Shopping for a bathing suit that doesn’t make you look and feel like a complete tool can be tough. So, I’ve put together the ultimate list that features some of the coolest ones that work for just about anyone. Let’s do this!
All that time you’ve been spending at the gym all year is finally about to pay off. Bathing suit season. I’m kidding. Of course I never made it to the gym more than twice but, either way, I’m still looking for a cool pair of swim trunks that’ll make me look my best. Depending on your build, there’s a variety of swimwear options for all the guys out there.
The sizes can be a bit confusing if you’re buying online, at least when it comes to length. If you’re not sure exactly which swim shorts to buy based on your height and weight, here’s a quick cheat sheet:
• Average Height Guys: Go with an inseam ranging anywhere from 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 inches. These should end up falling a couple of inches above your knees (around mid-thigh) and typically are the most flattering.
• Shorter Guys: Show off a little more leg and go with an inseam ranging anywhere from 4 – 5 inches. It’s a sneaky little way to appear a bit taller, if you even care about that.
• Taller Guys: Balance yourself out if you’re a taller dude with an inseam ranging anywhere from around 6.5 – 10 inches. Now I know that’s a wide range, so just make sure it hits the knees or slightly above. There’s nothing worse that when they hang below you knees and you look like you’re in trunks that are way too big.
At the end of the day, like I always say – you do you. Just wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and screw everything else. Spray on your favorite self tanner, apply some extra sunblock, toss on your favorite aviators, and head on out and enjoy life!
This season I’m seeing some really bold prints that are actually pretty fun. Don’t be afraid to take some chances. Most of my personal favorites include options that are light-weight, quick-dry, and have a 4-way stretch. I also love pops of color and even some funny prints and patterns.
So, whether you’re heading out to that beach vacation you’ve been waiting on forever or just plan on hanging out at your pool or lake, below is the list of some of the best bathing suits and swim trunks for men (so far) in 2022. Surfs up, gut in!
1. Tom & Teddy ‘Pineapple’ Swim Trunks
Tom & Teddy
Length: 5.5 inches
Quick Dry: Yes
These bright greenish-blue print swim trunks are totally soft, lightweight and dry super fast. Printed with the coolest pineapples we’ve seen in a little while, this bathing suit reminds you to have fun every time you in the water or on the sand.
2. Paper Airplane + Clouds Swim Shorts
Original Penguin
Length: 6 inch
Quick Dry: No, but Lightweight
If you love a blue bathing suit, but are still looking for that pop of color with a fun print these are your best bet. These are 100% polyester and sports a playful paper airline with whimsical clouds. They also have a drawstring so these can increase and decrease in waist size along with your diet…or lack-thereof (guilty as charged).
3. The SilkWorld Quick Dry Swim Trunks
SilkWorld
Length: 5 inch
Quick Dry: Yes
You totally can’t go wrong with these at all! Not only do they come in about 30 different amazing colors, patterns, and prints, but they’re super comfy, quick dry, and currently are crushing it on Amazon with a 4.5 out of 5 star rating and over 11,000 customer ratings and reviews. We’re in love with the price too!
4. The Chubbies Neon Lights in Blue
Chubbies
Length: 7 inch
Quick Dry: No
You’ve probably seen the Chubbies brand all over your Insta feed this past year and while some of their ads are annoying, they’re bathing suits are pretty killer. They’re known for their super stretchy comfort and pretty dope styles too. These navy trunks with neon signs is stretchy, has a 7-inch length so they’ll sit exactly where you like, and even have side-seam pockets (and a back pocket) so you can carry around some things you’ll need while at the beach or pool.
5. The Lululemon “Cross Channel” Swim Shorts
Lululemon
Length: 7 inch
Quick Dry: Yes (and Water-Repellent)
You can never go wrong with the quality and performance of anything by Lululemon! These have a four-way stretch fabric, come in a bunch of different color combos, and even have a side pocket with key loop. Personally, I love that they’re water-repellent and abrasion resistant, which makes them perfect for exercising in the pool, at the beach, in the lake – you name it.
6. Chubbies Crock Print Bathing Suit
Chubbies
Length: 5.5 inches
Quick Dry: Yes
How cool are these super bright green crocodiles? Not only are these stretchy enough to let you move (and play) at the beach or the pool, but they just look cool AF all at the same time. Yes, I know I named Chubbies twice on my list, but I couldn’t pass these up, especially because I own them myself!
7. The Rip Curl Classic ‘All Time’ Board Shorts
Rip Curl
Length: 9 inch
Quick Dry: No
These are a top seller of the year (so far) over at Zappos online and look great on just about any body type. The ones above are a white, khaki and shades of blue color combo. But they also come in other colors too. There’s a pocket on the right side with a snap enclosure so you can toss in some things you don’t mind getting wet, but totally don’t want to lose.
8. Men’s Relaxed Pull-On Floral Trunks
Abercrombie
Length: 5 inch
Quick Dry: Yes
If you haven’t checked out the latest from Abercrombie for guys these days, it’s time to give them a second look. These trunks are super light-weight, quick-drying, and have a functional 4-way stretch so you won’t feel like these are sticking to you, especially when you’re wet or sweaty. I personally love the floral vibe, but they also come in 8 additional colors and patterns too.
9. The O’Neill ‘Santa Cruz’ Board Shorts in Camo Green
O’Neil
Length: 10 inch
Quick Dry: Yes
You can’t go wrong with camo anything. These are super light, durable, water repellent, quick drying, actually pretty soft and comfy. They also come in black camo and grey too. They’re perfect for guys who really don’t feel comfortable showing a lot of skin above the knee. You do you.