13 Best Men's Swim Trunks for the Pool, Beach, and Beyond

Dan Michel
·10 min read

High summer is upon us, so it’s time to bathing suit up. But if you’re still sporting that comfy-yet-busted pair of board shorts from five years ago, it’s time for an upgrade. In fact, my hot take is you should be buying at least one new pair every year. Why? Because unlike any other piece of clothing, when wearing men’s swim trunks, they’re often the only thing you’re wearing. Meaning they’d better fit nicely and make you look (and feel) great at the beach, pool, or party.

“The right swimwear isn’t just about great style,” says Preston Konrad, a New York-based fashion and lifestyle expert. “It should actually boost your confidence so you can feel comfortable enough to be on your A-game.”

But don’t feel pressured to find that one perfect pair. Konrad recommends every guy have at least two to three pairs: one versatile pair in a classic solid color; one bold-patterned pair to make a statement; and one tailored option for nicer destinations.

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After trying on a lot of different brands, I found Fair Harbor The Bayberry Trunk to be the best. Oftentimes, the coolest looking shorts are the most uncomfortable. Not so with this brand, started by a brother and sister who make swim suits from recycled bottles. The clincher for me was the BreezeKnit liner with tons of stretch, which feels like a dream compared to the traumatically uncomfortable netting I grew up wearing.

If you need a pair, start there. But that’s not the only option we recommend. Keep scrolling for all the best men's swim trunks of 2024 tailored to your specific needs.

Related: The 15 Best Men's Sandals for Style, Comfort, and Everything Else

Best Swim Trunks for Men at a Glance

Best Swim Trunks for Men in 2024

Overall Best Swim Trunks: Fair Harbor The Bayberry Trunk

Eco-conscious Fair Harbor The Bayberry Trunks are made from 11 recycled plastic bottles. These trunks come in many different solids, patterns, and prints, including this limited-edition one, created to celebrate the brand’s 10th anniversary. They’re comfortable enough to wear all day, stretch as far as you can, and dry quickly once you’re out of the water. A good investment, to be sure.

$72 at Fair Harbor
$72 at Fair Harbor

Best Retro Swim Trunks: Birdwell Drifter Shorts

Corduroy? At the beach? Absolutely. Birdwell Drifter Shorts, classic California-inspired beach trunks, have the look of a boardshort with the retro, fine-wale fabric that’s straight off the SoCal boardwalk.

It has a half-elastic waistband at the back that’s comfortable, but also means you can tuck in the drawstring and wear it around town without looking like you just got out of the pool. Create contrast when picking a color. Lighter complexions should choose darker colors like this, and vice versa.

$53 at Birdwell
$53 at Birdwell

Best Printed Swim Trunks: Bonobos Riviera Recycles Swim Trunks

Bonobos Riviera Recycles Swim Trunks have many of the same attributes as the other winners on this list—elastic waistband, mesh lining, easy drawstring, and a UPF 50+ rating to protect your privates from the sun’s harsh rays. It also boasts 16 different designs that pop with personality. Whether you’re looking for a fun floral print like this or just a laid-back solid navy pair, the Riviera is a must-pack for pool days and vacations alike.

$89 at Bonobos
$89 at Bonobos

Best Nautical Swim Trunks: Scotch & Soda All Over Printed Swim Shorts

Navy is possibly the most versatile color in any man’s wardrobe. It’s understated, but can be underwhelming by itself. If you only want to add a little interest—no bold patterns or fluorescent colors—try Scotch & Soda All Over Printed Swim Shorts in seahorse print. It’s classic, preppy, and fits most aesthetics. Oh, and they’re comfortable too.

$35 at Amazon
$35 at Amazon

Best Bright Swim Trunks: Marine Layer Saturday Sport Short

Medium to dark complexions look great in bright shorts, but instead of going electric, try this style in a sunwashed peach. It’ll stand out among a sea of dark suits and pop off of tan, olive, and darker skin tones.

Marine Layer Saturday Sport Short doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles because it doesn’t need them. All the details are done well, right down the 6-inch inseam, which will hit above the knee for a flattering, lengthening effect—versus extra long boardshorts, which will make you look shorter.

$88 at Marine Layer
$88 at Marine Layer

Best Short Swim Trunks: Todd Snyder Montauk Swim Shorts

When it comes to style, it’s always good to keep them guessing. The pattern of Todd Snyder Montauk Swim Shorts isn’t quite a stripe, not quite a check, but it’s undeniably cool. Even better, no one else on the beach will be wearing the same pair. Fashioned with a tailored body and short 5-inch inseam, it will help flatter your figure and get those legs some sun.

$128 at Todd Snyder
$128 at Todd Snyder

Best Hybrid Swim Trunks: Vuori Maverick Volley Shorts

Many swim brands claim to be “beach to bar,” but don’t often look right in the city. Vuori Maverick Volley Shorts are an exception because of the understated grassy dune pattern, which would look cool worn with a t-shirt and short-sleeve shirt unbuttoned on a warm summer day. But don’t let that top selling feature fool you. These workhorse trunks will perform on the beach and in the water with the best of them.

$74 at Vuori
$74 at Vuori

Best Luxury Swim Trunks: Orlebar Brown x LA DoubleJ Bulldog Swim Trunks

You’ve been hitting the gym, watching your diet, and working your ass off. Now, you deserve Orlebar Brown x LA DoubleJ Bulldog Swim Trunks. These luxe shorts (a favorite of Konrad’s) have it all, gold adjustable side fasteners, comfortable interior, and this insanely vibrant, limited-edition dragonflower design made with LA DoubleJ, an Italian brand known for maximalist prints. The mid-length inseam is flattering on every guy and the brand backs each pair with a 5-year guarantee. Don’t think, just buy. You won’t regret it.

$395 at Orlebar Brown
$395 at Orlebar Brown

Best Everyday Swim Trunks: Speedo Swim Trunk

Whether you’re more stylishly subdued or you just need a solid navy pair in your arsenal, everyone should own a pair of Speedo Swim Trunks. They’re sharp, modern with a 5-inch inseam, and made for the water. And there’s no better brand than the one you probably wore as a kid. They’re the best for a reason—and you can get them with free shipping in time for your next vacation.

$38 at Amazon
$38 at Amazon

Best Inexpensive Swim Trunks: Amazon Essentials Quick-Dry Swim Trunk

Amazon Essentials Quick-Dry Swim Trunk is your always-there bathing suit that can live in your suitcase so you never forget it—or serve as your go-to for backyard pool parties. It’s got an inseam that will look great on any guy, plus quick-dry fabric, so you can stay comfortable without changing. Its cool, neutral color will look great on everyone.

$18 at Amazon
$18 at Amazon

Best Patterned Swim Trunks: Dandy Del Mar Ventura Volley Short

Standing out at the beach is easy in these shorts from a brand you might not have heard of yet. “Tropical prints, bold stripes, and geometric patterns are killing it right now,” says Konrad. Adopt Dandy Del Mar Ventura Volley Short, an ultra modern bathing suit with a touch of ’70s swagger the next time you want to show your style chops at the beach.

$99 at Dandy Del Mar
$99 at Dandy Del Mar

Best Swim Trunks for Guys With Big Thighs: Chubbies Swim Trunks

Don’t hide those thighs. Let them shine in a pair of swim trunks that have four-way stretch and an inseam length that’ll show off your best assets. Chubbies Swim Trunks have an insane amount of stretch—and this is among this brand’s more subdued offerings. Click through for all of the electric colors and throwback patterns that will catch eyes on the waterfront as well.

$70 at Amazon
$70 at Amazon

Best Swim Trunks For Tall Guys: Lands’ End Volley Swim Trunks

If you’re a tall guy requiring a little extra length or you’re a surfer who needs knee protection, Lands’ End Volley Swim Trunks is a surefire addition to your warm-weather packing list. The burgundy color is unexpected and the retro stripes at the bottom give it just the right amount of personality.

$30 at Amazon
$30 at Amazon

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Swim Trunks for Men

The right men’s swim suit can make your day at the beach or pool chill, stylish, and comfortable—but the wrong one can surely ruin it.

What to consider when looking for the best men’s bathing suits? Start with the fabric. It should be comfortable and not scratchy. And the interior should either have a compression liner—or nothing. No uncomfortable lining will do.

Konrad recommends a modern fit, with an inseam of about six to seven inches. “This is great for bigger guys, as it gives a nice balanced look while staying on trend,” says Konrad. “For taller guys, feel free to go up to an eight- or even nine-inch inseam, which can compliment their height and provide a nice, proportionate look.”

Finally, don’t put too much pressure on which swim suit to buy—because you’re going to need more than one. “It’s a good idea to refresh your swimwear collection every year or so,” says Konrad. “Trends evolve and fabrics can wear out from sun, salt, and chlorine. You'll want to keep things fresh. Investing in a killer new pair can help you keep your look current and on point.”

Why You Should Trust Us

I’m a men’s style expert who’s been writing about styling and menswear for nearly 15 years. I’m the former fashion and grooming editor at Men’s Health, and my work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, Bloomberg Pursuits, Rolling Stone, and more. To start, I contacted swim trunk brands and called in new and bestselling styles to test. We tried all types and prices, but excluded any briefs, surf-specific boardshorts, and other unrelated styles.

For this story, I interviewed New York-based, Preston Konrad. He’s a style expert, lifestyle influencer, and owner of the new scent-driven home goods brand Preston Lane. He has more than a million followers online and has appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and Access Hollywood as a style and interiors expert. As you can imagine, he’s an incredibly sharp guy himself. See for yourself at his Instagram and TikTok.

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