Buzzapp Master 
Best Overall
Abercombie Pull-On Seersucker Swim Trunk
ProsMade with seersucker puckered textureLooks like regular shortsGreat for guys with bigger quadsAffordable than most on the listConsHas lining, but its still comfortableBelieve it or not, our style editors have worn these boardshorts to backyard BBQs and coffee shops—and not a single person batted an eye. That’s because the seeksucker print blurs the line between swimwear and everyday shorts. The puckered, woven fabric is traditionally found in casual summer tailoring, so these read more polished than your average trunk.
The fit is dialed in too: tailored but not tight with a silhouette that flatters most builds, especially guys with bigger quads who still want some structure without feeling squeezed. One tester with sprinter thighs said they felt secure, never snug, even after hours on the move.
While many lined boardshorts start to feel too tight or swampy after a few hours, this pair stays breathable and lightweight, thanks to the polyester-elastane fabric. No bunching, no sticking, no chafing. The look is so relaxed, I’ve worn it with a camp collar shirt to a casual resort dinner and didn’t feel out of place.
Read More: Best Swim Trunks
Material93% Polyester, 7% ElastaneLength7″Best for Taller Guys
Polo Ralph Lauren 8.5-Inch Kailua Classic Fit Swim Trunk
ProsGreat for guys who are six feet and higherCut follows your natural shapeOffers solid coverageConsNot ideal for guys who want a shorter lengthFor taller guys, shorter boardshorts can feel too revealing, while longer cuts often look awkward or oversized. Polo Ralph Lauren’s version strikes the right balance with an 8.5-inch inseam. For our testers over six feet tall, this was the first pair that didn’t ride up, didn’t sag, and offered solid coverage with a sharp fit. The styling is polished and unfussy, which is expected from Ralph Lauren. It’s not skin-tight like some trendier swim shorts, but it’s not baggy either. The cut follows your natural shape and leaves room through the thighs to stretch out on a beach towel or squat to grab a cooler. We also styled it with a polo and boat shoes, and it looked totally at home at a seaside lunch spot.
Material90% Polyester, 10% ElastaneLength8.5″Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Most Versatile
Patagonia Men’s Hydropeak Boardshorts – 18″
ProsDurable water repellent (DWR) finish Inseam prevent chafingCan handle other activities outside of surfingSleek slim fitConsSizes tend to go fastPatagonia makes the best hybrid shorts on the market. While most boardshorts are strictly for beach duty and maybe passable for grabbing, this pair kept up with everything we threw at it. We wore it on hiking trials, casting lines off the dock, and hitting the beach, all in one day without ever needing to change.
It’s got a slim fit, but gives you room to move, squat, climb, or lounge without anything feeling tight. The durable water-repellent fabric was a standout. It repels water like a champ, but still breathes, so whether we were getting splashed or sweating through a long, humid hike, we stayed dry and comfortable for hours.
One tester even wore it for a three-hour paddleboard session and didn’t feel soaked or weighed down after. We also dig the gradient color, which is a fresh break from all the usual solids and tropical prints. And yes, this short run a little longer, but don’t give baggy, lifeguard energy. The cut is dialed in, so you still look sharp waist-deep in the lake or grabbing tacos right after.
Material86% Recycled polyester/14% SpandexLengthOutseam 18″-21″Best Classic
Buck Mason Japanese Oxford Board Short
ProsSubtle texture looks and feels like a well-worn oxford shirtWaistband stays around the clockCan go from the pool to casual settingConsLimited colorways compared to othersThis boardshort will never feel out of place, whether you’re wearing it today or five summers from now. Inspired by old-school surf culture, this pair has a relaxed silhouette that looks pulled from a 60s beach photo, but built with modern materials that dry faster, move better, and feel comfortable all day.
During testing, our editors noticed the Japanese nylon fabric has a subtle texture that looks and feels like a well-worn oxford shirt. It’s lightweight but sturdy, and unlike some tech-y swim fabrics, it doesn’t feel slick or shiny. The material also dries faster than expected, considering it looks like regular shorts. After a full swim, it was dry enough within 30 minutes to lounge in a cabana without leaving a wet seat behind.
One tester pointed out that the waistband stayed comfortable all day, with no digging or constant readjusting, even while treading water. Best of all, this pair look like regular summer shorts, but with a front tie closure. We’ve worn this pair straight from the pool to the grocery store with a polo, and no one guessed it was meant for the water.
Material100% Japanese nylon oxford clothLength6″Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Luxury
Todd Snyder 5″ Montauk Swim Trunk
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