The 12 Best Swim Trunks for Men of 2026, Worn and Tested by Style Editors

Over the past four years, I’ve tested more than 20 different pairs of swim trunks—everything from legacy surf brands to buzzy newcomers—but Fair Harbor’s have consistently exceeded my expectations. This pair nails that trifecta of being stylish, functional, and worth the price.

The first thing I noticed: the fabric. It’s a cotton-poly blend that feels smooth and broken-in right out of the gate. It doesn’t feel like any of that stiff, swishy, overly synthetic feel you get with most swim trunks. I’m usually quick to write off built-in liners altogether, but the BreezeKnit liner changed my mind. It feels more like a supportive pair of boxer briefs than the usual scratchy mesh. It’s snug (but comfortable on the crown jewels), breathable, and, most importantly, it doesn’t ride up or chafe. I’ve worn it for full beach days in Puerto Rico—swimming, walking, grabbing lunch—and never once felt the need to adjust.

The 7-inch inseam hits just above the knee on me, giving it a clean, tailored. It’s an easy middle ground that works whether you’re getting in the water or just wearing it as your default summer short. There’s enough stretch in the cotton-polyester fabric that I never feel restricted. Plus, it comes in seersucker versions, solid-colored options, and other unique patterns. The hidden zipper pocket stashes a key or card without them slipping out, and the side pockets don’t balloon up in the water—something a lot of trunks still get wrong. It’s not a substitute for a gym short, but the fabric dries quickly for other oceanside activities.

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I can’t get enough of the R&R Trunk’s timeless style, functional fabric, and flattering fit. I love the no-fuss design with a tailored cut that’s not too baggy or slim. Coupled with the flexible waistband, the fit looks great on most body types. It’s available in two inseams–5.5 and 7.5 inches. The latter provides enough coverage and hits a couple inches above the knee for most men (our universal style recommendation for shorts). Though I wore the shorter length on the beach during my stay in Miami because it shows off my summer leg gains.

Rhone’s athleisure performs just as well as it looks. I’ve sweat-tested the R&R during beachside runs and volleyball games, and found that its odor-fighting fabric kept me feeling fresh. The mesh liner kept my family jewels locked in, without cutting off circulation. A few editors on our style team 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 stretchy, which felt more comfortable than Lululemon’s (also great!) Swim 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 comes in 11 colorways, but if you want to go classic, you can’t go wrong with the Electric Blue or Navy option.

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The absence of liner offers a comfortable commando style, which is why I prefer a pair like this one from Lululemon. I don’t have to be bothered with any mesh material that feels restrictive or scratchy against my crown jewels—I can just slip it on and head into the water. I also love that the minimal design doesn’t scream “swim trunk”, so I can go from brunch to the boardwalk or the pool without having to do an outfit change. It passes as an everyday short, which is exactly the kind of versatility I want in the summer. The polyester-elastomultiester fabric has so much stretch, it performs just as good—if not better—than most of my gym shorts.

I’ve worn this pair for pickup volleyball and quick workouts, and they move with you instead of clinging or sagging out. It also dries fast and doesn’t get that heavy, waterlogged feel after a swim, which makes a huge difference if you’re posted up poolside for a while. The 7-inch inseam is short enough to show some quad, but long enough that it still feels put-together if you’re grabbing a drink after. On my 5’8” frame, it lands a couple inches above the knee with a clean, tailored look—not too baggy, not too slim. If you’re taller, it’ll read a bit shorter and sportier; shorter guys get that ideal mid-thigh cut without going full retro.

After testing Proof’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 six 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. Proof 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, Proof’s stretchy fabric moves easily through all sorts of workouts.

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 plaid-like pattern with complementing tones of maroon and blue. This makes it more polished than your typical swim shorts, so you can easily pair it with a simple polo or the brand’s matching camp 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.

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, so I could wear it for hours and be 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 used a creative, cloudy effect across its lengthy boardshort that looks like sun-faded tie-dye you’d find on a well-traveled surf trip. It’s stylish enough to stand out amongst a sea of guys in basic trunks. Like Vuori’s option, this pair falls right above the knee, providing more coverage in case your shorts ride up as you get out of the water. I’m 5 ‘8 and the 18-inch outseam fits pretty long on me, so the fit is more flattering for taller guys around 6’ feet. If you want things even longer, the brand also offers a 21-inch version that hovers over the knee.

Despite the trimmer leg, the cut never feels restrictive—it’s got enough room to move without baggy. It’s made with a lightweight polyester-spandex fabric that has a slightly sturdier structure than most of the swim trunks, but flexes whether you’re paddling out or diving a volleyball. I found it dries down quickly between dips, and the double looped waistband ensures it stays secure.

Sure, this is the most expensive option on our list, but we think Orlebar Brown’s Bulldog Trunk packs serious style that’s worthy of its higher price point. The polyester-elastane fabric is designed with a textured stripe pattern, which is very sharp and unexpected—something most guys would shy away from, so you’ll probably be the only guy at the pool rocking it. I wore mine to the beach in Costa Rica, and no one had anything remotely close to this pair; only baggy boardshort-like types.

This one lands mid-thigh at a 6-inch inseam, which is the golden length for most men. It’s not as stretchy as the Rhone pair, but you’re not rocking this for comfort; the Bulldog is all about quiet luxury. When I’m not in the water, I wear it with just about any solid polo or camp shirt for a five-star resort fit. Plus, the gold fasteners on the waist add extra style points, and just look super plush.

If you’re looking for something more surf-specific, the California-based brand best known for its laid-back, surfer aesthetic delivers the Cruise Boardshort. It’s cut from a lightweight polyester-elastane blend that dries impressively fast, making it ideal for long days in and out of the water. The scalloped leg—where the hem curves slightly upward at the outer thigh—gives you a greater range of motion and a subtle retro-sport look. It’s one of those design tweaks that looks cool but also improves mobility.

It’s built to stay put. The double drawcord waistband adds extra security, so even when you’re getting knocked around by waves or caught in a strong current, you’re not worrying about your trunks slipping. It’s a small but clutch feature if you’re actually swimming, surfing, or doing anything more active than lounging.

Ralph Lauren’s classic style is the most versatile of the bunch—it works as a swim trunk, a casual short, and even a workout short. I’ve worn it for early runs along the boardwalk, knocked out quick leg circuits on vacation, and then jumped straight into the water without needing to change. The 5.75-inch inseam gives it a shorter, more athletic cut that feels mobile and unrestrictive, especially when you’re moving. But its trimmer, more style-forward look makes it clean enough to pass as an everyday short.

It’s made from a lightweight polyester-elastane blend that dries quickly and has just enough stretch that you can bend down or twist at any turn. The mesh liner feels breathable and supportive unlike traditional swim trunks. And because the silhouette is sleek and the design is minimal—save for that signature embroidered pony—it pairs easily with a tee or button-down, making it a true wear-all-day option for beach trips, resort hangs, or any summer day that doesn’t stick to one lane.

More Swim Trunks We Love

Fair Harbor offers so many great trunks, we couldn’t help but to feature the Anchor Short, too. 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. This style also comes with 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 ice.

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.

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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.

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.

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.