are many—a back pocket with snap closure, mesh lining, a shorter 4.5-inch inseam—they look sharp too, thanks to a seersucker detail that provides a little extra texture. The 12 Best Swimsuit Brands of 2022 Best Pattern: Marine Layer Board Short Courtesy of Huckberry Buy on Huckberry Swim trunks have long been known for brash tropical patterns, but these stylish shorts are as far from that as you can get. While the tropical vibe remains strong with the leafy motif, the washed hues and soft tones keep the overall look as chilled as your poolside drink. Plus, these quick-drying shorts are made with four-way stretch, so if you’re feeling like a more active afternoon, they can handle surfing and sailing, too. They're available in sizes ranging from 30 to 36 and have a 6.5-inch inseam that hits at the mid-thigh. Best Striped: Saturdays NYC Timothy Striped Polka Dot Swim Short Courtesy of Saturdays NYC Buy on Saturdaysnyc.com Saturdays NYC offers high-quality craftsmanship with a timeless aesthetic. But their Timothy Striped Swim Short stands out from the ordinary thanks to its contrasting colors and floating color-blocked spheres. The elastic waist fits securely—even more so thanks to the tie waist—and three pockets hold all the essentials. It's available in navy blue and yellow, and in sizes ranging from XS to XL. Best Minimalist: Avid Swim Void Id Trunx Courtesy of Avid Swimwear Buy on Avidswim.com Available in sizes M through XXL, these board shorts from swimwear label Avid take you from bar to beach with their minimalist design and monochrome black colorway—interrupted only by the white tie and logo. They’re not just good-looking either—they’re made with 40+ UV protection. Best Big and Tall: Lands' End Solid Volley Swim Trunks Courtesy of Land's End Buy on Landsend.com Available in bright pops of red and cobalt or toned-down gray and navy, these UPF 50 shorts are a popular buy because of their high-quality construction and inclusive sizing. They have a comfortable three-piece mesh lining, an adjustable elastic waistband, and come in sizes ranging from 46 to 56. Plus, they’ll last for years, thanks to chlorine-resistant fabric that helps keep the fibers from breaking down after spending afternoons in the pool. Most Versatile: COS Tailored Swim Shorts Courtesy of COS Stores Buy on Cosstores.com COS is known for streamlined pieces with minimal detailing—which makes for some pretty versatile shorts. These swim trunks could easily be worn to brunch before the beach, thanks to a well-tailored fit that mimic your favorite dry-land shorts. They feature rear darts, a zip fly, and a chino-like back pocket. They're made from 100 percent polyester and come in three classic colors. The 10 Best Men's Sandals of 2022 Best Organic: Patagonia Canvas Board Shorts Courtesy of Back Country Buy on Backcountry.com Available in colorful hues, Patagonia’s hit another home run with these cotton canvas board shorts. They’re modeled after the brand’s much-loved Wavefarer shorts, but the fabric is 98 percent organic cotton, with 2 percent spandex added for movement if you take the board out in the waves with you. They’re made in a Fair Trade-approved facility to boot. These shorts also have self-draining pockets with recyclable zippers—and you can attach your keys to the loop or inside the pocket for safekeeping. Best Short Shorts: Parke & Ronen Solid P-Town Short Courtesy of Parke & Ronen Buy on Parkeandronen.com When it comes to swim trunks, inseams run a wide range—and with just 3 inches of fabric making up the inseam on these, they’re great for guys who want more breathability or hate having a bunch of wet material clinging to their legs. With a slim fit and a punchy retro red color, they’re equal parts fashionable and casual. Made of quick-drying activewear fabric, they can be worn comfortably in the water or outside on the beach. Most Comfortable: Polo Ralph Lauren Traveler Swim Trunks Courtesy of Far Fetch Buy on Bloomingdales Buy on Macy's Polo Ralph Lauren’s pastel swim trunks have been brightening beaches for decades, and the brand’s swim game is as strong as ever. These shorts come in a ton of pastel colors, including Hawaiian green, Taylor rose, and Yellowfin, and have comfortable mesh briefs built-in, too. All sizes have a 5.5-inch inseam. Best for Boys: Old Navy Boys Solid Swim Trunks Courtesy of Old Navy Buy on Gap.com You know this already, but kids grow up fast—and it doesn’t make a ton of sense to drop a lot of cash on trunks that might need to be replaced again the next year. These budget-friendly trunks from Old Navy get top marks for comfort, and they have UPF 50 in the fabric as well. Final Verdict We're giving the top spot to The North Face Class V Pull-On Trunks (view at The North Face). They're comfortable, durable, come in a variety of colors, and as an added bonus offer UPF 50 protection. If you're looking for swim trunks you can wear anywhere even if you're not in the water, we recommend The Classic from Solid & Striped (view at Solid & Striped). What to Look for in Men's Swim Trunks Size You'll want a pair of swim trunks that will fit your waist and legs properly. You don't want them to be too loose because the extra fabric can lead to chafing and irritation. Tight trunks can fit more comfortably, however they shouldn't feel like they're digging into your skin. Style There are many different colored swim trunks out there to suit any guy's personal tastes and needs. Your swim trunks don't just have to be for swimming, in fact, they can be worn out of the water with your clothes for any occasion. Bright tropical colors and patterns are great for family vacations, beach parties, and more. However, muted colorways can be worn with any outfit and shoes, and are therefore more versatile. Additionally, many swim trunks come with pockets so you can hold your keys, phone, and more while you're on the go. Material The best pair of swim trunks for men will be breathable, soft, quick-drying, and durable enough to stand up to any situation. Some swim trunks are made of chlorine-resistant fabric which prevents them from breaking down over years of swimming, while others offer sun protection for long days in the water. Frequently Asked Questions Why do men's swim trunks have netting or mesh? The netting or mesh in men's swim trunks is meant to prevent rashes from the wet fabric. It also aids with drainage and air circulation. For some, the netting or mesh also provides another layer of comfort if they find the trunks' fabric to be itchy or rough. Most importantly, the netting or mesh can give the trunks more coverage so you don't need to worry about revealing yourself. However, you can always cut out out the lining or seek out trunks without lining if you find it unnecessary What should I wear under my swim trunks? What you wear under your swim trunks is ultimately personal preference. However, if your swim trunks don't have any lining, you might want to wear boxers or briefs underneath so the trunks are more comfortable and to give yourself another layer of coverage. How should I clean my swim trunks? Ideally, you should wash your swim trunks by hand. Rinse your trunks in cool water. Then, massage gentle detergent into your trunks so that it foams. Rinse your trunks again to remove any suds and then let air dry. If you want to toss your trunks in the washing machine, make sure you wash in a mesh bag with cold water on your machine's delicate cycle and again, use gentle detergent. Why Trust TripSavvy Krystin Arneson is a freelance editor and writer based out of Berlin, Germany. During the week, you'll find her traveling as often as possible; during the weekend, she serves as editor for Glamour.com. Krystin began writing for TripSavvy in May 2018. The Best Men’s Flip-Flops of 2022 for Style and Comfort Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 15 below. Continue to 9 of 15 below. Continue to 13 of 15 below.