Best Men's Swim Trunks for Summer & Swimming

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The best men's swim trunks balance comfort, fit, and practical features. Whether you're swimming, surfing, or relaxing by the pool, the right pair should suit your activities, provide the coverage you prefer, and feel comfortable in and out of the water.

Choosing swim trunks involves more than picking an attractive color or print. Fabric, inseam length, lining, waistband design, and pocket placement can all affect how a pair performs. This guide compares 10 options for different preferences, from short athletic styles to longer boardshorts and printed designs.

How to Choose the Best Men’s Swim Trunks for You?

The right swim trunks should fit comfortably, dry quickly, and allow easy movement. Consider these key factors before choosing a pair:

• Choose a comfortable fit with an adjustable drawstring waistband. Stretch fabric can provide extra flexibility for swimming and watersports.
• Polyester and nylon are lightweight, quick-drying options. Consider recycled fabrics if sustainability matters, and check product specifications for a UPF rating if sun protection is a priority.
• Mesh liners provide lightweight support, while compression liners offer a closer fit. Unlined trunks suit those who prefer to choose their own base layer.
• Inseam length sets your overall silhouette and determines how much thigh you show. Pick a 3" to 4" cut for an athletic look, a classic 5" to 6" length for a balanced look or 7" to 9" for traditional coverage.
• Look for secure pockets, drainage features, and water-repellent finishes based on how you plan to use your swim trunks.

Quick Comparison of the Best Men's Swim Trunks

If you just want a quick glance at what each of our chosen men's swimming trunks offers, then look no further. This comprehensive overview highlights key features of each pair of trucks we’ve selected, including inseam, liner, and additional features.

Top Picks for Men's Swim Trunks

We’ll now break down each pair of the best swim shorts for men that we found. We'll be evaluating fabric stretch, liner comfort, and fit to help you find your perfect pair for the season. Let’s dive right in.

Navy Seersucker Swim Trunks With Liner

If you struggle with irritation when wearing swimming trunks, then Bermies’ seersucker is your solution to ultimate relaxation. Highly stretchable from polyester and spandex, with an incredibly soft seersucker texture, not to mention quick-drying, will keep you feeling fresh all day.

Buy Now - $69.99

Unlike basic mesh that chafes in the sand, the built-in compression liner delivers secure, friction-free support all day long. Combined with superior sun protection and a water-repellent finish, these trunks transition from the ocean waves to the coastal dunes effortlessly.

Floral Inseam Swim Trunks Compression Liner

Designed for beachgoers who aren't afraid of statement prints or showing off a bit more leg, these are the best mens swimming trunks that deliver a lively, tropical look with zero restriction. The shorter athletic cut provides full leg mobility, making them ideal for high-energy beach sports, swimming, or catching rays by the pool.

Buy Now - $69.99

The hidden benefit is in the performance feel: a silky compression lining keeps you comfortable without mid-thigh friction, while the water-repellent finish ensures you won't be sitting in soggy fabric when you step away from the surf for lunch. Grabbing an exclusive Bermies discount code allows you to lock in these high-performance trunks and explore their collection of the top men's swim shorts at an even better value before heading out on your next coastal getaway.

Rubber Ducky Stretch Swim Trunks - 7.5" Inseam

If your goal at a pool party or vacation tailgate is to bring the energy, these Tipsy Elves trunks are an instant conversation starter. The iconic rubber ducky print embraces a playful, retro look that guarantees you won't blend into the crowd.

Buy Now - $39.95

Designed with extra knee-length coverage and 4-way stretch flexibility, these are one of the best mens swim trunks that give you full freedom to dive into cannonball contests or casual beach games without feeling restricted. The soft mesh lining and quick-drying shell keep things easy and comfortable, making them the ultimate pick for relaxed, fun-first sunny days.

The Terracottas Classic Swim Trunk

Chubbies delivers a timeless, weekend-ready look with their signature Terracottas colorway. Blending vintage-inspired warm earth tones with modern functionality, these trunks transition effortlessly from early morning lake swims to afternoon backyard barbecues.

Buy Now - $69.50

The ultra-stretchy shell gives you complete freedom of movement whether you're tossing a football on the beach or lounging poolside. Built with quick-drying performance fabric and a secure zippered back pocket to guard your essentials, they are designed for all-day wear without ever feeling heavy or damp.

Bayberry Trunk

Repurposing around 11 plastic bottles per pair, Fair Harbor’s flagship Bayberry trunks prove that eco-conscious manufacturing doesn't require sacrificing style or performance. With a vintage-inspired design and broken-in feel, they bring a relaxed coastal vibe that fits right in at the beach or boardwalk.

Buy Now - $88

The highlight is Fair Harbor's ultra-soft BreezeKnit™ liner, which replaces scratchy traditional mesh to prevent thigh chafing during long, active days. Treated with a durable water-repellent finish, these trunks dry rapidly so you can step straight out of the ocean and into a casual lunch without feeling weighed down.

Fenton Boardshorts - Men's 9" Inseam

Built for active watermen and rugged outdoor sports, prAna’s Fenton Boardshorts prioritize durability and mobility over casual poolside lounging. Whether you're kayaking, paddleboarding, or catching waves, the flexible recycled fabric moves with your body while standing up to chlorine, saltwater, and sand.

Buy Now - $36.73

Designed without an internal lining, these boardshorts offer total versatility—allowing you to layer them over your preferred compression shorts for zero-friction watersports or wear them solo for maximum breathability. A secure zippered side pocket keeps your key or ID safe while you navigate active waters.

Blue & White Fine Stripe Swim Trunk

The Bather’s fine striped trunks are what we call the timeless pattern in our collection. Perfect for all warm weather outings, this pair delivers a classic aesthetic with ultra-fine mesh lining, and reinforced side pockets and secure snap back pocket to keep your things safe.

Buy Now - $100

This refined striped option strikes the balance between tailored style and comfort. Its silky shell and premium mesh lining provide a smooth feel for resort lounging than heavy athletic compression styles.

The Paradiso Swim Trunks

Designed to bring vibrant Caribbean energy to your next tropical getaway, Kenny Flowers’ Paradiso trunks strike the ideal balance between laid-back resort style and high-end craft. The bold floral print offers a refined look that transitions effortlessly from morning beach walks to afternoon cocktails at the swim-up bar.

Buy Now - $98

Beyond its eye-catching aesthetic, this pair is built with triple-stitched seams for extra durability and an ultra-flexible stretch mesh lining that moves comfortably with you. Thoughtfully designed with deep side pockets, a secure Velcro back pocket, and a hidden interior card stash, you can keep your essentials safe while taking on island adventures.

Cookie Black Swim Trunks

The Cookie Black trunks offer a minimalist 3 inch cut with high performance nylon-spandex blend that looks sharp out of the water and performs well in it. Fully equipped with a non-mesh inner lining, four-way stretch, and gold metal hardware these shorts offer secure support needed when you’re active by the shore.

Buy Now - $89.00

Whether you’re swimming long laps or just lounging under the sun, this pair keeps you comfortable and mobile. The specialized sand proof pockets protect your valuables from gritty buildup and the dual waistband ensures a secure fit, allowing it to move naturally with your body.

300 Legend Broadshorts

The 300 Legend boardshorts bring over six decades of heritage craftsmanship into a pair of trunks for pure durability. Made from two layers of quick-drying SurfNyl with triple-needle reinforced seams, they feature a classic button fly, nickel-plated grommets, and the signature Birdwell wax pocket.

Buy Now - $150.00

Backed by a lifetime guarantee, these medium-length trunks deliver uncompromising utility for heavy ocean use. The rugged fabric maintains its form and performance season after season, giving you a dependable fit that handles harsh saltwater conditions with ease.

FAQs

Why Do Men's Swim Trunks Have Netting?

Traditional mesh netting keeps the genitals securely supported, prevents direct skin chafing against wet outer fabric, and allows water to drain rapidly so your shorts don’t balloon underwater.

Do Men Wear Underwear Under Swim Trunks?

Most men avoid wearing regular underwear under swim trunks because standard cotton traps moisture, slows down drying times, and causes severe skin irritation when wet.

Are Men Supposed to Wear Underwear With Swim Trunks?

No swim trunks with built-in mesh or compression liners are designed to be worn without underwear. However unlined boardshorts can be layered over synthetic quick-drying compression shorts for extra coverage.

Where Else Can I Find Recommendations for Top Men's Swim Trunks?

You can easily find top rated mens swim trunks, along with other swimwear options, at the best men's clothing brands including Uniqlo, J.Crew, and Cettire. Björn Borg in particular specializes in athletic apparel, offering a dedicated line of men's swim shorts made from quick-drying recycled materials

Finding the best men's swim trunks comes down to matching your summer style with the right features and following men's fashion tips allows you to make the right choice without having to sacrifice comfort or style. Whether you prioritize complete protection against irritation, maximum leg freedom, or durable shorts for intense watersports, the ideal pair keeps you supported all day long. Make sure to choose the fit that suits your routine best and step onto the shore in complete comfort. Don't forget to pair your new shorts with the best TA3 Swim Sculpting Swimwear so both you & your partner enjoy your next beach or poolside outing.

Explore more summer style guides at VestureDebate to find inspiration for your next warm-weather look.