The 34 Best Swim Trunks For Any and All Aquatic Adventures

A not-too-long pair of elastic-waist swim trunks is about as classic as you can get when it comes to swimwear. This pair has a mesh lining to keep everything, uh, secure, plus a pop of color from the bright orange drawstring. If that combo isn’t to your liking, there are just about a billion more color combos in the same cut. Take a look around and find your favorite. (Also, pro tip: Find yourself some swim trunks with pockets. Just be sure to take your phone out before jumping into the water.)

Long has the 7″ inseam versus 5″ inseam debate raged. (Well, it’s been a long time in internet years, at least.) If you’ve found yourself unable to commit to a side, we have good news: J.Crew is right there with you. The brand’s clean, classic 6″ swim trunk splits the difference, letting you show a little extra thigh without creeping so high that you don’t feel comfortable. (Though there’s no need to feel uncomfortable. Short shorts are great!) UPF 50 protection will keep what’s covered shielded from the sun, and the quick-drying, recycled nylon shell won’t bog you down after your time in the water.

Lululemon makes a whole line of beloved apparel and accessories, but the way guys love—love!—their pants and shorts is a testament to just how well done they are. These swim shorts are cut close to the body but not tight, made of a water-repellent blend of recycled polyester and elastane, and feature clever details like a key loop in the back pocket to keep your stuff secure. They also look just like a pair of the brand’s non-swim shorts, and can easily pull double duty for the rest of the day after you towel off.

Amazon Essentials has taken great pains, accruing costumer feedback constantly, to make sure its stock is up to snuff. And the results speaks for themselves. These swim trunks, for example, are made of a quick-drying material, have a drawstring band, and feature a welt back pocket. These are pretty standard characteristics, but the quality offered at such a low price is almost—almost—hard to believe.

Frescobol Carioca isn’t the oldest swimwear brand out there (it was founded in 2013), but the London-based, Brazil-inspired label is definitely one of the most exciting. The brand’s trunks are tailored to perfection, the kind of cut you’d expect on someone who casually jets off to Rio for the weekend. And the prints—the prints!—bring an elevated, almost architectural quality that’s a nice counterpoint to all those hibiscus flowers out there.

These are lightweight, stretchy, and quick to dry—everything a swim trunk should be. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they’re cool as hell, too.

These swim trunks have everything—a belt to secure the waist, a foldable and packable design for all your travels—but hardly show it, with a sleek black exterior and convenient thigh pocket.

Let’s be real: there’s nothing worse than swim trunks that fit you in the waist but cling to your thighs. These, luckily, don’t; they’re easy and breezy, and because they’re Adidas, they’re durable through all summer’s adventures.

These lime swim trunks will match the lime in your ice cold Corona, and honestly, they’re the perfect pairing.

For sports or swim, you need a protective swim trunk that won’t, ah, reveal too much. These solid ones by Onia are just that—solid. They’re reliable, and sure to last you multiple summers. Plus, there are pockets for when you need to wear ‘em as regular old shorts.

Why not have fun with it? It is, after all, summer. These trunks are playful without being too over the top.

Zara is a great choice for when you want something you know is going to be stylish for the season. Their swim shorts are on the shorter side, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less cool; they’ve got all the water and sun protection needed, with a cropped finish and drawstring waistband.

These are a sleek, medium-length pair of swim trunks that are trendy and versatile. With a two-layer construction and triple seams, these are ready to take on anything.

These are easy on the eyes and on the waves. Live in and out of the water with these shorts, designed to be versatile enough to warrant playing in the sea, the sand, or even the shade.

In a simple, tasteful colorblock, Vuori’s boardshorts are ideal for soaking up the sun on the sand or riding the waves in the sea. These are transitional enough to be worn out and about all day, but they’re best for water-based activities, whether you’re down for a swim or a surf or even a game of beach volleyball.

Summer is in the air—these shorts are basically begging for the heat of June to come quickly. These’ll get you through the season in style and in good conscience, as they’re made from recycled water bottles.

These are so classy, we hardly even noticed they’re swim shorts. Low-key yet elevated, these patterned trunks are easily interchangeable with your fave summer shorts.

Billabong is a swimwear classic, and with their stylish prints and technical construction, there’s no question as to why. These swim trunks are cool and casual, made from a lightweight, quick-drying fabric.

Swim trunks shouldn’t always be worn with polos, but this one sure can. With a classy seersucker print, these pull-on shorts are just as perfect for sand as they are for sea.

With a washed-out look, these swim trunks are casual and comfy. Wear them…wherever, really.