A pair of swim trunks isn’t a life-changing decision — not like a mortgage or a tattoo on your forehead. But if you pick the wrong ones, you’ll be uncomfortable all day. Too loose, too tight, weird print: all ingredients for a bad swimwear experience. And usually, you only have one with you, so it’s important to get it right the first time.
That’s why this article exists. No fuss, just: what to look out for, what works for you, and which ones to skip.
What will you be doing with them?
What you do with your swim trunks largely determines what you need. The three most common situations:
Swimming or being active?
Are you going to swim laps, snorkel, play beach volleyball, or move around a lot? Then you need swim trunks that stay in place — no slipping waistbands or wide, flapping legs. Choose a shorter, slightly tighter style, preferably with a drawstring in the waistband. Quick-drying material is a plus.
Advice: a shorter swim short with a drawstring, swim brief, or swim boxer.
Vacation, chill mode on?
If you mainly want to relax, sunbathe, and lounge by the pool with a drink, comfort comes first. A slightly looser fit, elastic waistband, and possibly pockets (preferably with zippers) for your keys or phone. Style-wise, you can be a bit more playful here: a nice color or subtle print.
Advice: a longer swim short or swim trunks.
A bit smarter for a resort or beach bar?
Sometimes you want swim trunks that are just a bit more stylish. For a luxury hotel, beach club, or a chic dinner in sandals. Then a short or mid-length model with a clean finish and understated, solid colors is the best choice — think dark blue, dark green, or a subtle stripe.
Advice: a solid, shorter (above the knee) swim short or swim trunks.
Fit: what suits you best?
Fit is probably the most important factor. Swim trunks can look great, but if they pull, chafe, or slip down, it’s no success.
- Short: shows more leg, looks sportier, and gives a free feeling. Ideal for longer legs or a slimmer build. Not comfortable? There’s nothing wrong with a bit more length.
- Mid-length: the safe choice. Not too short, not too long. Looks good on almost everyone.
- Long: more coverage, relaxed look. Note: on shorter men, long styles can make you look even shorter, and they dry slower and hold more sand.
Pro tip from Hans: move around well when trying them on. Walk, squat, and move — you’ll quickly feel if it’s right.
Details that can make (or break) your day
Inner lining: yes or no? Swim trunks with an inner lining keep everything in place — handy if you move a lot. Without it, you get more freedom and less chance of irritation if you’re sensitive to seams.
Drawstring or elastic? Elastic is comfortable and quick to put on/take off but can stretch out and slip down with a strong wave. A drawstring lets you tighten securely and stays put better during movement. Both is ideal: secure and comfortable.
Pockets (and zippers?) Pockets are handy for your phone, cards, or keys — but without zippers, everything can slip out when you lie down or swim. If you want to carry something safely, choose swim trunks with zippers.
Material. Polyester is durable, dries quickly, and feels a bit stiffer. Nylon is softer. A stretch blend (with spandex/elastane) is stretchy and fits nicely. Avoid cotton: it soaks up water, dries slowly, and sticks to your skin. Quick-drying models can be found here.
Solid or print?
Solid colors are easy to combine and always safe. Prints add more personality and a summer vibe. Want to stand out? Go for print. Just want to look good without fuss? Solid is always a good choice. Rule of thumb for prints: if your grandma would say "what a lovely pair of swim trunks, boy!", quickly pick another.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Bought too big → slips down when you get out of the water.
- Too tight → pulls on your thighs or crotch.
- No attention to fabric → wet trunks that don’t dry for hours.
- No inner lining → chafing all day.
- Too busy print → fun in the store, uncomfortable on vacation.
Remember: swim trunks should mainly feel good and suit what you’re going to do. The rest is secondary.
When is it time for new swim trunks?
Swimwear doesn’t last forever — chlorine, salt, sun, sunscreen, and water slides wear it down. Three clear signs it’s time to replace them:
- Stretching out. Does your swim brief or boxer get looser until it almost slips off? That means the elastane has broken down (due to chlorine, sun, sunscreen, and shampoo). Time for new ones.
- See-through. Has the fabric become so thin you can almost see through it? You won’t get a clearer sign — the swim trunks are done.
- Faded. Dark shades (black, navy) fade and bright colors weaken, especially from the sun. You really notice the difference next to a new pair of the same type.
Tip: always rinse your swim trunks with clean water after use — it noticeably extends their lifespan. Swim mostly in chlorinated pools? Consider chlorine-resistant swim trunks (polyester in Carvico quality). They lack elastane, so are a bit less stretchy but last much longer.
Why doesn’t a good pair of swim trunks have to be expensive?
A functional swim boxer from a well-known brand often costs €25 to €45. With us, most cost significantly less, and even our most expensive models stay around €30. This is possible for a few simple reasons:
- Overstock from big brands. At the end of the season, brands have leftover swimwear. We buy these sharply and pass the discount directly to you.
- Own production. We have certain models made ourselves. This way, we control the style, material, and fit, and cut out the middleman — which saves a lot on price.
- Strong, lesser-known brands. Much quality swimwear comes from (Eastern) Europe, often in the same chlorine-resistant Carvico quality as big names, but at a lower price. Top quality without the brand-label price tag.
In short: affordable and quality don’t have to clash.
Summer tip: just bring two pairs of swim trunks
Swimming, chilling, lunching on a beach terrace — not all call for the same swim trunks. And who wants to put on damp, clammy trunks after showering? Smart men bring two: one for action & water, one for comfort & style.
Choose what works for you, and you’re set
Now that you know what to look for, choosing is simple. You don’t have to be a fashion expert — just something that feels good, looks good, and fits what you’re going to do.
Ready to choose? Browse all men’s swim trunks and find your favorite.
