Fitness / July 8, 2024

Our Top 13 Swim Trunks Look Sleek at the Pool, Beach, and Beyond

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.

Best Swim Trunks for Men at a Glance

Overall Best Swim Trunks: Fair Harbor The Bayberry Trunk
Best Retro Swim Trunks: Birdwell Drifter Shorts
Best Printed Swim Trunks: Bonobos Riviera Recycles Swim Trunks
Best Nautical Swim Trunks: Scotch & Soda All Over Printed Swim Shorts
Best Bright Swim Trunks: Marine Layer Saturday Sport Short
Best Short Swim Trunks: Todd Snyder Montauk Swim Short
Best Hybrid Swim Trunks: Vuori Maverick Volley Shorts
Best Luxury Swim Trunks: Orlebar Brown x LA DoubleJ Bulldog Swim Trunks
Best Everyday Swim Trunks: Speedo Men’s Swim Trunk
Best Inexpensive Swim Trunks: Amazon Essentials Quick-Dry Swim Trunk
Best Patterned Swim Trunks: Dandy Del Mar Ventura Volley Short
Best Swim Trunks For Guys With Big Thighs: Chubbies Swim Trunks
Best Swim Trunks For Tall Guys: Lands’ End Volley Swim Trunks

Best Swim Trunks for Men in 2024 Overall Best Swim Trunks: Fair Harbor The Bayberry Trunk Fair Harbor The Bayberry Trunk is the overall best swim trunk for men.

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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.

Best Retro Swim Trunks: Birdwell Drifter Shorts Birdwell Drifter Shorts are the best retro swim trunks for men.

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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.

Best Printed Swim Trunks: Bonobos Riviera Recycles Swim Trunks Bonobos Riviera Recycles Swim Trunks are the best printed swim trunks for men.

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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.

Best Nautical Swim Trunks: Scotch & Soda All Over Printed Swim Shorts Scotch & Soda All Over Printed Swim Shorts are the best nautical swim trunks for men.

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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.

Best Bright Swim Trunks: Marine Layer Saturday Sport Short Marine Layer Saturday Sport Short is the best bright swim trunk for men.

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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.

Best Short Swim Trunks: Todd Snyder Montauk Swim Shorts Todd Snyder Montauk Swim Shorts are the best short swim trunks for men.

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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.

Best Hybrid Swim Trunks: Vuori Maverick Volley Shorts The best hybrid swim trunks for men are Vuori Maverick Volley Shorts.

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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.

Best Luxury Swim Trunks: Orlebar Brown x LA DoubleJ Bulldog Swim Trunks The best luxury swim trunks for men are Orlebar Brown x LA DoubleJ Bulldog Swim Trunks.