The 12+ Best Men’s Swim Trunks for Channeling Your Inner 007, From Surfer-Approved Shorts to St. Tropez-Ready Styles

Whether you fancy classic board shorts or a sleek patterned pair, here are more than a dozen of the best options from Nike, Orlebar Brown, Outerknown, Chubbies, Polo Ralph Lauren and more.

By Thomas Hindle, Danielle Directo-Meston

July 31, 2024 9:42am

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Frescobol Carioca Ipanmena Mid-Length Swim Shorts

Outerknown; Orlebar Brown

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We’re knee-deep in summer — a time to take a dip whenever possible, whether that’s during a staycation or a flight to the world’s most stunning beaches. And for that, you’ll need the right pair of trunks. The good news is that there are plenty of resort-ready options out there, from the best short swim trunks that channel old Hollywood to modern silhouettes that look just as cool out of the water.

Style, color, versatility and purpose are all important things to keep in mind as you’re shopping for the best men’s swim trunks. For example, some styles are fit for avid swimmers (even Olympians!), while others are more suitable for flopping into the pool after a gym sesh.

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Ahead, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best men’s swim trunks that look just as stylish out of the water. Whether you’re pairing your shorts with a nice watch and a cool hoodie or sweater, these options range from luxe silhouettes for channeling your inner 007 to wallet-friendly styles with celebrity backing.

Best Hybrid Shorts

Outerknown Apex Hybrid Trunks by Kelly Slater

$128 at Outerknown

One of the best sustainable men’s brands, Outerknown checks all of the boxes when it comes to picking the right pair of modern swimmers. The label’s Apex Hybrid swim trunks are made of durable and quick-dry recycled polyester and are effortlessly cool, while mesh-lined front pockets, a zippered back pocket and bungee key loop make this a versatile piece in and out of the water. Founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater and sported by eco-minded stars such as Zac Efron, Outerknown makes garments from recycled materials, and is 100 percent transparent about its manufacturing process. They’ll also give you store credit if you return your used or pre-loved clothing.

Best Affordable

Goodfellow & Co. 7″ Lined Swim Shorts

$30 at Target

There’s plenty good value to be found for trunks if you don’t want to break the bank. Target’s extensive range of swimmers don’t go above $30 while still offering quality and style. These printed swim trunks from Goodfellow (one of the retailer’s many cool in-house brands) are made of recycled polyester and feature quick-dry stretch fabric with UPF 50+ for UV protection. The above-knee fit is modern and stylish, and the built-in boxer briefs and elastic waistband make them comfy to wear all day.

Best Mid-Length

Orlebar Brown x La DoubleJ Bulldog Morpheus Print Shorts

$395 at Orlebar Brown

If it’s good enough for 007, it’s good enough for you — and if short shorts you’re after, go with these statement-making Bulldog trunks from Orlebar Brown’s collab with La DoubleJ. (Daniel Craig sported the label in Skyfall.) The mid-length swim shorts have the brand’s signature side fasteners to cinch the waist, and it looks great on holiday with a tee and comfy loafers, too. Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey have starred in the British brand’s campaigns.

Best for Travel

Nike Men’s 5″ Belted Packable Swim Trunks

Get 25% off with code SPORT25

Buy at Nike $38.98

Made from recycled plastic bottles, Nike’s 5-inch belted swim trunks have a zippered pocket that turns into a handy built-in bag — simply fold the shorts into themselves and throw them into your hiking bag or pocket.

Best Value

George Men’s & Big Men’s 2-Pack Swim Trunks

$13 at Walmart

Seeking the most stylish pink men’s swim trunks? This affordable two-pack features shorts with a 6-inch inseam and a variety of cool colorways and sizes (including big & tall).

Best Print

MC2 Saint Barth Lightning Micro Fantasy Shark Swim Trunks

$140 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Who doesn’t love sharks on swimming trunks? MC2’s Saint Barth swimming shorts are perfect for anyone who wants to make a sartorial splash. But, mostly, they’re covered in everyone’s favorite cartilaginous fish.

Best Gym-to-Water

Fabletics The One Lined 5″ Short

$10 $70 86% off

Buy at FAbletics

Fabletics’ The One Short is more than just a pair of gymwear. The Kevin Hart-backed brand makes clothes that can be taken anywhere: to the grocery store, the gym, and, yes, the ocean. Available in a range of colors as well as lined and unlined options in 5- and 7-inch inseams, it’s an ideal everyday pair of shorts and has handy pockets and a convenient gym towel loop on the waistband.

Courtesy of Amazon

Best on Amazon

Amazon Essentials Men’s 9″ Quick-Dry Swim Trunk

$7.40 $23.70 69% off

Buy AT Amazon

You can’t beat the price of Amazon Essentials’ quick-dry swim trunks, which feature a nine-inch inseam, UPF 50+ material for sun protection, side seam pockets and a back pocket.

Best for Large Thighs

Polo Ralph Lauren Traveler Stretch Classic Swim Trunk

$50 $110 55% off

Buy at Ralph Lauren

Buy at DLX $77

Available in sizes 1XL to 5XL, Polo Ralph Lauren’s Traveler stretch classic swim trunks (other colors available) are made of seersucker for a preppy-cool look all summer. This pair boasts a 6.5″ inseam, mesh lining and a comfy elastic waistband.

Most Inseam options

Bonobos Throwback Swim Trunks

$89 at BOnobos

Cool men’s brand Bonobos has a ton of options for its signature swimmer. Whether you want to rock a 4-, 5-, 7- or 9-inch fit, you can choose from a plethora of colors, designs and sizes. From playful pineapples to electric green, you can have pretty much whatever bold design that suits your summer mood.

Best FUn Prints

Chubbies Magic Print Swim Trunk

$75 at Chubbies

Recently worn by Olympic divers Steele Johnson and Greg Louganis, Chubbies is known for offering some of the most fun men’s swim trunks with playful prints — like these Magic Print shorts with dinosaurs, sharks or stars and stripes.

Best Board Short

Lululemon Current State 9″ Board Short

$98 at Lululemon

Lululemon is a reliable brand for most athletic wear, and that extends to trunks. Shorter swimmers tend to be in style these days, but if you want an ultra-comfy and cool knee-length fit, the Current State board shorts are the perfect match, thanks to the chafe-free design and drawcord with extra grip. They come in solid colors and patterned designs, and the handy pocket can fit your phone too — just remember to take it out before you jump in the water.

Best Vintage-Inspired

Buck Mason Diver Cloth Swim Short

$128 at Buck Mason

Available in other colors, Buck Mason’s cool Diver Cloth swim shorts boast an effortless, utilitarian silhouette and a 5.5-inch inseam.

Best Long Length

Vilebrequin Packable Long Swim Trunks

$310 at Vilebrequin

Bring St. Tropez to the pool with Vilebrequin’s fun octopus print board shorts made of ultralight fabric that packs up easily. The French Riviera-born luxury brand is one of the best for European-inspired men’s swim trunks and is known for its stylish patterns for everyone in the family — so you can match with your crew, too.

Best Mid length

Frescobol Carioca Ipanema Mid-Length Swim Shorts

$225 at Mr. Porter

If Rio’s your vibe, Frescobol Carioca’s recycled polyester swim shorts in a playful yellow print offer a splash of your favorite Brazilian beach.

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