10 Best Men’s Swim Trunks for Effortless Summer Style
A solid pair of swim trunks does more than just cover you up — it tells the world you know how to look sharp, even when you’re knee-deep in the pool or walking up to the bar for another drink.
Go for clean lines, a fit that flatters your build, and classic designs that won’t look silly in a year or two.
Forget the neon gimmicks — choose timeless swimwear you’ll feel good wearing summer after summer.
To help you pick the right pair, I’ve rounded up 10 of the best men’s swim trunks that guarantee style, comfort, and confidence — whether you’re poolside, beach-bound, or lounging at the resort.
Why Most Men Pick The Wrong Pair
The mistake most men make with swim trunks is treating them like a clearance-rack afterthought. Grab whatever's on the table at Target in May. Wear them three summers. Throw them out when the elastic dies.
When I was fitting bespoke clients, I'd hear it every June. “I've got a Cabo trip in two weeks — what do I do?” Two weeks isn't enough time to fix bad swim trunks. You need to think about this in March, not the morning you pack.
Here's what nobody told you: the swim trunks you wear at a resort pool in front of clients are not the swim trunks you wear surfing in Costa Rica. Length, fabric, and inseam are different across the two. One pair for everything is how you end up looking either too dressed up for the beach or too sloppy for the hotel bar.
Pick the length first. Lock that in. Then pick the color. The brand name on the waistband comes last — and matters less than you think.
10 Best Men's Swim Trunks At A Glance
Compare style, length, and use case — then scroll for the full breakdown
Overview: A playful twist on Ralph Lauren’s timeless swimwear. The Kailua trunk combines classic Polo craftsmanship with tasteful tropical or nautical prints — perfect for a bit more personality poolside while staying classy.
Overview: A surf-classic from O'Neill — a trusted brand in boardshorts since 1952. Clean, solid colors with a modern fit and plenty of movement make these a top pick for both the beach and pool.
The Two-Pair Rule That Ends Swim Trunk Shopping Forever
After 20 years of building Real Men Real Style, this is the framework I give every client who asks: most men don't need a swim trunk collection. They need two pairs and a 30-day habit.
Pair one is a 7-inch solid in navy, olive, or burgundy. This pair handles the resort pool, the client dinner at a rooftop deck, and the trip where you don't know what the dress code is. Brands like Vineyard Vines, Tommy Hilfiger, and Lacoste sit in the $70–$120 range and last three to five seasons if you treat them right.
Pair two is a longer board-style in a pattern or a brighter solid. This is for the beach, the boat day, the surf trip — anywhere movement matters more than looking buttoned-up. Columbia PFG, O'Neill, and Hurley all sit in the $40–$80 range and earn their keep.
The habit is simple. Rinse with cool water after every wear, then hang dry on a hanger overnight — never the dryer. Chlorine and salt eat the elastane in stretch fabrics within one season if you skip this step. Do it for 30 days and you'll never replace these trunks for the wrong reason.
I'm Antonio Centeno, the founder of RMRS. I'm a former Marine Corps Officer with a BA in Evolutionary Biology and Philosophy (Cornell College 98') and an MBA from The University Of Texas at Austin (07'). I studied the Science of Style in London, Hong Kong, and Bangkok and have created over 5000 videos/ articles to help men dress better. Click here to discover more about me and our mission here at RMRS.
Ready to earn more money and command respect with the right clothing? Want to start dressing sharp today? Click here to discover The Style System , the BEST Professional Style Course on the planet!
