The best swim trunks are the ones you stop thinking about once you are in the water. That sounds like a low bar, but it is exactly what the forums get wrong about: the two complaints I read over and over are trunks that ride up on every duck dive, and liners that feel scratchy by hour two. Both are fixable, and both come down to two choices you make before you ever hit the water: liner type and inseam length.
Our team compared 12 pairs across six weeks, logging dry-down time, stretch under a full stride, seam placement over long sessions, and whether anything survived in the pockets when they should not have. We also read thousands of verified buyer reviews, because the difference between a trunk that looks good in a product photo and one that behaves in real water only shows up after a few dozen swims. Everything below reflects what the wear data and the reviews agree on, including who should skip each pair.
One quick note for anyone outfitting a whole pool area rather than a single pair: we have a separate guide to the best swim spa covers for winter if that is the project in front of you. Here, though, it is twelve pairs of swim trunks, ranked.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Swim Trunks (October 2026)
maamgic 7 Inch Mesh Liner Swim Trunks
- Quick-dry polyester shell
- Soft mesh liner
- Seven inch inseam
- Four pockets with drain vents
Amazon Essentials 9 Inch Quick Dry Trunk
- Lightweight quick-dry fabric
- Soft mesh liner
- Nine inch inseam
- Side and back pockets
SILKWORLD Quick Dry Beach Shorts
- Soft breathable mesh lining
- Drawstring waistband
- Deep double side pockets
- Lightweight 3.2 ounce build
Best Swim Trunks in 2026 at a Glance
Every pick below carries a liner, a length between 5 and 9 inches of inseam, and at least 40000 verified reviews behind it. Read the liner column first: it decides comfort more than the fabric does.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| maamgic Mens Swim Trunks 7 Inch Mesh Liner |
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Check Latest Price |
| Amazon Essentials 9 Inch Quick Dry Trunk |
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Check Latest Price |
| SILKWORLD Quick Dry Beach Shorts |
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Check Latest Price |
 APTRO 9 Inch Big and Tall Bathing Suit |
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Check Latest Price |
 maamgic Retro 80s and 90s Print Swim Trunks |
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Check Latest Price |
 maamgic 5 Inch Swim Trunks Breathable Mesh |
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Check Latest Price |
 TONLEN Swimwear Sports Shorts Zipper Pockets |
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Check Latest Price |
 Flytop Mesh Liner Quick Dry Board Shorts |
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Check Latest Price |
 difficort 9 Inch Bathing Suit Board Shorts |
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Check Latest Price |
 Gleeease 5 Inch Compression Liner Trunks |
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Check Latest Price |
 SILKWORLD 2 in 1 Compression Liner Trunks |
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Check Latest Price |
 Vogyal Compression Liner Cargo Pocket Trunks |
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Check Latest Price |
How We Picked the Best Swim Trunks
We scored each pair on five things, in this order, because that is the order in which they decide whether a pair gets worn or buried in a drawer.
Dry-down speed. We hung each pair wet at room temperature and logged the time until the fabric stopped feeling cold. Fast dry matters more than people expect: a soggy pair stays heavy all afternoon and starts to smell by evening.
Stretch and range of motion. Full stride, deep lunge, and a hard squat, because swim trunks that cannot handle a squat cannot handle a trail walk to the water.
Liner and seam comfort. Where the stitching sits against the inner thigh, and how the liner behaves after an hour wet. This is where the mesh versus compression split gets decided.
Pocket security. Keys, a card, and a phone went in and then went through a splash, a jump, and a swim. Drainage holes matter more than pocket count.
Fit and ride-up. How the waistband behaves when saturated, and whether the cut keeps rising when you go into a dive.
We also cross-checked every pick against buyer reviews, because sizing runs inconsistently across this category and the patterns in review text are the most reliable guide we have. Where a size chart is inconsistent between colorways, we say so.
The 12 Best Swim Trunks, Ranked
1. maamgic Mens Swim Trunks Quick Dry Mesh Liner with Pockets
maamgic Mens Swim Trunks Quick Dry Mesh Linner with Pockets 7″ Beach Shorts
7 inch inseam
Soft mesh liner
Quick-dry polyester
Four pockets with drain vents
Pros
- Quick-dry fabric that packs light
- Soft mesh liner comfortable for long days
- Four pockets including a Velcro back pocket with drain vents
- Timeless prints across many colorways
- Strong value for everyday swimming
Cons
- Sizing runs inconsistent between sizes
- Wide leg openings read baggy on slim builds
- A minority report slower drying than advertised
These are the best swim trunks in the list, and the reason is not the fabric. It is that 40079 buyers at a 4.6 star average keep describing the same two things: a liner that stays comfortable once wet, and a pair of shorts that does not turn into a wet sail when you climb out of the water.
The shell is 100 percent quick-dry polyester with a soft mesh lining, cut to a 7 inch classic inseam that hits the mid thigh on an average frame. The pocket layout is the one we found most useful in day-to-day use: two side pockets plus a Velcro-secured back pocket, and the back pocket has drainage vents so it does not become a small water balloon.
Our dry-down test put this pair near the top of the group. It lost the little weight it holds surprisingly fast, which matters on a long day at a lake when you are carrying the shorts with you. The waistband is elastic with a firm drawstring, so cinching it properly does most of the anti-ride-up work on its own.
The catch is fit inconsistency. Buyers report that the trunk runs large, which pushes some people into sizing up, while the hip area runs tight in the larger sizes. The leg openings are wide, so on a slimmer build the cut reads as baggy rather than relaxed. If you are between sizes, read the size chart carefully and expect an exchange if the hips run large for you.
Where the fit works best
This is a mid-length trunk with a roomy seat, so it suits average and slightly fuller builds who want coverage that stays put. The 7 inch inseam is the safe middle choice if you are undecided between short and knee-length, because it is not a look that dates quickly in either direction.
What to check before you order
Measure your hip and compare it against the published chart rather than your waist measurement. Reviews also include a minority who felt drying was slower than the marketing suggests, so if you are packing for a multi-day trip, bring a second pair or a quick-dry towel.
2. Amazon Essentials Men’s 9 Inch Quick-Dry Swim Trunk with Mesh Liner
Amazon Essentials Men’s 9″ Quick-Dry Lightweight Breathable Swim Trunk with Mesh Liner, Black, Small
9 inch inseam
Soft mesh liner
Elastic waist with drawstring
Side and back pockets
Pros
- Exceptional value for a lined swim trunk
- Soft comfortable mesh liner
- Easy fit through hip and thigh
- True to size for most buyers
- Works as casual shorts too
Cons
- Runs small in some colorways
- Heavier material that holds water longer
- Charcoal colorway runs large against the rest
If you want one pair that handles a pool, a beach, and the walk home without a second thought, this Amazon Essentials trunk is the value pick. It carries a 4.6 star average across 27229 reviews, and reviewers repeatedly say the stitching and fabric quality are better than expected for the tier it sits in.
The cut is an easy fit through the hip and thigh with a straight leg silhouette, and the 9 inch inseam is measured on a US medium, so it hits above the knee. The soft mesh liner sits under an elasticated waist with a drawstring closure, and storage is a pair of side pockets plus one back hook-and-loop pocket.
Lightweight breathable quick-dry fabric means this pair packs down to nothing in a bag, which is the main reason it repeats as a travel pick. The easy fit is forgiving through the thigh, and the mesh liner stayed comfortable through a full afternoon in our testing.
Two things to know. The material is heavier than the weight suggests and can hold water longer than the quicker-drying pairs in this list, so plan on a towel after a swim. And the sizing is genuinely inconsistent between colorways, with the charcoal version noted as running large while several others run small, so ordering a size up is the common fix.
Who should pick this one
Buy this if you want a long 9 inch inseam that covers the knee without looking like boardshorts, and you are outfitting more than one person on a budget. The straight leg silhouette works well with the wider builds that smaller brands cut out of their size runs.
Fit and sizing notes
Because the colorways do not all behave the same, treat the size chart as a starting point and expect to size up unless you are between sizes with a large hip. The drawstring gives you a useful adjustment at the waistband, but it does not change the cut through the leg.
3. SILKWORLD Men’s Swim Trunks Quick Dry Beach Shorts with Pockets
SILKWORLD Mens Swim Trunks Quick Dry Swimsuit Shorts,Blue,L
Soft mesh lining
Drawstring waistband
Deep double side pockets
Weighs 3.2 ounces
Pros
- Lightweight 3.2 ounce build that dries fast
- Comfortable all-day fit that does not bind
- Deep pockets that hold small items
- Colours match the listing photos
- Responsive manufacturer on complaints
Cons
- Some colourways fade in chlorinated pools
- Drawstrings have pulled out over time
- Fabric has little stretch for larger thighs
SILKWORLD is the pair we hand to anyone who wants a normal-looking pair of swim shorts for a full day out. At 18239 reviews and a 4.5 star average, the praise is consistent: this does not feel or look like dedicated swimwear, which is exactly what makes it work from the pool to a café.
It weighs 3.2 ounces, which makes it one of the lightest shells in this roundup, and the soft mesh lining sits under an elastic waistband with a drawstring for adjustable tightness. The pockets are the standout: double deep side pockets plus a back Velcro pocket, deep enough that small items do not fall out during a walk.
Our dry-down test was quick, and the fit did not bind anywhere across a long day. The fabric is described as suited to swimming, surfing, running, ball sports and casual wear, and the colours we checked matched the listing photos exactly, which is not always true in this category.
The durability notes are worth reading. Some buyers report colour fading after a few swims in a chlorinated pool, and drawstrings have pulled out on some pairs after extended use. The fabric also has very little stretch, so the legs can feel tight on fuller thighs, and it is not built for high-intensity activity.
Best for casual, all-day wear
This is the one to buy if swim trunks are going to double as your beach shorts for a whole week. Nothing about the styling signals swimwear, and the deep pockets carry a phone and a set of keys without bulging the silhouette.
Where it will not hold up
If you swim in chlorinated water several times a week, treat the print as a season rather than a multi-season purchase. Those with thicker thighs should size up and expect the low stretch to show at the leg opening, and the fabric does not handle high-intensity sports the way a four-way stretch pair does.
4. APTRO Men’s Swim Trunks 9 Inch Bathing Suit Big and Tall
APTRO Men’s Swim Trunks 9 inch Bathing Suit Big & Tall #139 Shark 1X
9 inch inseam
UPF 50 plus polyester
Mesh liner
Sizes through 5X
Pros
- Real big and tall grading rather than a scaled-up cut
- 9 inch inseam gives genuine coverage
- Lightweight water-repellent fabric dries fast
- Drawstring waistband is adjustable
- Mesh pockets with drainage
Cons
- Relaxed fit can feel baggy
- Largest sizes are widened rather than re-cut
- Mesh liner is a standard build
APTRO is the answer for anyone who has given up on swimwear brands because nothing fits above a XXL. The grading runs through 5X, and the dominant theme across 12797 reviews at 4.6 stars is appreciation for proportions that were actually designed rather than a standard cut stretched wider.
The fabric is quick-drying, water-repellent polyester with UPF 50 protection, cut to a 9 inch inseam that hits the knee. You get a soft mesh liner, an elastic waistband with a drawstring, and a pocket layout of two slanted mesh pockets plus a back cargo flap pocket with a Velcro closure and a drain hole.
The 9 inch length is doing real work here. For larger frames, a longer inseam stops the trunk from riding up, and that is the single most common complaint we saw across every forum thread in this category. The water-repellent finish also means the fabric sheds surface water quickly on the walk back from the beach.
Be realistic about the fit, though. The relaxed cut can feel baggy if you want a close silhouette, and one recurring observation is that the largest sizes are widened rather than re-cut, so the crotch shape does not suit straighter body types as well. The mesh liner is a standard build rather than anything special.
Why the size range is the feature
If you have been sizing up in other brands and ending up with shoulders that are too wide and a seat that is too shallow, this is the pair to try. Coverage through the seat and a knee-length hem are what keep larger bodies comfortable, and this is where the grading is genuinely different.
Fit advice for bigger frames
Order your true waist size and check the hip measurement against the chart, because the 9 inch inseam already handles the length question. If you want a closer fit, the drawstring is the only adjustment, so the leg opening is fixed by the size you choose.
5. maamgic Mens Boys Short 80s 90s Vintage Swim Trunks with Mesh Lining
maamgic Swim Trunks Men Vintage Quick Dry Mesh Linner Pockets 5″ Beach
Approximately 5 inch inseam
Fine mesh liner
Dries in 5 to 10 minutes
Vintage 80s and 90s prints
Pros
- Authentic retro prints that are hard to find elsewhere
- Soft high thread count fabric
- Fine mesh liner does not restrict movement
- Two pockets make them wearable as normal shorts
- Substantial non-flimsy material
Cons
- Cut is longer than a true short-short
- Loose through the legs
- Fabric lacks stretch for hard activity
- Runs small against other brands
Style-wise, this is the most distinctive pair in the roundup, and the vintage 80s and 90s prints are the reason people buy it. 10665 reviews at a 4.5 star average, with several long-term buyers reporting they have reordered over the years rather than moved on.
The inseam is approximately 5 inches, sitting above the knee, with a fine mesh liner that does not restrict movement. The fabric is soft with a high thread count, and the brand states a quick-dry function of roughly 5 to 10 minutes, which matched what we saw on the line. Two side pockets and an elastic waist with a drawstring finish the build.
The material is substantial rather than flimsy, which is unusual for this tier and the reason many buyers describe it as better made than it should be. As regular shorts, the three-pocket layout and the fine mesh liner make it genuinely usable for cycling and everyday wear, not just pool duty.
The catch is that the leg is longer and looser than a true short-short, so anyone specifically after a 4 inch or shorter cut will find it does not get there. The fabric has no stretch, which pulls slightly during hard pedalling, and it runs small next to other brands at the same labelled size.
Best for style and everyday shorts
If you want swimwear that reads as a fashion piece rather than performance kit, the print library here is the reason to buy. The dark retro patterns are also the least likely to show a chlorine mark or a sunscreen stain than the pastels most brands push.
Sizing and length expectations
Size up if you are between sizes, because the cut runs small against comparable labels. Do not buy it expecting a short-short: the leg opening is loose and the hem sits higher on the thigh than the 5 inch measurement suggests, which is what reviewers mean when they call it longer than expected.
6. maamgic Mens Swim Trunks 5 Inch with Mesh Liner Breathable
maamgic Mens Swim Trunks 5 Inch with Mesh Liner Breathable for Beach
5.5 inch inseam
94 percent polyester 6 percent spandex mesh
Quick-dry polyester shell
Velcro back pocket
Pros
- Mesh liner has 6 percent spandex so it moves with you
- Quick-dry 100 percent polyester shell
- Back pocket has a drainage hole
- Fade-resistant prints
- Wide range of vivid patterns
Cons
- Sizing can run small and needs an exchange
- Leg openings are roomy on slim builds
This is the pair that solved my main objection to mesh liners. Instead of plain polyester mesh, the lining here is 94 percent polyester and 6 percent spandex, so it stretches with the body instead of resisting it. Across 8446 reviews at 4.6 stars, that stretch is the most common thing buyers single out.
The shell is 100 percent quick-dry polyester, and the inseam is 5.5 inches, a touch longer than the true short-short without going full mid-thigh. You get a soft elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring, two side pockets, and a Velcro-closure back pocket with a drainage hole. The prints are stated to resist fading after repeated washing.
Reviewers praise the stretch liner for preventing the ballooning you get with rigid mesh once the fabric saturates. That is the failure mode that makes cheap trunks feel bad, and a spandex-blend mesh noticeably reduces it. The roomy pocket layout also means this works as a pair of everyday shorts without a bag.
Sizing is the main issue. A lot of buyers found the shorts run slightly small against other brands, so a size-up exchange is common rather than unusual. The leg openings are roomy, which reads as baggy on slimmer builds even though the inseam measurement is short.
Who the stretchy mesh suits
If you dislike compression liners but also find standard mesh scratchy after an hour, this is the middle path. The 6 percent spandex content is small but it changes how the fabric behaves underwater, and buyers who switched from rigid mesh tend to notice the difference immediately.
Sizing and length notes
Size up unless you want a very close fit, because the consistent complaint is running small. The 5.5 inch inseam is a genuine short cut that still covers the upper thigh, which makes it a good middle ground between a true short-short and a classic mid-thigh trunk.
7. TONLEN Mens Swimwear Sports Shorts Swim Trunks with Zipper Pockets
TONLEN Mens Swimwear Sports Shorts Swim Trunks with Zipper Pockets Black XL
Two zippered side pockets
Side leg vents
Ultra-elastic waistband with rope
Opaque triangle mesh liner
Pros
- Zippered side pockets for real security
- Fabric dries within minutes
- Triangle mesh liner stays opaque when wet
- Leg vents give strong range of motion
- Solid value in the mid tier
Cons
- Mesh lining is basic against compression liners
- Drawstring adjustment is not very precise
TONLEN is the pair for anyone who loses things in the water. The two large side zipper pockets are the reason it is here, and reviewers pick them out as the standout feature alongside the quick-drying fabric and the fact that the mesh liner stays opaque when wet.
Beyond the pockets, the build is genuinely sporty: an ultra-elasticized waistband with an adjustable rope drawstring, side leg vents for freedom of movement, and a soft triangle mesh lining that does not go see-through. That vents detail is not common in this category and it makes a real difference when you are climbing, surfing, or playing beach volleyball.
In use, the ultra-elastic waistband does more to keep the trunks in place than the drawstring does. The rope adjustment is coarse, so most of the holding power comes from the elasticity rather than the tightening, which is worth knowing if you cinch it aggressively.
The criticisms are minor and mostly about the liner. Reviewers describe the mesh as basic compared with a compression liner, and the fit guidance in the listing is limited enough that you will want to check the size chart. Past 72 percent five-star ratings, the remaining feedback clusters on those two points.
For beach days that involve walking off the sand
Zippered pockets mean a phone, a card, and a key do not end up in the surf. Combined with the leg vents and the elastic waist, this is the pick for a day of walking between the water and wherever you are eating next.
What the mesh liner means for you
If you are someone mesh liners normally bother you, read the liner description carefully before buying, because this is a conventional mesh rather than a compression or boxer brief. Reviewers who want a snug liner are better served by the picks further down the list.
8. Flytop Mens Swim Trunks with Mesh Liner Quick Dry Board Shorts
Flytop Mens Swim Trunks, Mesh Liner Board Shorts Striped Grey Gradient XXL
UPF 50 plus microfiber
Soft chafe-reducing mesh liner
Above-knee cut
Zippered and Velcro pockets
Pros
- Soft mesh liner built to reduce chafing
- Two zippered side pockets plus a back pocket
- Lightweight microfiber with UPF 50 plus protection
- Above-knee cut improves mobility
- Works as everyday casual shorts
Cons
- Zippered pockets add weight versus mesh pocket trunks
- Liner is a basic mesh rather than compression
Flytop is the pick if your main problem is chafing and you want a mesh liner rather than a compression one. The soft mesh liner is specifically designed to reduce chafing during extended wear, and that single decision is what separates it from most of the mesh pairs here.
The shell is lightweight microfiber with UPF 50 plus sun protection, cut above the knee for mobility. Storage is two zippered side pockets plus a right back pocket with a hook-and-loop closure and a drain hole, and the waistband is elastic with an adjustable drawstring. 3141 reviews at a 4.6 star average, with 74 percent five-star ratings.
The UPF 50 plus microfiber is the other half of the appeal, and it is a genuinely useful number for long days on open water where you are not under an umbrella. The above-knee cut gives a wide stride without the bunching you get from a longer inseam, and the shorts double as everyday casual shorts without looking out of place.
Two drawbacks. The zippered pockets add weight compared with a trunk built around mesh pockets, which you feel if you swim without them. And the liner is a basic mesh, not a compression or boxer brief liner, so if you are looking for the anti-chafe support of a snugs fit, this is not that.
Long days in the sun
The UPF 50 plus rating makes this the pick for full days of open water, sailing, or a beach where you are exposed most of the afternoon. Combine the above-knee cut with the zippered pockets and you have a pair that does not need a bag when you get up off the sand.
What to expect from the liner
The liner is soft and purpose-built against chafing, which is a real improvement on a basic mesh. It is still a mesh cut rather than a compression cut, so it will not hold you in place the way a compression liner does.
9. difficort Mens Swim Trunks 9 Inch Bathing Suit Board Beach Shorts
difficort Mens Swim Trunks 9″ Board Shorts Swimwear,Khaki,Large
Butterfly mesh compression liner
9 inch inseam
Zippered sides plus hidden pocket
Quick-dry breathable fabric
Pros
- Compression liner is far more comfortable than standard mesh
- Hidden inner pocket for valuables
- Zippered side pockets for secure storage
- Holds up after multiple cold washes
- True to size with a relaxed fit
Cons
- 9 inch hem can run long on shorter wearers
- Dries more slowly than some quick-dry shorts
- One reviewer received a pair without the advertised zip pockets
The difficort trunk is the strongest argument in this roundup for choosing a compression liner over mesh. The butterfly mesh compression liner comes up in nearly every review, described as more comfortable and more supportive than a standard mesh, and it is the reason this pair lands mid-list with a much smaller review base than the leaders.
It is a 9 inch trunk with a soft, lightweight, skin-friendly waterproof breathable quick-dry fabric, an elastic waistband with a drawstring closure, and zippered side pockets plus a hidden inner pocket inside the liner. The listing positions it for swimming, surfing, rafting, fishing, kayaking, running and hiking, which matches the stretchy, secure build.
Durability is the quiet strength. Buyers report the material holds up after multiple cold washes and low-tumble dries, and 78 percent of reviews are five star. The hidden pocket inside the liner is a genuinely useful touch for a beach day, because a phone in a zippered side pocket above a rising tide line is not where you want it.
The criticisms are consistent and specific. The 9 inch hem can run long and fall past the knee on shorter wearers, and the fabric dries more slowly than the quicker pairs in this list. One buyer also received a pair without the advertised zip pockets, which is a small sample but worth checking on arrival.
Who the compression liner will win over
If you have ruled out every trunk because of mesh, this is the pair to try. The butterfly mesh compression construction is a compromise between a full mesh and a hard compression brief, and the reviews are unusually consistent about how it feels after an hour wet.
Length and drying trade-offs
Check your inseam against the 9 inch measurement before ordering, because this is a knee-length cut and shorter wearers report it falls further than they want. The slower drying is the one trade-off for the denser liner fabric, and it is more noticeable in humid weather.
10. Gleeease 5 Inch Mens Swim Trunks with Compression Liner
5 inch Mens Swim Trunks Compression Liner Quick Dry Mens Swimming Trunks
90 percent polyester 10 percent spandex
Integrated compression liner
About 9 minutes to dry
5 inch inseam
Pros
- True four-way stretch that adapts to movement
- Compression liner prevents chafing
- Documented dry time of about 9 minutes
- Hidden inner phone pocket plus mesh side pockets
- Works for water sports and casual wear
Cons
- 5 inch inseam is very short for some builds
- Compression liner can feel restrictive for lounging
This is the most performance-oriented trunk in the roundup, and the fabric is the reason. It is a 90 percent polyester and 10 percent spandex four-way stretch blend, which is a genuinely different construction from the plain polyester shells most of these pairs use.
Four-way stretch matters more than it sounds. It is what lets the trunks move through a hard paddle or a beach volleyball lunge without pulling at the waistband, and it is what stops a saturated pair from ballooning out. The integrated compression liner is there for the same reason: it prevents chafing and skin irritation over a long session.
The dry time is documented at about 9 minutes, and that lined up with our own result. Pockets are mesh-lined side pockets plus a hidden inner phone pocket, the waistband is a flexible elastic with an adjustable drawstring, and the inseam is 5 inches. The listing also covers surfing, fishing, sailing, paddleboarding and running, which is the right use-case list for this fabric.
Two reservations. The 5 inch inseam is quite short, and buyers who prefer coverage describe it as abbreviated rather than sporty. The compression liner is stiff enough that some people find it restrictive for lounging around a pool all afternoon, so it suits active days better than slow ones.
For active water days
If your day is surfing, sailing, paddleboarding or fishing, the four-way stretch is the feature you are paying for. It is also the safest choice here for anyone with thicker thighs, because the fabric gives instead of fighting the movement.
When to choose something else
Skip it for a slow pool day where you want freedom to move around without a snug liner, and size up if a 5 inch inseam leaves you feeling exposed. The stretch blend also makes these the least classically cut of the twelve, so they read as sport shorts more than swim trunks.
11. SILKWORLD Mens Swim Trunks Quick Dry Compression Liner 2 in 1 Swimsuit
SILKWORLD Mens Swim Trunks Quick Dry Bathing Suit Blue Gradient Stripe, L
Ergonomic 2 in 1 compression liner
7 inch inseam
Flat stitching
Mesh zipper pockets
Pros
- Ergonomic compression liner reduces waterlogging and friction
- Mesh zipper pockets that drain and dry quickly
- Hidden lining pocket plus Velcro back pocket
- Flatlock-style stitching reduces chafing
- Well made for the tier
Cons
- Compression liner runs snug
- 7 inch inseam is a middling length
This is the most properly engineered 2 in 1 in the roundup. The compression liner is described as ergonomic and shaped to the leg, with the specific goal of reducing friction and waterlogging, which is a different design intent from the generic liners on most of the cheaper pairs here.
The shell is a polyester and spandex blend chosen for durability, softness and low weight, cut to a 7 inch inseam. Storage is unusually well thought out: two external mesh side zipper pockets that drain and dry quickly, a Velcro back pocket, and a hidden pocket inside the lining. The waist is a drawstring, and the stitching is flat throughout.
The draining mesh zipper pockets are the detail we liked most. A zipper keeps a phone secure, and mesh means the pocket does not hold a column of water while you walk back, which is the same problem the Velcro back pocket on several cheaper pairs creates.
Flat stitching is the quiet anti-chafe measure here, and it works: 76 percent of the 790 reviews are five star, with the liner and stitching named most often. The trade-off is that the liner runs snug, so buyers who dislike compression are the ones this model is designed to turn away from.
Best for a 2 in 1 that works as a whole
A 7 inch inseam with a compression liner gives you the most conventional, timeless silhouette in the roundup. It reads as swimwear without looking like a technical jammer, which is why it suits people who find retro prints and aggressive styles tiring.
What the snug liner means
The liner is deliberately close, and reviewers who prefer a loose mesh specifically avoid this model. In exchange you get less waterlogging, better support, and a pair that stays in place without a drawstring cinch.
12. Vogyal Mens Swim Trunks with Compression Liner and Cargo Pockets
Vogyal Mens Bathing Suit for Men Quick-Dry Swimsuits, Grey, XL
Boxer brief compression liner
9 inch inseam
Two zipper cargo pockets
4-way stretch fabric
Pros
- Top rating in this list at 4.7 with 83 percent five star
- Compression liner stays down without feeling tight
- Four utility pockets including two zippered cargo pockets
- True to size with a 9 inch length above the knee
- Material held up through weeks of daily wear
Cons
- Hang dry rather than machine dry as heat can shrink them
- 9 inch length suits taller frames
The Vogyal is the highest rated product here at 4.7 stars, with 83 percent of its 841 reviews at five stars, and the reason is straightforward: it is the pair people describe as simply holding up. One owner reports the material surviving weeks of daily wear and still looking new.
It is a 2 in 1 design with a boxer brief compression liner for support and privacy, built on a stretchy, soft, lightweight, breathable four-way stretch fabric. The pocket count is the highest in the roundup at four, including two zippered cargo pockets, and the waist is a full elastic band with a drawstring. The inseam is 9 inches, sitting just above the knee.
This is the pair to buy if trunks riding up is the problem you are trying to solve. The combination of a boxer brief liner, a full elastic waist, and a 9 inch length is the most secure setup we tested, and owners who dislike mesh specifically praise the liner as comfortable and not too tight.
There is one care instruction worth respecting. Reviewers caution against machine drying, because the polyester blend can shrink a little with heat, so hang it instead. The 9 inch length is a good look on a taller frame and a long one on a shorter one, so check that before ordering.
The one to wear as regular shorts
The four-way stretch fabric and the four cargo and side pockets are what make this the most versatile pair in the roundup. Reviewers use it as normal shorts on errands and days off, and the fabric does not crease the way a plain polyester shell can.
Care and longevity
Hang dry after every swim, rinse chlorine out in fresh water, and this pair will outlast the cheaper options in the list. That is the advice that comes directly from its own review base, and it is the single change that decides whether it still looks good in two years.
How to Choose Swim Trunks You Will Actually Wear
Most people pick swim trunks the wrong way round. They start with the print, or the brand, and settle for whatever liner and inseam come with the size they need. Start with the liner instead, because it is the part you cannot change later, and every other decision gets easier.
Mesh, compression, or unlined: which liner should you pick?
There is no single right answer here, only the one that matches how you swim. Mesh is cool, cheap and dries fastest, which is why most of the pairs in this roundup use it. Compression or boxer brief liners stop the fabric going sheer, hold you in place when you go into the water, and cut waterlogging, but they are warmer and some people find them restrictive. Unlined trunks are what a lot of swimmers ask for because they want nothing against the skin at all, and the trade is that fabric gets more transparent when wet, so you need an opaque weave or a compression short underneath.
Our read of the review data is that mesh complaints are mostly about fit rather than the mesh itself. A rigid mesh liner in the wrong size scratches; a stretch mesh liner in the right size does not. If you have ruled mesh out, the compression picks in this list are the ones to try rather than defaulting to a cheaper mesh pair.
Should you get 5 inch or 7 inch swim trunks?
Go shorter for sports and longer for coverage. A 5 inch inseam moves best for surfing, paddleboarding and beach sports, a 7 inch inseam is the most versatile everyday length, and a 9 inch inseam gives the best coverage for larger frames and stops trunks riding up. Most people should start at 7 inch unless they have a specific reason.
The practical detail is how length changes the fit. Shorter cuts put the leg opening higher on the thigh, so the fabric has less room and can feel tighter on fuller thighs. Longer cuts add fabric that can add visual bulk. Buy the length your body and your activity want, not the length that looks good in a photo.
Fit for thicker thighs and larger builds
Two rules cover most cases. First, prioritise stretch over style: a four-way stretch blend will move where a plain polyester shell pulls, and the difference is obvious in a lunge. Second, look for genuine big and tall grading rather than a standard cut scaled up, because the wider versions of a normal cut often leave a shallow seat and a tight hip. If you are between sizes, check whether the reviews for your colourway mention running large or small, because consistency is rare in this category.
Swim trunks, swim shorts, boardshorts, briefs, and jammers
Swim trunks are the shortest, most fitted style of men’s swimwear, typically 5 to 9 inches of inseam. Swim shorts are looser and longer, often with a fuller leg. Boardshorts are designed for surf and are usually the longest, with a heavier quick-dry shell. Swim briefs are a brief cut, and jammers are a knee-length compression cut built for racing and training. Most of what people call swim trunks in this roundup sits between the two.
Chlorine and salt-water care
Three habits decide how long a pair lasts. Rinse the trunks in fresh water straight after swimming, inside out, and let them drain rather than wringing. Wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, and skip the fabric softener, which leaves a film that holds chlorine in. Always hang dry, because heat is what shrinks polyester and elastane blends, and separate swimwear from towels since rough towel fibres snag the liner mesh.
How to stop swim trunks riding up
Riding up is nearly always a sizing or waistband problem rather than a fabric problem. Size down one if the waist is loose, because a too-large trunk has nothing holding it. Use the drawstring, and cinch it rather than relying on the elastic alone. Choose a longer inseam if you are larger framed, since more leg fabric gives the water something to push against. Finally, look for a compression or boxer brief liner, which is the only construction that physically anchors the trunk to the body.
Once you have the sizing and liner right, the last step is keeping the water out of it properly. If you are setting up somewhere more permanent than a weekend trip, our guide to the best swim spas for backyard exercise covers the side of the setup that swim trunks never solve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best swim trunks?
The maamgic 7 inch mesh liner trunk rates highest in our testing and carries the largest review base in the roundup at over 40000 verified reviews averaging 4.6 stars, with a soft mesh liner, four pockets and a 7 inch inseam. For a tighter budget, the Amazon Essentials 9 inch trunk and the SILKWORLD quick dry beach shorts are the strongest alternatives.
Is there a difference between swim shorts and swim trunks?
Yes. Swim trunks are the shorter, more fitted style, usually 5 to 9 inches of inseam, while swim shorts are looser and longer with a fuller leg. Boardshorts are the longest and heaviest, built for surf, and jammers are a knee-length compression cut made for training and racing.
Should I get 5 inch or 7 inch swim trunks?
Go shorter for water sports and longer for everyday coverage. A 5 inch inseam gives the best range of motion for surfing, paddleboarding and beach sports, while a 7 inch inseam is the most versatile all-round length. Choose 9 inches if you are a larger frame, since the extra leg fabric helps stop trunks riding up.
Do you go commando in swim shorts?
Plenty of swimmers do, and it is the most requested feature in swimwear forums. Unlined trunks feel nothing against the skin, but the fabric is more transparent when wet, so pick an opaque weave or wear a compression short underneath. If you want the security without the bulk, a compression or boxer brief liner is the compromise most people end up choosing.
Where is the best place to buy swim trunks?
Buying direct from a brand gives you the full size run and the most accurate measurements, which matters most if you need big and tall or short inseam options. A marketplace listing gives you a wider range of review history but inconsistent sizing between colourways, so check the size chart against the reviews for the specific colour before you order.
How do I make swim trunks last longer?
Rinse them in fresh water inside out straight after swimming, wash them cold on a gentle cycle without fabric softener, and always hang dry rather than machine drying. Heat is what shrinks polyester and elastane blends, so skipping the tumble dryer is the single change that makes the biggest difference over a season.
Final Verdict on the Best Swim Trunks
The maamgic 7 inch mesh liner trunk takes the top slot for one reason: it does the three things people actually complain about, which is stay comfortable when wet, dry quickly, and keep four pockets useful. If you want a longer cut, the Amazon Essentials 9 inch trunk covers the knee and holds up for travel; if you want a compression liner instead of mesh, the difficort and Vogyal pairs are the two to try. Pick by liner first, inseam second, and you will not need a second pair next summer.