The 12 Best Swimsuits for Men of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

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We tested 66 swim trunks to find the best options for all your summer adventures.

Kevin Gray is a contributing writer at Travel + Leisure, specializing in men's style, travel accessories, luggage, and packing tips. He has more than a decade of travel writing and product testing experience, and is an avid adventurer who's visited more than 40 countries.

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Travel + Leisure

Whether you’re celebrating summer at the beach, swimming laps at the hotel pool, or taking a dip in a snowy mountain hot tub, being in or around water calls for a good swimsuit. So we tested 66 of them in various styles, sizes, and colors, putting each item through real-world scenarios involving sun, sand, and water to find the best of the bunch.

Our team evaluated and compared the trunks for fit, comfort, performance, and quality to ensure they tick every box that matters. Two testers tried each suit to account for sizing and personal style, with tests ongoing for six months. Our favorites were comfortable, moved with us, and dried easily, but one stood slightly above the rest. I tested the Faherty Shorelite 7-Inch Trunk, which received top scores across the board and quickly became my go-to for all of life’s nautical occasions. See my review below, then keep reading for more great trunks from brands like Rhone, Vuori, and Patagonia.

These trunks are super soft and comfortable, with a simple style that extends their use to outside the water.

The trunks are on the slimmer side, so some people may want to size up.

Known for its lineup of well-made, stylish clothing, Faherty continues to pad its reputation with the Shorelite Trunk. It’s available in nine colors and patterns, features a 7-inch inseam, and is made with a polyester-spandex blend that’s incredibly soft. These trunks are more fitted than baggier styles or board shorts, and they have a built-in lining that’s soft and supportive. I wore these trunks in the pool, swimming and lounging for hours at a time, finding them comfortable and flexible—they moved easily without stretching, and they never chafed.

Another tester, who has an athletic build with bigger legs, sized up from his usual large to an extra-large. Once in the right size, he found the trunks extremely comfortable and said the fabric felt great on his skin, both wet and dry. The trunks fit securely, aided by a simple drawstring, and never shifted or slipped during activity. They also kept their shape after multiple wears and washes, and the subtle “coastal fern” color didn’t fade in the sun or in the washer. The trunks don’t tout the quick-dry tech of some other pairs, but they still dried quickly in the sun.

I love these trunks’ simple style and keep them on while running errands around town. Paired with white sneakers and a T-shirt, the casual look didn’t betray that I’d just come from a pool.

The Details: XS-2XL | 5 and 7 inch inseam options | 86 percent recycled polyester and 14 percent spandex | UPF 50-plus sun protection

Rhone’s four-way stretch trunks and built-in liner are comfortable across a range of activities.

The zippered pocket is too small to fit a phone.

Rhone has expanded its athletic-focused repertoire over the years to include lots of lifestyle attire, from swimsuits to blazers, but the athletic pedigree is noticeable in everything it makes. The Rhone 5.5-inch R&R Trunk sports four-way stretch woven fabric and a mesh boxer brief liner, a duo that received high marks from our team. Our tester raved about the material and liner, calling the trunks “immensely comfortable” and lightweight in and out of water, with no irritation or discomfort even after many hours of wear. We enlisted these shorts for surfing, running on the beach, swimming in the ocean and pool, walking around town, and lounging around the house, and they performed admirably during all occasions.

The trunks feature DWR-treated water-repellent fabric, so they dry quickly. Add in the stylish, minimalist look and overall comfort, and there’s no need to change when you leave the water. There are two side pockets and a small zippered pocket on the right side of these trunks that’s big enough to hold a hotel key or credit card. The only negative we found—and it’s more nitpicking than a real issue—is that we’d have appreciated a back pocket or a zippered pocket large enough to hold our phone.

The Details: S-2XL | 4, 5.5, and 7 inch inseam options | 92 percent polyester and 8 percent elastane

The built-in compression liner is comfortable and supportive.

Some people may find the shorts too tight and benefit from a larger size.

Speedo is one of the biggest names in swimwear, with options ranging from briefs to jammers. These Lookout Volley 16-inch Swim Trunks occupy a happy middle ground, falling mid-thigh for a versatile and modern look. (Note that the 16-inch measurement here refers to the outseam; the inseam is 5.5 inches.) They’re made from regenerative nylon, feature four-way stretch knit, and are available in six solid colors.

We loved the built-in compression liner, which we found soft, comfortable, and supportive, with no restriction on their movement. The fabric feels strong, almost like the material worn by track athletes. The shorts are stretchy, but they retained their shape after multiple wears and washes, and once out of the water, the suit dried very quickly in the sun.

One tester, who has an athletic build and normally wears a medium, found that the medium Speedos fit fine in the waist but were too tight in the legs. Similar body types may want to size up.

The Details: S-2XL | 5.5 inch inseam | Regenerated nylon | UPF 50-plus sun protection

The fabric is soft and comfortable, almost like performance workout shorts.

The mesh liner may be too tight for some wearers, especially those with bigger thighs.

Under Armour packs a lot of features into these board shorts. The polyester-elastane material has four-way stretch, so it moves with you in all directions. There’s a built-in liner for added support, the UPF 40 rating protects your skin from the sun's rays, and the UA Storm technology repels water. We generally found these shorts to be comfortable, noting the soft, durable material that’s neither too thick nor too flimsy. We like the ability to wear these for a full day at the beach or pool, or for water sports like paddle boarding, and then easily transition to drier activities without needing to change.

The waist fits perfectly, but one tester found the mesh liner much too tight, and that tight liner might turn off some wearers who prefer the looser fit of most board shorts. After washing and hang-drying the swimsuit, there was no visible change in the color, fabric quality, or fit. One tester remarked how the shorts still looked brand new.

The Details: S-3XL | 7.5 inch inseam | 88 percent polyester and 12 percent elastane | UPF 40 sun protection

These shorts look great and are made with soft, high-quality fabric.

There’s no liner, so support is limited.

Vuori’s good-looking catalog blurs the line between athleisure and everyday wear for men. The Banks Shorts are no exception. The material and flattering fit make these feel more like athletic shorts or casual shorts than swim trunks, especially when dry, so we enjoyed wearing these in and out of the water. This versatility is helpful when packing for a trip, as travelers can maximize their options without stuffing their suitcase. One tester mentioned that he’d confidently wear these shorts to the hotel bar.

The fabric is thin but high-quality and is soft to the touch, and it never feels too heavy when wet. We appreciated the front zippered pocket, which is perfect for holding cards or cash, but it’s too small to fit a phone. And while these shorts are exceptionally comfortable and stylish, there’s no liner, which may be a drawback for people who prefer more support.

The Details: XS-2XL | 5 and 7 inch inseam options | 45 percent recycled polyester, 45 percent polyester, 10 percent elastane

This affordable swimsuit fits securely, repels water, and dries quickly.

The fabric isn’t as soft as some other trunks we tested.

L.L.Bean’s outdoor bona fides extend from the slopes to the beach, with more than 110 years of experience under its belt. The quality shows in the Classic Supplex Sport Shorts, which are made from quick-drying nylon and feature a comfortable mesh liner. We found the waist to fit securely, with room in the legs to move easily in the pool and while playing beach volleyball. Deep pockets provided plenty of room to carry our phone, keys, and wallet.

The nylon fabric feels a little coarse to the touch, especially compared to some other swimsuits, but it still felt comfortable when wearing it, never rubbing or chafing our skin. Water beads up on the water-repellent fabric, so the shorts never felt heavy or waterlogged, even when splashing around in the waves. The material also holds up well after multiple wears and washes, and it dries quickly in the sun or after hanging up indoors.

The Details: S-3XL | 6 inch inseam | 100 percent nylon | UPF 50 sun protection

These soft, travel-friendly trunks pack up into their own back pocket.

They’re a bit pricey compared to similar men’s swimsuits.

Southern Tide’s trunks are made from a polyester-spandex blend that includes recycled materials, and the fabric is lightweight, super soft, and durable. We wore this swimsuit in rivers and hot springs, sitting on rocks and in the dirt, and the fabric still looks great, without any tears or other damage. The trunks are comfortable around the waist and have a drawstring for any minor adjustments. The micro-mesh liner was comfortable when walking, running, and sitting, though it did become more noticeable when wet.

We were impressed with the water-repellent fabric, as water literally bounced off the shorts after getting splashed on the beach. That feature, plus the quick-dry nature of these trunks and their overall comfort, makes us excited to wear this suit all summer long, even during activities like hiking or kayaking.

The Details: S-2XL | 6 inch inseam | 52 percent polyester, 38 percent recycled polyester, 10 percent spandex | UV protection

This fun swimsuit is available in three lengths and a dozen patterns and colorways.

The zippered pockets are great, but the zippers themselves feel a bit flimsy.

When Birddogs launched in 2015, they made a name for themselves by upending the stodgy brands selling pleated khakis and boring business wear. That same sensibility applies to their Inner Banks swim trunks, which come in 12 colors and patterns, from solid navy and seagreen to fun florals. We liked the fit and found this 95 percent nylon, 5 percent spandex swimsuit comfortable when sitting, squatting, and otherwise moving around. They’re equally at home lounging in the water.

The soft inner liner fit securely around our legs without riding up. It did absorb some water, but the exterior countered this issue by repelling water, so the suit never felt too heavy. The shorts performed well in water and didn’t change shape or color after washing, and they feel sturdy and high-quality, so we can imagine them holding up for a long time. The rear pocket has a zipper, which is great for keeping things secure, but the zippers felt a bit flimsy, so we’d prefer more sturdy hardware.

The Details: S-3XL | 6, 7, or 9 inch inseam options | 95 percent nylon and 5 percent spandex

We tested the 8-inch inseam length and loved the longer fit for comfort.

The sewn-in liner is very comfortable, but it retains water longer than the suit’s exterior.

Fair Harbor trunks are made from a recycled polyester-spandex blend that features 12 plastic bottles in each pair, so you can lounge easily knowing that your swimsuit is helping to clean the oceans. The Anchor is available in three lengths—6, 8, and 10 inches—with more than 20 colors and patterns. And it features a super-soft compression lining that’s sewn right into the trunks, so there’s no chafing or bunching.

The eight-inch trunks feel true to size, and the liner keeps them in place, even when running and swimming. The suit itself dries quickly, but the liner seems to retain some water and dries more slowly than the exterior. Overall, these are comfortable enough that we could imagine going straight from the beach to a casual dinner or drinks. And with all the inseam options and colorways, the permutations are almost endless.

The Details: S-3XL | 6, 8, or 10 inch inseam options | 88 percent recycled polyester and 12 percent spandex

These versatile shorts are good for more than just swimming, and they come in 13 colors.

Baggies are only available in the five-inch inseam, which may be too short for some wearers.

Patagonia is a leader in outdoor apparel, and the Men’s Baggies are no exception. These shorts are old-school, cool, and comfortable, and they bring some retro style to your lower half. The exterior is made from 100 percent recycled nylon, the liner is made from 100 percent recycled polyester, and the water-repellent finish prevents the material from getting weighed down. These shorts worked great in the water and also while hiking, and the drawstring ensured they stayed snug on our waists without slipping.

The only option here is the five-inch inseam. We mostly liked the length, but know that these trunks will show a lot more skin than board shorts or other longer trunks. The back pocket with its button closure is a nice touch, and the wide variety of colors gives you a lot of options when selecting a new swimsuit for your next trip.

The Details: XS-2XL | 5 inch inseam | Post-consumer recycled nylon and recycled polyester

The retro style stands out, in a good way, and the trunks stretch and move with ease.

The short inseam options might deter some.

Bonobos makes a wide range of menswear, from pants and polos to suits, but come summer, we turn to their versatile selection of swim trunks. The Throwback model looks like something your dad wore in the 70s, and we like that—the retro sensibility stands out without feeling garish or gimmicky. The shorter inseam shows some leg, but still provides enough coverage to feel comfortable at the beach or pool, and we found that the length improved mobility while swimming.

The trunks are comfortable without riding up our legs, and they don't get too heavy when wet. They seem to dry fairly quickly, although we did need to put a towel down when driving home from the pool. We like that this swimsuit is made from recycled materials, and the fabric feels soft and durable, even after multiple wears. The price feels a little high considering that these trunks don’t have any special features or zippered pockets, but we’re still willing to pay the asking price given the recycled materials and overall fit and style.

The Details: XS-2XL | 4 and 6 inch inseam options | 85 percent recycled polyester and 15 percent spandex

These designer trunks bring a touch of quiet luxury to your summer wardrobe.

We found they run small and recommend checking the size chat and going up one size.

British photographer Adam Brown gave the men’s swimwear category an elevated refresh when he founded Orlebar Brown in 2007. The best-selling Bulldog design is modeled after tailored trousers, and while it’s only available in the six-inch inseam, the trunks feature adjustable tabs to customize the fit around your waist. Despite those tabs, we still had to size up—our usual size 32 was way too small, but the 34 fit perfectly.

We found these swim shorts lightweight and comfortable for swimming and poolside lounging, and they don’t retain much water, so they dry quickly in the sun or after hanging up. There are two front hip pockets and a back zipper pocket for securing your belongings. These are good-looking shorts, and we appreciate the simple luxury design. If the price isn’t a deterrent, then many fashion-minded travelers will find these worth the splurge.

The Details: Sizes 28-40 | 6 inch inseam | Polyamide

This trio of swimsuits came close to making our list, but didn’t quite make the cut due to superior performance by other styles.

Silkworld Men's Quick-dry Swim Trunks: We found this soft, lightweight swimsuit to be very comfortable, and it didn’t retain much water. But the thin fabric feels flimsy and may be susceptible to ripping if it gets snagged on something.

Eletop Men's Swim Trunks: These trunks are an affordable option available in nearly 20 different colors and patterns. They’re reasonably comfortable and a good value for the money, but the fabric is noticeably lower quality than many of the swimsuits we tested.

Chubbies Lined Classic Swim Trunk: Chubbies makes a wide variety of fun prints. We liked the overall quality of these trunks and found the compression liner more comfortable than many pairs with traditional mesh liners. The seven-inch inseam fit well, but shorter inseams felt too snug.

We put 66 men’s swimsuits through the ringer, with at least two people evaluating each pair for fit, comfort, performance, quality, and value. We wore each swimsuit multiple times and tested it across a variety of conditions and environments, from indoor pools and hot tubs to outdoor pools, rivers, and oceans, as well as non-water-based activities like lounging around, hiking, and running errands. Our testers followed a consistent methodology and noted factors like how these swimsuits fit, how they performed in water, how the fabric felt against our skin, and whether mobility changed once the trunks got wet. We also evaluated how long the swimsuits took to dry and how they held up to multiple wears and washes. The best-performing swimsuits were selected for this guide. We will continue to evaluate these suits and update this article as we test new items.

Inseam lengths are functional as much as they are fashionable. Think about coverage and how much skin you want exposed to the elements, and consider which activities you may perform while wearing your swim trunks. Swimmers may prefer a shorter length, while surfers and wakeboarders may benefit from a longer length. If your swimsuit will primarily be used for lounging, then do whatever feels best for your body. Product websites typically list the inseam length so you know what you’re buying.

Liners are a practical feature meant to offer support, but they’re divisive. Some people love the structure they add, especially during active pursuits like swimming or playing beach volleyball, while others find them restrictive or uncomfortable. Much of that comes down to the liner itself—the soft, compression liners are often more comfortable than the mesh brief liners, but it varies by brand and style. Whether you want a liner is a personal preference, and not all swimsuits include them, so take note before purchasing.

There’s no right answer when deciding which swimsuit style is best, but your intended use can help you determine which pair to buy. You might prefer versatile trunks that look more like casual shorts or athletic shorts, as these can often be worn beyond the water. Or you might want something more nautical, like patterned trunks or board shorts that are obviously meant for enjoying the pool or beach

You can clean most swimsuits in a washing machine, including those made with nylon, polyester, spandex, or a combination of materials. You may consider washing your suit inside-out to protect the zippers and buttons. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions on the website or tags, but most suits call for washing in cold water with mild detergent. Depending on the swimsuit, you may be able to throw it in the dryer, but hang-drying your trunks (out of direct sunlight) is the best way to ensure they keep their shape and fit for years to come.

Just like casual shorts, jeans, or dress pants, fit comes down to personal preference, but there are a few factors to watch out for. Note the inseam and pick a length that works best for your height and personal style. A 5-inch inseam will show more leg, while longer board shorts might go down to your knees. Does your swimsuit have a stretchy waist? Is there a standard button closure or a drawstring to customize the fit? What about a liner? You might prefer slim-fitting swimsuits or those with wider legs. Each of these elements impacts how a swimsuit fits and feels on your body, but the best swimsuits are comfortable when wet or dry and don’t limit your mobility.

This guide’s author, Kevin Gray, has extensive experience writing about men’s style and gear. He personally tested the Faherty Shorelite 7-Inch Trunk, and he owns several other brands on this list, including Fair Harbor and Bonobos. Kevin also pored over insights from Travel + Leisure’s in-house product testers and used his expertise in men's travel clothing to recommend the best men's swimsuits for all your warm-weather vacations.

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