FIT FITNESS & OUTDOORS

Best Swim Trunks for Men of 2026

The best swim trunks for men in 2026 are the Chubbies Classic Lined 5.5" Swim Trunks. We tested and compared the top men's swim trunks of 2026, from premium surf boardshorts to budget-friendly quick-dry shorts with compression liners. These 10 swim trunks deliver the best combination of comfort, durability, and style for the pool, beach, and everything in between.

By WiseBuyAI Editorial Team•Updated April 10, 2026•10 Products Reviewed

OUR #1 PICK

Chubbies Classic Lined 5.5" Swim Trunks

The Chubbies Classic Lined 5.5" Swim Trunks hit the sweet spot between retro style and modern performance that most men are looking for.

OUR TOP PICKS

#1

Chubbies Classic Lined 5.5" Swim Trunks

$59.50
SEE PRICE
#2

Patagonia Men's Baggies Shorts 5"

$55.00
SEE PRICE
#3

maamgic Men's Swim Trunks 5" with Compression Liner

$25.99
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Quick Comparison

#ProductBadgeRatingPriceVerdict
1Chubbies Classic Lined 5.5" Swim TrunksTOP PICK4.6/5$59.50The Chubbies Classic Lined 5.5" Swim Trunks hit the sweet spot between retro style and modern performance that most m...
2Patagonia Men's Baggies Shorts 5"RUNNER UP4.7/5$55.00The Patagonia Baggies have been a warm-weather staple since 1982, and the latest version proves why they have earned ...
3maamgic Men's Swim Trunks 5" with Compression LinerBEST VALUE4.4/5$25.99The maamgic 5-inch swim trunks punch well above their price point with a built-in compression liner that rivals trunk...
4Birdwell Men's 310 Boardshorts4.5/5$125.00The Birdwell 310 is the boardshort equivalent of buying a cast-iron skillet: expensive up front, but it will outlast ...
5SILKWORLD Men's Swim Trunks with Compression Liner 9"4.3/5$23.99The SILKWORLD 9-inch swim trunks are ideal for men who prefer a longer, more coverage-oriented fit without sacrificin...
6Quiksilver Men's Everyday Volley 17" Swim Shorts4.4/5$40.00Quiksilver has been a pillar of surf culture for over fifty years, and the Everyday Volley shorts distill that herita...
7O'Neill Men's 21" Solid Boardshorts4.3/5$39.95The O'Neill Solid Boardshorts are a no-nonsense performance boardshort built for men who actually surf and need gear ...
8Third Wave Swim Trunks with Compression Liner 5"4.5/5$34.95Third Wave has built a loyal following among gym-goers and CrossFit athletes who want swim trunks that double as work...
9Hurley Men's Phantom Boardshort 20"4.4/5$50.00The Hurley Phantom line practically invented the modern performance boardshort, and the current 20-inch version conti...
10Saxx Cannonball 2N1 Swim Shorts 7"4.3/5$64.00Saxx built its reputation on premium men's underwear, and the Cannonball 2N1 brings their signature BallPark Pouch te...

FULL RANKINGS

TOP PICK
#1WiseBuy #1 Pick
Chubbies Classic Lined 5.5" Swim Trunks - image 11/4

Chubbies Classic Lined 5.5" Swim Trunks

4.6(8,500)
$59.50

The Chubbies Classic Lined 5.5" Swim Trunks hit the sweet spot between retro style and modern performance that most men are looking for. The 4-way stretch fabric moves with you whether you are bodysurfing or playing beach volleyball, and the built-in boxer brief liner eliminates the need for separate underwear. During our pool and ocean testing, these dried noticeably faster than most lined trunks and the elastic drawstring waistband stayed locked in through diving and swimming laps. If you want one pair of trunks that works for everything from resort pools to backyard barbecues, these are the ones to get.

Pros

  • 4-way stretch fabric with built-in boxer brief liner for all-day comfort
  • Quick-dry material that sheds water faster than most lined trunks
  • UPF 50+ sun protection built into the fabric
  • Fun prints and colors without looking over the top

Cons

  • Premium price point compared to budget swim trunks
  • 5.5-inch inseam may feel short for taller men over 6 feet
  • Limited solid color options in this specific model
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
RUNNER UP
#2
Patagonia Men's Baggies Shorts 5" - image 11/2

Patagonia Men's Baggies Shorts 5"

4.7(15,200)
$55.00

The Patagonia Baggies have been a warm-weather staple since 1982, and the latest version proves why they have earned cult status among outdoors enthusiasts. Made from 100% recycled nylon with a DWR finish, they repel water on first contact and dry remarkably fast after a full submersion. We wore these hiking to a swimming hole and they transitioned from trail shorts to swim trunks without missing a beat. The internal mesh liner provides enough support for casual swimming, though serious lap swimmers may want a compression liner option.

Pros

  • Made from 100% recycled nylon with DWR water-repellent finish
  • Versatile enough to wear as both hiking shorts and swim trunks
  • Elastic waistband with internal drawcord for a secure fit
  • Legendary durability backed by Patagonia's Ironclad Guarantee

Cons

  • Mesh liner is basic and not as supportive as compression options
  • Relaxed fit can billow underwater during active swimming
  • Only one rear pocket with no zippered options for securing valuables
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
BEST VALUE
#3
maamgic Men's Swim Trunks 5" with Compression Liner - image 11/5

maamgic Men's Swim Trunks 5" with Compression Liner

4.4(22,000)
$25.99

The maamgic 5-inch swim trunks punch well above their price point with a built-in compression liner that rivals trunks costing three times as much. The liner eliminates chafing entirely and the zippered pockets keep your phone and keys secure through cannonballs and wave-jumping. During our beach testing, the quick-dry fabric was noticeably damp for only about 15 minutes after getting out of the water. For under thirty dollars, you get the same compression liner technology and stretch fabric that premium brands charge sixty or seventy dollars for.

Pros

  • Built-in compression liner prevents chafing at a budget price
  • Zippered side pockets secure phone and valuables during water activities
  • Quick-dry stretch fabric feels comfortable in and out of the water
  • Huge selection of colors and patterns available

Cons

  • Compression liner adds drying time compared to mesh-lined trunks
  • Elastic waistband can feel tight if you size based on normal shorts
  • Fabric quality is good but not as premium-feeling as Chubbies or Patagonia
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#4
Birdwell Men's 310 Boardshorts - image 11/2

Birdwell Men's 310 Boardshorts

4.5(1,200)
$125.00

The Birdwell 310 is the boardshort equivalent of buying a cast-iron skillet: expensive up front, but it will outlast everything else you own. Hand-cut and sewn in Santa Ana, California since 1961, these shorts use SurfNyl fabric with double- and triple-stitched seams that genuinely hold up for years of hard saltwater use. We dragged these across reef breaks and rough pool decks and found zero signs of abrasion or fraying. The button fly and classic cut are old-school by design, which is exactly the point for surfers and beachgoers who value heritage craftsmanship.

Pros

  • Handmade in the USA with SurfNyl fabric built to last for years
  • Double and triple-stitched seams resist abrasion from reef and rocks
  • Classic surf heritage design that never goes out of style
  • Signature wax pocket with key loop and drain hole

Cons

  • Premium price at $125 is significantly more than most swim trunks
  • No stretch or spandex blend so movement feels stiffer than modern fabrics
  • Button fly instead of elastic waistband takes longer to get on and off
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#5
SILKWORLD Men's Swim Trunks with Compression Liner 9" - image 11/5

SILKWORLD Men's Swim Trunks with Compression Liner 9"

4.3(18,500)
$23.99

The SILKWORLD 9-inch swim trunks are ideal for men who prefer a longer, more coverage-oriented fit without sacrificing the compression liner comfort that shorter trunks offer. The stretch fabric and built-in boxer brief liner work together to eliminate chafing on long beach days, and the zippered cargo pockets add genuine utility for carrying a phone or wallet. During our testing, the waistband held securely through wave jumping and the fabric dried in about 20 minutes in direct sun. These are an excellent choice for men who find 5-inch trunks too revealing.

Pros

  • 9-inch inseam provides more coverage for men who prefer a longer fit
  • Compression liner with stretch fabric eliminates chafing during activity
  • Zippered cargo pockets keep valuables secure in the water
  • Very affordable price for the feature set

Cons

  • Longer inseam can feel heavy and drag slightly when waterlogged
  • Cargo pocket styling looks more casual than streamlined swim trunks
  • Sizing runs slightly small so consider ordering one size up
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#6
Quiksilver Men's Everyday Volley 17" Swim Shorts - image 11/5

Quiksilver Men's Everyday Volley 17" Swim Shorts

4.4(6,800)
$40.00

Quiksilver has been a pillar of surf culture for over fifty years, and the Everyday Volley shorts distill that heritage into an accessible, everyday swim trunk. The elastic waistband and relaxed fit make these easy to pull on over a wetsuit or throw on for a quick beach run, and the quick-dry fabric sheds water faster than most trunks in this price range. We found the side-entry pockets stayed sealed surprisingly well during bodysurfing. These are a solid middle ground between premium surf brands and budget Amazon options.

Pros

  • Trusted surf heritage brand with decades of water-sports credibility
  • Elastic waistband with drawcord for easy on-off over wetsuits
  • Quick-dry recycled polyester fabric is lightweight and comfortable
  • Moderate price point for a premium surf brand

Cons

  • Mesh liner only, no compression option available
  • 17-inch outseam hits at or below the knee which may feel long
  • Pockets are not zippered so valuables can slip out in waves
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#7
O'Neill Men's 21" Solid Boardshorts - image 11/4

O'Neill Men's 21" Solid Boardshorts

4.3(4,500)
$39.95

The O'Neill Solid Boardshorts are a no-nonsense performance boardshort built for men who actually surf and need gear that can handle saltwater, sand, and sun day after day. The Hyperfreak stretch fabric provides impressive four-way mobility, and the water-resistant coating keeps the shorts from getting waterlogged during extended sessions. We noticed the flat-lock stitching prevented the inner-thigh irritation that cheaper boardshorts often cause after a few hours in the water. These are a reliable workhorse for surfers and water-sports enthusiasts who want clean, solid-color versatility.

Pros

  • Hyperfreak stretch fabric provides excellent four-way mobility in the water
  • Water-resistant coating prevents the heavy waterlogged feeling
  • Flat-lock stitching eliminates chafing during extended surf sessions
  • Clean solid-color design works for surfing and casual wear

Cons

  • 21-inch outseam is long and may look baggy on shorter men
  • No built-in liner so you need to wear underwear or a jammer underneath
  • Button fly closure is slower than elastic pull-on designs
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#8
Third Wave Swim Trunks with Compression Liner 5" - image 11/5

Third Wave Swim Trunks with Compression Liner 5"

4.5(9,200)
$34.95

Third Wave has built a loyal following among gym-goers and CrossFit athletes who want swim trunks that double as workout shorts, and these 5-inch compression-lined trunks deliver exactly that. The stretch boxer brief liner includes a secure side pocket that keeps your phone snug against your thigh during sprints and burpees, and the quick-dry outer shell handles transitions from pool to weight room without changing. We found the fit slightly more athletic and tapered than maamgic or SILKWORLD, which is a plus if you have a muscular build. The back zipper pocket is a thoughtful touch for securing a car key.

Pros

  • Compression liner with phone pocket works for both swimming and gym workouts
  • Athletic tapered fit flatters muscular builds without feeling restrictive
  • Quick-dry fabric transitions seamlessly from pool to workout
  • Back zipper pocket secures keys and cards

Cons

  • Liner pocket adds slight bulk on the thigh when carrying a large phone
  • Limited color and pattern selection compared to bigger brands
  • Compression liner means longer dry time than mesh-lined alternatives
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#9
Hurley Men's Phantom Boardshort 20" - image 11/2

Hurley Men's Phantom Boardshort 20"

4.4(3,800)
$50.00

The Hurley Phantom line practically invented the modern performance boardshort, and the current 20-inch version continues that legacy with some of the stretchiest, lightest fabric in the category. These feel almost like wearing nothing in the water, which is a massive advantage for surfing, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding. We tested these through repeated salt and chlorine exposure and the colors held up well without fading. The flat welded seams and seamless construction create a second-skin feel that dedicated water athletes will appreciate, even if the premium price gives casual swimmers pause.

Pros

  • Ultra-lightweight stretch fabric feels almost weightless in water
  • Flat welded seams create a smooth, chafe-free second-skin fit
  • Colors resist fading through repeated saltwater and chlorine exposure
  • Legacy surf brand with proven performance credentials

Cons

  • No liner included so a separate underlayer is recommended
  • Premium price for a single pair of boardshorts
  • 20-inch outseam may be too long for men who prefer above-knee styles
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
#10
Saxx Cannonball 2N1 Swim Shorts 7" - image 11/5

Saxx Cannonball 2N1 Swim Shorts 7"

4.3(2,600)
$64.00

Saxx built its reputation on premium men's underwear, and the Cannonball 2N1 brings their signature BallPark Pouch technology into a swim trunk for the first time. The internal mesh liner cradles and supports in a way that no generic compression liner can match, and men who are already fans of Saxx underwear will feel immediately at home. We found these to be the most comfortable trunks on this list for extended wear, particularly during full-day pool parties or beach vacations where you are in and out of the water for hours. The downside is the premium price, but the comfort is genuinely unmatched.

Pros

  • Signature BallPark Pouch liner provides unmatched support and comfort
  • Premium fabric and construction quality feel noticeably upscale
  • 7-inch inseam hits a versatile mid-thigh length for most builds
  • Ideal for all-day wear at beach or pool

Cons

  • Highest price on this list at $64 for a single pair
  • BallPark Pouch fit may feel unusual if you are not used to Saxx underwear
  • Fewer color and pattern options compared to mainstream swim brands
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Liner Type

Swim trunk liners come in three main styles: mesh, compression, and none. Mesh liners are lightweight, breathe well, and dry the fastest but offer minimal support. Compression liners feel like built-in boxer briefs that prevent chafing and provide athletic support, making them ideal for active water sports and gym-to-pool transitions. Unlined boardshorts give you the most freedom to choose your own underlayer but require separate underwear or a jammer for support.

Inseam Length

Swim trunk inseams typically range from 5 inches to 9 inches or longer. Shorter inseams in the 5 to 5.5 inch range show more thigh and work well for athletic builds, while 7-inch inseams hit a versatile mid-thigh sweet spot for most men. Longer 9-inch and boardshort-style trunks provide more coverage and are preferred by surfers and men who want a more conservative look. Try multiple lengths if you can, since the right inseam depends heavily on your height and leg proportions.

Quick-Dry Fabric

Quick-dry technology varies significantly between brands and price points. Look for polyester and nylon blends that shed water quickly, and check for DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings that cause water to bead off the surface. Trunks with compression liners generally take longer to dry than mesh-lined or unlined options because there is more fabric holding moisture. If you transition frequently between water and dry activities, prioritize lightweight fabrics with high polyester content.

Stretch and Mobility

Four-way stretch fabric is now standard on mid-range and premium swim trunks, and the difference from non-stretch options is dramatic. Spandex or elastane blended at 5-10 percent with polyester creates a fabric that moves with your body during surfing, beach volleyball, and swimming without restricting range of motion. Heritage brands like Birdwell intentionally skip stretch blends for durability, which is a valid trade-off if you prioritize longevity over flexibility.

Pocket Security

Zippered pockets are essential if you plan to carry a phone, keys, or wallet into the water. Velcro closures work for light activity but can fail in surf conditions. Some compression-lined trunks include a hidden pocket in the liner itself, which keeps your phone flush against your thigh and prevents it from bouncing around. If you never carry valuables into the water, standard open pockets are fine and drain faster after submersion.

Sun Protection

UPF-rated swim trunks block harmful UV radiation from reaching the skin beneath the fabric. A UPF 50+ rating blocks over 98 percent of UV rays and is the highest practical rating available. This matters most for men who spend extended hours in the sun and are prone to sunburn on their upper thighs. Not all swim trunks carry a UPF rating, so check the product specifications if sun protection is a priority for you.

HOW WE CHOSE

Our swim trunk rankings are based on extensive wear-testing of each model across pool swimming, ocean bodysurfing, beach activities, and casual all-day wear. We evaluated fabric comfort, liner support, drying speed, pocket security, and overall durability over multiple weeks of regular use in both chlorinated and saltwater environments. We cross-referenced our findings with tens of thousands of verified Amazon customer reviews and expert evaluations from publications including GQ, Wirecutter, and Esquire. Products are ranked using a weighted formula combining comfort, quick-dry performance, build quality, value for price, and versatility across different water activities and body types.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should I choose swim trunks with a compression liner or mesh liner?

Compression liners are better for active water sports and men who want anti-chafe support similar to boxer briefs. Mesh liners dry faster and feel more breathable for casual pool days. If you plan to be very active in the water, go with compression.

What inseam length is best for most men?

A 7-inch inseam is the most universally flattering length and hits at mid-thigh on most builds. If you are under 5 feet 9 inches, a 5 to 5.5 inch inseam tends to look more proportional.

Can I wear swim trunks as regular shorts?

Yes, most modern swim trunks are designed to double as casual shorts. Look for trunks with a clean, solid-color design and minimal branding. Compression-lined trunks with zippered pockets are especially versatile for wearing around town.

How do I prevent swim trunks from chafing?

Choose trunks with a compression liner or built-in boxer brief, which creates a smooth barrier between your skin and the outer fabric. Avoid cotton-blend trunks that stay wet and cause friction. Applying anti-chafe balm to your inner thighs before long beach days also helps.

Are expensive swim trunks worth the price?

Premium swim trunks from brands like Birdwell, Patagonia, and Saxx use higher-quality fabrics, better stitching, and more thoughtful design features. If you swim frequently or want trunks that last multiple seasons, the investment pays off. For occasional pool days, budget options from maamgic and SILKWORLD perform admirably.

How should I wash swim trunks to make them last?

Rinse your trunks in cold fresh water after every use to remove salt, chlorine, and sand. Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and hang dry. Avoid the dryer, bleach, and fabric softener, all of which break down stretch fibers and water-repellent coatings over time.

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