Long boarder on the beach (Photo by Emilie Farris on Unsplash)
Whether you’re hitting the beach for a day of fun in the sun, relaxing by the pool, or catching some waves, finding a stylish and comfortable pair of trunks is essential. From quick-drying fabrics and functional features to flattering fits and trendy patterns, there’s a perfect pair out there for every guy. StudyFinds compiled a list of the five best swim trunks, from 10 expert websites to sport by the water this summer. We compile our lists by combing through existing consumer rankings and weeding out the consensus recommendations. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!
1. Patagonia Men’s Baggies
These swim trunks from Patagonia come in five- and seven-inch inseams and many color varieties. “Patagonia Baggies are made using 100% recycled nylon, which is lightweight and durable. They’re treated with a water-resistant coating to keep you dry when you wear them during activities like hiking, but also include many features designed for fully submerging as swim trunks,” according to Insider.
These will last you more than just one season of swimming, too. “The fabric is durable and water repellent with a quick drying, lightweight, mesh liner to help keep you cool. You also get the benefit of vertical side pockets to store your belongings,” adds TheCoolist.
These are Travel + Leisure‘s top pick for hiking: “Arguably the most popular bathing suit on this list, Patagonia’s classic Baggies are great for jumping in the lake and then continuing on with your adventure.”
2. Lululemon Pool Short
This stylish pool short from Lululemon, scores high marks from reviewers. “The Pool Short is new for this season, coming in a seven-inch length falling above the knee and in an array of fun colors that will pop in the pool or on the beach. The coolest part may be the pocket, as it comes with a zipper closure on the side,” notes the New York Post.
The Modest Man points out that these “are perfect for when you want to showcase your best summer bod and eschew any bright colors or distracting patterns. They’re made with a water-repellent, quick-drying fabric that’s also highly abrasion-resistant, making them good for wearing all summer long.”
Younger generations may have seen a boom in posts on TikTok about these shorts. “According to the commentators of TikTok, every man looks good in 5-inch-inseam shorts, and they’d certainly have nothing to complain about with this Lululemon bathing suit. Meant to be an easy flow from yoga to the pool, Lululemon’s bathing suit not only shows off your thighs, it’s also super-comfy and functional,” adds Travel + Leisure.
3. Speedo Men’s Swimsuits
Whether you are in the market for a swim trunk or a swimsuit brief, Speedo has something for you. “If you’re traveling to many parts of Europe or Brazil, long board shorts will make you stand out like a sore thumb, so blend in with the locals with a pair of swim briefs. If you do, Speedo remains the best pick for performance,” according to Travel + Leisure.
If you are looking for some additional coverage, Esquire points out, “the brand also has 5-inch, 7-inch, and even 10-inch inseams, all of which are quick-drying, stretchy, and have built-in UPF protection.” You can find these on Amazon or the Speedo website.
“Speedo is a brand synonymous with swimming, and so it’s only fitting they made the list. We found this full-coverage pair of shorts on Amazon, but for those looking for the classic speedos, they have those as well,” writes The New York Post.
4. Bonobos Throwback Swim Trunks
They say everything old becomes new again. And that includes these 1980’s inspired swim trunks from Bonobos. They’re made from 85% recycled polyester and 15% spandex, with mesh interior lining. “Create your pool style around this vintage surf-inspired trunk, made with water resistance and UPF defense,” notes Men’s Health.
They come in several colors and sizes. Entertainment Tonight adds that with “a staple curved hem, these super short swim trunks perfectly pay homage to the swimwear styles of the ’80s.”
Travel + Leisure points out, these trunks “are retro in the best way possible with bold colors and a simple strip on the side. They come in more than a dozen unique styles, from pineapples to waves to bold turquoise. If 5 inches is too thigh-high, you can also get them in a 7-inch inseam.”
Pro-tip: You can often find some Bonobos styles at a deep discount on their website during sales.
5. Nike Swim Trunks
Nike is a trusted brand for athletic apparel, and their swim trunks are also a hit with reviewers. The New York Post calls the Nike Essential Swim Trunks, “perfect for the summer, coming in bright blue, neon green, peachy orange and basic black to mix and match all season. They are also fully lined, have mesh pockets on either side and the whole suit is made of 100% recycled polyester fibers, keeping your swim sustainable.”
GQ has high praise for the Nike Swim Volley Short, adding, “wait, you aren’t an ’80s sitcom heartthrob? In these, you might as well be.” While Forbes notes the Volley trunks, “have a stretch waistband with an exterior draw cord, water repellent finish, on-seam pockets and built-in mesh lining.”
Sources used to create our list:
- Insider
- TheCoolist
- New York Post
- The Modest Man
- Travel + Leisure
- Esquire
- Men’s Health
- Entertainment Tonight
- GQ
- Forbes
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
