Tested: The Best Swim Trunks For Men To Wear All Summer

Heading to the beach isn’t always hassle-free, it means that we’ll have to bust out a pair of our favorite swim trunks for the occasion – and if they aren’t in line with our aesthetic, you can bet that we’ll be tossing them aside for something that better represents our unique lifestyle. Naturally, that means that we’ll be looking for the most stylish, multi-faceted garments around, allowing us to traverse the urban landscape, head to the beachfront bar, and take a dive, all in the same fell-swoop. Below, we’ve aggregated a handful of our favorite swim-focused offerings to put to the test in this buyer’s guide and hands-on review of the best swim trunks. 

Selection & Testing

We kicked off our hunt for today’s best swim trunks by first making a list of criteria that we’d use to judge each pair, including length and cut, primary construction, number of pockets and pocket type(s), liner setup, and closure, just to name a few. Allowing these attributes to guide our search, we then leaned on these qualities in order to generate a shortlist of candidates that we suspected may represent some of the best men’s swim trunks currently on the market. 

As helpful and informative as product descriptions and spec sheets can be, the only way to truly get a sense of a pair of trunks’ overall user experience is to, well…use them. So, that’s exactly what we did, tracking down samples for each pair on the shortlist in order to put them to the test firsthand. To gain a more complete sense of performance, we tested each suit in a variety of settings in, on, and around the water. This included several days at the pool, a weekend at the beach, and a day on the lake. For a more thorough experience, we tried everything from swimming to surfing when putting these trunks to the test.

Additionally, our hands-on testing process also included an in-house drying-time test. We also thoroughly scrutinized the fit of each pair, along with range of mobility and comfort. Also closely examined was each pair of trunk’s craftsmanship and build quality. Once armed with the notes and observations from this extensive testing phase, we were then able to narrow our initial shortlist down to a final list of selections that we found to be the best of the best in the men’s swim trunk segment.  

Measurements: I’m 6’2″ tall and wear a size large, or a 34” waistband in most instances. I do have a skinnier body type than most, which is why I opted for one-size down on several of the pairs we tested. 

Patagonia Baggies Lights

Best Safe Choice: Originally headquartered out of Ventura, California, Patagonia was first founded in 1973. Roughly a decade into its existence, the now-household name would debut the first-ever iteration of the Baggies Shorts. Comfortable enough for daily wearing while rugged enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, these immensely versatile shorts have been produced in a slew of different variants and versions — the latest of which is an amphibious swimming trunk-spec with a middle-of-the-road 6.5-inch inseam. 

The Good

Taking their name from their relaxed and baggy fit, the Baggies Lights maintain the vast majority of the original pair’s characteristics and traits, from its easy-drain pockets to its quick-drying mesh liner to its rugged DWR finish. There are a few minor ways in which the Baggies Lights differs from the regular variant. For starters, they lose the back pocket, plus they also have a slightly-shorter inseam (6.5” vs 7.0”), and, as the monicker suggests, are cut from a more lightweight construction — and one that’s partially derived from up-cycled content. 

An evolution of the original pair designed by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard in ’82, the Light version of Patagonia’s flagship shorts are cut from a 4.2oz nylon blend that consists of 65% recycled content and features a light 5% infusion of Spandex. Inside, the trunks sport a liner crafted from a 2.3oz recycled polyester tricot mesh with moisture-wicking properties. Both the primary construction and liner are bluesign-approved as well. Offered in eight solid color options, these minimalistic fan-favorite trunks feature a standard elasticized waistband and front drawstring closure, along with a standard pair of side hand pockets. 

The design of the pockets on these trunks is also surprisingly calculated. Not only are they angled to mitigate drag when in the water, but they also feature mesh corners to instantly drain out any water. Additionally, the right pocket boasts a key loop that allows you to secure stash your keys without worrying about potentially loosing them in the ocean. When I laced in a small keychain, I did find that it bounced around a decent amount when running or walking quickly, but this issue didn’t occur when in the water — which is where the feature no doubt counts most and is most beneficial. 

The classic combination of an elasticized waistband and a drawstring front closure results in a standard fit that’s not too tight and not too loose. This may not sound like a big deal, but this design does a fantastic job of keeping the liner firmly in place, preventing it from riding up during movement. And, while they aren’t all that much lighter than any of the other pairs I tested really, you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise, as they’re barely noticeable when walking around with them (at least when they’re dry) and they offered some of the best breathability of any of the trunks we got hands-on with for this review. 

Supplementary Strengths

With a partially-recycled stretch construction, a DWR-coating, and an impressive degree of build quality, the Baggies offer some of the best value of any trunks on the market. And, while the trunks themselves already afford pretty great bang-for-your-buck, Patagonia takes this pair’s level of value even further by including its “Built for Years, Not Seasons” Ironclad Guarantee. Just like the original Baggies from 1982, the contemporary Baggies are also largely defined by their immense versatility. With these now in my wardrobe, I plan on wearing the trunks hiking, when running, when at the gym, or really when taking on any application where comfort and unrestricted mobility are crucial. This in-turn gives this pair even more bang-for-your-buck. 

In our in-house drying test, Patagonia’s 6.5-inch Baggies Lights performed substantially better than every other pair. With its ultra-effective DWR finish, the exterior construction requires zero drying team, as any and all water instantly beads and rolls off of the construction, and the underlying liner was able to dry in roughly half the time it took several of the other pairs’ shells to dry — about two to three hours in total. During testing, another element that quickly got my attention was this pair’s overall mobility. The way they hug your body ultimately allows their range of motion to feel completely unrestricted. In fact, after only wearing them for a few minutes, it became abundantly clear that the Baggies were engineered for movement. 

The Not So Good

After putting them to the test, I can fully wrap my head around just why exactly it is that the Baggies have become such an iconic and revered pair of shorts — or in this case trunks — though I did stumble across a few minor gripes during testing. First off, I was a little perplexed with how these trunks fit. Second, while undeniably very comfortable, I did find the crotch to hang just a bit too low — at least relative to their 6.5-inch inseam length. I also found the leg openings to be a tad snug. Because my legs are on the skinnier side, this wasn’t an issue for me, though I imagine it would be for anyone with a more muscular and athletic build. Third and finally, the primary construction of the Baggies just didn’t feel quite as rugged as most of the other pairs I tested, and I’d be a little concerned with their level of abrasion resistance in certain applications. With that said, if you merely plan on hitting the beach, lake, or pool for the day, these things will do the job just fine.  

Verdict: An obvious “just get this” pick, Patagonia’s Baggies Lights are the latest evolution of an iconic pair of versatile amphibious outdoor shorts that date back to 1982. If you’re on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice on quality, the Baggies are the obvious choice. 

Ten Thousand Set Short

Best All-Arounder Trunks: Designed with help and input from elite military operators, top-level MMA fighters, and even Olympic athletes, the Ten Thousand Set Short is a versatile and rugged pair of trunks with an over-built design and a hardwearing material selection. Made to seamlessly go from water to land, Ten Thousand’s Set Short boasts a shell that’s made from a 4.20oz blend of 15% Spandex and 85% nylon with four-way stretch properties. Inside, the Set Short is fitted with a quick-drying chafe-free compression short-style liner that’s extremely resistant to chlorine and salt water and is silver ion-treated to help with odor control. 

The Good

The Set Short features a standard pair of open side hand pockets. One of the hand pocket openings also provides access to a second zipper-secured side pocket thats’ designed specifically for stashing a smartphone. Sized perfectly for accommodating the mobile device, this dedicated smartphone pocket is also super-well-anchored, preventing the phone from bouncing around — and repeatedly hitting you in the leg — when running or during other rigorous movement. In addition to an internal key loop, this pair’s zippered back pocket is also well-anchored and and extremely secure — so much so in fact this is the only pair I’d actually trust my wallet in when surfing or swimming in the ocean. 

Because they’re designed for workouts just as much as they are time in and on the water, the Set Shorts also boast a wildly impressive range of motion that’s completely and totally unrestricted. I was also really impressed with how effective the so-called “chafe-free” design was, as it worked exactly as advertised, and the same goes for its being touted as “cling-free.” With so many calculated elements all crammed into a single cohesive design, the end result is a thoroughly athletic pair of trunks that are lightweight, breathable, and super supportive. 

Thanks to the DWR coating on the primary construction, water instantly beads and rolls off of the outer layer — meaning it doesn’t require any time to dry. The liner still requires an hour or two to dry out, but I wore this pair roughly 15 minutes after getting out of the water when I was driving home from the beach and was seat was completely dry by the time I pulled in my driveway. The incredible durability and abrasion-resistance is no doubt another major area that sets the Ten Thousand Set Short apart from other pairs on the market. 

Supplementary Strengths 

One of my favorite parts of the Ten Thousand Set Short is that its pocket setup actually allows you to safely and securely carry a normal minimalist gear loadout. Thanks to a zippered back pocket, a zipper-secured smartphone pocket, and a key loop, you can easily carry your wallet, phone, and keys pretty much anywhere, and not have to worry about loosing them — something that unfortunately can’t be said about any of the other pairs that I tested. 

Like Patagonia’s Baggies Lights, Ten Thousand’s Set Short is also largely characterized by an even more unparalleled degree of versatility. This frankly isn’t surprising considering they were engineered from the ground up to lend themselves to a wide range of applications and uses. And, with an MSRP that comes in at just under the $80 mark, I’d also argue that the Set Short offers the very best bang-for-your-buck of any trunks currently available today. In fact, Ten Thousand could probably get away with charging double what it currently does and I wouldn’t bat an eye — or hesitate to purchase a pair, or three. 

The Not So Good

When viewed through the lens of being a do-it-all amphibious water and workout short, Ten Thousand’s Set Short is about as close to perfect as it gets. When viewed as a regular pair of swim trunks for casual use at the beach or pool, this pair is admittedly a bit much. Sure, they’ll get the job done, no problem, but the highly-rugged, highly-overbuilt, and highly-over-engineered nature of the Set Short does make them a bit overkill for more casual, less adventurous, and less hardcore uses. That’s just about the only shortcoming I can think of with these. 

Verdict: Over-built and over-engineered in the best way possible, the Ten Thousand Set Short combines traits from swim trunks and training shorts in order to deliver the ultimate hybrid pair. At less than $80, they also offer unbeatable value. 

Bonobos Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks

Best Sustainable Trunks: Since its inception back in ’07, Bonobos has consistently delivered modern, elevated takes on a wide variety of men’s wardrobe staples, from suits to underwear to bomber jackets to, in the case of this guide; swim trunks. Alongside its impeccable style, this New York City label has also largely been defined by its ability to roll with the punches and remain at the forefront of trends in the men’s fashion space. If you want to know what styles or cuts on a particular type of garment are popular at the moment, looking to the Bonobos catalog for its current version of an item will typically give you a pretty good idea.

The Good

When most people hear the words “swim trunks,” this is basically what comes to mind, as the Riviera Trunks are essentially an updated, revamped, and lightly-restyled version of the trunks many of us — including myself — wore as kids. With that said, while they might look like old-school trunks, under the surface they’re a modern affair through and through, and inside and out. The Bonobos Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks are cut from a blend of 15% Spandex and 85% recycled polyester. Secured via an elasticized waistband and front drawstring closure, the Riviera Trunks feature a set of standard side hand pockets, and a single hook-and-loop-secured back pocket. Beneath their primary construction, these trunks sport a perforated Spandex liner that feels more like a pair of bicycle or gym shorts than it does most swimsuit liners I’ve experienced.

The Riviera Trunks offered stellar mobility both in and out of the water, and just as impressive of breathability. In fact, the airflow and range of motion was noticeably superior to some of the pairs of high-end gym shorts that I’ve worn. Though the primary Spandex-infused stretch poly construction no doubt plays a role here, these attributes largely boil down to this pair’s form-fitting, gym short-like liner — an element that became one of my favorite aspects of Bonobos’ Riviera Trunks. 

Much more so than several of the other pairs of trunks I tested, the Bonobos Riviera Swim Trunks felt true-to-size, with a more tailored overall fit that comfortably formed to my body, without being too tight or too loose. This is actually an area I have to applaud the brand for, as, in my experience they’ve always done a fantastic job of delivering sizes for varying body types. 

I found the hook and loop back pocket to be great for securely housing a card carrier while hanging out at the bar poolside. I didn’t trust the closure to the extent that I’d hop in the ocean with my wallet back there, but it’s nonetheless quite a bit more secure than open-pocket back pocket designs found on several of the other trunks I tested. Nothing to really write home about when it comes to the side pockets. They’re side pockets. Weren’t too shallow, weren’t too deep. Overall they worked as they should. Because I typically keep them in a backpack, sling, or tote when at the pool or beach, I admittedly didn’t have my keys on me on any of the days I tested the Riviera Swim Trunks, so I can’t really speak on the efficacy of this element, but looking at the feature and its design, it appears to function as advertised. 

Supplementary Strengths

I also no doubt hugely appreciate that these trunks are rated to offer UPF 50+ sun protection. Because I don’t tend to apply much sunscreen to my thighs, I really like the peace-of-mind these trunks afforded when spending all day in them under the Southern California sun. And, though it has zero impact on their overall performance or user experience, I still appreciate that this pair of trunks is crafted from 85% recycled materials, as sustainability and environmental friendliness is always a plus in my eyes.  

While it’s admittedly a fairly minor detail, I really liked the dipped, coated tips at the end of the drawstrings. Not only do they prevent fraying and make it easier to tie, but they also add an extra dash of color and are objectively a premium detail — and one that’s actually found on a number of high-end technical and tactical jackets I’ve tested from brands like Stone Glacier. Same goes for the metal drain eyelets on the back pocket — a small detail though one I appreciated. 

Though it may sound hyperbolic, Bonobos really does produce a pair of the Riviera Swim Trunks for just about anyone. On top of being sold in a trio of lengths across half-a-dozen sizes, these trunks are also offered in a whopping 14 different patterns and color options. If there isn’t some variant of these trunks that you like, you probably don’t like swim trunks all that much. For this review, I opted to test the currently-on-trend 5-inch length. 

With hundreds of four and five-star reviews and a tendency to sell out quickly, describing these trunks as popular would be an understatement. Though after using them I can attest to the fact that the influx of interest surrounding these shorts isn’t merely owed to hype or branding, and actually boils down to their immense comfort and decidedly on-point style — though I’d by lying if I said hype or branding didn’t play some small role in their overall popularity. 

The Not So Good

Though I was overall really impressed with these trunks, Bonobos’ Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks weren’t without a few minor issues that revealed themselves during testing. Starting with my smaller gripe; the outer material wicked moisture away nicely and dried quickly, but the same can’t be said for the liner, which still felt damp even after being out of the pool or ocean for an hour or so. This issue is far from a deal-breaker, but it is worth noting how much slower these dried compared to unlined pairs I tested. In fact, in my dry test, this pair’s outer construction was bone-dry in what seemed like a matter of minutes, but it took another 3-4 hours for the liner to completely dry off. 

Second, and more importantly, I ultimately felt like the exterior construction didn’t feel as durable as several of the other pairs I tested, and I’d be hesitant to wear these in scenarios above and beyond lounging around the pool and maybe swimming at the lake. This normally wouldn’t be a huge sticking point, but with pricing that comes out to around $100 when all is said and done (with shipping and tax and all), I think it’s worth sweating this pair’s durability. Just like with the drying time, this is by no means a deal-breaker though.

Verdict: Offered in 3 lengths, six sizes, and over a dozen solid colors and patterns, the Bonobos Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks are an elevated take on the standard trunks many of us wore as kids —albeit with a modern and premium twist. 

Bather Baltic Trippin’ Beach Swim Trunk

Best Print Pattern Pick: Bather is an upscale men’s swimwear brand that first launched in 2013 with the mission of delivering the world’s finest swim trunks. While it’s a bit unusual that the company is based in Toronto — a not-so-sunny, not-so-beach-centric locale — there’s absolutely no denying that it produces some of the best swimsuits and trunks that money can buy. Case in point, the Bather Baltic Trippin’ Beach Swim Trunk. 

The Good

Made in Canada, Bather’s Baltic Trippin’ Beach Swim Trunk features a 100% recycled quick-dry polyester outer construction with an elasticized waist and a front drawstring closure. Mated to the outer layer is an ultra-fine-mesh liner that’s cut from a 10% Spandex, 90% Nylon blend and fitted with two elasticized leg-opening holes. Sporting a 5.5-inch inseam, these trunks come adorned in a Polynesian-inspired beach scene pattern complete with surfers, hula girls, ukulele players, and even a few mermaids for good measure. Rounding out the Baltic Trippin’ Beach Swim Trunk is a standard pair of side hand pockets and a single, small, flap-and-snap-secured, eyelet-equipped back pocket. 

In my dry-time test, the outer construction on these trunks was completely dry in under an hour, though it took nearly six hours for the interior liner to fully dry — something that actually really surprised me considering the micro-mesh construction of said liner. When wet — or even damp — the micro-mesh liner takes on an almost silk-like feel to it. This makes for an exceptionally comfortable pair of swim trunks, whether you’re in or out of the water. For this reason, I actually didn’t really mind wearing this pair with a wet or damp liner — though that does change in the evenings once the temperature starts to drop and the wind starts to pick up, at which time the cold becomes a bit more bothersome. 

The side hand pockets are fairly deep, plus feature their own strategically-placed micro-mesh inlay sections that allow water to easily drain out as soon as you break the surface. Thanks to these same pockets being reinforced, I also felt comfortable temporarily housing a beer or two in each pocket when my hands were full, without having to worry about them ripping or failing. While the back pocket’s snap-secured storm flap feels secure, the width of the pocket and the centered closure element would give me pause before putting a keyring or cards in there. 

Supplementary Strengths

Its 5.5-inch inseam is still on-trend and in-season, though gives you just a bit of extra length and coverage, which is something I appreciated in particular as I’ve always been more comfortable wearing slightly longer cuts — likely a result of growing up in an era where the “in-look” was wearing board and basketball shorts that nearly reached your ankles. And, though it’s obviously subjective, I really like the Polynesian-inspired pattern adorning the shorts. Additionally, while I’ve never been big into rocking matching top and bottom outfits, I do still think it’s cool that Bather offers a Baltic Trippin’ Beach Camp Shirt that’s cut from linen but decorated in the same festive Polynesian pattern.

Though they undeniably look good from afar, it’s not until getting unclose that a bevy of objectively premium details start jumping out at you. From the side pockets being heavily reinforced to the front Bather logo patch to the bespoke alloy drawstring ends custom-embossed with Bather logos to the back pocket’s custom-embossed Bather-logoed metal snap, there’s just a ton of small yet top-shelf elements that collectively elevate these trunks quite a bit — and no doubt separate them from cheaper or more budget-friendly pairs of swim trunks on the market. Another area that elevates these trunks, the build quality on this pair was another highlight, as the stitching is just perfect and everything feels decidedly robust and well-constructed. So much so in fact that I wasn’t at all surprised to learn that Bather’s Baltic Trippin’ Beach Swim Trunk is proudly made in Canada — Toronto to be specific. 

The Not So Good

After wearing this pair in a variety of settings, from the beach to the pool, I ultimately only came across two real issues or downsides. Rather than just being anchored to the exterior layer, this trunks’ liner features two elasticized leg openings. I found the diameter of the holes’ sizing to be perfect for my legs, but not only would it force the liner to ride up a bit when jumping into water of falling off of a surfboard, but the elasticated elements would also keep the liner ridden up and in place — forcing me to have to yank them back down. Because this was only really noticeable when jumping into water (and not diving headfirst), it’s hard to deduct too many points here, but I will say this wouldn’t be a pair of trunks I’d want to take cliff-diving. Next, with no stretch properties, the recycled exterior polyester construction does restrict mobility, but only to a very minor extent thanks to the fairly short 5.5-inch in-seam length.

Verdict: Sporting a Polynesian-inspired print pattern, the Bather Baltic Trippin’ Beach Swim Trunk is a playful yet premium pair of 5.5-inch trunks with a recycled, quick-drying construction that’s designed and made in Canada. If you’re looking for a comfortable pair that will stand out from the crowd, this is an obvious go-to choice. 

Outerknown Apex Hybrid Trunks

Best Surf Trunks: What Michel Jordan is to basketball and Tony Hawk is to skateboarding, Kelly Slater is to surfing. With an unprecedented 11 world championship titles — and countless other records — to his name, calling the Florida-born surfer a legend would be an understatement. As such, it’s hard to think of anyone more qualified to design a pair of trunks than King Kelly. For prove of this, look no further than Slates’ signature model; the Outerknown Apex Hybrid Trunks. 

The Good

Designed by the surf legend himself and manufactured by the sustainable surfwear brand he co-founded, Outerknown’s Apex Hybrid Trunks are composed of a recycled polyester with quick-drying properties. Using an unlined design, this exterior construction has been paired with dual side hand pockets and a lone, welted zipper-secured, back pocket. The trunks are secured using a combination of a zippered fly and a multi-eyelet laced front closure setup. Tipping the scales at 7.35oz — making them the second-heaviest pair we tested — this surf-centric trunks sport a generous 9-inch inseam, giving them a more traditional board short feel, while still only extending down to just above the knee. 

With Outerknown’s Apex Hybrid Trunks having been designed by a legitimately world-class athlete, it didn’t at all surprise me to discover that the overall mobility of this pair was just outstanding. Even when squatting down or performing awkward knee or leg stretches, my movement was in no way encumbered. And while this is somewhat impressive on its own, it’s made all the more noteworthy by the fact that this pair actually affords a range of motion that’s superior to several of the other pairs I tested that feature markedly shorter inseams — a trait that usually helps to provide a freer range of movement. 

Instead of being produced in the more general S, M, L, XL sizing, Slater’s signature trunks are sold in nine different waist sizes (just like regular shorts or pants), starting at 28” and going all the way up to 38”. Additionally, the of these trunks is secured via the combination of a zippered fly and a triple eyelet lace-up configuration — the latter of which is a bit reminiscent of the triple eyelet lace-up setup found on old-school hockey jerseys. Despite its waistband being devoid of any elasticity or stretch properties, this pair’s combination of more precise sizing, a zippered fly, and a triple eyelet lace-up setup allowed it to ultimately achieve the most comfortable and snug fit out of every pair I tested — and by a pretty decent margin, too. 

Another major highlight and selling point for the Apex Hybrid Trunks is the pair’s off-the-charts versatility. While there’s absolutely no denying that they’re extremely conducive to surfing, Slater and his company also designed so that they would lend themselves to a variety of other applications — an objective they’ve absolutely nailed, as these things performed just as well on the hiking trail or basketball court as they did the pool and beach. What’s more, this also makes them perfect for travel. It’s also abundantly clear just how thoroughly calculated and considered every minute detail was when Slater designed this pair of trunks. The most obvious example of this is probably the back pocket. Using a welted design, this pocket features taped seams and a zipper-secured closure with a coated track. 

Supplementary Strengths

At first, I was a little confused by the presence of taped seams on these trunks, as this type of construction technique is typically used to create a watertight bond, and that’s obviously not the intent or case here. Rather, this design element was chosen for its ability to hugely mitigate chafing. I was initially skeptical of how effective this setup would be, but it quickly revealed itself to be wildly effective, as the interior taping adorning the seams means there’s no stitching to come into contact with, thereby pretty much eliminating chafing altogether. Branding on these trunks is also pretty minimal, being limited to just a single, small, circular Outerkknown logo on the bottom of the front of the left leg. 

As far as overall durability and abrasion-resistance go, the Slater-designed Apex Hybrid Trunks were by far one of the most impressive and hardwearing trunks I tried — second only to Ten Thousand’s practically-military-grade Set Short trunks. The heavy-duty recycled poly shell even feels immensely durable. Additionally, this rugged material is pieced together — in Thailand — using heavy-duty, reinforced stitching, much of which sits beneath seam tape. Unfortunately, the use of this more hardwearing construction also resulted in these shorts suffering from a pretty ridiculous (and not in a good way) drying time that took almost 7 hours to complete rid itself of water and moisture — despite being unlined, too. With that said, I think this tradeoff is beyond worthwhile. 

Whether or not it has any bearing on performance, I nonetheless admire and appreciate the sustainable nature of Outerknown’s Apex Hybrid Trunks. They’re crafted from 100% recycled polyester sourced from up-cycled items and constructions like plastic water bottles, and this eco-friendly material is pieced together at a Fair Trade-certified factory where every employee is paid a fair, livable wage. And, though I’d say they’re far from cheap, the Outerknown Apex Hybrid Trunks actually do offer pretty impressive value, at least when you consider everything that your roughy $130 gets you. 

The Not So Good

Though I actually love the 9-inch inseam and how it looks and feels, I do recognize that some consider this length to be a bit long in the tooth (or leg in this case), as shorter 5-inch cuts are the most in-trend at the moment (at least as of the time of writing, though as we all know, fashion trends come and go rather quickly). This is the only real issue I have with these damn-near-otherwise-perfect surf trunks — though I also wouldn’t mind seeing some element added that allowed the rear zippered pocket to be locked shut, as I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking my smartphone or wallet in my back pocket when heading into the lake or ocean. All-in-all, the Outerknown Apex Hybrid Trunks undeniably represent one of, if not the single best pair of surf trunks on the market — and are no doubt just one of the best pairs of men’s swim trunks in production right now, period. 

Verdict: Designed by surf legend Kelly Slater, the Outerknown Apex Hybrid Trunks are an extremely versatile and athletic piece of swimwear that offer a longer cut that’s more reminiscent of old-school board shorts than today’s in-trend 5-inch pairs. 

Sunspel Tailored Swim Shorts

Best Bond-Approved Trunks: Dating back to 1860, Sunspel is another label that should definitely be considered when shopping for a pair of swim trunks, as it no doubt makes some of the finest, elevated takes on standard men’s wardrobe staples. By merging unique designs with premium materials and expert craftsmanship, this UK brand is able to easily stand out from the crowd. And it’s the Nottingham firm’s MO that was likely the reason that one of its most iconic trunks was chosen as the pair to be worn by James Bond in a Connery-era 007 flick. 

The Good

Sporting a classic 3-pocket design that’s been supplemented by a mini off-set front pocket, the Sunspel Tailored Swim Shorts feature a 6.5-inch inseam. This ultimately results in an appearance that blends both old-school and contemporary visual traits. An exact replica of the pair seen in a Bond film, this design has been brought back to life for the modern-era using a combination of 30% recycled polyester and 70% SEAQUAL — the latter of which is a proprietary material partially derived from up-cycled ocean plastics. Machine-washable, Sunspel’s Tailored Swim Shorts are also made in Europe. In typical Sunspel fashion, the UK company’s Tailored Swim Shorts also benefit from what can only be described as world-class build quality and fit and finish. With meticulous craftsmanship on display, not a single thread or stitch is loose or out of place. 

From their outward appearance, Sunspel’s Tailored Swim Shorts appear to boast a standard front snap closure, though there’s more going on under the surface, as the snap has been supplemented via a zipper-secured fly and an internally-routed drawstring waistband that pokes out from a set of eyelets at 10 and 2 o’clock. Even though the waistband on this pair isn’t elastic and the outer construction doesn’t afford any stretch, the Tailored Swim Shorts nonetheless managed to deliver a super secure fit. What’s more, like the Bonobos Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks, I found the fitting on this pair to be true-to-size. 

Supplementary Strengths

Regardless as to whether or not it has any bearing on performance, comfort, quality, or capabilities, one of this pair’s obvious selling points is that is was famously worn by Sean Connery in his 1965 portrait of James Bond in Thunderball. Additionally, there’s also something undeniably cool about crafting garments that are meant to be worn in the ocean from plastics that have been recovered from it. Sure, it doesn’t change the pair’s performance or user experience, but it’s still a great way to solve one of the biggest issues currently plaguing our oceans. 

Just like Orlebar Brown’s Springer trunks, the Tailored Swim Shorts also benefit from a few minor yet premium details that subtly elevate the pair as a hole — such a custom-branded Sunspel press stud adorning the front closure. And, while I happen to be partial to the Hunter Green color way, Sunspel does offer this pair in four additional color options. While there’s no denying that they don’t offer the best value, it’s actually not all that difficult to justify the MSRP on these trunks when you take into account everything they have going for them, from their top-notch material selection to their next-level build quality — with the Bond connection just being an added bonus in my eyes. 

The Not So Good

Whenever dealing with more high-end products that cost several times more than your average pair, I tend to scrutinize them more than I would one of their more accessibly-priced counterparts — and  the Sunspel Tailored Swim Shorts were no exception in this regard. Having said that, despite my best efforts to uncover any flaws or shortcomings, I ultimately only had two real gripes with these trunks. First off, while I actually like the look of the offset flap-and-snap-secured pocket and I appreciate how it gives this pair a more unique aesthetic, I found that the sizing didn’t make this pocket particularly useful in practice. Second, though Sunspell has treated this pair’s primary construction to a quick-dry finish, they ended up scoring towards the very bottom of the back when they faced our timed dry-test — with this pair requiring almost 7 hours to go from soaked to bone-dry. 

Verdict: The Sunspel Tailored Swim Shorts are a modern-day replica of the trunks worn by Sean Connery as James Bond in 1965’s Thunderball, though the pair’s original outer material has been swapped out for a more high-performance and more eco-friendly SEAQUAL-poly blend. 

Orlebar Brown Springer

Best Premium Trunks: For those that are less concerned with price than they are with getting their hands on the finest most in-trend, fashion-forward pair of trunks, the designer swimwear space is probably where you should be looking. And when it comes to today’s finest designer trunks, few, if anyone, does it better than British label Orlebar Brown. The luxury swim and resortwear brand’s Springer Trunks demonstrate why this is, as they combine a high-end material selection with a thoroughly-modern cut and a super premium suite of hardware.

The Good

Sporting a short 3-inch inseam, the Springer Trunks are composed of a quick-drying polyamide shell mated to a micro-mesh liner that’s also said to have quick-drying properties. Made in Portugal, the Orlebar Brown Springer trunks features a snap-secured front closure that’s supplemented via a zippered fly and a pair of adjustable side buckles that collectively afford a nice and snug fit. Even without any stretch properties, the super short, 3-inch inseam ultimately afforded me a completely unrestricted range of movement — even in awkward positions like when doing a jackknife or cannonball into a pool. 

There’s also tiny horizontal reinforcement stitcing at the base of the slit at the end of each opening that’s been done using red threading, allowing the stitching to pop against the white outer construction. The trunks also boast a small white Orlebar Brown logo tag with red text that matches the accent stitching. As you’d probably expect, these European-made trunks also benefit from some seriously top-notch craftsmanship. The micro-mesh liner does feature an elasticized set of leg openings, but they’re decently wider than the holes in the pair from Bather, and as such they weren’t prone to riding up my legs. 

Supplementary Strengths

I also love how both the front closure’s metal snap and zipper fly are both concealed beneath flush-sitting flaps. As a result, when the front is closed, they look like ordinary trunks — albeit with side buckles. And, while it didn’t really have any impact on how they performed, I felt like the packaging of this pair managed to help further elevate what’s already a decidedly premium product. The trunks ship in a white gift box and come in a matte PU-coated stretch polyester drawstring carrying bag. 

Orlebar Brown’s Springer trunks are the epitome of high-end men’s designer swimwear. Everything from the choice of construction to the choice of color to the trim elements all scream top-shelf. The logo tabs are super crisp, the polyamide outer layer feels super durable and robust, and the use of a snap-secured waist and zippered fly feels like a step-up from the ordinary drawstring closure. 

The most blatantly high-end element on this pair, however, is unquestionably the trunks’ use of bespoke, custom Orlebar Brown-branded polished alloy buckles and zipper pulls. Also heat resistant, these polished buckles are a signature feature for Orlebar Brown — and one that I very much appreciate, not just because they announce the trunks as being from the elite British brand, but also because they’re completely functional. 

The Not So Good

While comfortable and seemingly quite rugged, the polyamide outer construction took a surprisingly long time to completely dry. In fact, the outer construction took almost as long to dry as the liner — which was about 4-5 hours all told. Because drying time just isn’t that big of a priority for me personally, I normally wouldn’t have been all that bothered by this duration, but with the company touting this pair as “quick-drying” I think it’s a slightly more egregious offense. 

Though subjective, I personally have some major reservations about wearing snow white-colored pants, shorts, or bottoms in general, as dirt and stains stick out like a sore thumb. While I didn’t realize this until testing, my fear of staining or marking up these trunks robbed me of a bit of peace-of-mind — an issue I didn’t have with any of the other pairs I tested. With that said, there’s no denying that the bright white color way does give them a classier, more upscale feel than most of the other shorts on this guide. In Orlebar Brown’s defense, the UK label does offer the Springer trunks eight additional solid color options other than white.

Next, we’ve got to address the elephant in the room, which is this pair’s nearly-$300 price tag (which is interestingly the starting point /bottom-end for/of the company’s swimwear pricing). Yes, there’s no getting around the fact that Orlebar Brown’s Springer trunks don’t come cheap. With that said, designer garments always carry fairly exorbitant MSRPs that require you to pay a bit of a brand tax — though in most cases, including this one, you also get better quality materials and craftsmanship. Plus, if price and value are some of your top priorities when buying trunks — or really any clothing — then the designer segment probably isn’t the space you want to be shopping in.

Verdict: The Orlebar Brown Springer is an unmistakably premium interpretation of a short-length swim trunk that’s brimming with top-shelf touches. Anyone looking for a pair of vintage-inspired designer trunks should definitely have these on their radar. 

Swim Trunks Comparison Chart

The Difference Between Trunks & Board Shorts

The simple answer to this is that board shorts are meant for aquatic activities like surfing, waterboarding, and everything in between (although they were originally made for surfing). Popularized by the Aussies, these shorts are more durable than swim trunks including sturdier blends of synthetic material, like nylon and polyester, to withstand contact with a surfboard, among other things. They’ll also usually be longer than your average trunks. Trunks are reserved for hanging by (or in) the pool and the beach, that’s not to say you can’t find trunks meant for professional swimmers or high-intensity water training, but generally speaking, fashion and light weight are favored over function. Sometimes modern-day brands will use these labels interchangeably, so when looking for trunks make sure they’re light, quick-drying, and a style that you enjoy. For this guide, we’ve stuck with swim trunks to make shopping easier, so check out our board shorts guide if that’s what you’re looking for.

What To Consider When Shopping

There are numerous factors one can take into account when buying a new pair of swim trunks, though the reality is that there’s a small handful of elements that trump all others in terms of importance. Below, we’ll be breaking down the most pivotal areas to think about when shopping. 

Length & Cut: How a pair of trunks looks, feels, and fits will all primarily boil down to cut and length (more specifically inseam). It’s also worth noting that quite a few pairs currently on the market are offered in multiple lengths. Additionally, it’s also worth pointing out that, at the moment, shorter, 5-inch and 6-inch inseams are the most on-trend and in-fashion — at least as of the time of writing. 

Primary Construction: Just like any other garment, the material used to construct the shell or primary layer of a pair of swim trunks will play a massive role in their overall performance and user experience, dictating everything from comfort to breathability to range of motion to drying time. As such, this is no doubt one of the most crucial areas to consider when shopping. It’s also worth looking into whether or not said primary construction has been fortified with any type of special finish, treatment, or coating. 

Liner: This obviously doesn’t apply to unlined models, but the liner is another pivotal area to review when shopping, as liners can be made from a wide array of different materials and often use different types of designs — though most consist of mesh or some other perforated construction. 

UPF Rating: Though it’s not exactly commonplace, there are still a decent number of modern swim trunks that boast protection from UV rays — a feat that’s cited in UPF rating. 

Pockets: When looking at this area, you’ll want to review not only the total number of pockets, but also the placement of those pockets, the type of pockets, and the closure of the pockets (if any). It’s also worth lookin into the length of the pockets and whether they feature any drainage elements. 

Closure: Today’s swim trunks most commonly feature traditional drawstring closures, though it’s also not uncommon to see pairs that supplement drawstrings — or replace them entirely — with front snaps, zippered flies, side adjustment buckles, or even internally-routed drawstrings. 

Elasticated Waist: In the same way that some trunks and lined and some aren’t, some are equipped with an elasticized waistband while others are not. Because this can play a pretty major role in overall fitment, it’s definitely worth looking into before pulling the trigger on your purchase. 

Weight: You’d be hard-pressed to find a pair of modern swim trunks that can accurately be described as heavy, though the weight of a pair can provide a decent sense of how heavy they will be when saturated with water — making this another worthwhile area to consider when shopping. 

Honorable Mentions 

Made from plastic waste salvaged from our oceans, the CDLP Slim-Fit Short-Length ECONYL Swim Shorts feature ECONYL fabric, made from recycled materials. This material is much easier on the environment compared to nylon and other synthetic materials. The fit is slim yet relaxed, with a mesh lining and zipped back pocket.

Made by one of our all-time favorite clothing labels, the Saturdays NYC Timothy Seersucker Swim Short is a unique-striped pair with a middle-of-the-road 6-inch inseam and a stretch poly fabric construction. Though this is admittedly a stellar pair of trunks, it was ultimately beaten out by some of our other more premium picks, ultimately relegating this pair to being a particularly honorable mention.  

For the wild man, the Banks Journal Wilder Swim Short comes in a cheetah print pattern. The company was founded with roots in Australia, so these swim trunks are certainly a tribute to the wild coast. With mesh pockets and a cotton blend, these shorts will fit right in the ocean or lounging poolside.

Benefitting from the brand’s typical athletic fit and advanced materials, the lululemon Pool Short 5″ Lined is a high-performance pair of value-laden trunks that boast a water-repellent construction that’s offered in a over a dozen solid color and pattern options. Though they’re a great pair of trunks, the Ten Thousand Set Short edged these out by just enough for them to get bumped to an honorable mention. 

Even though this guide and review is focusing on swim trunks rather than board shorts, we still feel the need to include a classic pair of the latter, which is why we’ve included the Vuori Cruise Boardshort as another particularly honorable mention. Cut from an elastane-infused poly blend, this pair offers vintage-inspired looks backed by modern performance, features, and materials.

Tested: The Best Men’s Water Shoes For Any Adventure

Now that you’ve got your swim trunk situation all sorted, why not supplement your new beach-day bottoms with a pair of water shoes — the latest and greatest of which can be found in our hands-on review of the best water shoes for any adventure.