11 swimsuits you won't want to take off after the beach

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Swimming pool season is here. If you're thinking about updating your swimwear this year (we always love it), then you're in luck: Shopping for men's swimwear has never been more fun. Why; Because there are many options to choose from and more importantly, the best men's swimwear is now fully usable for dry activities as well as wet activities. Many fashionable pairs of swimwear can be worn like regular shorts — whether you're running errands on a hot day or working out.

At a Glance: The Best Men's Swimwear of 2024

While there are some fantastic swimsuits that do it all, there are still plenty of swimwear, chic designer trunks (for that luxury resort vibe) and high-performance surf pants. We've rounded up some of our favorite men's swimwear to buy now with options for every activity and personal style.

The best men's swimwear

1. Vuori Puerto Short

Vuori nailed it with these Puerto swimwear. The California-based brand uses a polyester-elastane blend (half of the polyester is recycled) that's stretchy, soft and lightweight. We're also big fans of the design, which gives a 'nod to retro swimwear' while still looking modern. We might like some side pockets (there's one in the back), but that makes the shorts better for surfing and other sports.

2. Massif Ocean Bather

We think the best-looking swimwear is the one that pairs just as well with tees and button-ups as it does with your birthday suit. In a (slightly exaggerated) word: versatile. These minimal, well-fitting trunks from Bather are the ultimate in versatility. Nylon shorts are easy to wear with almost any summer piece and come in a huge range of patterns and colors (we like the monochrome options best).

3. Outerknown Apex Trunks

These Apex trunks from Outerknown were developed, tested and worn by 11-time World Surfing Champion Kelly Slater. If they're good enough for the greatest surfer of all time, they're more than good enough for us. The shorts have many high-performance features, including an ultra-light four-way stretch fabric, taped seams, a double taped hem and an advanced drainage system. In short, Outerknown and Slater have thought of everything. If you plan on surfing in pants anytime soon, just buy them now.

4. Orlebar Brown Bulldog swim shorts

Orlebar Brown may be based out of rainy London, but the brand makes some of the best men's swimwear in the world. All of her shorts, including these bulldog shorts, showcase bold, experimental pattern work at its finest. I got my hands on a pair this summer and I'm always surprised by how much more beautiful seen side by side with other swimwear. The colors are rich, the material gives a bit of shine, and the fit is probably the best I've come across: Neither too thin nor too loose.

5. Tom Ford Slim-Fit swim shorts

If you're going to a fancy hotel pool or a fancy beach club, take them Tom Ford swim shorts. Like everything else from the famed designer, the shorts subtly but noticeably inject some sophistication into the classic piece with details like a slim fit (which most swim shorts can't pull off) and gold-tone hardware.

6. Marda mid-length swim shorts

We didn't expect the Danes to make great swimwear (see: cold water), but Marda proved us wrong. The youth swimwear brand makes some of the best swimwear for men using premium, sustainable materials and beautiful, classic looks. These mid-length swim shorts sit mid-thigh, feature a comfortable drawstring waist, and work best for lounging by the pool. Additionally, Marda offers fast international shipping to the US.

7. Quiksilver Original Scallop 18″ Shorts

Another great pair of surf shorts are the Quiksilver Scallop Pants. The namesake shape is a throwback to the scalloped hems seen in the 70s – a style invented by Quiksilver to give surfers more mobility. In the 21st century, the scalloped hem has retained its functionality and earned major style points. I've had them for over a year and I end up grabbing them often, whether I'm surfing, lounging on the beach, or going to a pool party.

8. Patagonia Baggies

These Patagonia Baggie shorts have been our go-to shorts for over a year — whether we're in the water or not. As the name suggests, they're loose and comfortable, but thanks to the 100 percent waterproof nylon construction, they're tough enough for everything from hiking to surfing. They also come in two lengths (five or seven inches inseam) and a ton of colors, ranging from subdued to bold. In other words, you'll probably end up with several pairs in your holiday bag.

9. Abercrombie & Fitch Pull-On Swimwear

Abercrombie & Fitch has made a quiet comeback with some sophisticated vintage-inspired pieces. These swimwear that pulls they're a great example of the brand's new cool, with bold patterns and comfortable polyester construction. The inseam measures five inches, and we're big fans of the shorts in this fun fruit-covered pattern.

10. Dandy Del Mar Mallorca Trunks

Inspired by the alcohol and cigarette ads of the 60s and 70s, Dandy Del Mar brings a warm-weather vibe worth chasing this year. Among their pieces are these Mallorca shorts, designed for everything a great day at the beach might entail, from long walks to swimming to cocktails and post-beach applications.

11. J. Crew 6″ Swim Trunk

One of our editor's favorite swimwear pairs are these six-inch trunk from J. Crew. He says the seersucker fabric is subtly prepared and even though it's mostly cotton it dries relatively quickly. He also likes the details, like a hidden flap pocket inside that's big enough for a key or key card, and a loop to hang them up.

Swimwear buying guide

Finding that perfect pair of swimwear will take some searching. Below are a few things to look out for when shopping our picks.

Length: Men's swimwear is currently in a weird (but good) trend where any leg length goes. Longer trunks, which usually have an inseam of about seven inches and hit the knee, are good as all-purpose shorts. It's far enough to hike, walk around town or surf. Mid-length shorts, which usually have a five-inch inseam, are the Goldilocks choice because they're short enough for serious relaxation, but still wearable on many occasions. Short swimsuits (shorter than a five-inch rod) are a fun option for some twists.

Material: Look for fabric that is lightweight, quick drying and durable when shopping for swimwear. If you plan to use your trunks for surfing or exercise, some stretching is also essential. Generally, you'll see polyester used for lounge-y swimwear, nylon for durable hybrid shorts, and a multi-fabric blend for more high-performance shorts

Waist: Drawstring and snap laces are often the best for achieving a perfect fit. Sometimes you'll also see quick-tie swimsuits, which aim for a sleeker, sleeker look, but can't be adjusted too much.

Role model: The best swimwear balances boldness and flexibility. Ideally, you'll be able to wear your new shorts with all kinds of sneakers, t-shirts, and Hawaiian shirts in your closet. But we're also big believers in power-statement swimsuits because they're just plain fun (not to mention stylish).

How we chose the best swimwear

To make this list, we tested dozens of pairs of swimsuits and bottoms. We took them lounging at the beach and pool, and wore some of the more active pairs while surfing and running. We looked for good fit, comfortable, durable materials that dry quickly and stylish colors/patterns. Once we had some favorites, we read reviews from other experts and customers to see how our experiences compared. The finalists you see above all have good reviews from almost everyone who has used them, have an average customer rating of at least 4/5 stars, and are in stock (as of this writing) from reputable online retailers.