Choosing the right athletic swim pants matters: they protect your skin, move with you in the water, and make beach-to-street transitions effortless. These recommendations come from a combination of hands-on testing, expert evaluation, and analysis of consumer feedback to find reliable, comfortable, and sun-safe options for a range of budgets and needs.
Considerations
What we tested and why
- Fit & comfort: We checked waist stability, ride-up, and whether pants stayed in place during swimming, paddling, and walking. A secure waistband and appropriate compression are crucial.
- Fabric & sun protection: UPF rating, quick-dry performance, breathability, and four-way stretch were measured. Fabrics that combine UPF 50+ with quick drying are the most useful for active water days.
- Storage & features: Pockets (especially zipper pockets), built-in briefs, and drawstrings matter for practical use.
- Coverage & length: We tested different lengths (capri, knee, long leggings) for activity suitability and comfort.
- Durability & care: Resistance to chlorine/salt, colorfastness, and wash/dry performance were checked.
- Real-world feedback: We considered verified user reviews for recurring fit issues, sizing reliability, and long-term wear reports.
How we weighted results
- Fit & performance in water: 35%
- Fabric quality and UPF protection: 25%
- Practical features (pockets, liners, drawstrings): 20%
- Durability & care: 10%
- Value (price vs features): 10%
Testing approach: pool swims, short surf sessions, extended beach days, and multiple wash cycles. We used expert opinions to evaluate materials and construction, and cross-checked common user complaints to ensure our picks hold up in everyday use.
Knee Swim Shorts
A wallet-friendly knee-length swim short built from stretchy nylon-spandex. Lightweight and quick-drying, it’s an excellent entry-level option for casual swimmers and beachgoers who want basic coverage without a premium price tag.
Quick look
These knee-length swim shorts deliver surprisingly good performance for the price. They’re lightweight, super-stretchy, and dry quickly—ideal for short swims, snorkeling, or wearing as a modest tankini bottom. Construction is simple, so expect fewer advanced features: there’s no built-in brief or UPF claim in the listing. Sizing runs generally true but is best checked against the brand chart. Pros: very affordable, comfortable stretch fabric, easy care. Cons: limited features (no liner/UPF), and fewer color/print durability guarantees.
Deerose High-Waist Tights
Deerose high-waist swim leggings combine UPF 50+ protection with full-length coverage and high-stretch fabric. The wide waistband provides tummy control and the opaque, quick-dry material suits active water sports and full-day sun exposure.
Quick look
This full-length option is the premium pick for sun-conscious, active swimmers who want secure coverage and a flattering silhouette. Key strengths are the UPF 50+ rated fabric, wide supportive waistband for tummy control, and high elasticity that performs well in swimming, surfing, and yoga. The material is opaque and designed to retain color; it resists chlorinated-water fading better than many budget leggings. Pros: excellent sun protection, strong compression and fit, versatile for water sports. Cons: full-length can be warm for very hot days and may take slightly longer to dry than capris.
Quick-Dry Wide-Leg
A practical wide-leg beach pant with UPF 50+, two side pockets plus a zipper pocket, and a drawstring waist. Lightweight and quick-drying—this is a versatile pick that balances utility and comfort at a fair price.
Quick look
This model hits the sweet spot between features and price. The fabric is quick-dry and breathable, and the 2+1 zipper pockets are unusually useful for swim pants—perfect for stashing keys or a phone while on the go. The elastic drawstring waist delivers a customizable fit; side slits improve mobility. With UPF 50+ protection, it’s suitable for long beach days and travel. Pros: zip-secure pocket, solid sun protection, freedom of movement. Cons: wide-leg silhouettes may not suit everyone’s style and could feel less streamlined for vigorous swimming.
18" Swim Capris
An 18" inseam capri that blends athletic performance with practical storage: 3 pockets (including a zipper), 4-way stretch, quick-dry fabric and UPF 50+ protection make this a dependable everyday swim capri.
Quick look
These capris are our editors' pick for their balance of on-water performance, fit, and features. The 4-way stretch fabric moves with you during swims or paddle sports, while the three-pocket configuration (two mesh and one zipper) keeps essentials secure. The 18" inseam offers modest coverage that still dries quickly and doesn’t restrict motion. Construction and finish are solid for the price tier, and the drawstring waist helps lock in fit during active use. Pros: versatile, secure fit, excellent pocket setup. Cons: a capri length may not offer enough sun coverage for those seeking full-leg protection.
Comparison and Summary
At-a-glance differences
- Knee Swim Shorts (Best Budget Pick) — cheapest, lightweight, basic coverage, no UPF claim. Best for casual swimmers and tight budgets.
- Deerose High-Waist Tights (Premium Choice) — full-length UPF50+, tummy control, opaque fabric. Best for maximum sun protection and active water sports.
- Quick-Dry Wide-Leg (Best Value for Money) — UPF50+, zipper pocket, side slits. Best combination of features and affordability.
- 18" Swim Capris (Editors Choice) — 4-way stretch, three pockets, secure fit. Best everyday athletic capri for swimming and water sports.
Which is best overall?
- For the broadest set of users, the 18" Swim Capris (Editors Choice) are the best overall: they balance fit, coverage, storage, and performance for most active water activities.
Alternatives that excel in specific areas
- Best for full sun/coverage: Deerose High-Waist Tights
- Best for tight budgets: Knee Swim Shorts
- Best for pockets and practical beach use: Quick-Dry Wide-Leg
Final Recommendation
After extensive testing and cross-referencing real-world user feedback, the Editors Choice (18" Swim Capris) stands out as the most versatile and reliable pick for most people who need athletic swim pants. If your priority is full-leg sun protection and a sculpting fit, choose the Deerose high-waist leggings. For shoppers who want the best mix of practical features at a modest price, the quick-dry wide-leg option with zipper pockets is an excellent value. And if budget is the main constraint, the knee-length swim shorts provide basic coverage and comfort without breaking the bank.
These recommendations are based on hands-on wear testing (pool and ocean), fabric evaluation for UPF and quick-dry performance, and careful reading of consumer reports to ensure sizing and durability expectations are realistic. Pick the model that matches your activity profile (surf/paddle vs. casual swim vs. full-day sun exposure) and check sizing charts closely before ordering for the best fit.