Whether you’re going to the pool or on a beach vacation, you need a solid pair of swim trunks. Find out what the best ones are.
1. 2(X)IST Ibiza Swim Short
The 2(X)IST Ibiza Swim Short is excellent for chilling at the beach, going for a swim, or lounging on a boat.
It has a four-inch inseam, which is on the shorter end.
If you have defined legs and confidence, the Ibiza Swim Short will enhance your silhouette.
Black, red, and blue are several classic colors.
But, you can also get something more fun like the blue swim shorts with a cocktail umbrella pattern.
2. Bonobos Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks
Bonobos’ swim trunks are designed simply and fun. 85% of it is made with recycled polyester, and the rest is spandex.
The Bonobos swim trunks come in various sizes and lengths. It offers five, seven, and nine-inch swim trunks. The sizes range from XS to 4XL.
Regardless of your height or body type, you’ll find a pair that fits perfectly.
It also has mesh interior lining, a back patch pocket, elastic waistband, and a key catch. It’s everything you’d need in a pair of swim trunks.
Buy the Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks from Bonobos.
3. vuori Banks Short
The vuori Banks Short are versatile, and they’re designed to be worn at the beach or on the street.
It comes in six colors. Five of them are solid colors, and the sixth is grey camo. It’s minimally designed so that you can wear it outside of the beach.
The Banks Short looks great and you’ll get a lot of compliments because of it. The only downside is that it’s unlined.
However, it’s still a lightweight and comfortable pair of swim trunks.
Buy the Banks Short from vuori (opens in a new tab).
4. Chubbies The Whale Sharks 7-Inch Swim Trunks
Chubbies is a brand that’s all about shorts. The swim trunks have nicely designed graphics, mesh liner, an elastic waist, side-seam pockets, and a back zip-welt pocket.
The swim trunks are fitted. If you prefer a looser or more casual fit, go with a larger size because you can tighten the waist.
7 inches is the longest length that Chubbies offers. You can also get four and 5-inch shorts if you prefer shorter lengths.
Buy Chubbies The Whale Sharks 7-Inch Swim Trunks from Nordstrom (opens in a new tab).
5. Fair Harbor The Bayberry Trunk
The Bayberry Trunk from Fair Harbor is incredible and has a classic look. It has a soft built-in boxer brief liner, is made from 11 recycled plastic bottles, and feels great when you wear it.
The swim trunks have durable water repellent coating, which also helps them dry quickly.
Aside from performance, comfort, and good looks, it’s also a functional pair of swim trunks. They have a rear zipper pocket and key loop to hold your important items.
Buy The Bayberry Trunk from Fair Harbor (opens in a new tab).
6. Vintage Summer Solid Washed Nylon Swim Trunks
Vintage Summer offers a classic pair of swim trunks. It has a washed-out red color, making it look worn in and nice.
It’s made of quick-drying and stretchy nylon, which ensures that you’re comfortable.
It also has a mesh lining that makes your swimming experience a good one.
The length is 5.5 inches, so it’ll end a few inches above your knees.
Overall, Vintage Summer’s swim trunks are a high-quality and comfortable choice.
Buy Vintage Summer Swim Trunks from Nordstrom (opens in a new tab).
7. Patagonia Baggies 5-Inch Swim Trunks
From vintage-inspired colors to fun designs, Patagonia offers many great options for the Baggies swim trunks.
They’re made completely out of recycled nylon that’s quick-drying, and it has a durable water-repellent finish.
It also has a relaxed fit and an elastic waistband, which will make your day at the pool or beach comfortable.
Buy Patagonia Baggies Swim Trunks from Nordstrom (opens in a new tab).
8. Bather Solid Olive Swim Trunk
Bather’s swim trunks are one of the best-looking ones. It has a nice solid olive green color and a simple small logo for Bather.
The shell is made from quick-dry polyester. It also has a mesh lining that’s made from nylon and spandex.
What makes the swim trunks from Bather unique is that it has reinforced deep side pockets. It also has a back pocket with a snap enclosure for the items you want to keep secure.
Buy the Solid Olive Swim Trunk from Bather (opens in a new tab).
9. H&M Printed Swim Shorts
H&M’s swim trunks are budget-friendly and highly-rated. Being less than $20, you can choose between subtle geometric designs or something that stands out, such as cherries.
They’re made completely of polyester, have an elastic drawstring waistband, mesh lining, and a back pocket with hook-loop fastening.
Buy Printed Swim Shorts from H&M (opens in a new tab).
10. Speedo Redondo Volley
You can’t talk about swimwear without including Speedo. The Redondo Volley shorts are one of the best that you can buy because it protects you.
The swim trunks have UPF 50+, which offers sun protection. It’s also water-repellent polyester and has added stretch for mobility and comfort.
It’s 4 inches long and has a mesh liner. It’s on the shorter side, but it’s an excellent pair of shorts to have for swimming.
Buy the Redondo Volley from Speedo for $30.98
11. SILKWORLD Swim Trunks
Many color options, less than $20, and a best-seller on Amazon. That’s what the swim trunks by SILKWORLD have to offer.
They’re made of nylon, have a mesh lining, pockets on each side, and a velcro pocket on the back.
The shorts have a slimmer fit. However, they’re not tight. They’ll give you a modern look while you’re at the beach.
Buy SILKWORLD Swim Trunks from Amazon (opens in a new tab).
12. Amazon Essentials 7″ Swim Trunk
From solid colors to fun prints, Amazon Essentials offers many designs. The polyester swim trunks are made of good quality for less than $20.
It has side pockets, a welt back pocket, and an elastic waistband with a drawstring.
Buy the Amazon Essentials 7″ Swim Trunk from Amazon (opens in a new tab).
13. L.L. Bean Classic Supplex 6″ Sport Shorts
The shorts from L.L. Bean are incredible. Like the Speedo shorts, it offers UPF 50+ sun protection. However, it’s 6 inches long, so a bit longer than the Speedo pair.
The shell is made of durable nylon, while the mesh liner is made of soft, quick-drying, anti-odor polyester.
The Classic Supplex Sport Shorts are lightweight, breathable, soft, comfortable, and protective.
Buy Classic Supplex Sport Shorts from L.L. Bean (opens in a new tab).
14. Tommy Bahama Naples Hybrid IslandZone® 6-Inch Swim Trunks
Tommy Bahama’s swim trunks have a sporty look and an athletic fit. It’s made from a blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex.
The swim trunks have UPF 30, which offers good UV protection. It also has a mesh lining and a zippered back pocket.
Buy the Naples Hybrid IslandZone® 6-Inch Swim Trunks from Tommy Bahama (opens in a new tab).
Frequently asked questions
The following are answers to common questions about swim trunks.
Should I wear anything under swim trunks?
No, you don’t wear anything under swim trunks that have netting. Most of them have netting, which provides support while you swim. If yours don’t have netting, you can wear tight underwear, such as compression shorts.
How long should men’s swim trunks be?
A man’s swim trunks should end halfway down the thigh, which is about 3 inches above the knee.
Can you wear swim shorts casually?
If you’re on vacation or at the beach, you can. However, they’re made exclusively for swimming, so don’t wear them elsewhere.
Conclusion
When it comes to swimming trunks, looking good while being comfortable is key.
Whether you’re swimming, chilling on the poolside, or relaxing under the sun, enjoy it in style.
Featured image courtesy of L.L. Bean, Bather, Nordstrom, and vuori.
About David Em
Founder
David Em is the founder of Next Level Gents, the ultimate destination for tips and advice about style, grooming, fitness, and success.