There’s been an inextricable shift happening within warm-weather menswear that focuses on swimwear being functional for everyday life. Gone are the days of owning baggy board shorts that drag past your knees, hold in water like sponges, and require changing entirely before getting lunch – this trend has finally arrived, and men are making use of every feature possible from their bathing suits!
2026 demands of its swimmers that the ideal pair of swim trunks serve both function and form: from performing seamlessly in the surf and drying quickly after washing off, to looking tailored enough to be worn straight to an outdoor restaurant or bar without looking like something from your time in a pool.
An incorrect pair of trunks will sag when wet, cause severe chafing, take hours to dry completely, and balloon awkwardly when sitting down – thus leading to beachside disasters! In order to minimize such scenarios, we researched and evaluated leading options available on the market in terms of inseam length, fabric stretchability, drying efficiency, interior lining comfort features and how easily they transition into everyday casual wear settings.
The Quick List: Our Top-Rated Picks
Here is a scannable snapshot of our best-performing swim shorts for the summer 2026 season, organized according to design speciality and budget.
- Best overall: Faherty Shorelite Trunk (7″) (~$88) — the do-everything trunk
- Best tailored short: Onia Charles Trunk (~$135) — reads like a regular short
- Best budget: Chubbies Classic Trunk (5.5″) (~$60) — fun, short, affordable
- Best for swimming: Birdwell 310 Board Shorts (~$98) — built to last decades
- Best longer length: Bonobos Riviera Swim Trunks (~$78) — more coverage
- Best premium: Orlebar Brown Bulldog (~$295) — the tailored splurge
How to Choose Your Perfect Pair: The Four Swim Metrics
Prior to purchasing trunks, use these four structural benchmarks as filters so as to find ones which suit your lifestyle and goals.
1. The Inseam Sweet Spot
5 to 6 Inches: This athletic and modern standard sits mid-thigh for optimal body proportioning when swimming or running on sandy surfaces, offering no fabric interference during aquatic or onshore sports activities. It offers zero fabric interference when running across sandy terrain – ideal for showing off leg definition.
7 Inches: Men commonly opt for this length when selecting their ideal pants length; it falls two inches above their kneecap, creating an ideal silhouette which looks equally at home in both ocean conditions or walking through town.
9 Inches: These fabrics should only be worn by taller guys (6’2″ or over), who require longer fabric length to achieve proportionality in their outfits. Avoid anything which extends past your kneecap as this visually shortens your height.
2. Fabric Composition and Dry-Time Efficiency
Staying damp for an hour after leaving the water can result in bacteria accumulation and fabric pilling that leads to inner-thigh friction. Look for high performance blends made of recycled polyester or high grade nylon mixed with spandex that feature technical synthetic fibers which repel water; such synthetics will dry fully in 10-15 minutes in direct sunlight while offering 4-way stretch for ultimate comfort when diving, surfing or lounging around on deck.
3. The Internal Lining Dilemma: Mesh vs. Boxer Brief
Traditional swim trunks feature rough, rigid hammock-style mesh liners which scratch and trap sand. Modern brands have come a long way since then: look out for upgraded super-soft mesh liners or integrated boxer-brief compression liners to emulate high-end athletic underwear; otherwise go for linerless board shorts instead.
4. The “Dry Land” Aesthetic Test
If you want your swim shorts to double as standard casual shorts, opt for solid colors like navy, olive, charcoal or stone and pair with either a flat front waistband or cleanly integrated drawstring for the best result. Stick to vibrant patterns reserved only for beach or pool deck use—solid neutrals appear far more premium when worn to a restaurant table!
The Best Men’s Swim Trunks Reviewed
1. Faherty Second Wave Trunk — Best Overall
Faherty has built a loyal, passionate following among resort wear consumers, and their Second Wave Trunk is at the pinnacle of hybrid swimwear design – it provides one of the strongest yet most comfortable all-in-one options on the market.
Made of a premium fabric blend woven entirely out of recycled plastic bottles collected from oceans, these trunks boast an impressive 4-way stretch. When coming out of the surf, they dry exceptionally fast; additionally, they use an attractive, tailored waistband with a hidden inner drawstring instead of bunched-up elastic bands, giving an authentic, high-end casual walk short appearance.
Colorways and vintage-inspired prints offered by Faherty Clothing are both elegant and subdued, creating an effortless combination with casual pieces such as polos. Learn more about their tailor made fabrics in our Faherty Clothing Review!
- Inseam Length: 7 Inches
- Lining Type: Ultra-Soft Premium Mesh
- Est. Price: ~$88
- Secure the Look: https://go.shopmy.us/p-61940681
2. Onia Charles Trunk — Best Tailored Short
If your goal is to find a swim short that looks virtually indistinguishable from tailored luxury chino short when dry, Onia Charles stands out.
Onia excels at high-end resort wear, and their Charles cut is an example of its minimalist elegance. Featuring an entirely flat front with premium snap button closure and zip fly and internal side adjusters to customize waist fit without resorting to external drawstrings – its clean lines showcase contemporary minimalism at its best!
Technical nylon-spandex fabric features an elegant matte finish that doesn’t appear too shiny when on dry land, pairing perfectly with airy pieces from our Best Linen Shirts buying guide for an upscale lunch date.
- Inseam Length: 7 Inches (Also available in 5-inch variations)
- Lining Type: Super-Fine Mesh Brief
- Est. Price: ~$135
- Secure the Look: https://go.shopmy.us/p-61943390
3. Chubbies Classic Trunk — Best Budget Pick
Chubbies introduced menswear into a modern age by revolutionizing short-inseam wear, and their Classic Lined Swim Trunk remains one of the best investments you can make this summer season.
Priced around $60, these trunks have been specifically designed to offer maximum comfort and casual energy. Their highly elasticized waistband flexes easily during beach volleyball or pool games while its 4-way polyester-spandex blend stretch blend keeps pace effortlessly with every move made during play.
Chubbies is known for its outstanding interior lining options: you can opt for their upgraded and integrated boxer-brief compression liner which completely eliminates mesh chafing risks. Ideal for showing off leg definition and bright, bold vacation prints – Chubbies has something special in store just for you.
- Inseam Length: 5.5 Inches
- Lining Type: Anti-Chafe Boxer Brief or Stretch Mesh
- Est. Price: ~$60–$70
- Secure the Look: https://go.shopmy.us/p-61943456
4. Birdwell Board Shorts — Best for Actual Swimming & Surf
Birdwell Britches is the heritage standard when it comes to garments designed for serious surfers, paddleboarders and open water swimmers – they will protect you through heavy shorebreaks, reef scrapes and years of harsh use.
Since 1961, Birdwell shorts are hand assembled in Santa Ana, California from their SurfNyl™ dual-layer nylon fabric that boasts exceptional strength, stretch resistance, and unrivaled durability.
These shorts feature a classic lace-up surf closure with secure button fly to ensure they remain securely fastened to your hips no matter the conditions in the water. There’s also no interior liner included so that you have complete freedom in choosing whether or not to pair these with high performance athletic compression shorts underneath.
- Inseam Length: Multiple options (Short, Medium, and Long cuts)
- Lining Type: Linerless (Board Short style)
- Est. Price: ~$98
- Secure the Look: https://go.shopmy.us/p-61943485
5. Bonobos Riviera Trunk — Best Longer Length
Bonobos built its fame on mastering the mathematics behind tailoring perfect trousers, now applying this same level of craftsmanship to its Riviera Swim Trunk line.
Bonobos stands out as an invaluable option for men due to its tiered sizing system. If you prefer more classic looks that sit closer to the kneecaps than those found elsewhere, try their 7- or 9-inch inseam options for maximum versatility.
The Riviera features an exceptionally breathable, fast-drying shell and comfortable elastic drawcord waistband to deliver optimal airflow during wear. They come in an incredible array of print scales and solid neutral hues so every guy can find one suitable to his height needs.
- Inseam Length: Available in 5″, 7″, and 9″ options
- Lining Type: Soft Athletic Mesh Brief
- Est. Price: ~$78
- Secure the Look: https://go.shopmy.us/p-61943529
6. Orlebar Brown Bulldog — Best Premium Luxury Splurge
If budget is no object and you aspire to emulate Daniel Craig’s James Bond from Skyfall, Orlebar Brown Bulldog swimwear should be your number-one priority for premium swimwear.
The Bulldog swim shorts go beyond traditional swim shorts design to offer tailored trousers made out of recycled polyester fabric that you can safely swim in. Woven from high-density recycled polyester from France, its iconic chlorine-tested side fasteners allow users to safely adjust waist size up to two centimetres while keeping its clean, flat silhouette intact.
These shorts, carefully made in Portugal and featuring a curved waistband with zip fly and mesh lining that feels completely invisible, are an extravagant financial investment yet look absolutely perfect when worn to execute the old-money style for men’s aesthetic. Pairing it with a luxury linen button-up can add another level of class when going seaside for lunch at an upscale resort.
- Inseam Length: Mid-Length (Sits perfectly balanced on the thigh)
- Lining Type: Luxury-Grade Super-Fine Mesh
- Est. Price: ~$295
- Secure the Look: https://go.shopmy.us/p-61943578
How to Masterfully Style Swim Trunks Beyond the Beach
Stepping outside the pool requires wearing tailored, solid-color trunks if you want your swim shorts to work as casual wear on land. Here’s how you can master this look on dry land.
The “Boardwalk Lunch” Outfit
Combine solid navy or olive green Faherty Second Wave Trunks with crisp neutral basics from Buck Mason Review for an effortless summer outfit that reads as completely casual yet highly cohesive and intentional. Slip on some minimalist canvas sneakers or clean suede slides before protecting your eyes with classic tortoiseshell sunglasses to complete this casual yet highly cohesive summer ensemble.
The “Seaside Sunset Cocktail” Outfit
Choose an Onia Charles trunk as the foundation, then pair it with our selection of Best Camp Collar Shirts with unbuttoned collars to complete this stylish ensemble. Roll up your sleeves mid-forearm for added warmth in humid environments, while finishing this ensemble off with premium leather espadrilles or sockless suede loafers – you will look completely appropriate while remaining cool in any environment!
Also check out: The 9 Best Linen Shirts for Men in 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best swim trunks for men in 2026?
For an all-rounder, the Faherty Shorelite Trunk is fast-drying, has a flattering 7-inch cut, and is good enough to wear as shorts. For a tailored look, the Onia Charles; for budget, Chubbies; and for hard swimming, Birdwell.
What length swim trunks should a man wear?
A 7-inch inseam suits most men. Go shorter (5 to 6 inches) for a sportier look, and longer (9 inches) if you’re tall or want more coverage.
Can you wear swim trunks as regular shorts?
Yes, if they’re a solid color in a tailored cut. Modern quick-dry trunks are designed to double as everyday shorts.
What fabric dries fastest for swim trunks?
Recycled polyester and nylon blends dry fastest. Look for quick-dry fabric with a little stretch for comfort in and out of the water.
What is the most universally flattering inseam length for men’s swim trunks?
Men typically find a 7-inch inseam is their ideal, sitting two inches below the kneecap to expose just enough leg to create a taller and leaner visual proportion while offering adequate coverage when sitting down. We use this standard when reviewing options in our Best Men’s Shorts guide.
Can you actually wear modern swim trunks as regular everyday shorts?
Yes, but that depends entirely on the design of the trunks. To be effective at pulling this off successfully, avoid purchasing trunks featuring an elastic waistband with gathering or puckering elements, an external mesh pocket, or prominent athletic branding. Instead, opt for solid-coloured flat-front hybrid trunks featuring hidden drawstrings, standard side slash pockets, and either zipper closures or snap closures as your go-to options.
Why does cheap swimwear cause chafing, and how do I prevent it?
Chafing occurs as the result of trapped salt water/sand being in contact with rigid fabrics made from low-quality fabrics, which rub against your skin, often cheap brands using coarse nylon and wide loop mesh liners that act like sandpaper when wet. To stop it altogether, choose premium trunks made of quick-drying polyester-spandex blends, which feature ultrafine silk mesh or integrated boxer brief compression liners.
What fabric formulation dries the fastest after swimming?
High-density blends of recycled polyester and nylon with low percentages of spandex or elastane dry most quickly; their nonporous construction allows water to run off the surface rather than soak through into their core yarn structure, drying quickly in direct sunlight within 15 minutes after leaving the water. A good technical hybrid short should dry completely within this window of time.
How should I wash and care for my swim trunks to ensure they last?
Pool chlorine, ocean salt, and intense UV rays all pose risks to synthetic elastics over time, so to safeguard your investment, ensure they’re rinsed with cool tap water after every use and washed on a gentle cycle using mild liquid detergent; never use fabric softeners or tumble them dry, as this could permanently alter their shape and elasticity. Hang them up instead to air-dry naturally, as high commercial heat from dryers could melt spandex fibres permanently.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Summer Swimwear
An investment in quality swim trunks will transform how you experience beach vacations or hot summer weekends.
An upgraded hybrid swim short simplifies your style without the hassle of carrying around damp, heavy, ill-fitting shorts – eliminating frustration with our fast-drying fabrics, anti-chafe engineering, and sleek, logo-free tailoring that accentuates silhouette. You pay a fair premium but get fast-drying fabrics, anti-chafe engineering, and clean tailoring that enhances silhouette, all at an acceptable cost premium price point.
By selecting an essential pair for warm-weather wardrobe rotation, you ensure yourself a versatile garment capable of handling surf without difficulty and transitioning smoothly onto land, helping keep you cool, comfortable, and looking your best all summer long.
