The 22 Best Men’s Swim Trunks for All Your Trips
The first rule of packing: always bring a swimsuit. No matter the destination, the purpose (business or pleasure), you never know when the opportunity for a dip in the pool or a splash in the ocean might come up—and you definitely don’t want to be the guy who arrived unprepared. Whether you’re an avid surfer, a dedicated lap swimmer, or just prefer to lay out and catch some rays, we’ve got the right pair of swim trunks for you. Here are 22 standout pairs for every taste and budget.
Best All-Around Swim Trunks
L.L. Bean Classic Supplex Sport Shorts
When it comes to swimwear, no need to overthink it. These swim shorts by L.L.Bean are your classic sports shorts, made from quick-drying, dependable nylon. They come in a range of jewel-toned colors, and pockets make them functional, too, when you need a place to stash your hotel keycard or some walking-around money.
Best Tropical-Pattern Swim Trunks
Faherty Brand Beacon Trunk
Nothing says “vacation” like a tropical print, and Faherty’s version—with a climbing vine of flowers set against a china-blue backdrop—is as artful as it gets.
Best Cool Swim Trunks
ASOS Design Swim Short in Tie Dye
These tie dye trunks are extremely-right-now, with a watery pattern that’s more hip than hippie. Their shorter length also makes them feel ultra-modern, and a drawstring waistband keeps it laid back and effortless. After all, nothing wrecks the coolness factor like trying too hard.
Best Striped Swim Trunks
Banana Republic Retromarine Wide Stripe Swim Short
Bold stripes lend these Retromarine trunks a sporty vintage vibe that’ll turn heads poolside, and the color palette is vaguely reminiscent of Neapolitan ice cream, which couldn’t be more summery.
Best Surfing Swim Trunks
Hurley O & O Men’s Boardshorts
These high-performance board shorts from Hurley feature an innovative single layer construction and comfortable lightweight fabric that won’t limit your movement when you’re riding the waves.
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Best Cheap Swim Trunks
Asos Design Mid-Length Swim Shorts
For just 19 big ones, these Asos trunks have everything you need: a versatile color; a flattering, trim fit; and a couple of helpful pockets.
Best All-Around Sporty Swim Trunks
Patagonia Baggies 7-Inch Swim Trunks
The go-to trunks of hikers, climbers, campers, surfers, and general outdoorsy types, Patagonia’s Baggies are iconic. They’re simple, comfortable, and durable enough to keep up with whatever sporty adventures come your way—even if that’s just a pool-side cannonball.
Best Splurge Swim Trunks
Orlebar Brown Bulldog Photographic Swim Trunks
If you’ve got the funds, these next-level swim shorts by Orlebar Brown—printed with an alluring vintage racecar photo—are equal parts dashing and eccentric.
Best Subtle-Pattern Swim Trunks
Kanu Surf Men’s Monaco Swim Trunks
Micro-patterns make a serious statement without being too in-your-face or flashy. And the striking gingham motif Kanu Surf uses on their swim shorts gets the balance just right.
Best Tailored Swim Trunks
Bather Navy Solid Swim Shorts
These preppy, tailored trunks have a dressier vibe than your average swimwear. Their refined navy color, square structure, and back pocket detailing work just as well with a button-up shirt as they do with flip flops.
Best Swim Trunks from Amazon
QRANSS Men’s Quick Dry Swim Trunks
Gotta love Amazon for their serious range of inventory, and these swim shorts by Qranss offer up 21 different color combos. Our pick? These classic navy and white trunks, which shout “vacation ahoy!”
Best Bonobos Swim Trunks
Bonobos Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks
Bonobos makes their Riviera trunks in a wild array of eye-popping prints; we’re fond of these peppy stripes in an offbeat pink and red palette.
Most Comfortable Swim Trunks
Lululemon Namaste At The Beach Short 8″
These light, stretchy, and fast-drying shorts from Lululemon are so comfy, you might consider doing a round of beach yoga after coming in from the surf.
Best Designer Swim Trunks
Versace Men’s Mare Uomo Graphic Shorts
If you’re going to shell out for a designer swimsuit, you might as well go big—and nobody does big, brash, exuberant luxury quite like Versace. These shorts scream, “high-roller coming through!”
Best Cult-Following Swim Trunks
Saturdays NYC Timothy Moon Flower Swim Short
Soho label Saturdays NYC has developed a cult following for its cool, minimalist aesthetic. If you’re unfamiliar, these signature swim shorts in a dreamy print are as good an introduction as any.
Best Swim Trunks for Big Guys
Tommy Hilfiger Big and Tall Men’s 9.5″ Swim Trunks
For the big-and-tall set, Tommy Hilfiger’s swimshorts come in sizes up to 2XB. We’re keen on this classic black pair, which offers great coverage and a flattering fit, plus three pockets where you can stow your room keycard and some SPF lip balm.
Best Pool-to-Dinner Swim Trunks
Barbour Stripe Swim Trunks
The classic nautical stripe pattern on this Barbour number makes it your best bet for pulling on a button-down or polo after a dip and heading straight to the poolside restaurant.
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Best Old-School Swim Trunks
Birdwell Men’s 310 Nylon Board Shorts
Birdwell Beach Britches have been churning out their iconic surf trunks since the early ‘60s. Nearly six decades later, these retro-tinged classics are still every bit as handsome as they were in their heyday. (Don Draper, eat your heart out.)
Best Swim Trunks With Pockets
Speedo Men’s Marina Sport VaporPLUS 9″ Swim Trunks
Need some extra space to stash your things on your next beach day? Speedo’s Marina Sport model comes complete with a pair of slant pockets, plus a flap pocket to keep your stuff close.
Best All-Black Swim Trunks
Saxx CannonBall 7″ Men’s Swim Shorts
When in doubt, all-black swim shorts can’t be beat. Made from odor- and fade-resistant nylon, Saxx’s trunks have quick-draining pockets and a trademarked design that promises to never, ever chafe.
Funniest Swim Trunks
Happy Socks Banana Swim Shorts
Look, you’re on vacation. There’s no need to keep your swimwear serious. This cheerful suit from Happy Socks gives new meaning to the term “banana hammock,” and they’re sure to earn some smiles at the swim-up bar.
Best Sun-Protective Swim Trunks
L.L. Bean Vacationland Stretch Swim Trunks
Thanks to its superior UPF 50 rated sun protection, L.L.Bean’s swimwear collection earned an official recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation. These shorts, blotted in stormy seaside colors, manage to look just as attractive as they are protective.
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