Men’s swim trunks
When summer rolls around, you’ll probably be spending a lot of time at the beach, pool or lake. If you want to look your best but also be comfortable, you’ll need a quality pair of swim trunks. It’s important to get a pair that has a cut that complements your body and has all the features you need.
We’ve put together this handy guide to help you pick out a new pair of swim trunks, including some helpful tips on achieving the proper fit. The Columbia Men’s PFG Backcast III water shorts stand out as a versatile option because they are just as suitable for around-town use as swimming, and they feature several pockets for carrying essentials. If you prefer something a bit more flashy, you’ll definitely want to check out some of our other recommendations.
What to know before you buy men’s swim trunks
Swim trunks vs. board shorts
Swim trunks are the classic bathing suits you see most adult men wearing. They are made of nonabsorbent materials — often nylon, polyester or a blend of the two — and have elastic waistbands and a drawstring. Swim trunks fall to the mid-thigh or a bit lower, but generally end at least 2 inches above the knee. They are designed specifically for use in the water and feature mesh netting on the inside to provide men with some support.
Board shorts can also be used for swimming but are just as suitable for wearing around town. Unlike swim trunks, they don’t have any mesh netting or an elastic waistband. They also feature Velcro flies and may either have a button or drawstring closure to hold them in place. Some even feature belt loops. Board shorts are longer than swim trunks and end at or just past the knee.
How swim trunks should fit
Just like when buying any other attire, you want to get a pair of swim trunks that offers the proper fit. While everyone will have their own particular preference for this, here is a good general guide.
The waist should be tight enough that they stay in place reasonably well without the drawstring, which should just be there for a bit of added security when diving into the water or performing similar activities that will put a lot of pressure on the swim trunks. The thigh and leg opening should be loose enough for freedom of movement, but not so baggy that the swim trunks look billowy on you. Ideally, you want your swim trunks to follow along with and highlight the natural shape of your body rather than distort it.
If buying board shorts, look for a pair that ends around the knee. For swim trunks, you want them to end between 2 and 4 inches above the knee as per your preference.
Men’s swim trunk features
Elastic waistband
The elastic waistband is there to help your swim trunks stay in place as you go about your activities. It should be snug, but not so tight that it feels uncomfortable. High-quality elastic is important to ensure they don’t stretch out with time and use.
Mesh netting
Men’s swim trunks feature a tight-fitting mesh netting inside that help hold everything in place. It also helps with airflow, as it adds a mesh layer between your skin and the non-breathable material of the swim trunks themselves. Men who often wear boxers may find this mesh undernetting uncomfortable and prefer board shorts instead because these lack the tight mesh netting.
Pockets
Swim trunks can be found with or without pockets. Some may have a single pocket on the leg or seat while others feature a pocket on each side, just like traditional shorts. We believe most men will be best served choosing a pair of swim trunks with pockets. This allows you to keep some cash, an ID, your phone and any other essentials on hand when not in the water.
Key loop
Some swim trunks feature a key loop inside one of the pockets. This small, bungee-like loop helps ensure that keys aren’t lost when playing around in the water. If the pocket is large enough, it can also be used to secure a pair of sunglasses.
Ultraviolet protection factor
If you are wearing a pair of swim trunks, you’ll probably be spending time out in the sun. While all fabric offers some ultraviolet protection, some swim trunks have a ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating. These will offer the best protection and can be a smart choice if you often spend long days at the beach or pool. Of course, you’ll still need to slather on some sunscreen to the parts of your body that are exposed.
Men’s swim trunk cost
You can find a lot of great men’s swim trunks between $20 and $30. If looking for a designer pair, you may spend between $35 and $70.
Men’s swim trunk FAQ
Should I wear anything under swim trunks?
A. Most men don’t wear anything underneath their swim trunks and instead rely on the mesh netting for support. Even with board shorts, which lack the netting, it is generally preferred not to wear anything underneath. However, if you find the lack of support uncomfortable with board shorts and prefer not to turn to swim trunks with netting, you can try wearing a pair of compression shorts underneath. Just make sure to choose something made from a quick-drying material.
Do men still wear Speedos?
A. In America, most men no longer wear Speedos, and it might even be considered inappropriate to do so in some settings, such as at a neighborhood pool with a lot of children around. However, in many other countries, men still wear Speedos and other tight-fitting swimsuits that look a bit like briefs.
Which men’s swim trunks should I get?
Best of the best men’s swim trunks
Columbia Men’s PFG Backcast III Water Short: Available at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Kohl’s
Our take: This versatile pair is just as suitable for everyday wear as pool and beach use. They come in more than 30 colors and have several pockets, one of which is zippered.
What we like: They are crafted from the brand’s omni-shade fabric, which blocks UVA and UVB rays, breathes well and dries quickly after getting wet.
What we dislike: Some may find the fit a little too baggy.
Best bang for your buck men’s swim trunks
Speedo Marina Sport Volley Swim Trunks: Available at Amazon, Kohl’s and Macy’s
Our take: Men who like long swim trunks will be partial to this pair from Speedo. It comes to just above the knee and is made from a slightly stretchy material that offers a comfortably relaxed fit.
What we like: It has a stylish design and features a key loop in the leg pocket.
What we dislike: The mesh lining can be a bit snug on some.
Honorable mention men’s swim trunks
Tom and Teddy Men’s Elastic Waist Animal Print Swim Trunks: Available at Amazon
Our take: If you are the kind of guy who wears flamingo and palm tree T-shirts when at the tiki bar, you’ll probably love these animal print swim trunks from Tom and Teddy.
What we like: They are made from an extremely soft fabric and are chlorine- and salt-resistant so their colors and prints won’t fade.
What we dislike: They have to be hand washed and are a bit pricey.
Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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