Men’s swimwear here runs from tailored shorts and boardshorts to swim briefs in prints, stripes and solids.
The brief cut offers more mobility and less coverage, while mid-thigh trunks and boardshorts that hit just above the knee read closer to casual menswear.
1. Sunspel Tailored Swim Shorts
Navy tailored swim shorts read like proper menswear on the beach. The cut sits closer to the leg than baggy trunks, with a clean mid-thigh hem and a flat waistband that looks intentional under a linen shirt.
I like the simplicity here. Solid navy holds up across seasons and works whether you’re at the pool or grabbing lunch afterward.
The fit matters more than the brand: look for a waistband that sits flat without drawstring bulk and a leg opening narrow enough to avoid the parachute effect when wet.
If any one pair was responsible for launching the swimwear-as-shorts movement, it’d be Patagonia Baggies. For close to 40 years, they’ve been the signature warm-weather bottoms of hardcore mountaineers, deep sea fishers, camper van lifers, dedicated Deadheads, and backyard-grilling dads the world over.
— GQ
2. Vilebrequin Swimwear with Vibrant Patterns
Bright printed trunks in pink and blue deliver pattern without the usual tropical cliché. The color combination works because neither shade dominates, and the scale of the print is small enough to read as texture from a distance.
This approach suits men comfortable standing out at the beach or pool.
The fit here is a classic mid-length trunk with an elastic waistband, easy to wear and easier to pack. Pair it with a solid shirt or go without, the print carries the outfit on its own.
3. Classic Black Boardshorts
Black boardshorts with white contrast piping run longer than the others here, hitting just above the knee. The cut sits just above the knee, built for actual water activity rather than poolside posing.
Boardshorts typically skip the mesh liner and use a lace-up closure with a Velcro fly, which holds better in surf.
The black base hides wear and pairs with anything, while the white accent keeps it from looking too utilitarian. I’d reach for these on a beach day that includes more than lying flat.
4. Patterned Swim Shorts with Henley
Blue patterned swim shorts styled with a white short-sleeve henley make the case for wearing swimwear beyond the water. The drawstring waist and relaxed fit allow the shorts to double as casual warm-weather pants.
This works for resort settings, beachside lunches, or anywhere the dress code sits between swimwear and street clothes.
The henley adds structure without formality. Keep the pattern scale medium and the colors cool, warmer tones read less casual once you add a shirt.
5. Playful Printed Swim Briefs
Swim briefs in light blue with a yellow banana print go fully playful. The brief cut offers less coverage and more mobility than trunks, with a snug fit that stays put in the water.
This style suits men confident enough to wear it and pools or beaches where it reads as normal rather than novelty.
The print softens what can otherwise feel like a bold silhouette choice. Fit is non-negotiable here: too loose and they sag, too tight and they bind.
6. Striped Colorblock Swim Briefs
Horizontal stripes in orange, white, and green divide the brief into 3 color blocks. The fit is athletic and low-rise, cut closer than trunks but covering more than a true competition brief.
Striped swim briefs flatten the torso visually, which works best on leaner builds.
The tricolor treatment feels retro without costume, and the saturated tones hold up better against tanned skin than pastels. I’d skip this if you prefer a higher waistband or a more neutral palette.
7. Solid Neutral Swim Briefs
Beige swim briefs strip the silhouette down to its simplest form. The neutral tone sits close to skin, which minimizes contrast and reads quieter than bright colors or prints.
This cut works best on men who prefer minimal coverage and want swimwear that disappears visually.
The monochrome approach flatters lean builds more than heavier ones, where contrast between skin and fabric can actually help define the waistline. Beige also shows water marks and sand more readily than darker shades.
8. Sporty Two-Tone Swim Briefs
Yellow and grey color-blocked briefs split the silhouette horizontally, with the brighter shade on top and the neutral base below. The fit is athletic, cut for movement rather than modesty.
The yellow draws attention, which works if you’re comfortable in a brief cut and want swimwear that reads sporty rather than minimal.
Grey anchors the look and keeps the yellow from overwhelming. This combination suits active beach days better than poolside lounging, the colors and fit both suggest motion.
Swimwear Resistance
Vilebrequin swimwear is treated to resist sun, chlorine, and salt water, which extends the life of printed trunks that would otherwise fade or weaken after a few seasons.
The treatment works only if you rinse the shorts thoroughly with clean water immediately after leaving the pool or ocean.
Skip the rinse and the chemicals stay in the fabric, breaking down the fibers and dulling the color over time.
This matters most for bright patterns and saturated shades, where fading shows first. Solid dark colors mask wear better but still degrade without care.
Most swimwear degrades faster from chlorine than sun or salt. A quick rinse takes seconds and makes the difference between trunks that last two summers and ones that last five.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hottest men’s bathing suit trends for 2026?
Tailored swim shorts in solid navy sit closer to the leg and look intentional under a linen shirt, while bright printed trunks in medium-scale patterns deliver color without tropical clichés.
Longer black boardshorts with contrast piping suit active beach days, and swim briefs in playful prints or retro color blocks offer minimal coverage for men comfortable in the silhouette.
Cut decides how good you look more than color or print: a flat waistband holds its line better than elastic bunched over a drawstring, and a leg opening that stays close when you’re in the water reads sharper than fabric that balloons.
What is the best swimwear for older men?
Pick the style that fits your build and matches what you already wear, not what someone decided belongs to your decade.
Tailored mid-thigh shorts in solid navy or black with a flat waistband read cleaner than baggy trunks, and darker colors mask wear better than bright shades or prints.
A closer fit through the leg avoids bulk without requiring the minimal coverage of a brief.
How do I choose the right style of men’s swimwear?
Start with your build and how you’ll wear them.
Tailored shorts with a flat waistband suit men who want swimwear that doubles as casual pants, while boardshorts work for active beach days and swim briefs offer the least coverage with the most mobility.
Solid colors hide wear and pair easily, prints draw attention, and fit decides whether the style flatters: a waistband that sits flat and a leg opening that stays narrow when wet.
