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Apr 04, 2025

Editors’ 7 favorite men’s swim trunks | CNN Underscored

Your vacation is planned and your hotel is booked, but you’re missing the most important wardrobe staple for hanging poolside, beachside and beyond: your swim trunks. Gone are the days of boring men’s

Your vacation is planned and your hotel is booked, but you’re missing the most important wardrobe staple for hanging poolside, beachside and beyond: your swim trunks. Gone are the days of boring men’s swim trunks with awkwardly fitting lengths and bland patterns. A handful of our editor- and reader-favorite brands have changed the game for finding quality swimwear.

We asked our editors about the swim trunks they’re loving, whether for lounging by the pool on the weekends or adventuring in the tropics during a getaway. Here are their top picks to help you get started with your spring vacation and summer shopping.

For a cheap pair of swim trunks I got off Amazon, I've been pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and durable these have been. I've had them for about three years, and they haven't frayed or fallen apart, and they're still as vibrant as the day I got them. Plus, the mesh lining on the inside is actually comfortable, something I'm super picky about in bathing suits — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor

I snagged these quick-drying Cotopaxi shorts on sale before a vacation to Costa Rica and was immediately a fan. They have a built-in mesh brief, plenty of pockets and come in tons of patterns and solid colors. A 7-inch version exists for those who want more length, for a slightly higher price. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer

The Fair Harbor Bungalow Trunks are a great option for those who want a liner built into their bathing suit. They have a 5-inch inseam and a nice four-way stretch, making them super comfortable to wear all day long. I'm a fan of the added details, like a hidden zipper pocket that features a key ring for convenient storage. — Tyler Holender, social strategist

The shorts come in a wide range of bright colors, funky patterns and of course some traditional neutrals, and are available in three inseam length options (4-inch, 5-inch and 7-inch). They do have a mesh netting on the inside, so that is something to note when purchasing — Tyler Holender, social strategist

The shell of these shorts is designed for wear both in and out of the water. Aside from their mesh liner and recycled material, what stood out about these favorites is their expansive side pockets. Each extends to the bottom of the leg, giving ample room for anything you're carrying to the beach or pool. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer

These are the most versatile swim shorts I own. They dry quickly and feel more like an elevated pair of athletic shorts, making them perfect for days you know you're going to be doing a lot more than just swimming — I even wore them while zip-lining. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer

I’m a huge fan of textured swim shorts and these lined ones from Chubbies are about to be my go-to this summer. I bought the light blue color and love the soft, beach-y vibe they give off. They come in a flattering 5.5-inch inseam that’s short but not too short. I admit they’re a touch spendy at $85 but you’ll get a lot of wear out of these in the warmer months — I know I will. — Rick Stella, senior testing editor

The following FAQs have been answered by Turner Allen, founder and lead stylist for Style Turner, and Patrick Kenger, lead personal stylist and founder of Pivot.

If you’re shopping and aren’t sure which inseam to start with, Allen recommends starting with a 7-inch inseam. “It’s flattering on most body types, feels current without trying too hard and offers coverage without veering into board short territory,” Allen says. “If you’re comfortable going shorter (or proud of your leg day gains), a 5-inch inseam delivers a more daring, athletic look that’s gaining traction.”

“I always recommend mid-thigh to clients,” Kenger says. “Or, another way to look at it is at least three inches above the knee. This gives you a swim trunk with good mobility that looks great, and is distinctly different-looking than a pair of shorts.”

Both stylists we spoke to recommended having a minimum of two in your wardrobe. “One classic, go-to pair in a neutral or versatile color, and one that’s a little more fun — maybe a print, a brighter shade, something with personality,” Allen says.

Kenger shares the same mindset. “I recommend that clients should have two to four pairs,” he says. “I personally have one pair that is more subtle in a solid color, and then another with a pattern. This gives me an option to be a bit more bold or understated, depending on where I’m headed.”

If you spend lots of time near the water, you might want to grab more than that. “If you swim regularly or vacation a lot, having three to five gives you more room to rotate without overthinking it,” Allen says.

While the terms get used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between swim trunks and swim shorts. “Swim trunks usually have a mesh lining and are designed strictly for the water — think performance meets practicality,” Allen says. “Swim shorts, on the other hand, often skip the liner and have more of a hybrid vibe. They look and feel like regular shorts, meaning you can wear them to grab lunch post-swim without looking out of place.”

“Most men are wearing swim trunks these days and have ditched the board shorts/swim shorts for a shorter, stylish pair of swim trunks,” Kenger says.

For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.

CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, our writer Ellen McAlpine polled editors on the CNN Underscored team to find their favorite swim trunks for the pool, beach and beyond.