Think Swim Trunks Are Just for the Beach? These Ones Do So Much More. (2025)

After trying and testing more than 50 swim shorts, our fashion team landed on Fair Harbor's Anchor Short as the best of the bunch. Just like most of the New York upstart’s duds, this swim trunk is timelessly stylish, functional, and provides great value. It’s available in a variety of solids and prints, but we're big fans of the red stripe option, since it has a cool ‘80s vibe that pairs well with laidback T-shirts, tank tops, and more. What we love even more is the BreezeKnit liner—Fair Harbor's soft, supportive alternative to traditional mesh liner found in swimwear. It provides a snug and comfortable feel, while keeping you cool as a cucumber all day long.

Unlike other picks on this list, The Anchor Trunk is available in three inseams. The 6-inch inseam is great for guys who want to show off their hard-earned leg gains this summer. The 8-inch inseam hits the sweet spot between casual and polished, a safe bet if you're unsure which to go for. And the 10-inch inseam is the longest option, ideal for those who prefer a bit more coverage. Plus, its relaxed (not baggy) fit keeps this from veering into Reno 911! territory.

Performance-wise, the Anchor Trunk’s synthetic fabric dries quickly, though it doesn't offer quite as much stretch or odor resistance as Rhone’s swim trunk, so we wouldn’t recommend this as a gym short substitute.

Read more: Best Hybrid Shorts for Men

Gollayan turns to this OG French brand when he really wants to flex his summer style. He loves the brand's classic cut, which has been around since the '70s. The inseam hits his style sweet spot at the middle of the thigh. Plus, it's tailored but not tight, and has enough flair to look cool without trying too hard. The blue and green florals add an unexpected pop of color, and Gollayan wears this with a white linen polo for a foolproof beach bar look.

Yes, it's one of the pricier options on this list, but it's as durable as it is stylish, so you get what you're paying for. The fabric dries quickly, the mesh liner feels like a second skin, and its drawstring actually stays put. "I reach for this for every vacation, whether I'm pool-hopping in Miami or on a boat in the South of France," Gollayan says. Bottom line: this short is expensive, but will instantly make you look put together this summer.

The Resort Swim Short is our pick for a trunk that stands out, but still looks classy. That’s because the Swedish brand infuses its vacation fits with a minimalist Nordic vibe. The result: a clean cut short with groovy patterns that pair well with just everything in your suitcase. We’ve sported it with basic tees, Hawaiian button-downs, and tank tops and found that every style combo was equally flattering.

Beyond its looks, our team was impressed with The Resort Swim Short’s functionality. The elastic waistband was very forgiving on guys with spare tires, and its sides are stacked with well-placed pockets that can easily store your phone and wallet without adding too much bulk. The polyester fabric dries relatively quickly, especially if you’re just lounging poolside. Yeah, the OAS trunk is more expensive than Rhone’s R&R Short, and doesn’t have as many performance features, but you’re paying a slightly higher premium for its stylish design.

Sometimes, swim trunks with loud designs can be too in-your-face, but Mack Weldon went easy on this pair. It’s decked out with a dotted gradient pattern that adds a visual pop, without looking tacky. Our editors have worn this with a white polo to balance things out, and works as a foolproof fit for beachside lunches. We especially like the fit: it’s relaxed, but slimmer than the Bather swim trunks for a more dressier vibe.

Like most of the swim trunks on this list, this version is made with a polyester-spandex flex that offers a lot of mobility. We could maintain a full range of motion through running, squatting and walking. During our testing, the mesh liner didn’t irritate our family jewels either. In fact, it was one of the more comfortable liners on the list.

For your next vacation, you need a dressy swim trunk that can look great at the beach, bar, or restaurant. Enter this one from Bather, which has a sleek, slim cut. This makes it more polished than your typical swim shorts, so you can easily pair it with a Hawaiian shirt and sandals for a foolproof, lunchtime fit in your arsenal. I’ve worn it to a five-star hotel’s restaurant and then straight to the pool for a mid-day cocktail. And get this: it’s available in 21 colors—ranging from super bright hues to soft muted tones that fits just about any vibe.

The waistband rests gently on the waist, but you can adjust the fit using the drawstrings. Unlike the scratchy net-like liners in cheaper swim trunks, the nylon-spandex blend is silky and irritation-free, making all-day wear way more comfortable. Plus, the 5.5-inch inseam flatters tall and short guys alike. In terms of functionality, the pockets are super deep for your sunglasses or wallet, while one in the back snaps shut for extra security.

Patagonia’s Baggies Short has proven its durability on everything from multi-day hikes to back-to-back swimming sessions. Our guys have worn this trunk for backpacking through rugged trails, jumping into rivers, and air-drying in the sun—day after day—without wearing them out. The tough nylon fabric resists abrasion from rocks, sand, and saltwater, while the water-repellent coating helps it dry quickly.

Unlike traditional slanted pockets that can balloon up in the water, this pair has mesh openings inside, so the water flows out and doesn’t weigh you down. Despite dozens of uses and hours in the ocean, we haven’t seen these trunks fade, fray, or lose shape. Our fashion editors found they pair nicely with a string of t-shirts and sneakers for coffee pick-ups or quick grocery runs.

After testing Wellen’s Performance Swim Trunk, we found that it’s easily the most durable short on this list. Our editors appreciate the polyester-spandex blend fabric, which is stretchy, quick drying, and nearly tear proof. We’ve sported this during tropical hikes and extreme water sports, and found that the Performance Trunk held up to just about anything mother nature threw at it. We like the moisture-wicking liner, which is actually more comfortable than Rhone’s R&R short, but we did find it didn’t dry as quickly as Rhone’s short, and is a bit thicker than we’d prefer. Still, those are minor quibbles for a swim trunk as functional as this one.

Looks-wise, the Performance Trunk isn’t the most stylish of the bunch, and it’s not meant to be. It’s available in seven solid colors and two inseam options, all of which have a no-frills design. Though we have to say, because of its barebones aesthetics, the Performance Trunk looks a lot cleaner than your typical bulky hiking short. Wellen markets this as a multipurpose trunk that doubles as a gym short, and after putting it through the paces, we agree with that claim. While it’s not as breathable as Ten Thousand’s award-winning Interval Short, Wellen’s stretchy fabric moves easily through all sorts of workouts.

Come summer, our editors have worn this 8.5-inch short for just about all their hot weather activities: surfing, volleyball and sunbathing. Beach settings aside—we found this boardshort can hold up at the gym as well. That’s because of its polyester-elastane blend, which is super flexible. I’ve worn this during leg day, and found that it easily moved through deadlifts, lunges, and squats with ease. Plus, the moisture-wicking fabric kept me relatively cool and dry through even the hardest workouts.

The lengthy cut provides plenty of coverage for taller guys, and the longer inseam reduces ride-up and chafing for extra comfort. Also, the relaxed fit gives you more room to move, better airflow, and a laid-back look compared to slim or tailored cuts. These swim trunks earn bonus points for the pockets on the thigh, which securely store keys and other small valuables.

Read More: Best Board Shorts for Men

Yes, this is the most expensive option on our list, but we think Orlebar Brown's Setter Swim Trunk packs a big style flex that’s worthy of its higher price point. We love the simplicity of the burgundy, which is very sharp and unexpected—most guys wouldn’t dare go near that color, so you’ll probably be the only guy at the pool rocking it. The silver fasteners add extra style points, and just look super plush. Meanwhile the Setter’s 4.5-inch inseam is universally flattering.

This swim trunk is made with 100% Nylon, which feels hefty and expensive, but isn’t as stretchy as other shorts on this list. But you’re not rocking this for comfort; the Setter is all about quiet luxury. It looks amazing with just about any polo or camp shirt, but we recommend pairing this with the brand’s Jacquard tops for a five-star resort fit.

Editors rave about the R&R Trunk's timeless style, functional fabric, and flattering fit. We love the no-fuss design, with a tailored cut that’s not too baggy or slim. Coupled with the stretchy waistband, the fit looks great on most body types. It’s available in two inseams–5.5 and 7.5 inches. Our fashion director says to cop the longer length if you’re planning to use this beyond the beach, since it provides enough coverage while still hitting a couple inches above the knee for most men (our universal style recommendation for shorts). But if you want to really show off your summer leg gains, the shorter option’s your guy.

Rhone’s athleisure performs just as well as it looks. We’ve sweat-tested the R&R during beachside runs and found that its odor-fighting fabric did a decent job at fighting sweat. The mesh liner kept our family jewels locked in, without cutting off circulation. In fact, a few editors who have the R&R trunk say that the liner really does have a second-skin like quality. That’s probably because the polyester blend fabric is infused with four-way stretch, which felt more comfortable than Lululemon’s (also great!) Pool Short. These durable features also mean the R&R Trunk doubles as a decent gym short if you’re in a pinch, and saves you one less thing to pack for a tropical vacation. We love that it’s available in 12 patterns, though if you want to go classic, you can’t go wrong with the Navy option.

Read more: Best Running Shorts for Men

What Is the Best Material for Men's Swim Trunks?

Obviously, cotton is a no-go—it gets way too heavy when met with water. Our fashion team recommends lightweight synthetic fabrics since they dry quickly and are usually fade-resistant to the sun and chlorine. These synthetic fabrics are ideal for underwater wear they won't get hefty and pull you down when drenched in water.

Poly with the addition of stretch (Lycra, elastane) material is the most common with good reason—more comfortable, forgiving. Some brands use nylon instead of poly because it absorbs less water and does not get heavy as the waterproofing wears off over time, but nylon does not (take color) dye as deeply and vibrantly as poly.

What Else to Consider

Stretch

If you're swimming, surfing, or just moving around a lot in bathing suits, Stafford advises stretch as a must-have factor, since it allows a great fit and range of motion in and out of the water.

Waistband

Waistbands should fit comfortably on your body, and a drawstring may help you to adjust the waist size if needed. We recommend a full-elastic waistband with a drawcord because it ensures you keep your trunks on, even if you’re diving from the high dive. If you’re going for a snap closure, just make sure it’s not too tight with the ability to unsnap after one beer.

How to Choose Colors and Prints for Men's Swim Trunks

Choosing the right color and print for men's swim trunks boils down to personal style, skin tone, body type, and occasion. If you prefer a more classic and versatile look, solid colors like navy, blue, or olive are excellent choices that can easily transition from the beach to casual outings. If you want something a bit more eye-catching, subtle patterns like stripes or small geometric prints add personality without being too loud. For those who like to stand out, bright colors, tropical florals, or retro-inspired prints make a strong statement, especially on an island.

Your skin tone can also guide your choice—fairer skin tones tend to work best with earth tones and pastels, while medium to tan skin pairs well with rich blues, corals, or reds. Darker tones can pull off almost any color, but bright neons and strong contrasts pop especially well. Body type plays a factor too—shorter guys might benefit from vertical stripes or a shorter inseam to create a lengthening effect, while taller guys can balance their frame with medium-to-long inseams and bold patterns. Athletic builds look great in solid colors and tailored fits that highlight their shape, whereas stockier builds might find that darker shades or micro-prints create a more streamlined look.

Lastly, think about where you'll be wearing swim trunks. For pool parties and resort vacations, playful prints and vibrant hues add to the fun, while sporty designs with color-blocking work well for active beach days. If you're looking for swim trunks that can double as everyday shorts, muted tones or subtle patterns offer the most versatility. Ultimately, the best choice is whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable.

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