The 12 Best Swim Trunks We Found on Amazon

• Built-in compression lining
• Have four zippered pockets
• Stretch material for a more flexible fit

• Some buyers dislike the zippers

With a built-in compression lining that reduces sticking and is protective against scratches, plus a zippered pocket that'll safely stow all your essentials in the water, you can splish-splash to your heart's content in these shorts.

• Functional drawstring waist
• Mesh lining for better coverage

• Not the stretchiest option

If there's a season to rock gingham, it's summer. And these swim shorts are less than ten bucks—what's not to love? Comfortable and crafted with a comfortable, relaxed through the waist and hips, these are made of a lightweight and breathable fabric, finished with quick-drying properties.

• Quick-drying fabric
• Have mesh liner

• Size range isn't as wide as that of some other options

Amazon Essentials offers solid, minimalist swim trunks that can be at your doorstep in as little as one day. We recommend buying in advance, though, on the off chance there's a delay. This regular-fit option features a soft mesh liner, stretchy elasticized waist, and comfortable drawstring closure. And if you're not a fan of the classic black look, don't fret—it's also available in 12 other colorways.

• Protective UPF 50+ microfiber
• Stretchy, flexible fabric

• Run small

Founded right in the heart of New York City's Garment District, Kanu Surf was first sold door-to-door to local surfers, mom-and-pop surf shops, and a few gift stores at nearby beaches. Now you can find the brand in department stores, national retailers, and basically anywhere swimwear is sold—including Amazon. This longer pair of trunks is classic and reliable, with contrast stitching and big cargo pockets for all your poolside essentials.

• High-quality construction
• Durable fabric

• Buyers report the color fades quickly

These shorts are the type that you don't have to overthink; you can just throw them in your bag and go. They have a drawstring closure, back pockets, and pockets at the hip—in other words, basically everything you need from a swimsuit.

• High-quality construction
• Comfortable AF

• No liner makes them slightly see-through

From your favorite surf brand comes a pair of board shorts that you can rock in or out of the water—they're truly the best of both worlds. They're built with mechanical stretch, 100 percent polyester fabric, and Velcro back pockets. The sand and sea have nothing on these.

• UPF 50+ fabric
• Have mesh liner, key pocket, cargo pocket, and side pockets

• Some buyers report the fit is baggier than expected

You might not be a Speedo briefs guy, and that's okay, but there's no good reason not to be a Speedo trunks guy. Constructed from two-way comfort stretch fabric with a water-repellent finish, this style will move with you while keeping you safe from the sun—you can thank the UPF 50+ fabric for that.

• UPF 50 protection
• Have interior mesh brief
• Fast drying

• On the pricier side

Take a dip, then sit on the shore in comfort—these dry so quickly that you'll barely even notice they got wet. These trunks are made with Columbia's Omni-Shield advanced repellency, which seals out splashes and stains. Plus, they have UPF 50+ sun protection, an adjustable drawcord waist, and an interior mesh brief.

• Reduced seams

• Fewer sizes and colors than other options

Featuring an engineered fit and paneling designed to reduce seams, these trunks are sturdy, chic, and stretchy, too. They're also designed to improve your performance, whether that means catching some bitchin' waves or doing the doggy paddle in a blow-up pool—either way, we don't judge.

• Modern, tailored fit
• Have mesh lining

• One of the pricier picks

Tommy Hilfiger somehow manages to make even swim trunks look preppy and chic. These shorts can be worn in the pool, at the beach, and beyond (so, the cabana bar?) and feel just as good out of the water as they do in. With a tailored fit and minimalist look, these are where function meets fashion.

• From a reliable brand
• Have a breathable mesh liner

• Limited color options

From the brand you trust for even the most intense workouts comes a pair of shorts you can trust, too, whether you're diving in headfirst or sticking to beach volleyball. The best part of these trunks is the built-in brief, which helps prevent chafing and provides extra support where you need it most.

• Have flapped pocket with drainage hole
• Stretchy and lightweight

• Buyers report the material doesn't dry as quickly as expected

Oakley, the brand known for creating innovative and high-performing optical products, also makes some pretty damn good board shorts. Lightweight, breathable, and water-repellent—this is about as close to being an actual merman as you can get.

To select the best swim trunks on Amazon, our editors and reviewers tested a ton of options to narrow the list down to the top 17. We looked for trunks that would not only look great on guys of all body shapes but that could also withstand weight and size fluctuations over time. Additional considerations included:

VersatilityA good pair of swim trunks is essential at the beach or in the pool, but a great pair can go anywhere. We chose options that are suitable both in and out of the water, floating in the sea or relaxing on the shore, providing you with dual usage and letting you feel good about your investment.

Lining

We're not going to tell you something is great unless it's actually great. Every product in Esquire's roundups is carefully chosen by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

You can rest assured that we're hand-selecting Amazon swim trunks that we've personally tried, tested, and loved, along with options that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own summertime wear.