Summer is nearly here, and all roads are leading us to the water, which means you’ll need the best swim trunks to get you through all your beach and poolside adventures. Whether you’re a regular amphibian or you just prefer to wet your feet, quality swimwear is a seasonal essential (best paired with your year-round essential face sunscreen). From surfer-style board shorts to Olympic Speedos, men’s swimwear comes in a wide array of designs and cuts to suit different tastes and body types, which can make suits tricky to shop for.
Below, we’ve tapped experts on how to shop for swim trunks so you can get suited up faster and in the water (in style) in no time.
How to choose the best swim trunks for your body type
At the end of the day, you should wear what makes you feel your best under the sun, but if you’re also looking to pick out the most flattering fit for your body type, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to men’s style. Patrick Kenger, a men’s personal stylist at Pivot Image, suggests that men with a larger build might want to stay away from bold prints. “Instead, opt for solid colors and look for a length around mid-thigh or slightly?longer, as this elongates the legs just enough without showing off too much thigh. Vertical patterns work best for this body shape,” he says.
For more tall or slender body types, Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist Sarah Nearis says it’s all about creating balance. “You want to avoid any length that is too long or too short, and I would avoid a medium fit,” she says. Kenger recommends patterned suits for this body type, which can help balance out proportions. “Choose colors that contrast your skin tone in order to break up your image, creating a horizontal line at the waist. Horizontal patterns work best for this body shape,” he says.
If you have a more athletic or muscular build, Nearis suggests selecting a brief length that accentuates your fit frame and “suits that hit above the knee, and the fit should be form-fitting.”
No matter what kind of body type you have, there are a few key features you should always look for in a suit. “When suggesting swimsuits for clients, we often look for ones with interior lining to prevent chaffing,” says Kenger. He adds that they also suggest clients opt for shorts that are two to four inches above the knee because this creates an elongated look. And like with any clothing you’ll be active in, you’ll want to make sure the fabric has stretch to it. “When shopping for swim trunks/board shorts, the quality of the material is always the first priority,” Nearis says. She adds that you should make sure the fabric isn’t sheer and that you test out the zipper or drawstring.
With these tips in mind, let’s dive into the best men’s swim trunks under $100 — along with briefs and board shorts — recommended by stylists and fashion experts below.
Best swim trunks
The buckle accent gives these tailored trunks a special touch, which makes them suitable to wear for a casual post-swim dinner. "Swim trunk[s] with side adjusters help to elevate the look — just hard to find under $100," says Kenger. So, these are a total score.
These stretchy, quick-drying trunks come in fun, unexpected patterns and get Kenger's stamp of approval.
The classic swim trunk gets a modern upgrade with these drawstring shorts, which are also one of Kenger's picks. They feature a 5-inch inseam, mesh lining and UPF 50 protection.
One of Nearis' picks, this pastel blue suit features a 5.5-inch inseam and elastic waist with four-way stretch lining for optimal comfort.
It's no secret that Abercrombie & Fitch has gone through a major modern revamp recently, but there's a chance you didn't know they've got a cool collection of swim pieces, too. Nearis loves this pair that comes with an athletic mesh compression lining, a relaxed fit, two-way stretch and 7-inch inseam.
While these trunks are just $1 shy of the under-$100 mark, they made Nearis' top picks for a reason. The drawstring waist will give you a more custom fit and the three pockets give you plenty of space to stash items like your sunglasses and a mini sunscreen (don't forget to reapply!) so they're always at the ready. They have a 7-inch inseam if you're looking for a longer length.
Nearis recommends going bold with these preppy color-blocked trunks, which offer medium stretch and are the perfect beach-to-streetwear option. The back pocket features water-draining grommets and it's fast-drying so you won't have to sit in a wet suit for hours.
“I think a 5-inch inseam works for most guys, but the 5.5-inch inseam on these trunks might be ideal for those who want to dip their toe into the shorter shorts trend,” says Nordstrom men’s fashion and editorial director?Jian DeLeon.
Chubbies has become one of the most recognizable casual menswear brands, thanks to social media. These trunks feature a playful shark print (and come in a bunch of other equally fun colors) and are available up to a size XXXL.
Just looking for a basic suit in a classic cut? These lightweight shorts from Open Edit are all you need.
“The North Face takes some inspiration from trail shorts for these belted swim trunks,” DeLeon says, noting that zip pockets make this pair useful on or off the beach.
“Bonobos offers several lengths on their swim trunks, which makes them perfect for guys of all sizes,” says New York-based men’s stylist?Sam Spector. Choose between 5-, 7- and 9-inch inseams.
Adidas also brings its trusted quality and construction into the water with these trunks in its classic three-stripe design.
With its crocodile logo, Lacoste is no stranger to the water. Available in 13 hues, these shorts will make you feel right at home in the water.
Spector likes these shorter shorts with a zippered back pocket, which will keep your valuables safe.
This knee-grazing pair is ideal for transitioning from a walk around town (or even a casual office) to lounging by the pool.
“Leopard print has become pretty common in menswear by now,” DeLeon says. These shorts from Duvin Design are the perfect statement trunk to pair with your favorite white tee for lunch after catching some waves.
Though the brand name is synonymous with its popular brief style, Speedo also makes top-rated trunks in a variety of bold colors, including this pair with a 4-inch inseam.
These shorts from PacSun are made with 100% recycled polyester, and their fun pastel print will let everyone know you’re down for a good time.
Jeremy Kirkland, host of the fashion-focused?“Blamo!” podcast, notes that Patagonia makes some of the best swimwear on the market. “I only wear the 5-inch inseam,” he says. “I promise you, the weirder the pattern, the better!”
Available in tons of colors and prints as well as two different length options, these retro trunks from Bonobos will have you living out your best ’70s surf fantasies.
Available in 5-inch and 7-inch lengths, these streamlined shorts have a zippered pocket for storing valuables and look just as great in or out of the water.
These simple, under-$20 Goodfellow & Co. trunks are top-rated at Target and have UPF 50+ sun protection to help keep more sensitive areas from getting burned.
A classic fit with more coverage, this pair from Old Navy comes with a 7-inch inseam in a variety of prints and colors.
Best board shorts
If you're already a fan of Vuori's workout gear, you'll love their swimwear just as much. These shorts picked by Kenger come in 12 colors, with four-way stretch and a 7.5-inch inseam.
These slimmer shorts come in two lengths and feature a performance fit that's made to move with you, chafe-free seams and a rear pocket with drainage and a key loop. The water-repellent material keeps you dry, too.
For even more coverage, check out these 10-inch board shorts in this sleek striped print. Sizes range from 28 to 50.
“The classic Birdwell Beach Britches are a California staple,” Kirkland says, noting the brand is made in the US.
For a similar feel with double the inseam, Old Navy’s board shorts come at a more modest price point.
Best briefs
You can't go wrong with this classic brief, recommended by Kenger, which comes with an internal drawstring so it stays in place and it comes in multiple colors.
Speedo’s signature cut comes in a variety of prints and offers optimal performance support for the serious swimmer.
Reviewers love this attention-grabbing brief from Todd Sanfield, with one reviewer writing that the suit "shows some skin but won’t rock the boat if you’re by the pool with family" and stays tight without squeezing unflattering areas.
