It’s the dog days of summer, which means you need shorts that can keep up on land and in water. These days, the best swim trunks for men aren’t just for swimming—they’re just great shorts that happen to know how to backstroke.
They’re lightweight, quick-drying, and surprisingly wearable, built to go from the beach to the corner store without missing a beat. And if the invite comes to spend the weekend lakeside or hit your friend’s rooftop pool? You’ll already be dressed for it. These are the best multi-purpose, next-generation, and yes, all-around finest men’s swim trunks to shop right now—tested, worn, and waterlogged by GQ editors.
And if you’re legit chasing waves, you might wanna check out our guide to the best board shorts.
The Best Men’s Swim Trunks, According to GQ
In This Guide
Best Swim Trunks Overall: Bather Swim Trunks
There’s a reason why Bather tops this guide every summer. For years the Toronto-based label has peddled the platonic ideal of a swim short, cut with an optimal inseam and in a silhouette that flatters every body type. It features a silky-soft mesh lining that’s comfortable and protective—and it’s made from 100% recycled quick-dry nylon that performs well in the water and won’t look out of place if you’re wearing it a few miles from the beach.
In our testing, Bather trunks hold up like a champ through beach days, workouts, weekend hangs, and heavy wash cycles. They all pass the quick-dry test. “I only brought one pair of swim trunks with me on a recent trip, and I know swim trunks are supposed to dry fast, but damn, these were bone-dry faster than I could hop into the pool again,” says GQ associate commerce editor Tyler Chin. He also loves the fit and that the inseam offers just enough thigh action without veering X-rated. The shorts also come in dozens of solid colors and wild patterns—from plain Jane navy and white to trippy florals—so it’s damn-near impossible not to find one that works for you.
Best Hybrid Swim Trunks: Patagonia Baggies Shorts
If any one pair was responsible for launching the swimwear-as-shorts movement, it’d be Patagonia Baggies. For close to 40 years, they’ve been the signature warm-weather bottoms of hardcore mountaineers, deep sea fishers, camper van lifers, dedicated Deadheads, and backyard-grilling dads the world over. More recently—as the fashion world has gravitated toward practical, outdoorsy gear—they’ve also been adopted as the summer uniform for a certain strain of stylish young fella.
It’s easy to see the appeal across all those demographics: they’re tough but lightweight, laidback but presentable, affordable as hell, trend-proof in fit and form and function. I’ve collected over 10 different colorways dating back a decade since I got my first pair (which naturally was black), and they’ve become an absolute essential for travel because of their sheer versatility. It’s no wonder you’ll spot these equally around town than you will around the pool.
Best Heritage Swim Trunks: Birdwell 808 Boardshorts
When it comes to board shorts, none may be more time-tested than Birdwell. Since 1961, the brand’s original two-ply, triple-stitched design is still as handsome, practical, and impossible to wear out as ever. But this year, the brand’s newly redesigned 808 board short, which has all the anti-chafe trappings of the original model, but with a four-way stretch material, is our new favorite.
While some purists will prefer the stiffness of the 300 and 310 models, the 808 is simply just more comfortable, and therefore a little more versatile for everyday life. It also helps they’re available in the same bevy of classically tinged colorways. Whichever model you choose, if you’re after some serious throwback, hang-ten, shaka-hand energy, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better pair of drawstring waist boardies than those from Birdwell.
Best Tailored Swim Trunks: Sunspel Tailored Swim Short
If you don’t think swim trunks have the sartorial range to be worn when there’s no water in sight, Sunspel’s Tailored Swim Short will make you a believer. The luxury British label’s classic trunk has a tailored fit with an adjustable waist and the same convenient pockets and zip fly as any regular short. Perhaps the best part is that the quick-dry fabric is made of all recycled material, the majority from upcycled marine plastic.
“To call these trunks ‘rad’—or posh, in the parlance of our friends across the pond—is true, but it’s also woefully inadequate,” says GQ senior commerce editor Avidan Grossman. “I’m going to level with you: I’ve got zero ass to speak of and hips daintier than a ballet flat, and these flutter around my thighs with Baryshnikov-like grace.” Don’t let their tony pedigree fool you, either. Over the course of a year, Grossman has worn Sunspel’s swim shorts into the ground, with easy, breezy striped shirts and fisherman sandals—but also threadbare white tees and thrashed Vans. “I hate the beach,” Grossman adds. “These might be the only valid reason to go.”
