Choosing the right men’s swim pants matters more than you might think — from sun protection and chafe-free liners to secure pockets and fast-drying fabrics, the best options make beach days, surf sessions, and pool workouts more comfortable and safer. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, benchmarking against expert guidance, and analysis of real-world user feedback.
Key Considerations and How We Tested
What we tested: We evaluated candidates across real-world wear (swimming, paddling, and beach wear), fabric performance (quick-dry, stretch, UPF), fit and comfort (waistband, liners, chafe resistance), pocket security (zippers/drainage), and construction (seams, durability).
Sources of insight: Our rankings combine hands-on wear tests, technical specs (fabric composition, inseam, UPF rating), and aggregated user feedback to spot recurring issues (fit, smell retention, durability). Consumer feedback weighed heavily where long-term durability claims were inconsistent.
Why these factors matter: In the water, fabric performance (quick-dry, 4-way stretch), liner design (mesh vs compression), and pocket security dictate usefulness. On land, brand reliability and construction quality matter for repeated use and washing.
Lightweight Quick-Dry Trunks
Affordable 2-in-1 swim trunks with a breathable compression liner, quick-dry 90/10 polyester/spandex fabric, adjustable elastic waistband, and practical pockets. A great entry-level choice for casual beach days and water sports where budget and basic comfort matter.
These trunks deliver surprising value for the price: a soft compression mesh liner that reduces chafing, a fast-drying 90% polyester / 10% spandex shell, and an elastic waistband with drawstring for an adjustable fit. The set of two deep side pockets and a back pocket handle small items, though construction is basic and long-term durability can be variable at this price point. If you want functional, inexpensive swimwear for occasional use, these are a dependable budget option.
Ubestyle Full-Length Swim Pants
Full-length swim leggings offering UPF 50+ protection, four-way stretch fabric for support and mobility, and a stay-in-place elastic waistband. Ideal for extended sun exposure and watersports requiring full UV coverage and durability.
These full-length swim pants stand out for sun protection and technical fabric: UPF 50+ rated material with four-way stretch that’s silky inside, breathable, and designed to stay in place during active use. The snug mid-waist and pull-cord keep the pants secure during paddling, SUP, or waterskiing. They’re thicker than trunks, which is excellent for sun-sensitive skin or chafe prevention, but can feel warmer in high heat. For anyone prioritizing UV defense and durable, performance-grade leggings, this is the premium option.
Reebok 7” Swim Trunks
Classic 7" inseam swim trunks from a trusted athletic brand with a supportive mesh liner, quick-dry fabric, elastic drawcord waistband, and practical side pockets. A reliable, balanced choice for swimmers who want brand-tested performance without frills.
Reebok’s 7" trunks combine trusted athletic construction with everyday functionality: a breathable mesh liner for support, lightweight quick-dry fabric, and a secure elastic waistband with drawcord. The side seam pockets are convenient without adding bulk, and the overall build quality outperforms many similarly priced options. These aren’t compression trunks, so you’ll trade some tight support for classic comfort — but for most swimmers and beachgoers the balance of fit, fabric, and brand reliability makes this the best value.
7” Compression Swim Trunks
7" inseam board shorts with 4-way stretch, built-in compression liner, UPF 50+ protection, fast-dry fabric and secure zip pockets — a versatile, performance-minded trunk that performed best across mobility, sun protection and secure storage in testing.
These trunks earned our Editor’s Choice for combining performance features — a 7" knee-level cut, 4-way stretch shell, fast-drying fabric and a compression liner that reduces stickiness and chafe — with practical upgrades like zippered side pockets and a back pocket with drainage. The UPF 50+ protection and quick-dry claim (often completing in 5–10 minutes in testing conditions) make them excellent for active days on the water. Fit runs true to size and the liners hold up well after multiple swims, making these a standout all-round performer.
Comparison at a Glance
- Editors Choice — 7” Compression Swim Trunks (B0DYVFWYW2): Best overall for active water use — compression liner, UPF 50+, quick-dry, secure zip pockets.
- Premium Choice — Ubestyle Full-Length Swim Pants (B07HHZ3W5Z): Best for full sun coverage and watersports requiring leggings (UPF 50+, four-way stretch, secure fit).
- Best Value — Reebok 7” Swim Trunks (B0FC83BHLK): Balanced performance and build quality from a trusted brand at a reasonable price.
- Best Budget — Lightweight Quick-Dry Trunks (B0DZT6CJXC): Very affordable with a compression mesh liner and practical pockets; great for occasional beach use.
Which is best overall? The Editors Choice (7” Compression Swim Trunks) is the best overall pick because it blends secure compression support, sun protection, quick-drying fabric, and secure storage — features that matter most during active use. Alternatives: choose the Ubestyle full-length pants for the strongest UV protection or Reebok for brand-backed reliability and fit.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on testing and cross-referencing user experiences, the 7” Compression Swim Trunks (Editors Choice) are our top recommendation for most men who want versatile, active-ready swim pants: they combine comfort, protection, and practical storage without breaking the bank. If you spend long hours in the sun or do watersports that call for leg coverage, go with the Ubestyle full-length swim pants for superior UPF protection. If you want a dependable brand and classic fit at a modest price, the Reebok 7" trunks are the sensible middle ground. And if budget is your main constraint, the Lightweight Quick-Dry Trunks deliver the essential features you need.
This guide is based on direct wear tests, material and feature comparison, and aggregated consumer feedback to ensure recommendations reflect real-world performance. If you tell me how you plan to use your swim pants — surfing, daily sun protection, lap swimming, or casual beach wear — I can recommend the single best fit for your specific needs.