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Summer is nearly here, and all roads are leading us to the water. 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.
Here are 24 top-rated swimwear picks for men, including our experts’ favorites.
“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.
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.
The gold standard in tried-and-true activewear, Nike also makes top-rated swim trunks.
Adidas also brings its trusted quality and construction into the water with these trunks in its classic three-stripe design.
Grab your best beach towel and pull on these earth-toned colorblocked trunks suited to make a subtle statement.
With its crocodile logo, Lacoste is no stranger to the water. This brightly colored yellow pair will make you feel right at home in the water.
“Leopard print has become pretty common in menswear by now,” DeLeon says. This pair from Boardies comes with built-in party vibes.
For a fanciful aesthetic with more coverage, this pair from Old Navy comes with a 7-inch inseam in a variety of prints, such as these sunflower ones.
For even more coverage, check out these 10-inch board shorts in this sleek colorblock print. Sizes range from 28 to 60.
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.
For a leafy look with slightly more coverage, these Goodfellow & Co trunks are top rated at Target.
This knee-grazing pair is ideal for transitioning from a walk around town (or even a casual office) to lounging by the pool.
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!”
“The classic Birdwell Beach Britches are a California staple,” Kirkland says, noting the brand is made in the US.
Chubbies has become one of the most recognizable casual menswear brands, thanks to social media. These trunks evoke a hazy sunset on the water and are available up to a size XXXL.
For a similar feel with double the inseam, Old Navy’s board shorts come at a more modest price point.
“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.
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.
“I love the color of this Volley trunk, which offers a zippered back pocket” to keep valuables safe, Spector says.
“The Bather marble print is stylish while offering the perfect length inseam for a flattering silhouette,” Spector says.
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.
Speedo’s signature cut comes in a variety of prints and offers optimal performance support for the serious swimmer.
For a brief with more coverage, this pair from Boss looks like a day at sea all on its own.
