The 21 Best Swim Trunks for Men, Tested and Reviewed

A not-too-long pair of elastic-waist swim trunks is about as classic as you can get when it comes to swimwear. This pair has a mesh lining to keep everything secure, plus a splash of color from the bright orange drawstring. If that combo isn't to your liking, there are just about a billion more color combos in the same cut. Take a look around and find your favorite. (Also, pro tip: Get yourself some swim trunks with pockets. Just be sure to take your phone out before jumping in the water.)

Lululemon makes a whole line of beloved apparel and accessories, but the way guys love—love!—its pants and shorts is a testament to just how well done they are. These swim shorts are cut close to the body but aren't tight. They're made of a water-repellent blend of recycled polyester and elastane, and they feature clever details like a key loop in the back pocket. They also look just like a pair of the brand's non-swim shorts and can easily pull double duty for the rest of the day after you towel off.

Frescobol Carioca isn't the oldest swimwear brand in the world (it was founded in 2013), but the London-based, Brazil-inspired label is definitely one of the most exciting. Its trunks are tailored to perfection, the kind of cut you'd expect on someone who casually jets off to Rio for the weekend. And the prints—the prints!—add an elevated, almost architectural quality that's a nice counterpoint to all those hibiscus flowers out there.

Let's start with the obvious: that white piping. Against reliable black, the detail just pops. Then there's the vintage cut, which is ever so slimming. And finally, let's talk about how these trunks are made from 85 percent recycled polyester, with the rest being spandex. Stretchy and good for the earth: a very nice combo.

Simplicity ain't your bag? Avid's got you covered. The brand's bold-as-hell, zebra-striped Zinae Trunx offer UPF 40 protection from the sun, as well as an inner envelope pocket where you can stash your keys. They're also lightweight, quick drying, mesh lined—all the stuff you'd expect from a solid pair of trunks. If you want to make a big impression (one might even go so far as to say "make a splash") at the beach, these are the trunks to do it in.

Zara is a great choice when you want something you know is going to be stylish this season. Its swim shorts are on the shorter side, but that doesn't mean they're any less cool. They've got all the water and sun protection needed, with a cropped finish and drawstring waistband.

Perhaps the best endorsement of these shorts? They usually sell out. Luckily, they're available right now. Once you get them, you can wear them for everything from biking and running to chilling and, yep, swimming. They're made of recycled nylon (with a bit of stretch), lined with recycled polyester mesh, and designed to do anything your little heart desires.

If you ride waves often, Quiksilver needs no introduction. But for those unfamiliar, the brand was founded in Australia in the late '60s, catering to surfers. Fit and function are its cornerstones, and it always adapts to new advancements in fabrics and the styles of the season. Just take a gander at these cool swim trunks, which feature a tropical print and side-entry pockets.

Nautica is a poolside classic, and when it comes to swim trunks, the brand knows how to make a versatile pair that'll seamlessly translate from sea to shore. This timeless style is ready for wherever the season takes you.

A classic blue pair of swim trunks is something every warm-weather wardrobe should have. These are simple yet chic, with a quick-drying fabric, mid-length cut, and back pocket.

When the weather is hot, it's time for bold, bright colors. These Lacoste swim trunks have a cool graphic that turns the brand's name into its iconic crocodile logo. And with an adjustable drawstring waist and mesh liner, there's no going wrong with this style.

Tom Ford proves that just because you're going for a dip, that doesn't mean you have to dress down. These chic shorts have an adjustable waistband, a quick-drying shell, and contrast piping on the sides—every element of sophistication you can add to a pair of swim trunks, TBH.

Over the past couple of years, Baggies have had a pretty remarkable resurgence not just among the gorp set but also with a bunch of stylish guys who realized that these might just be the ultimate laid-back summer shorts. Yes, they're actually swim trunks, complete with a mesh liner and quick-drying nylon construction, so they'll be very happy in the water. But they also work with pretty much anything you'd want to wear on dry land when the weather is scorching. Buy multiples. You'll need 'em.

These shorts are basically begging for the heat of June to arrive quickly. They'll get you through the season in style and in good conscience, as they're made from recycled water bottles.

These are lightweight, stretchy, and quick to dry—everything swim trunks should be. It doesn't hurt that they're cool as hell, too.

Sometimes—not often, but occasionally—a fashion brand catches lightning in a bottle and creates a bona fide icon. Levi's did it with the 501. Gucci did it with the horse-bit loafer. And Orlebar Brown did it with its trim, tailored Setter swim trunks, which were worn by Daniel Craig as none other than 007 in Skyfall. Getting the nod of approval from James Bond doesn't come easy, but when you're talking about a pair of trunks that look like your dressiest shorts (check out those side tab adjusters), it just makes sense.

These swim trunks have everything—a belt to secure the waist, a convenient thigh pocket, a foldable and packable design for all your travels—but their trim, tidy exterior hardly shows it.

With two-layer construction and triple seams, these sleek, medium-length swim trunks are trendy, versatile, and ready to take on anything.

Billabong is a swimwear classic, and with its stylish prints and technical construction, there's no question why. These swim trunks are cool and casual and made from a lightweight, quick-drying fabric.

Say "Speedo" and what instantly comes to mind is a banana hammock. Indeed, the brand has become synonymous with really, really short swimwear in a range of colors and made from Olympic-worthy materials. But Speedo also offers styles with five-inch, seven-inch, and even ten-inch inseams. They're all quick drying and stretchy and have built-in UPF protection.