Many of the experts we spoke to mentioned that you want to be sure your trunks aren’t too tight or too loose. For swim trunks, one of the most important measurements is the inseam length, which can range from shorter three- and four-inch inseams that will show the most thigh, to a mid-range five-inch inseam (the average), to longer seven-inch and even nine-inch inseams that will hit closer to, or even below, your knee. Sizing: We always look for clothing that comes in a wide range of sizes to fit a wide range of people. You also want to look for stretchiness in the fabric that will “allow you all the movement that you need for surfing or wherever your adventures take you,” says Moore. Cotton also takes longer to dry, even in the sun. If you’ve ever gotten jeans wet, he says, you know that cotton becomes superheavy and restricts your movement. “You can wear cotton in the water, but it’s gonna pull you down,” says Moore. Moore says that synthetics like recycled polyester, spandex, or nylon are perfect for swim trunks because they are better at repelling water and drying off faster. So we spoke with stylists, designers, athletes, beach fanatics, and a surfer and asked them to recommend the best water-ready swim trunks for men.īest overall | Best for taller people | Best shorter-inseam | Best super-short-inseam | Best performance | Best for surfing | Best stretch | Best tailored-fit | Best (less expensive) tailored-fit | Best patterned | Best with extra pockets | Best alternative-fabricįabric: With swim trunks, you want materials that are lightweight when wet and quick-drying once you’re out of the water. You essentially want trunks that can perform well in the water and dry quickly once you’re on land, as there’s nothing worse than a pair that looks like a wet rag hanging off your waist.
John Moore, the co-founder and creative director of the swimwear brand Outerknown, emphasized the importance of finding proper swim trunks that are “water ready,” even if they may not look like it on the surface. “Gone are the days of over-the-top, crazy vacation-print board shorts,” says stylist Piper Gore, who suggests trying a pair that is a bit shorter and more fitted.
Whether you want simple swim trunks to wear to the beach, performance trunks for surfing or swimming laps, or something that will look extra-sharp at a rooftop pool, now would be a good time to upgrade your swim attire. Some vintage-swim-trunks inspiration, courtesy of Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate.