The Most Comfortable Swim Trunks for Looking and Feeling Great

Patagonia Baggies are a classic style that is comfy, durable, and are versatile enough to be worn for water activities or as regular shorts.  These trunks have a slightly loose fit, with a relatively short inseam length (5 inches), and are available in lots of cool colors and patterns. They have large side pockets (and a secure back pocket) that are great for storing your essentials. The fabric is an impossibly sturdy yet lightweight, quick-drying nylon that you can wear day after day year after year.

Like most Patagonia clothing these are a bit pricey, but they are made by workers who are paid fairly, and Patagonia makes their clothes with low environmental impact materials.

The Kanu Surf Barracuda Swim Trunk is a budget option that is popular on Amazon. They come in a huge range of fun patterns and colors and have a great board short length to them that works well for almost any body type. The elasticized waistband with drawstring keeps the shorts secure and is comfy for most men, especially those who have a larger midsection.

A favorite feature of this design is the cargo pockets at the side. Despite being a longer length, they dry quickly once you get out of the water. Overall these are good value, made from excellent material, and have an excellent fit if you are looking for more coverage.

Available from Amazon

Chubbies 5.5″ Stretch Trunk is a popular shorter length of trunk that is stretchy, comes in fun prints, and has an excellent quality drawcord waist.  Men who own this trunk love it for the look as well as the comfort level.

A feature of the design worth mentioning is that it has a zipper back pocket in addition to two non-zip side pockets and a stretch mesh liner that is reportedly very comfortable.

Columbia Palmerston Peak™ Water Shorts are a loose fit design that is another option that works well for swimming or as regular shorts. It comes in durable, quick-drying nylon that has UPF 50 sun protection. The feel of the cloth is light and breezy yet durable. The nylon dries quickly, so they are an excellent choice for water activities or general wear in the summertime when you don’t know where your day will take you.

What you need to know about this option is that they come in two inseam lengths (9 and 11-inches), they have a mesh lining, and they have deep pockets and a zipper hip pocket. This short is especially great for travel as they’re soft and easy to clean and dry. They come in a fantastic selection of different colors and aren’t overly expensive for what you are getting.

Bonobos Riviera Recycled Swim Trunks are an excellent option if you are looking for tasteful patterns in a light and comfy to wear fabric. They feature an elastic waistband with exterior drawcord, a mesh interior lining, and side pockets as well as a back pocket.

You can get this trunk in three inseam lengths (5, 7, and 9 inches) in a variety of patterns and colors. The fabric is quick dry and has a bit of stretch so you can go in and out of the water without needing to change.

Considered by some to be the perfect swim shorts, the Bulldog from Orlebar Brown has pretty much reached iconic status at this point.  Men love the fit and the short length of the design. They are also quick-dry and come in versatile colors and classy patterns, with special editions, also being available. These are the style for a man who wants the best and isn’t afraid to pay for it.

While we are with the high-end brands, it seems like a good time to mention the Vilebrequin Ultra Light Packable Swim Trunks, these are another option that is loved by many for their airy fabric. Vilebrequin has designed these shorts to feel as though you aren’t wearing anything by using lightweight, high-performance materials.

People love the stylish fit, good quality feel of the fabric, and the quick-drying properties. This pick comes in a vast range of fun prints that you can usually find in both men’s and boy’s styles so you can match up with other members of your family or friends or whatnot if you like to do that kind of thing. They aren’t cheap, but if you can afford them, most people feel the splurge is worth it.

On the other end of the price spectrum, you will find these Old Navy Printed Trunks with an 8-inch inseam. These are wonderful basic designs that can work well for a lot of different types of men. They have an elasticized waistband with adjustable drawstring and interior coin pocket as well as side welt pockets. The fabric is soft and quick-drying, and they also feature a built-in mesh lining.

They come in cute prints and are usually found to be comfortable and true to size.  These are a good option if you are looking for good quality, a vibrant color or fun pattern, and a great price.

Hurley usually has quite a few good board short options. On their site, you can get shorts that have outseams that go from 16″ to 20″ in all colors of the rainbow and lots of cool patterns and styles.

One of Hurley’s most comfortable designs is the Hurley Phantom 20″ Boardshort. These are the update to Hurley’s original stretchy board shorts that have been popular for years. This updated version uses Hurley Phantom Fabric, and it has a 30% stretch, and that has an ultra-soft feel. The outseam is 20 ” so they have a decent amount of length to them and a slightly roomy fit that allows you to move freely.

These Men’s Quick-Dry Performance Solid 7″ Trunks that you can find at Macy’s are an ideal lightweight short with a classic fit that is perfect for the pool or the ocean. They have a reasonable 7″ inseam, so they are neither too short nor too long. They have a drawstring waistband and interior mesh lining with two side-seam pockets and a back flap pocket.

These are an excellent option for a man who just wants a comfy, flattering fit that dries quickly. The only downside to this short is that it only comes in solid colors, although the color options are pretty nice, and they have about ten colors to choose from.

Created for Macy’s

The Men’s Sonoma Goods For Life® Full Elastic-Waistband Swim Shorts has a 7-inch inseam that can work equally well for the pool or the beach. The soft feeling fabric comes in nice colors that look great.  This bathing suit runs true to size, has a wide, comfortable slightly elastic waistband, and is inexpensive. This design has three pockets.

Available from Kohls