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The biggest headache with most swim trunks is the soggy, saggy feeling when you step out of the water. You need a pair that dries fast, stays put when you dive, and does not chafe your skin after a long day. This guide breaks down seven real options so you know which pair actually delivers on quick-dry performance without looking dated.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Finding the right bathing suits for men means balancing inseam length (the leg measurement from crotch to hem), liner type (the built-in brief inside the trunks), pocket security, and real drying speed — not just picking the cheapest option.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Bathing Suits For Men
The swim trunks market is flooded with identical-looking options, but the real differences hide in details like the liner (the built-in brief), the inseam (the leg length from crotch to hem), and the fabric feel. Knowing what to look for saves you from buying something that feels heavy when wet or falls apart after a few washes.
Liner Type: Compression vs Mesh
The mesh liner (a net-like fabric brief) that comes in most cheap swim trunks can feel rough against your skin and takes forever to dry in the crotch area. A compression liner — a built-in stretchy brief — lays flat, prevents chafing, and gives you support both in and out of the water. Many buyers now specifically seek out trunks with compression liners because they are more comfortable for all-day wear.
Inseam Length: Shorter vs Longer
Inseam (the distance from the crotch seam to the bottom hem) is the single biggest factor in how a swim trunk looks and feels. A 5-inch or 7-inch inseam hits above the knee and gives you a modern, athletic silhouette. A 9-inch or 10-inch inseam sits closer to the knee or just below, offering more coverage and a classic board-short look. Taller guys often prefer longer inseams to avoid a “high-water” appearance.
Pocket Security: Zippers vs Open Pockets
Open pockets on a swim trunk can balloon with air and water, making you look bulky and dragging you down in the water. Zippered pockets keep your phone, keys, and wallet secure and flat against your leg. A back zipper pocket is especially useful for storing your wallet while you swim. Some trunks also include a small interior liner pocket for additional security, though it can be hard to access.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Inseam | Liner Type | Pockets | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| maamgic 5inch★ Best Overall | Best Overall | 5″ | Compression | Zipper | $28.28$29.77Amazon |
| difficort 9″Top Performer | Taller Guys | 9″ | Compression | Zipper | $24.29$26.99Limited time dealAmazon |
| SILKWORLD 10″ | Maximum Coverage | 10″ | Compression | Zipper + Side | $26.99Amazon |
| Viodia Board Shorts | Secure Storage | — | Compression | Zipper + Cargo | from $26.99Amazon |
| Columbia PFG Backcast IV | Versatile All-Day Wear | 6″ or 8″ | Breathable Liner | Side + Zipper | $30.00$40.00Amazon |
| maamgic 7 Inch | Premium Fit | 7″ | Compression | 2 Zipper | $32.99Amazon |
| Volcom Elastic Waist Surf | Surf & Street | 17″ | None (Elastic Waist) | Side + Back | $38.00Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. maamgic 5inch Mens Swimming Trunks
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 950+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The 5-inch inseam gives you a modern athletic cut that won’t ride up, so you can move freely in the water without adjusting your shorts.
This pair solves the two biggest complaints men have with swim trunks: the liner (the built-in brief) and the fit. Instead of the scratchy mesh liner you remember from old board shorts, maamgic uses a compression liner — a stretchy built-in brief that lays flat against your skin and dries much faster. Buyers report that the material feels durable and breathable, and it dries “pretty fast” after a swim. At 5 inches, the leg length hits well above the knee, giving you a clean, sporty look that works well for younger guys or anyone who prefers a shorter silhouette.
One important sizing note: several owners mention these run small. One reviewer who normally wears an XL sized up to an XXL and said it fit perfectly. If you are between sizes, ordering one size larger than your normal waist is the safe bet. The zipper side pockets keep your phone and keys secure without bulging, and the drawstring waist lets you dial in the fit. Compared to the longer difficort 9-inch trunks, these offer a much shorter, more stylish cut that is better for showing off your legs at the pool.
Why it wins: The 5-inch cut and compression liner make it the most comfortable and best-looking mid-length trunk in the list, backed by near-perfect ratings from almost a thousand buyers.
Grab these if: you want a modern shorter inseam with a stretchy compression liner that actually dries fast and holds up wash after wash.
Skip them if: you prefer a longer inseam near or below the knee, or you are a bigger guy who needs more room in the seat and thighs.
2. difficort Mens Swim Trunks 9 inch Inseam
The 9-inch inseam gives taller or bigger guys the coverage they need, so a 6’1″ frame does not look like the trunks are too short.
If you are over 6 feet tall or have a muscular build, shorter trunks like the maamgic 5-inch can look like cutoffs. The difficort 9-inch inseam sits just at or slightly below the knee, providing better proportion for taller frames. Buyers confirm this works well for a larger build — one reviewer who is 6’1″ and roughly 220 lbs said a size large fit him perfectly. The compression liner (a stretchy built-in brief) is the same style upgrade that buyers rave about, calling it “a standout” compared to the old mesh liners that dry out over time and irritate the skin.
These trunks use a waterproof fabric (a coated material designed to repel water) that repels water and dries fairly quickly, though customers note the thicker material takes longer to dry around the waistband compared to thinner trunks. The zipper pocket is genuinely useful for small items like a room key or cash. The build quality feels solid enough that one buyer bought a second pair immediately after his first trip. This is the pick for someone who prioritizes coverage and a secure fit over a shorter, more fashionable cut.
What it does well
- 9-inch inseam provides full coverage for taller or larger builds
- Compression liner is soft on skin and avoids the mesh-liner chafe
- Waterproof fabric holds up during water activities like rafting
One trade-off
- Thicker waistband takes a bit longer to completely dry
Best for: guys over 6 feet, or anyone who wants a proper 9-inch board short with a compression liner that stays put.
Not ideal if: you prefer a short, above-the-knee cut — the 9-inch is a classic surf-style length.
3. SILKWORLD 10″ Mens Swim Trunks
The 10-inch inseam gives you the longest coverage in the list without feeling baggy, so a 6’4″ frame can have full knee coverage.
For guys who want maximum leg coverage — whether for modesty, sun protection, or personal style — the SILKWORLD 10-inch trunks are the longest option here. The fabric uses a polyester and spandex blend that buyers describe as “lightweight, soft, and quick-drying.” One 6’4″ buyer with a 36-inch waist ordered a size 34 and said the fit was excellent and more comfortable than any board shorts he had worn before. The compression liner (a stretchy built-in brief) is made from a 4-way stretch material (a fabric that stretches in four directions) that moves with you during swimming or beach volleyball.
The side cargo pockets are generous and fairly deep, though one reviewer noted they look a bit goofy on the solid color options. The inside liner pocket is hard to access, so you would not want to trust it for valuables. You get two zipper pockets plus one side pocket with Velcro closure for secure storage. The drawstring keeps everything locked in place. Compared to the difficort 9-inch trunks, these offer an extra inch of coverage and an additional side pocket, though the inside pocket is trickier to reach.
The standout detail: That 10-inch inseam on a 6’4″ frame gives full knee coverage without swimming in excess fabric.
Reach for these if: you are tall, prefer a long inseam that covers the knee, and want a compression liner over mesh.
Look elsewhere if: you want a shorter athletic cut or need an easily-accessed secure pocket.
4. Viodia Men’s Swim Trunks with Compression Liner
The two side zipper pockets and a back cargo pocket give you the most secure storage in this lineup, so your phone and keys stay dry and in place.
Nothing ruins a beach day like your phone slipping out of a wet pocket. Viodia addresses this with two zippered side pockets plus a back cargo pocket with drainage (a small hole that lets water escape), so you can carry your essentials without fear. Buyers consistently praise the comfortable compression liner (a stretchy built-in brief) — described as “much better than the mesh” — and the quick-drying fabric. One buyer who is 6’1″ and 178 lbs said the fit was perfect and that he planned to buy more in different colors. The adjustable drawstring and elastic waistband give you a personalized fit that stays secure even when swimming in waves.
The fabric is chlorine-resistant and water-resistant, so it holds up well in pool environments without fading or stretching out. The zippers on the pockets also prevent the “elephant ear” effect that happens when open pockets fill with air and water. Compared to the maamgic 5-inch trunks which have one zipper pocket, the Viodia offers two zippered side pockets plus a back cargo pocket for the most storage capacity here. The only catch is that this model does not list a specific inseam length in the data, so you are guessing slightly on leg coverage.
Secure storage setup
- Two zippered side pockets prevent phone and keys from falling out
- Back cargo pocket with drainage helps the trunks dry faster
- Compression liner is chlorine-resistant for pool use
What is not stated
- The exact inseam length is not listed in the product data
Ideal for: anyone who carries a phone and keys to the beach and wants zippered pocket security as the top priority.
skip it if: you need a specific inseam length — without it listed, fit is a little uncertain.
5. Columbia Mens PFG Backcast IV Water Short
The Columbia PFG Backcast IV works as a swim trunk, a casual short, and a fishing short all in one — so you can go from the water to lunch without changing.
Most swim trunks look out of place at a casual lunch or a round of golf. The Columbia PFG Backcast IV is designed to bridge that gap — it is a water short that looks and feels like a regular pair of everyday shorts. It uses a breathable liner (a light, airy brief instead of a compression one) and a rear zipper pocket for your wallet. Reviewers point out the side pockets are deep enough to hold all but the largest cellphone. Available in both a 6-inch and 8-inch inseam, the relaxed fit works well for guys who want room to move without looking sloppy.
The fabric is sun-blocking (with Omni-Shade UPF, a material that blocks ultraviolet rays), rain-and-stain-resistant, and quick-drying, so you stay comfortable on and off the water. One long-time buyer said he has used these shorts for years until he “totally destroys them,” then buys another pair. The only minor complaint is that the pockets droop a bit lower than the leg hem, which can look odd. Still, compared to the maamgic 5-inch trunks which are obviously swimwear, this is the most versatile option in the list — it can go from a paddle board to a restaurant patio without anyone knowing you just swam in it.
Not your typical swim trunk: The breathable liner and zippered rear pocket make this a true dual-purpose short you can wear all day, on the water and off.
Pick this if: you want one pair of shorts that works for swimming and for everyday errands, with a relaxed fit and Columbia’s quality guarantee.
Not for you if: you specifically want a compression liner for active swimming — the breathable liner is lighter but less supportive.
6. maamgic 7 Inch Mens Swim Trunks
The 7-inch inseam from maamgic splits the difference between short and long perfectly, landing right on the knee cap for a balanced look.
If the maamgic 5-inch feels too short and the difficort 9-inch feels too long, the 7-inch balance lands right on the knee cap. The maamgic 7-inch trunks offer the same compression liner (a stretchy built-in brief) and zippered pockets as the 5-inch model, but with a bit more leg coverage for guys who want a modern look without showing too much thigh. The fabric is a 90% polyester and 10% spandex blend, giving it good stretch. Shoppers say it runs true to size, with one reviewer noting his 205 lb husband wore an XL and it fit well.
These do run small though — one buyer mentioned his usual size small was way too tight, and he had to go up to a medium. The soft spandex brief lining is a clear upgrade over the old mesh style, and buyers praise the comfort and breathability. With a 4.8 rating from 456 ratings, this has the highest star average in the lineup. The fabric has some give, so it accommodates bigger legs better than a rigid 100% polyester short would. This is the pick for those who want a mid-length trunk that looks sharp and moves with you, and who want the highest-rated trunk on the list.
Why it is a premium pick
- 7-inch inseam is the perfect midpoint between trendy short and classic long
- 4.8 out of 5 stars — the highest average rating in this list
- Stretch fabric with soft compression liner moves well
The sizing catch
- Runs small — buying one size up is the safest approach for a comfortable fit
Reach for this if: you want a premium-feeling mid-length trunk with the best customer rating in the lineup and stretch fabric that moves with you.
Look elsewhere if: you are a consistent size who does not want to mess with sizing up — these run small.
7. Volcom Men’s 17″ Elastic Waist Surf Swim Trunks
The 17-inch Volcom goes past the knee for a true surf-style long board short, so you get the classic surfer look that paddles well.
This is the longest inseam in the list by a wide margin. At 17 inches, the Volcom trunk is designed to sit well below the knee, giving you that classic surfer look that never goes out of style. It uses an elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring instead of a traditional button and fly, which makes it easy to pull on and off and provides extra comfort. The 4-way stretch construction (a fabric that stretches in four directions) moves with you during paddling or swimming, and the enzyme wash (a treatment that softens the fabric) gives the fabric a soft, broken-in feel from the first wear.
Buyers love the bright bird of paradise pattern — one reviewer called it “nice and bright in person.” The side hand pockets and back flap pocket give you basic storage, though there are no zipper closures. The elastic waist is not too obvious because of the dark fabric. Compared to the maamgic 5-inch trunks which are short and athletic, this is the pick for guys who want a true surf trunk with a long cut and an easy on-off elastic waistband, rather than a performance athletic short with multiple pockets.
The defining feature: That 17-inch inseam with a 4-way stretch construction and elastic waist gives you a surf-style trunk that is completely different from any other option here.
Best for: surfers or anyone who wants a long, comfortable board short with a classic elastic waist and a bold pattern.
Not for: guys who need zippered pockets for phone security or prefer a shorter, more athletic cut.
Understanding the Specs
Inseam Length
This is the distance from the crotch seam to the bottom hem. A 5-inch inseam hits well above the knee and gives a modern athletic look. A 7-inch hits near the middle of the knee cap, which is the most versatile midpoint. A 9-inch or 10-inch sits at or below the knee, offering more coverage for taller builds. A 17-inch is a true surf-style cut that goes well past the knee.
Compression Liner vs Mesh Liner
The liner is the built-in underwear or brief inside the trunk. Traditional mesh liners (net-like fabric briefs) can chafe, bunch up, and dry slowly. A compression liner — made from a stretchy spandex-polyester blend — lays flat against the skin, prevents chafing, dries faster, and provides mild muscle support. This is the single most important upgrade in modern swim trunks, and most buyers specifically seek it out.
FAQ
What is the best inseam length for a man over 6 feet tall?
Are compression liners better than mesh liners for swim trunks?
Do I need zipper pockets on my swim trunks?
How do I know if a swim trunk will fit me correctly?
Can I wear swim trunks as regular shorts?
What is the difference between quick-dry and waterproof fabric?
How do I wash swim trunks to make them last longer?
Why do some swim trunks have a back pocket with a drainage hole?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most guys, the best bathing suits for men winner is the maamgic 5-inch trunks because they combine a modern athletic cut with a comfortable compression liner (a stretchy built-in brief) and secure zipper pockets at a very fair price. If you want a longer 9-inch inseam that works better for taller builds, grab the difficort 9-inch trunks. And for the most versatile pair that doubles as everyday shorts, the Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short is the choice for all-day use.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gadgets Feed earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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