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The 23 Best Men's Swim Shorts for Summer 2023

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Quiksilver, Versace, Mack Weldon

It's starting to get close to summer, which means a lot of us are going to be hitting a pool, lake, or beach in about a month or two. That means it's time for another closet/dresser walkthrough. Do us a favor—take a look through your closet and dressers and find the area where you keep your swimwear. Now look at your swim shorts. How long ago did you buy them? If the answer is more than let's just say two years (we're being generous here), then it's time to make an update—especially if you've also been wearing your shorts for workouts and casual wear. While finding some of the best men's swim shorts isn't as tedious as other pieces of clothing, factors such as quality, fabric, length, and fit are still important.

RELATED: The 22 Best American Clothing Brands to Check Out in 2023

Now fellas, we already know that sometimes you guys have the excuse ready of "not being able to find anything," therefore, we've done all the work for you. Below is a list of what we consider to be the best swim shorts for men based on our research and reading dozens of reviews from buyers that were good, bad, and in-between. Not to toot our own horn, we feel like we put together a pretty solid selection that takes into account those reviews we just mentioned, price, design, and quality.

Take a look below.

The Best Men's Swim Shorts, at a Glance

Editor's Pick - Fair Harbor Anchor Men's Shorts, $68

Most Athletic Swim Shorts - Bearbottom Stretch Swim Solid, $45

Best Casual Swim Shorts - Patagonia Men's Funhogger Cotton Shorts, $75

Best Swim Short for Tall Men - Huckberry Wellen Lined Swim Trunks, $88

Most Stretchable Swim Shorts - Wowie Nomad Short 5, $49

Best Tailored Swim Shorts - Spoke Storm Blue Swims, $120

Best Swim Shorts for Surfing - Lululemon Pool Short 7, $78

Best Board Shorts - Mack Weldon Swim Board Short, $98

1. Fair Harbor Anchor Men's Shorts

swim shorts
Fair Harbor

Editor's Pick

  • A Bit About The Brand: Fair Harbor is a brand that puts the priority of waterways and shorelines first and foremost
  • Size(s): S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL | Color(s): Red Stripe Anchor, Earth Day Anchor, Grey Floral Anchor, Light Blue Stripe Anchor, Navy Evergreen Anchor, and 25 others

The objective of Fair Harbor is simple—to give you quality swimwear without damaging the very waterways and shorelines to which we plan on wearing the swimwear to.

While, Fair Harbor has a healthy amount of swim shorts to choose from, The Anchor Short is amongst the most popular as it has an athletic fit, an 8-inch inseam, great fabric, and an array of colors to choose from. There's also a hidden back pocket to store your smaller belonging if need be.

SHOP NOW AT FAIR HARBOR, $68

2. Bearbottom Stretch Swim Solid

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Bearbottom

Most Athletic Swim Shorts

  • A Bit About The Brand: Bearbottom's shorts are built with technical features in mind, along with a prioritization on comfort and being eco-friendly
  • Size(s): S, M, L, XL, XXL | Color(s): Navy, Military Green, Mint, Navy, Black

Bearbottom is a brand that believes in quality, sustainability, and giving back to the community. Their Stretch Swim Short has edgy features such as 4-way-stretch fabric and a DWR water-resistant treatment that helps give you ultimate comfort both in and out of the water.

SHOP NOW AT BEARBOTTOM, $45

3. Patagonia Men's Funhogger Cotton Shorts

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Patagonia

Best Casual Swim Shorts

  • A Bit About The Brand: Patagonia's emphasis on sustainability is pretty unparalleled
  • Size(s): S, M, L, XL, XXL | Color(s): Plume Grey, Classic Tan, Sunfade Pink, Surfboard Yellow, Lago Blue, Undyed Natural

From Patagonia, the Men's Funhoggers are a hybrid pair of shorts that can be worn for swimming or casually. The shorts feature n elasticized waistband for stretch, a 6" inseam, and six different colors that you can mix and match with your wardrobe.

SHOP NOW AT PATAGONIA, $75

4. Huckberry Wellen Lined Swim Trunks

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Huckberry

Best Swim Short for Tall Men

  • A Bit About The Brand: While Huckberry is most known for their trucker jackets and merino tees, the brand does have a few solid swim short options
  • Size(s): S, M, L, XL, XXL | Color(s): Camo Swirl Wave, Coconut Swirl Wave, Blue Wave, Rose Wave, Coconut Palm, and six others

The Huckberry shorts are just in time for the summer seasons as they come in many different tropical-themed designs and patterns, and are built with many helpful features such as having two welt pockets at the hips, and a single patch pocket in the back. There's also a built-in lining to assist with comfort.

SHOP NOW AT HUCKBERRY, $88

5. Wowie Nomad Short

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Wowie

Most Stretchable Swim Shorts

  • A Bit About The Brand: Wowie is a brand that is all about the loud, comfortable, and cultured as it specializes in different types of active and athletic wear
  • Size(s): S, M, L, XL | Color(s): Olive Green

While you're in the process of booking your next vacation, you might want to head over to Wowie to check out their swim short apparel as they are currently having a pre-summer sale. The Nomad Shorts are also a hybrid with the ability to be used for the water, the gym, or the trail, and are a minimalist style that still very much stands out.

SHOP NOW AT WOWIE, $49

6. SPOKE Storm Blue Swims

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SPOKE

Best Tailored Swim Shorts

  • A Bit About The Brand: SPOKE is the place where you can find all of your menswear essentials ranging from trousers to swimshorts
  • Size(s): 28-40 | Color(s): Navy, Cobalt, Storm Blue, Coral, Powder Blue, Coral Stripe, Cobalt Stripe

SPOKE has a few new colorful additions to their swim shorts, which gives you an almost crazy amount of sizing options. What we love most, however, just may be the convenient amount of storage the shorts offer as they have a snap-closed back pocket, and a secure zip compartment for smaller belongings such as credit cards and keycards.

SHOP NOW AT SPOKE, $120

7. Lululemon Pool Short

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Lululemon

Best Swim Shorts for Surfing

  • A Bit About The Brand: Lululemon's quality is superb for athletic wear
  • Size(s): S, M, L, XL | Color(s): Peach Fuzz, Mauve Grey, Dahlia, Mauve, Blue Linen, Blazer Blue Tone

If you want it—go to Lululemon as they will almost always have it. The Lululemon Pool Shorts are made with a breathable mesh fabric, and a stream-lined 7" fit to give your glutes and thighs some extra breathing room.

SHOP NOW AT LULULEMON, $78

8. Mack Weldon Swim Board Short

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Mack Weldon

Best Board Shorts

  • A Bit About The Brand: Mack Weldon is a menswear brand that centers around the basics, with a slightly upscale touch
  • Size(s): 29-43 | Color(s): Wave Runner Cabana Stripe, Orange Spark Pulse Stripe, Waterslide Pulse Stripe, Steel Frond, Riptide Wavecrest, No Fear Red, Total Eclipse Whirlpool

If you need a pair of shorts to hit the waves in, look no further than Mack Weldon which has their performance-designed Board Shorts. The inseam length is 8.75, and the shorts have four-way stretch, zip front and back pockets, and some interesting colors available to select from.

SHOP NOW AT MACK WELDON, $98

9. Speedo Marina Volley

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Speedo
  • A Bit About The Brand: Swimwear is synonymous with Speedo
  • Size(s): S, M, L, XL, XXL | Color(s): Black/White, Heather/Blue, Nautical Navy

Swimwear doesn't go without Speedo as they are one of what we call the "tired and true go-to's." Created for both athletes and casual swimmers, the enhanced fabric of the shorts are built to protect you from the sun, which is a cool feature that isn't present on all swim shorts.

SHOP NOW AT SPEEDO, $42

10. Vuori Cruise Boardshort

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Vuori
  • A Bit About The Brand: Vuori is a brand that pushes performance apparel, fitness, sport, and art
  • Size(s): 28-38 | Color(s): Ink Hydrangea, Sagebrush Wave Stripe, Caramel Slub, Chesnut Wave Stripe, Dark Penny Linen Texture Block, and eight more.

When it comes to performance sportswear, Vuori is one of the best in the game, and that includes their swim shorts. We personally love how sustainable the shorts are as they made with 45% recycled polyester, 45% polyester, and 10% elastane.

SHOP NOW AT VUORI, $74

11. Todd Snyder 5" Montauk Swim Short

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Todd Snyder
  • A Bit About The Brand: Todd Snyder is truly a one-stop shop as they consider themselves the style experts for the modern gentleman
  • Size(s): S, M, L, XL, XXL | Color(s): Amalfi Floral, Classic Navy, Pitch Black, Aquatic Abstract, Maze Print, and seven others

Todd Snyder is an interesting balance between luxury and non-luxury as their pieces are definitely luxury quality, but for the most part you aren't paying luxury prices. The Montauk 5" Swim Shorts are a stylish and eco-friendly choice from the brand to consider for this summer.

SHOP NOW AT TODD SNYDER, $128

12. Versace Men's Greca Shorts

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Neiman Marcus
  • A Bit About The Brand: While Versace is known for their exquisite ready-to-wear clothing, don't sleep on their swimwear!
  • Size(s): S, M, L, XL | Color(s): Black/Gold Greek, Bluette Gold

Versace, Versace, Versace. If you are in a luxury mood this summer, the brand's Men's Greca Shorts might be the route to go to make a splash. Get it? Make a splash? Yeah we know, don't quit our day jobs.

SHOP NOW AT NEIMAN MARCUS, $375

13. Polo Ralph Lauren Traveler Swim Trunks

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Nordston
  • A Bit About The Brand: Ralph Lauren is a fashion empire consisting of multiple brands
  • Size(s): XS, S, XL | Color(s): Harbour Island Blue

The Polo Ralph Lauren Traveler Shorts have been a frequent bestseller for the brand as they are stylish, comfortable, and not too pricey compared to other swim shorts.

SHOP NOW AT NORDSTROM, $59

14. Bonobos Throwback Swim Shorts

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Bonobos
  • A Bit About The Brand: Bonobos is a New York City-based company that sells an assortment of menswear
  • Size(s): XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Color(s): Jet Black, Dusty Jade Green, Shark Blue, Aqua Vertical Birdicals, Spring Navy Peach Floral, Party Punch, Imposter Syndrome Embroidery, Blue Mist, Spring Navy Peach Floral, Abstract Watermelon Geo, Classic Blue Geo Bird, Nautical Narwhal, Coral Skiing Tiger

Bonobos has some new retro styles in which are classified as being "colorful trunks with a shorter, curved hem, just like your dad used to wear." In this case, that's definitely a good thing.

SHOP NOW AT BONOBOS, $89

15. Abercrombie & Fitch Men's Pull-On Swim Short

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Abercrombie & Fitch
  • A Bit About The Brand: Abercrombie & Fitch is once again a fixture amongst young adults as they offer apparel and accessories for men, women, and kids
  • Size(s): XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Color(s): Teal, Blue Tile Print, Green Stripe, Blue Stripe, Light and Blue White Stripe, and seventeen others

With the re-emergence of Y2k trends, it should be no surprise that Abercrombie & Fitch is one of the hot spots to shop again. The brand has always been known for their West Coast beachwear vibes, and their Men's Pull-On Swim Trunk is one of our favorites.

SHOP NOW AT ABERCROMBIE & FITCH, $60

16. Quiksilver Highlight Scallop 19" Boardshorts

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Quiksilver
  • A Bit About The Brand: Quiksilver is a surf brand that has been delivering quality products to surfers of all levels for over fifty years
  • Size(s): 28-40 | Color(s): Birch, Black, Four Leaf Clover, Tarmac, Thyme, Maroccan Blue, and seven others

Whether you are a professional surfer or not, Quiksilver is a brand that has been delivering quality products in water gear for 54 years. Their Highlite Scallop 19" are eco-friendly with four-way stretch fabric, while still giving performance ability if indeed you choose to hit the waves.

SHOP NOW AT QUIKSILVER, $65

17. Duvin Design Cheetah Disco Swim Short

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Duvin Design
  • A Bit About The Brand: Duvin Design is a slightly retro but still modern brand that offers some of the best beachwear in the game
  • Size(s): 27-38 | Color(s): Disco Print Cheetah, Zebra Disco Print, Blue Disco Swim Short, Marble Disco Swim Short

Duvin Design has recently started offering a new-and-improved boxer-brief fit liner option amongst their swim shorts, which is something to take note of if it's been a while since your last purchase. The reviews are great and the designs are stellar, making Duvin another one to watch in the world of swimwear.

SHOP NOW AT DUVIN DESIGN, $68.50

18. RVCA Eastern Board Shorts

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RVCA
  • A Bit About The Brand: RVCA is a brand that focuses on transcending the boundaries of traditional action sports apparel
  • Size(s): 28-38 | Color(s): Woodland Camo, All Black, Moody Blue, Floral Multi, New Navy

RVCA's swim shorts are just a little bit longer than your average men's swim short, which is something to take note of if you are specifically looking for a longer short. The adjustable drawcord, scalloped hem, and side patch pocket are all features that stand out on the Eastern Boardshorts, and there are plenty more shorts to choose on RVCA if something else catches your attention.

SHOP NOW AT RVCA, $56

19. Nike Essential Men's Swim Short

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Nike
  • A Bit About The Brand: Nike is a global athletic retailers that specializes in men's, women's, unixex, and kids clothing
  • Size(s): 28-38 | Color(s): Moss, Green Abyss, Black

While Nike might seem like an obvious choice, it really is a great place to get performance swimwear that is functional and durable. The Men's Essential Shorts are a great pickup for the beach and pool.

SHOP AT NIKE, $64

20. Nautica Print Quick Dry Shorts

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Nautica
  • A Bit About The Brand: Nautica is a global lifestyle brand that offers apparel for men, women, and children
  • Size(s): S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL | Color(s): Nautica Red, Orchid Pink, Light Olive, Blazing Yellow, True Navy, Navy

You probably won't find a better price than $25 for "name brand swim shorts" on the market, and for the super affordable price you still get a number of quality features such as the quick-fry fabric, the longer inseam, and the side-seam pockets.

SHOP NOW AT NAUTICA, $24.99

21. Ten Thousand Set Short

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Ten Thousand
  • A Bit About The Brand: Ten Thousand is the place to go for the ultimate training gear
  • Size(s): S, M, L, XL, XXL | Color(s): Sand, Navy, Black

If you are an athlete and plan on doing some water workouts in the near future, Ten Thousand is the way to go as they are chlorine and salt-water resistant to ensure long-term durability, built with four-way stretch for an extended range of motion, and lightweight for flawless movement.

SHOP NOW AT TEN THOUSAND, $78

22. Outerknown Apex Trunks

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Outerknown
  • A Bit About The Brand: Outerknown is a sustainable brand that hones in on design, quality, and material
  • Size(s): 28-38 | Color(s): Heather Navy, Pacific Surfature, Phantom Block, Heather Grenadine, Bright Black, and seven others

Made with 100% post-consumer waste (I.E. plastic bottles), Outerknown's Apex Trunks are personally developed and tested by 11x World Champion Kelly Slater, bringing an elevated level to the technical features of performance swim shorts.

SHOP NOW AT OUTERKNOWN, $145

23. Orlebar Brown Men's Swim Shorts

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Orlebar Brown

A Bit About The Brand: Orlebar Brown is a British clothing brand that specializes in men's swim shorts
Size(s): 28-40 | Color(s): Navy, Rescue Red, Black, Crystal Sea, Beacon, Shadow, White, Riviera II, Camellia II

At first glance Orlebar Brown's swim shorts actually look like slightly formal shorts that you would wear on a date or summer work event due to the fabric and adjustable side fasteners, but these are very well swim shorts people. An eco-friendly one that, and we'd venture to say that they are fancy enough to be worn outside of a pool/beach setting if you wish.

SHOP NOW AT ORLEBAR BROWN, $295

A Swim Shorts Buying Guide:

At the beginning of this article we mentioned some things that you should be on the lookout for when identifying some of the best men's swim shorts. Let's get into a little more detail shall we?

Material: The material and overall fabric of swim shorts are important as the shorts need to be lightweight to not wear you down while swimming. On the flip side, quick drying shorts are most preferable (at least in our opinion) because you don't want to cause a watery mess as you're leaving wherever it is you are coming from (and definitely not in the car). Some of the best fabrics to look out for when choosing swim shorts are nylon and polyester, as both are lightweight and quick drying. You'll want to avoid cotton if possible as water is known to make it heavy, and it takes a long time to dry.

Inseam: Inseam lengths are another detail to pay attention to as longer inseams seam to be best suited for taller people (and vice versa for shorter folks). Shorter men should aim for an inseam between 4" and 5." Average-height men should aim between 5.5" and 6.5." For taller men, shorts with inseams 7" and over are recommended.

Waist: Most men's swim shorts come with either an adjustable drawcord or elastic waistband, but if you need help figuring out your waist size when it comes to swim shorts, you can measure your waist (take the measurements of one of your old swim shorts).

Liner: Do swim shorts need a liner? Not necessarily, but it does help with comfort as without a liner the shorts will cling to your skin. Liners also help for a quicker drying time as well. Just a couple of things to consider when searching for your swim shorts.

If you are looking for some cool brands to discover, check out our list of best American brands here.

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