Heading to the beach or pool is now a time that’s no longer an afterthought. That is, it’s no longer an excuse to look sloppy — that starts with wearing a better T-shirt (try a slim V-neck tee, for starters), and it rolls right on through to the most important part of the equation. Namely, we’re talking stylish swim trunks that help, not hurt, your sense of style — or at the very least, serve a utilitarian function for surfing or swimming.
There are brands that offer up tried-and-true takes on the swim trunk, there are picks here that offer maximum coverage and functionality for water sports, and there are swim trunks that just look plain stylish — never a bad thing, even when off-land. In fact, the most stylish swim trunks should probably wear a bit more like shorts — that is, cut to look great when in the water, and fit to be able to wear at a dockside meal or on the patio once your time in the water is done.
As with other style-minded ventures, our picks of the best men’s swim trunks reflect a variety of price points, too. Shop on, and enjoy your time in the sun.
Hartford Kuta Solid Swim Trunks
The iconic Kuta Solid Swim Trunks by Hartford deserve a spot in your suitcase this summer before heading to the beach. These trim-fitting nylon trunks are nearly as expertly tailored as your favorite shorts, all the better to wear from the beach to the boardwalk, and then to the bar without missing a beat. The cut and execution is simple, and while the price is certainly on the high end for swim trunks, it’s worth it. Their sure to last many summer seasons in the surf as well as poolside — all while only looking better with age.
Outerknown Apex Trunks By Kelly Slater
What better place to start your search for your new favorite pair of swim trunks than with a pair crafted by none other than legendary surfer (turned fashion aficionado) Kelly Slater? Together with the help of standout designer John Moore, Slater has come up with Outerknown, a brand that consistently impresses us for its functionality, style and sustainability – we certainly think you’re getting all three in spades with the Apex Trunks. Take it from the legend himself, will ya?
Onia Charles Trunks
There are times where you need swim trunks that can take on anything, and do it reliably and stylishly. For all of those times — which tends to happen in the summer — the Onia Charles Trunks should be your go-to. In a range of solid colors and featuring an accessible price, the Canopy color is our favorite for teaming with a striped navy tee or a red tank top. Finished with nickel hardware and made from a stretchy nylon blend, the Onia Charles Trunk is ideal and understated.
Bonobos Banzai Trunks
As we’ve come to know over the past several years, Bonobos gets the job done in nearly every menswear category imaginable, from handsome outerwear to slim chinos, slim shirting and excellent tailoring. Swimwear is part of that list, too — and rightfully so. If you want a pair of no-frills, stylish-yet-accessible swim trunks, the Banzai Trunk is the way to go. Constructed with a 7-inch inseam, the Banzai comes in colors and prints for plenty of winning summer style this season.
Rhone 7” Board Short
Anytime we’re looking for performance mixed with minimal style, we turn to Rhone. This is a brand that can carry you through season to season, right on into the spring and summer months as you shop the best men’s swim trunks. Water-flow pockets reduce drag on your swim, and the seven-inch length is classic board short length for the modern man, with a cut and functionality that’s not obtrusive – -they’re designed to keep you on the beach, and in the water, all day long. Guaranteed.
Olivers Apparel Zuma Trunks
Classic with plenty of performance thrown in the mix, Olivers Apparel is now looking to outfit you for your time off-land just as readily as the brand delivers when you’re on the boardwalk (and in the city). We love the brand’s functional tees and comfortable, stretchy and stylish shorts, and we’re sure the Zuma Trunks are no different – the navy-and-white color combo is sharp, too. Some of the best men’s swim trunks to buy right now? Assuredly.
Outerknown Evolution Pocket Scallop Trunks
Step right into another pair of stylish, functional trunks from Outerknown for your next beachgoing adventure. We appreciate the minimal Pitch Black color for when you want a no-frills ensemble for beach exploration (and relaxation, naturally), and we also appreciate the fact that Outerknown’s gear won’t leave your wallet hurting too much. They’ll leave enough left over to keep saving up for that next vacation, assuredly.
Howler Brothers Horizon Hybrid Shorts
You likely know Howler Brothers for the brand’s vintage-leaning, highly wearable snap shirts. They blend a throwback feel with slightly bold prints for the modern guy — and if you’ve been hunting for the perfect pair of swim trunks with which to pair ‘em, we’ve got you sorted out. The Hybrid Short is just that — a pair of shorts that fit like slim chambray shorts, yet feature nylon ripstop construction for performance in and out of the water. Too good to be true? Buy them and see for yourself.
J.Crew 6” Stretch Swim Trunk
If you shop J. Crew frequently, you know the brand can really do it everything quite well for the modern, well-dressed man – a guy like you, that is to say. From suiting to garment-dyed tees to gear like the 6” Stretch Swim Trunks shown here, they’ve still got you outfitted from head-to-toe. For your next beach vacation, we’d recommend outfitting yourself accordingly with these stylish, modern trunks.
The Normal Brand Normal Trunks
The Normal Brand delivers on its promise to guys like us – normal, stylish, good-looking gear that truly won’t break the bank. You can wear the brand’s excellent shirting to a laidback beach dinner, you can bundle up with a zip hoodie around the bonfire … and during the day, you should be wearing the very aptly named Normal Trunks for all-day style and comfort, no questions asked.
Mack Weldon Swim Trunk
From its upgraded basics and its new AirKnit line to its recent introduction of swim wear, Mack Weldon is crushing it for guys who want accessible, high-quality, simple style. These just might be the swim trunks of summer, what with their clean design, reliable fit and versatile color options. With stretch fabric, a supportive mesh liner and an accompanying bag for valuables, they’re a great buy all the way around. Grab a durable tote bag, your favorite shades and a six-pack to hit the beach.
The North Face Swim Trunks
It’s true, The North Face makes more than just hard-wearing winter outerwear. They also make a nice pair of swim trunks, with performance features and plenty of functionality as part of the equation. At just over $30, these relaxed-fit, easy-to-wear swim trunks provide UPF protection and essential summer style in spades. Three versatile colors should earn you style points when you head to the beach or boardwalk, and the quick-dry technology is quite handy, too. Don’t sleep on these another second.
Chubbies 5-Inch Stretch Easy Trunks
Chubbies offers up style that’s instantly recognizable and not for the faint of heart. The Glades fit that bill quite neatly, with a short inseam and the type of looks guaranteed to turn heads at your local pool or beach. To style these the right way, opt for a simple, crisp white summer T-shirt and premium leather sandals — the Chubbies Glades trunks can definitely do the rest of the talking for you. The best part? You get them for an accessible price, with cash left over.
Rhythm Vintage Stripe Trunk
With an air of throwback cool and simple, straightforward style in mind, Rhythm comes through in the clutch with possibly your new favorite pair of swim trunks. Complete with throwback stripes that call to mind ‘60s style, these are the grab-and-go trunks you need for lazy beach days aplenty. While you’re shopping them via Bespoke Post, pick up one of the brand’s lauded Boxes of gear for any occasion (mixing a beachside cocktail included).
Hartford Mid-Length Swim Shorts
Turn to online retailer Mr. Porter for luxurious takes on classic menswear staples, the sort of pieces that look as great today as they would have years ago. The Hartford Mid-Length Swim Shorts are a prime example of the type of swim style that never really, well, goes out of style. The mid-length cut is ideal for long days on the beach and perhaps a waterfront cocktail or two in the process.
Land’s End 8″ Solid Volley Swim Trunks
We turn now to a classic American brand to deliver a classic pair of swim trunks. Cut to 8 inches for the taller among us – or for those who don’t want to leave too much leg exposed to the sun, these are the easygoing swim trunks your next beach vacation needs. And if you happen to live in a warm climate, all the better – you can wear these all year-round in that case.
Scotch & Soda Tropical Swim Trunks
We’d wager you’ve got a pair of slim, well-crafted Scotch & Soda denim in your rotation, or perhaps one of the brand’s stylish indigo jackets – but consider adding a pair of the brand’s Tropical Swim Shorts to your bag the next time you head out on a summer beach getaway. There’s not a pair of trunks like these on the beach, that much we can guarantee. When you want to sidle up to the beach bar, simply keep one of the brand’s easygoing shirts handy to throw on – that’s the perfect Scotch & Soda look.
Saturdays NYC Trent All-Purpose Swim Shorts
Although Saturdays NYC has expanded into a full-on lifestyle outlet over the years, selling excellent coffee and stocking the world’s best fashion magazines in its stylish boutiques, the brand still hasn’t forgotten its water-inspired roots. You can still find surfboards in its stores, and we’d advise you pick up a pair of the well-designed Trent All-Purpose Swim Shorts to go along with whatever else you happen to find – from cool printed buttondown shirts to super-soft tees. It’s all in a day’s work at Saturdays NYC.
Reef Lucas 18″ in Navy
For those among us who are more action-minded when it comes to hitting the water, Reef delivers on boardshorts that are every bit as good as when the brand first launched. The neutral navy color works well in a variety of situations, be it on the beach before you catch some waves, or hanging out post-surf. The style of these trunks offers coverage and comfort when in the water, and the elastic key loop and braided drawcord provide maximum function and structure where you need it most.
RVCA Scrawl Trunks
No list of the best men’s swim trunks is complete without a pair from a pioneering, functional surf brand like RVCA. If there’s any brand that knows how to deliver on surf-ready swim trunks, it’s this one – grab a set of these the next time you need to put in some serious time on the water.
Bather Classic Swim Trunks
Is your rotation of swim trunks complete without considering a pair of trunks from Bather? The cut is classic, the design is sharp and the utility you get with Bather’s Classic Swim Trunks is up there with the best of them. Grab a pair now before you spend your summer afternoons poolside.
Orlebar Brown Bulldog Swim Short
Even after five-plus decades in the spotlight, there’s not quite a style icon like James Bond. That’s why it makes perfect sense to reach for the very style of swim shorts that the iconic character rocked in Skyfall. Orlebar Brown plays off its excellent heritage with a pair of swim trunks that combine tailored principles — like side tabs and side-angle front pockets — with quality construction you’d expect from an top-notch brand. These are the dressiest pair of swim trunks that money can buy, and they’re worth every penny.
Abercrombie & Fitch Classic Trunks
The brand that’s made as impressive a comeback style-wise as any these past few years is at it again with something a little more familiar. We’ve been big fans of A&F’s rugged military outerwear and classic shirting recently, and the Classic Trunks are as worth your time and money as any – A&F surely knows how to make adventure-ready swim trunks that won’t break the bank. – Shop Now
Tommy Bahama Naples Coast Swim Trunks
What better way to complement your Tommy Bahama printed shirt or tee than with the brand’s premium swim trunks? Tommy Bahama really has all the gear you need for your tropical getaway, from morning to sundown – these should be an easy pick when it comes to shopping around for the best men’s swim trunks.
Paul Smith Swim Trunks
For timeless sportswear with a touch of old-school heritage appeal, we can’t recommend Paul Smith enough – there’s also the chance to add some vibrant color to your drawer of the best men’s swim trunks, thanks to the zebra logo and the engaging color combo. Wear these all day on the beach, drink in hand.
Trunks Surf & Swim Co. Swim Trunks
Heading to the beach or the pool should be fun moreso than anything, right? The sun, the sand and a cool pair of printed swim trunks from Trunks Surf & Swim Co. Swim Trunks should be on your “must-bring” list this spring and summer. The print does the talking here – pair these up with a classic white T-shirt and espadrilles when you’re not in the water
