The perfect pair of men’s swim trunks is about more than just taking a dip. It’s a crucial piece of gear for a day spent in the sun, sand, and surf, balancing style, comfort, and functionality. Whether you’re an avid swimmer, a casual beachgoer, or someone who wants a versatile short that transitions from the water to a waterfront lunch, the right choice makes all the difference. With countless options available, finding trunks that offer the ideal fit, features, and look for your needs can be a challenge.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best men’s swim trunks on the market. We have evaluated a range of styles, from performance-focused jammers to classic boardshorts and modern hybrid designs. Our selections consider factors like fabric technology, drying speed, liner comfort, and overall build quality to help you find the pair that will become your new warm-weather essential.
Our Top Picks for Men’s Swim Trunks
- Speedo Men’s Swimsuit Jammer Endurance+ Solid USA Adult
- Quiksilver Mens Original Straight Premium 18 Boardshort
- maamgic Mens 5.5″ Vintage Swim Trunks with Compression Liner
- 7 Inch Men Swim Trunks with Zipper Mesh Pocket Lined
- Amazon Essentials Men’s 9″ Swim Trunks with Mesh Lining
- Southern Tide Men’s 8″ Brrrdie Gulf Shorts
- Billabong Men’s Standard Fluid Pro 20″ Performance Boardshorts
- Columbia Men’s PFG Super Backcast II Quick Dry Swim Short
- Volcom Men’s Mod Tech 19″ Boardshort
- Rhone Men’s Commuter 7″ Swim Short
Speedo Men’s Swimsuit Jammer Endurance+ Solid USA Adult
For the serious swimmer, the Speedo Endurance+ Jammer is a top-tier choice built for performance and longevity. Its core advantage is the ultra-chlorine-resistant fabric, which is engineered to last up to 20 times longer than standard swimwear materials. This makes it an excellent investment for frequent lap swimming or training in chlorinated pools, as it resists fading and degradation season after season.
The four-way stretch technology provides a body-hugging, second-skin fit that offers excellent freedom of movement and reduces drag in the water. Despite its compressive nature, the material remains soft and comfortable. Furthermore, the jammer is lightweight and quick-drying, and it is specifically designed to resist the common pitfalls of swimwear like sagging and bagging, maintaining its shape and performance over time.
Quiksilver Mens Original Straight Premium 18 Boardshort
The Quiksilver Original Straight Premium Boardshort is a timeless piece of surf heritage. With a regular fit and a 17-inch outseam that falls to the knee, this short offers a classic, relaxed silhouette that has been a favorite for generations. It represents a straightforward, no-fuss approach to beachwear that prioritizes a proven and comfortable design.
This boardshort is built with the quality and durability that the Quiksilver brand is known for. The focus is on a reliable construction that can handle the rigors of surfing and general beach use. Its versatile black color and classic style make it easy to pair with any top, ensuring you look prepared for a day in the waves or simply relaxing on the sand.
maamgic Mens 5.5″ Vintage Swim Trunks with Compression Liner
For those who appreciate a retro vibe, the maamgic Vintage Swim Trunks deliver a unique 80s and 90s aesthetic with modern functionality. The bold, original prints are a standout feature, offering a fun and expressive alternative to solid-colored shorts. With a shorter 5.5-inch inseam, these trunks provide a contemporary, above-the-knee fit that is both stylish and practical for active beach days.
A key benefit of this design is the integrated 2-in-1 compression liner. This liner offers comfortable support without feeling restrictive and effectively prevents sand from getting inside, solving a common beachgoer problem. Combined with its quick-dry material that can dry in as little as five to ten minutes, these trunks are built for comfort and convenience from the water back to your beach towel.
7 Inch Men Swim Trunks with Zipper Mesh Pocket Lined
These 7-inch swim trunks are designed for the modern man who values a minimalist style and multi-activity performance. The clean, solid-color designs and a tailored 7-inch length create a sleek silhouette that works just as well for a casual outing as it does for a swim. The inclusion of a zipper mesh pocket adds a layer of security for your small essentials, a feature often missing in standard swimwear.
Comfort is a major focus, with a featherlight fabric and a breathable mesh lining that prevents chafing during various activities. The stretch waistband with a secure drawcord allows for a custom, comfortable fit whether you’re swimming, running, or at the gym. The RapidDry performance fabric is a standout, drying three times faster than regular material, making these trunks exceptionally versatile for a full day of mixed use.
Amazon Essentials Men’s 9″ Swim Trunks with Mesh Lining
The Amazon Essentials 9″ Swim Trunks offer reliable performance and everyday comfort at an accessible price point. They feature a comfortable, easy fit through the hip and thigh with a straight leg that sits below the waist, providing a classic and universally flattering silhouette. The inclusion of a mesh lining and pockets adds to the functionality, making them a practical choice for a day at the beach or pool.
Constructed from a lightweight and breathable performance fabric, these trunks are designed for all-day wear in the sun. They focus on delivering the essential features you need—a good fit, quick-drying capability, and comfort—without any unnecessary complications. This makes them an excellent value-driven option for anyone seeking a straightforward and effective pair of swim shorts.
Southern Tide Men’s 8″ Brrrdie Gulf Shorts
Southern Tide’s Brrrdie Gulf Shorts are engineered for comfort in the heat, featuring innovative Brrr cooling technology. This fabric treatment provides a noticeably cool-to-the-touch feeling, which can be a welcome relief on a hot, sunny day. The shorts also include moisture-wicking properties to pull sweat away from your skin, keeping you drier and more comfortable.
Beyond cooling, these 8-inch shorts offer built-in UV protection, safeguarding your skin from harmful sun rays during extended outdoor exposure. This combination of advanced fabric technologies makes the Brrrdie Gulf Shorts a smart choice for those who plan to spend long hours in the sun, whether you’re fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the beach.
Billabong Men’s Standard Fluid Pro 20″ Performance Boardshorts
The Billabong Fluid Pro Boardshorts are built for surfers who demand performance and functionality. With a longer 20-inch outseam and a regular fit, they provide ample coverage and freedom of movement for paddling and riding waves. The durable construction and engineered sublimation prints are made to withstand the abrasive nature of surf wax and saltwater.
A key feature for the practical surfer is the zip-entry leg pocket, providing a secure and accessible place to store small items like keys or a car fob while you’re in the water. This focus on utility, combined with Billabong’s proven design, makes these boardshorts a reliable and high-performing option for anyone serious about their time in the surf.
Columbia Men’s PFG Super Backcast II Quick Dry Swim Short
Columbia’s PFG Super Backcast II Swim Short is a top choice for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its advanced sun protection. It features OMNI-SHADE technology, which blocks UVA and UVB rays and has earned the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. This makes it an essential piece of gear for long days under the sun.
Beyond sun protection, these shorts are treated with OMNI-SHIELD to repel water and resist stains, helping them stay cleaner and drier. The quick-dry comfort of the 100% nylon poplin fabric ensures that you won’t be sitting in damp clothing after a splash or a sudden rain shower, providing all-day wearability and comfort on any adventure.
Volcom Men’s Mod Tech 19″ Boardshort
The Volcom Mod Tech Boardshort combines a modern 19-inch length with practical surf features. The Cinch Fly Technology allows for easy adjustment and a secure closure, ensuring a great fit in and out of the water. This thoughtful design element provides a clean look and enhanced comfort compared to traditional velcro fly systems.
For storage, this short includes a back patch pocket with a flap, offering a convenient spot to hold small items securely. The overall construction is focused on providing a durable and functional short for surfing and other water sports, all while maintaining a stylish profile that works well for casual wear after you leave the beach.
Rhone Men’s Commuter 7″ Swim Short
The Rhone Commuter Swim Short is designed for the active individual who needs a short that can keep up with a dynamic lifestyle. As the name suggests, it’s built for transition, moving seamlessly from a morning swim to running errands or a casual lunch. The 7-inch length offers a modern, tailored look that is both stylish and practical.
While specific features are not listed here, Rhone is known for integrating high-performance fabrics and thoughtful design into their apparel. You can expect qualities like quick-drying materials, odor resistance, and a comfortable, secure fit that provides both freedom of movement and a polished appearance, making it a versatile piece for any warm-weather wardrobe.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Your Perfect Pair of Men’s Swim Trunks
Finding the right pair of men’s swim trunks for the beach is about more than just picking a cool pattern. You want something that feels good, looks good, and actually works for your day in the sun and surf. I’ve been through my fair share of bad trunks, and I’ve learned what to look for. Let’s break it down so you can make a smart choice.
First up, let’s talk fabric. This is a big one. For active days with swimming or surfing, you need a quick-drying material. Polyester and nylon blends are your best friends here. They shed water fast, so you won’t be sitting around in soggy, heavy trunks. If you’re planning on just lounging, a cotton or terry cloth blend can be super comfortable, but just know they’ll stay wet much longer. For me, performance fabrics are the way to go for a versatile beach day.
Next, consider the length and fit. This is mostly about personal style, but it matters. Shorter trunks (around mid-thigh) often have a more classic, retro look. Longer, board-short styles (reaching to the knee or below) are popular and offer more coverage. The key is the fit through the leg. A slimmer fit through the thigh is generally more modern and flattering, while a baggier, relaxed fit is great for maximum movement. Make sure there’s a secure drawstring or elastic waistband so you’re not constantly pulling them up after a wave knocks you over.
Don’t forget the liner. Most swim trunks come with a built-in mesh liner, which acts like built-in underwear. Some people love the support, while others find it restrictive. My take? If you’re very active, the liner can prevent chafing. If you’re more of a lounge-on-the-towel type, you might prefer a pair without a liner for ultimate comfort. Many brands now offer linerless options or trunks with a soft, compression-style liner that feels less like traditional mesh.
Finally, think about the pockets. This seems small, but it’s a game-changer. Look for at least one secure pocket with a closure—a zipper or a velcro flap. Where else are you going to put your car key, a little cash, or your hotel card? A pocket that drains water is also a fantastic feature, so you’re not carrying the ocean around with you. By paying attention to these details—fabric, fit, liner, and pockets—you’ll find a pair of men’s swim trunks for the beach that you’ll want to wear season after season.
FAQ
What is the ideal length for men’s swim trunks?
This really comes down to personal preference and your body type. A good rule of thumb is for the hem to hit somewhere between 2 inches above the knee to just at the knee. This length tends to be the most universally flattering. If you’re on the shorter side, a slightly shorter trunk can help make your legs look longer. Taller guys can often pull off the longer, knee-length styles without looking swamped. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in them.
Do I really need a liner in my swim trunks?
Not necessarily. The built-in mesh liner is designed to provide support and work as underwear, so you don’t have to wear anything underneath. I find it useful for active swimming or sports because it reduces friction. However, if you find the standard mesh uncomfortable or itchy, you have options. You can look for trunks with a soft, brief-style liner, choose a linerless model and wear your own compression shorts underneath, or simply cut the liner out (just be careful not to cut the trunk itself!).
How should swim trunks fit?
They should fit comfortably snug around your waist without needing to be synched super tight with the drawstring. You don’t want a gap at the back. Through the hips and thighs, you should have enough room to move, sit, and walk without feeling restricted, but they shouldn’t be so baggy that they look sloppy or billow out with water when you swim. A good test is to sit down in them; if the material feels like it’s pulling too much or the legs ride up uncomfortably, you might need a different size or style.
Can I wear my swim trunks as regular shorts?
You can, but I wouldn’t make a habit of it for long periods. Swim trunk material is designed to dry quickly, which often means it’s less breathable than the cotton or linen in regular shorts. Wearing them all day as regular shorts could get a bit uncomfortable and might lead to chafing. However, they are perfect for transitioning from the beach to a casual beachside bar or a quick errand on your way home. Just remember to change once you’re done with your water-based activities.
What should I look for in terms of durability?
To make sure your trunks last, check the quality of the stitching, especially around the stress points like the pockets and the crotch. Double-stitched seams are a good sign. Also, pay attention to the hardware. A metal grommet for the drawstring is more durable than a plain hole punched in the fabric. For the drawstring itself, a braided cord is less likely to break than a thin, flat one. Finally, look at the print. A sublimated print (where the dye is baked into the fabric) will last much longer than a print that sits on top of the material, which can crack and fade.