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 an editorial shortlist organized by intended use and budget; it is not a controlled comparative performance test.
- Best overall: Faherty Shorelite Trunk (7″) ($118 in the checked Coastal Fern variant) — an all-round option
- Best tailored short: Onia Charles Trunk (price varies by fabric and inseam) — reads like a regular short
- Best budget: Chubbies Classic Trunk (5.5″) (around $79.50 for a current lined example) — short and colorful
- Best for swimming: Birdwell 310 Board Shorts ($125 in the current nylon collection) — a traditional nylon option
- Best longer length: Bonobos Riviera Swim Trunks ($99 in the checked True Blue listing) — more coverage
- Best premium: Orlebar Brown Bulldog (check the selected variant’s price) — 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: A shorter option if you prefer more thigh coverage to be exposed. Where the hem falls and whether the fabric interferes with movement depend on your proportions, rise, cut and fit.
7 Inches: A middle-length option. It does not land a fixed distance above every person’s kneecap; compare the garment’s rise and measurements with shorts that fit you.
9 Inches: An option for more coverage at any height. Choose the hem position and freedom of movement you prefer; there is no universal 6-foot-2 minimum or mandatory above-knee rule.
2. Fabric Composition and Dry-Time Efficiency
Chafing is skin irritation caused by repeated rubbing against skin or clothing. Choose a comfortable fit and smooth seams, and check how the liner feels when wet. Drying time depends on the fabric, finish, weather and retained water; a recycled-polyester, nylon or spandex label does not guarantee water repellency, four-way stretch or a fixed drying time.
3. The Internal Lining Dilemma: Mesh vs. Boxer Brief
Liners vary: some use mesh briefs, others use boxer-brief-style liners, and some trunks are unlined. Try the actual liner and seams for comfort rather than assuming every traditional mesh liner scratches, traps sand or causes chafing. A boxer-style liner is not automatically therapeutic compression.
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 Shorelite Trunk — Best Overall
Faherty has built a loyal, passionate following among resort wear consumers, and their Shorelite Trunk is one hybrid swimwear option – it provides one of the strongest yet most comfortable all-in-one options on the market.
The current Shorelite Trunk is listed as 86 percent recycled polyester and 14 percent elastane, with a built-in compression liner and an elasticated drawcord waistband. Faherty describes it as quick-drying; this does not establish a fixed drying time or that all its material comes from ocean-collected bottles.
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: Built-in compression liner
- Est. Price: $118 for the checked Shorelite variant
- Secure the Look: Shop the Faherty Shorelite Trunk
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. The current Charles Trunk uses an elastic waistband and an adjustable drawstring, with superfine mesh lining. Check the selected fabric and inseam, since the range has several versions.
Fabric varies by version; the current paperweight-poly Charles is listed as 100 percent recycled polyester and features an understated 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: Varies by fabric and inseam; check the selected listing
- Secure the Look: Shop the Onia Charles Trunk
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.
A current lined example is listed around $79.50; 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 may feel more comfortable but cannot guarantee no chafing. 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: Around $79.50 for the checked lined example
- Secure the Look: Shop the Chubbies Classic Trunk
4. Birdwell Board Shorts — Best for Actual Swimming & Surf
Birdwell’s 310 is a traditional SurfNyl boardshort option. No source reviewed here establishes protection against reef scrapes, heavy shorebreaks or years of harsh use; choose fit and coverage for the activity.
Birdwell says the brand began in Santa Ana, California and has made boardshorts in the USA since 1961. Its fit guide describes SurfNyl, used in the 300 and 310, as nylon with effectively no stretch; this does not establish unrivaled durability against every competing short.
These shorts feature a classic lace-up surf closure with secure button fly to ensure they remain securely fastened to your hips when properly fitted; no closure guarantees security in every condition. 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: $125 in the current nylon collection
- Secure the Look: Shop the Birdwell 310 Board Shorts
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: Printed mesh boxer-brief liner in the checked True Blue listing
- Est. Price: $99 for the checked True Blue listing
- Secure the Look: Shop the Bonobos Riviera Swim Trunks
6. Orlebar Brown Bulldog — Best Premium Luxury Splurge
Orlebar Brown’s Bulldog is a tailored mid-length option. Do not assume it is the exact model worn in Skyfall; the film connection and the specific garment require separate verification.
Bulldog specifications depend on the version. The checked Surfside Blue product page lists recycled-polyester fabric woven in France and a garment made in Portugal. It says the side fasteners can reduce the waist by up to 2 cm; that figure is a product adjustment range, not a guarantee of fit or swimming safety.
Check the selected Bulldog’s closure, lining, measurements and current price. Styling a tailored swim short with a linen shirt is one option for a seaside lunch, subject to the venue’s dress code.
- Inseam Length: Mid-Length (Sits perfectly balanced on the thigh)
- Lining Type: Luxury-Grade Super-Fine Mesh
- Est. Price: Varies by version and currency; check the selected listing
- Secure the Look: Shop the Orlebar Brown Bulldog
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 Shorelite 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 a camp-collar shirt and footwear suited to the setting. Rolling sleeves is a styling choice; it does not add warmth in humidity or guarantee that you stay cool and appropriately dressed in every 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?
Choose the coverage and movement you prefer. Five to six, seven and nine inches are options, but hem position depends on your leg length, rise and cut; a particular height is not required for a longer inseam.
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?
No single fiber label guarantees the fastest drying. Compare the actual fabric and manufacturer’s care/performance details, and allow for weather and use.
What is the most universally flattering inseam length for men’s swim trunks?
A 7-inch inseam is one option. Where the hem falls depends on your leg length, the rise and the short’s cut, so compare garment measurements and choose the coverage you prefer. 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.
What can cause chafing in swimwear, and how can I reduce it?
Chafing comes from repeated rubbing against skin or clothing; wet fabric, seams, fit and movement can affect comfort. Price alone does not establish that a trunk will chafe or that its liner is coarse. A smoother liner and suitable fit may reduce rubbing, but price, fiber type or a compression liner cannot guarantee chafing will stop altogether.
What fabric formulation dries the fastest after swimming?
Drying depends on fiber, weave, weight, finish, retained water and weather. Recycled content does not establish a fastest-drying rank, and no universal 15-minute full-dry deadline is supported here.
How should I wash and care for my swim trunks to ensure they last?
Follow the selected trunk’s care label for rinsing, hand or machine washing, detergent and drying. Instructions vary: the checked Onia Charles specifies hand washing and air drying, while Faherty’s checked Shorelite permits cold machine washing and low tumble drying. No care method guarantees a particular lifespan.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Summer Swimwear
An investment in quality swim trunks will transform how you experience beach vacations or hot summer weekends.
A hybrid swim short may simplify packing if it fits your swimming and casual plans. Compare the selected garment’s fit, drying behavior and liner rather than expecting a premium price to eliminate chafing, discomfort or every wardrobe change.
Choose a pair for your actual swimming activity, preferred coverage and planned settings. No single short guarantees comfort in all surf conditions or throughout an entire summer.
Keep reading
