The 13 Best Swimsuits for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Vuori Banks Short

$54 at REI $68 at Nordstrom $68 at Vuoriclothing.com

During our tests, this versatile suit felt like a swimsuit-shorts hybrid, featuring high-quality materials that will likely last a long time. Indeed, versatility and quality design are the names of the game with California-based Vuori, which has quickly become a favorite of the athleisure world in recent years for its comfy joggers and versatile T-shirts. These swim shorts are no exception — they are soft, comfortable, and feature practical details such as a drawstring waist, a small zippered pocket for keys, and a scalloped edge that appears flattering on any leg. They are unlined and also dry relatively quickly, so they’re a great option if you’re looking for one-and-done bottoms to wear all day long without having to change in and out of a suit. The Banks Short is designed in the brand’s “VCycled” fabric, made from four to five recycled plastic bottles each.

The only thing to consider is that the fit is somewhat on the longer side when you opt for the 7.5-inch inseam that we tested. Our team member who tried this pair noted that on guys under five-foot-nine inches tall, these might be a little too long, but they can be purchased with a five-inch inseam if that's the case. Once you get the length figured out, they’re a pretty much perfect pair of shorts that will serve you well, whether you’re hanging ten in California, looking for something to wear straight from the beach to a seaside lunch in Positano, or packing for an Icelandic getaway.

The Details: XS-XXL | 5- and 7.5-inch inseam options | 44 percent recycled polyester, 44 percent polyester, 12 percent elastane | Unlined

Best Quick-dry

L.L.Bean Men's Classic Supplex Sport Shorts

$30 at L.L. Bean

Most swimsuits are a blend of polyester and nylon — but when you choose something that’s 100 percent nylon such as this quintessential option from New England icon L.L.Bean, you’ll watch as water just rolls off, drying in minutes. We love the old-school, pared-down design aesthetic of this pair — something low-key enough to wear all day long for weekends by the lake or sunny beach days. They’re made from a three-ply Supplex fabric that is lightweight and breathable and feature comfortable built-in mesh briefs for support. This suit also offers UPF 50+ protection which blocks over 97 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays, making it a protective option for the sunniest days. Overall, our team member praised this swimsuit for its comfort, its light weight, and its affordable price point.

The Details: S-3XL | 6-inch inseam | 100 percent nylon | Lined 

Most Versatile

Patagonia Men's Baggies Shorts

$41 at REI $65 at Backcountry $65 at Dicks Sporting Goods

“Everything about these shorts was super comfortable,” our team member gushed, even if the length was a little shorter than he was typically used to. A five-inch inseam isn’t for everyone, but the overall old-school look and feel of these shorts make them a foolproof choice. Otherwise, the drawstring felt well-made and secure and the waistband was stretchy. These shorts were mostly dry in under twenty minutes and completely dry overnight — making them a versatile style that you can wear all day long as you go between wet and dry environments, outdoor activities, and water sports. Plus, being from eco-conscious brand Patagonia, it’s worth pointing out that they are made from recycled fishing nets — so the low carbon footprint makes them a compelling purchase for those who value sustainability. 

The Details: XS-XXL | 5-inch inseam | 100 percent nylon | Lined 

Most Comfortable

Southern Tide Solid Swim Trunk

$45 at Amazon $98 at Southerntide.com View on Theluckyknotmens.com

Guys from coast to coast (not just in the South!) love Southern Tide for its punchy colors and functional pieces. The six-inch inseam on these trunks seems to hit that perfect mark of not-too-short but not-too-long, and they features a micromesh brief liner that we found very comfortable (and you can easily cut it out if you prefer your trunks linerless). Rubber drainage outlets on the back ensure water doesn’t get clogged up in the pockets, though we did notice it took a while to dry. This style packs neatly into its own back pocket, making it a fantastic swimsuit for any and all trips, whether you’re tossing it in a tote for an afternoon at your local beach or stowing it away in your carry-on for more exotic journeys. Though we love the bright colors, there are only four solid options to choose from.

The Details: X-XXL | 6-inch inseam | 52 percent polyester, 38 percent recycled polyester, 10 percent spandex | Lined 

Most Stylish

J.Crew Stretch Swim Trunk

$45 at Amazon View on Jcrew.com

J.Crew is synonymous with timeless fashion, and these swim trunks are no exception. We loved the design options, many of which were minimalistic with subtle accents that make the suit a great standalone piece. Our team member, who wore these to a bachelor party that included beach and pool access, noted that they would have felt comfortable wearing these to a beachside restaurant paired with a white tee. Style features aside, these trunks were plenty breathable and featured a six-inch inseam that allowed for movement on the beach and around the pool. We did find that these rode up a bit when getting in and out of the water, but never felt like they were going to fall down, even without tying the waistband strings. Overall, we felt that these were a solid set of trunks that we'd be happy to wear at pretty much any water-related activity.

The Details: XS-XXL | 6-inch inseam | 57 percent recycled nylon, 39 percent polyamide, 4 percent elastane | Lined

Most Durable

Mack Weldon Swim Trunk

View on Mackweldon.com

If you're surfing, playing beach volleyball, or doing another intense activity, you want a pair of swim trunks that will stand up to your environment. We applauded this suit by Mack Weldon for its durable material that felt thick and solid. We wore these in a pool and while swimming in the ocean and felt comfortable in both situations, noting that these dried quickly after wear. We liked the inner lining that didn't feel restrictive, and felt the six-inch inseam gave enough room to move around without feeling too revealing. The suit runs slightly on the larger side but ties at the waist with an adjustable drawstring for the perfect fit. We found that these ballooned up in water when getting in, which was a little annoying but could be fixed by simply pushing the suit into the water to get the air out.

The Details: S-XXL | 6-inch inseam | 96 percent polyester, 4 percent spandex | Lined

Best for Water Sports

lululemon Pool Short

$78 at Lululemon

Water sports demand a higher level of performance than the average swimsuit — you’ll need a waistband that doesn’t budge and a leg that offers coverage while simultaneously allowing freedom of movement. After testing this Lululemon pair, we found that it offers both. We tested the five-inch inseam, but customers can also get a 7-inch inseam for a little more coverage. It has a higher degree of stretch than the average swimsuit, thanks to a higher percentage of elastane woven throughout. This suit offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to hit the reef and snorkel, followed by swimming up to the hotel bar for a Piña Colada.

The Details: XS-XXL | 5- and 7-inch inseam options | 89 percent recycled polyester, 11 percent elastane | Lined 

Best Resort Wear

Bearbottom Stretch Swim Short

$45 at Bearbottomclothing.com

“Resort wear” pieces of clothing lend themselves to being worn all day at a resort — so you can wear a single outfit without needing to go back and forth to your room to change multiple times. If that sounds appealing to you and to your upcoming travel plans, consider this Bearbottom Stretch Swim suit. We thought it was stretchy and comfortable enough to wear for hours, and it dried in minutes after we got out of the water. It’s made from recycled materials for a smaller environmental impact and comes in a number of bright colors and fun prints that are perfect for your next trip. 

The Details: S-XXL | 5.5- and 7-inch inseam options | 90 percent recycled polyester, 10 percent spandex | Lined

Best for Surfing

Bather Surf Shorts

$100 at Bather.com

Surfers require a higher degree of functionality from their swimwear than the average Joe: they’re paddling, kicking, hopping on and off of boards, and changing their stance on short notice. We thought these Bather surf shorts were just long enough for adequate coverage, but the trim fit takes excess fabric out of the equation. No detail was overlooked, either. We appreciated that the drawstring perfectly matches the tone of the fabric, though we wish the shorts were available in more than one color. Still, they're breathable, and they feature a 3M reflective label for added visibility while you’re hanging ten. Keep in mind that the fit runs slim.

The Details: Sizes 28-38 | 6.5-inch inseam | 92 percent recycled polyester, 8 percent elastane | Unlined  

Best Long

Fair Harbor The Anchor

$70 at Amazon $68 at Nordstrom $68 at Fairharborclothing.com

Some guys simply prefer the coverage of a longer inseam — especially taller guys. The eight-inch inseam on this Fair Harbor style we tested feels right, offering plenty of coverage without feeling overly long or old-fashioned. We thought the fit was just right, with a trim leg that most guys will find flattering. Those who prefer things a little shorter can opt for the six-inch inseam while anyone who wants more coverage can get these even longer with a 10-inch inseam.

This pair also has a few features that make it stand out, including a durable, water-repellent fabric that dries quickly, crafted in a four-way stretch that is comfortable yet keeps things moving. We noticed that the inner brief lining takes some time to dry off, whereas the exterior dries off in just minutes — but overall, this one makes a reliable choice for those looking for a little more coverage.

The Details: S-3XL | 6-, 8-, and 10-inch inseam options | 88 percent recycled polyester, 12 percent spandex | Lined  

Best Splurge

Orlebar Brown Bulldog Mid-Length Swim Shorts

View on Orlebarbrown.com $275 at Mrporter.com

Orlebar Brown has long been the standard for high-quality swimwear that you can wear all day, from beach to boat and beyond. The unique polyamide fabric has a sleek feel that resists sun- and chlorine-related fading, looks upscale, and dries in a jiffy. We loved the darts this style has down the back for a more tailored silhouette that’s pretty universally flattering. Many guys might find a five-inch inseam a little too revealing, so if you’re curious about trying shorter swim suits, the six-inch inseam on this style is a much easier place to start. It also comes with a drawstring bag in matte stretch polyester so you can pack this swim suit up and bring it along for all your travels. 

The Details: Sizes 28-40 | 6-inch inseam | 100 percent polyamide | Lined

Best Patterns

Birddogs Inner Banks Bathing Suit

View on Birddogs.com

Birddogs, known mostly for its athletic shorts with built-in liners, offers a number of swimsuits in fantastically colorful and patterned options that capture all the joy of getting outside in the summer months. But it’s not just about style with this pair — it’s also about function. “It’s what I’m looking for in a swimsuit,” is how our team member summarized his thoughts on this pair. “It performed well and did its job. It was comfortable and I could move around easily. I could run in it. I don’t have to worry about it going anywhere.” It also comes with a compression-style liner — which is neither good nor bad, but depends on your personal preference. We tested the seven-inch inseam, but you can also purchase it with a six-inch or nine-inch inseam as well.

The Details: S-3XL | 6-, 7-, and 9-inch inseam options | 95 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex | Lined

Best Lightweight

Silkworld Men's Quick-Dry Swim Trunks

$26 $24 at Amazon

Keep it simple. If you’re looking for something versatile and lightweight you can wear all day long in the sun, this suit is a great option — and it’s budget-friendly. The lightweight fabric dries in a flash and is a natural option for hotter climates, but we did feel a bit concerned that it was so soft it could easily rip, like if you were sitting on a rocky beach or if it got caught on a branch. For this price, however, you won’t find a softer, more comfortable swimsuit. 

The Details: XS-3XL | 5-inch inseam | 100 percent nylon | Lined