The Best Men’s Bathing Suits for Swimming and Sunning

A bathing suit that makes you feel confident, comfortable and carefree enough for an impromptu dip in the pool is key to an excellent summer. There’s no shortage of options out there—that’s why we polled a handful of style pros on the best suits to shop. These are the styles that stand up to dives off the lake dock, summer BBQs, and marathon beach days.

Versatile pair with pockets

Versatility is an underrated virtue when it comes to swimwear. Steve Cole, a former Division I water polo player and founder of Lunge, a dating app that connects people at gyms and exercise classes, calls this pair from Lululemon “an amazing hybrid between a swimsuit and athletic shorts.” He notes that nothing ruins a day like having to walk around in a wet bathing suit, and recommends these quick-dry shorts as an ideal alternative. Choose from 10 colors and patterns, as well as 5- and 7-inch lengths.

Relaxed-fit pick

Arjan Singh, co-founder of the skin care brand Jolie, also values the ability to wear his swim trunks beyond the pool, calling this pick from Saturdays NYC his favorite. “I can wear these at the beach, run in them or cruise around town in them in the hot summer heat on a bike.” The nylon and cotton shorts boast both durability and style. And the array of eight distinguished shades, including Ganache, a deep brown color that Singh loves for its richness, means there’s a look for nearly any occasion.

Stretch swim trunks

Keep it classic with another favorite of Singh’s: These 6-inch inseam shorts from J.Crew. “This purple pops and the seersucker fabric gives it a nice texture, elevating the short from others,” he says. “I’d pair this with a boucle polo in an off-white.” With sizes ranging from XS to XXL and five color options, this simple mesh-lined pair is a strong utilitarian pick for your summer.

Lower-price option

Leo Chan, a New York City- and Los Angeles-based actor and model, recommends going for “classic styles like stripes, plaid or fun patterns” that are suitable for both swimming and social gatherings. He likes this well-priced pair from Amazon with a 5-inch inseam for a modern take on a classic look. In general Chan advises that, “fit is key so make sure it’s not too tight or too loose and definitely above the knee.”

Designer choice

Chan likes this pair from Versace if you’re looking to make a statement on vacation. When making a luxury swim purchase, he suggests opting for a design that won’t go out of style after one season, “so you can wear it year after year as a good summer investment piece.” Attention to detail that these swim shorts offer include a shorter inseam, an embellished back pocket and Grecian-inspired trim.

Versatile classic

“Normally, I wouldn’t condone wearing swim trunks in nonaquatic settings, but with this pair, you can get away with it,” says Chris Xaviar, the fashion writer behind the menswear newsletter The Seasonless. He considers these Banana Republic swim shorts worthy of water and land, given their zip fly and fade-proof fabric. The shorts are available in seven solid colors, including vacation-ready bright blue and orange, as well as classic hues like black and olive. Xavier boasts that their wearability gives the shorts a 2-in-1 quality. “Pair them with a tee or tank top at the beach, or with an oxford collar button-down to run errands,” before or after pool time “No one will know you’re wearing a swimsuit in the grocery store,” he says.

A surfer favorite

Newport Beach, Calif.-based brand Birdwell has been making board shorts for more than 60 years, so they know a thing or two about classic California style. The brand is a go-to staple for ocean lovers on both coasts, including Singh, who can’t get enough of Birdwell’s back story. “[I] love that it was started by a woman [Carrie Birdwell Mann] in 1961 who employed her husband and son as her first employees, transforming their home into a sewing room and store,” he says. The nylon board shorts are made from 100% double-layered nylon that’s designed to dry quickly, plus they feature a handy rear pocket with a built-in loop for your keys.

Patterned power suit

Bathing suits don’t have to be boring. In fact, Cole Habersham, a Los Angeles-based writer and director of communications at R/GA known for his runway and red carpet commentary on social media, counts on the Toronto-based brand Bather for modern yet modest cuts with undeniably cool designs. He notes that the brand “offers a range of fun prints you won’t usually find poolside.” Made from 100% recycled polyester with a quick-drying liner, these shorts won’t feel all that different from your go-to swimsuit, though they’ll offer a more eye-catching effect.

Fun and flashy

Let’s say you’re in the market for a playful bathing suit, something that feels as liberating as a summer Friday. Vilebrequin may be the brand for you. While Cole acknowledges that they’re on the pricey side, he sees them as a “strong addition to your summer wardrobe.” Go for a classic in an understated dual-tone print or throw caution to the wind with a statement-making red pair that reveals a crustacean print when they come in contact with water. “These high-quality suits have a bold but casual look” and flatter different body types, he says.

Colorways abound

Abercrombie’s boundless print offerings are worth browsing if this is the summer you’ll experiment with trunks with a 4.5-inch inseam. And at $50 a pair, there’s no harm if you want to get a second suit that’s a little less leggy. “The Abercrombie renaissance that we’ve experienced over the past year continues,” remarks Xaviar, adding that there’s a good chance you can catch this relaxed-fit pair with its mesh compression lining on sale.

Sport shorts

“Something about the Nike check feels right poolside,” says Habersham, who notes his favorite pair works equally well for swimming laps and lounging. The side seam logo offers the right amount of retro and the cut reads more sporty chic than athletic drab. Plus, a grommeted back patch pocket makes stowing your essentials during an impromptu sand volleyball match extra-convenient.