The 10 Best Swimwear Brands Every Man Should Know
Guys, let‘s be real – finding the perfect pair of swim trunks can be a struggle. With so many brands, styles, and features to choose from, it‘s easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not, my fashion-forward friends! As your resident men‘s style guru, I‘m here to dive deep (pun intended) into the absolute best men‘s swimwear brands out there.
But first, why does finding the right swimsuit matter so much? Well, for starters, ill-fitting or poor quality trunks can really put a damper on your beach day. Chafing, constant adjusting, see-through material after one dunk in the pool – yeah, hard pass. Plus, the right swimwear can seriously elevate your shoreside style. Trust me, the Speedo days are behind you.
So without further ado, here are the top 10 men‘s swimwear brands you need on your radar, along with my hand-picked product recommendations from each one. Cue the beach montage…
1. Polo Ralph Lauren
To kick things off, we have to give props to the OG of preppy fashion – Polo Ralph Lauren. Founded in 1967 by the iconic Ralph Lauren, this brand is all about classic American style with a fresh, modern twist.
When it comes to swimwear, Polo Ralph Lauren knocks it out of the park with their huge variety of high-quality swim trunks. You‘ll find everything from splashy patterns to classic solids, all in that signature relaxed Polo fit. Prices typically range from $50 to $150, so there‘s something for most budgets.
My top pick: The Traveler Swim Trunk. Crafted from quick-drying nylon with a comfy mesh lining, these babies are ready for everything from cannonballs to beach volleyball. Plus, the 6-inch inseam is the perfect length for most guys.
2. Bonobos
Next up, we have a relative newcomer that‘s been making serious waves (okay, I‘ll cool it with the puns) – Bonobos. Launched in 2007, this brand revolves around really dialing in that perfect fit for guys of all sizes.
Bonobos offers a solid selection of swim trunks and board shorts in fun, modern prints and colorways. Most are crafted from soft, recycled polyester and feature handy pockets and mesh lining. Prices usually fall around the $80 mark.
My pick for poolside lounging: The Riviera Recycled Swim Short. I‘m loving the 5-inch inseam for showing a little more leg, and the vintage-inspired prints are giving me major "sipping mai tais in 1960s Hawaii" vibes.
3. Orlebar Brown
If you‘re ready to seriously level-up your swimwear game, let me introduce you to British brand Orlebar Brown. These folks have been crafting top-notch, designer-quality swim trunks since 2007, with a focus on tailored fits and photorealistic prints.
Orlebar Brown is definitely a luxury swimwear brand, with prices often coming in at $200+. However, these are the kind of swim trunks that‘ll last you for years and years. Plus, many feature the brand‘s signature adjustable side tabs for a custom-feeling fit.
The swim trunk worth splurging on: The Bulldog. As Orlebar Brown‘s most iconic style, the mid-length Bulldog features a classic, flattering cut, four-way stretch fabric, and an endless array of print options to choose from. It‘s like the Rolls Royce of swimwear.
4. Patagonia
For my eco-conscious beach bums, Patagonia has long been a go-to for sustainable, high-performance swimwear and apparel. Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is the gold standard when it comes to environmentally and socially responsible business practices.
While Patagonia‘s selection of men‘s swimwear is fairly small compared to other brands on this list, you really can‘t go wrong with any of their trunks. Prices are mid-range, around $60-$80, and most styles are available in a large, tall, or plus size.
The do-it-all swim trunk: The Baggies Short. With a 5" inseam, quick-drying nylon fabric, and handy mesh pockets, the Baggies are ready for any warm-weather adventure – and they‘ll hold up even after years of regular wear thanks to Patagonia‘s legendary craftsmanship.
5. lululemon
Lululemon may be best known for their insanely popular women‘s yoga pants, but their men‘s selections are equally impressive – especially when it comes to swimwear and beachwear.
At $88-$128 a pair, Lululemon‘s swim shorts are definitely pricey. However, you get the same technical fabrics, attention to detail, and streamlined fits that the brand is renowned for. And with inseams ranging from 4"- 11", there‘s a pair for every height and coverage preference.
My pick for water sports: The Channel Cross Short. With a comfortable 7" inseam and four-way stretch, water-repellent fabric, these trunks were designed with swimming and surfing in mind. Bonus: The hidden key loop and zippered back pocket are insanely handy.
6. RVCA
For my fellow surfers and skaters, RVCA (pronounced "roo-ka") is a no-brainer when it comes to cool, street-ready swimwear. The Costa Mesa-based brand has deep roots in surf and skate culture, and it shows through loud and clear in their youthful, edgy designs.
RVCA has swim trunks starting at just $50, with plenty of lengths and fits to choose from. Most are crafted from lightweight, stretchy polyester with functional details like cargo pockets and water-resistant coatings.
The trunk that‘ll make your street style (and your mom) proud: The VA Elastic Short 17". It‘s like the perfect marriage between board shorts and chino shorts, with a clean, above-the-knee fit and cool color options like "pomegranate" and "camo."
7. Outerknown
Here‘s another sustainable swimwear brand that‘s making big waves – Outerknown. Co-founded by champion surfer Kelly Slater in 2015, Outerknown is all about blending high-end design with radical transparency and impeccable ethics.
Outerknown‘s swim trunks are crafted from fabrics like recycled polyester and organic cotton, with most ringing in under $100. Plus, the brand gives back a portion of every sale to environmental nonprofits.
The best bang for your buck: The Nomadic Volley. At just $68, these trunks boast a classic fit, ultra-soft feel, and nifty details like a button fly, side pockets, and key loop. Plus, 29 color options? Yes please.
8. Bather
Toronto-based Bather is a small-but-mighty indie brand churning out some of the coolest men‘s swimwear I‘ve seen lately. All of their trunks are designed in Canada and manufactured in small batches with eco-conscious materials and methods.
Bather‘s big draw (besides the impeccable quality)? Their incredible prints and patterns. We‘re talking batik, nautical stripes, Moroccan tile – these trunks are wearable works of art, and no two pairs are exactly alike.
The perfect pair to show your artsy side: The Trunk 2.0. This mid-length style is a Bather fan favorite for its comfy 6.5" inseam, mesh lining, and sturdy nickel-plated grommets. And at $88 a pop, they‘re way cheaper than a plane ticket to Marrakech.
9. Tom & Teddy
Calling all fun-loving dads! Australian brand Tom & Teddy has your new go-to swim trunks, and get this – they come in Dad-and-Me matching sets. Tell me that‘s not the cutest thing you‘ve ever heard.
Adorableness aside, Tom & Teddy makes stellar men‘s swim trunks in a rainbow of solid hues and snazzy patterns (think palm trees, seahorses, lobsters). Prices range from $75-$100, and all pairs are made with durable, quick-drying polyester, mesh lining, and key pockets.
The most family-friendly option: The Swim Trunk. Whether you go matchy-matchy with your mini-me or rock a solid, these mid-length trunks are just as comfy as they are fun. And the elastic waist and drawstring closure make them easy to size.
10. Vilebrequin
Last but certainly not least, we have Vilebrequin – the epitome of French Riviera-chic swimwear. Founded in 1971 by photographer-turned-designer Fred Prysquel, this luxury brand is all about celebrating the art of living in the sun.
Vilebrequin‘s swim trunks are the crème de la crème, with prices often eclipsing the $200 mark. However, these are investment-worthy pieces that you‘ll treasure for years. Every pair is designed in-house at the brand‘s studio in Saint-Tropez and crafted with supreme attention to detail.
The holy grail of men‘s designer swim trunks: The Moorea. With a classic mid-length cut, über-soft cotton lining, and dozens of haute patterns to choose from, the Moorea has been a staple of the well-dressed beach set for decades.
Whew, that was a lot of ground (er, water?) to cover – but choosing the perfect men‘s swimsuit is no joke! I hope this guide helps you find a pair of trunks that‘ll make you feel confident, cool, and comfy all summer long. If you have any questions or just want to swap swim-style tips, drop me a line below. I‘ll sea you out there!
PS – Don‘t forget your SPF.
