1. Vilebrequin Swim Trunks
Vilebrequin are the reference point for swim trunks done properly. French brand, Mediterranean sensibility, short length, proper fabrics, and prints that are distinctive without being loud. They hold their shape across a full summer of use, they look as good out of the water as in it, and they come in lengths that actually suit adult men rather than going to the knee. The investment option, available on Amazon UK.
The benchmark swim trunk — shorter length, quality fabric, distinctive prints that photograph well and age better than trend-chasing alternatives. French brand, Mediterranean heritage. They fit properly, dry quickly, and look as good at a bar as they do on a beach.
Pros
- Short, European length
- Premium fabric — holds shape
- Distinctive prints
- Wears well season to season
Cons
- Significant price premium
- Polarising print aesthetic for some
2. Chubbies Classic Swim Trunks
Chubbies built their brand on a simple insight: shorts had gotten too long and too boring. The Classic Swim Trunk is a 5.5-inch inseam, quick-dry, lined swim trunk with an elastic waist and a sense of humour. They come in a range of colourways from the subtle to the very not-subtle. Proper quality, great price, and they'll hold up across a full season. Available direct from Chubbies.
Quick-dry swim trunks with a 5.5-inch inseam — shorter than most high street options, with a proper elastic waist and mesh liner. Chubbies produce genuinely good swim trunks across a wide range of colourways. Great value for the quality.
Pros
- 5.5-inch inseam — right length
- Quick-dry fabric
- Mesh liner included
- Good price-to-quality ratio
Cons
- Brand aesthetic not for everyone
- Limited colour options in UK
3. Fair Harbor Bayberry Swim Trunks
Fair Harbor make their swim trunks from recycled plastic bottles — which sounds like a marketing line until you feel the fabric. It's genuinely soft, quick-dry, and holds its colour well. The Bayberry Swim Trunk is their core style — a 6-inch inseam, four-way stretch, and a clean minimal design that doesn't try to draw attention to itself. Available on Amazon UK.
Swim trunks made from recycled plastic bottles — not a compromise, genuinely one of the best-feeling fabrics in the category. Four-way stretch, 6-inch inseam, quick-dry, minimal design. The sustainable option that doesn't require you to sacrifice anything.
Pros
- Recycled fabric — genuinely soft
- 4-way stretch
- Minimal, clean design
- 6-inch inseam
Cons
- Premium price for recycled material
- Limited UK availability
4. Volcom Lido Solid Swim Trunks
The honest workhorse. Volcom's Lido Solid is a simple swim trunk in a solid colour — no pattern, no logo shouting, no fuss. Quick-dry and available in a full range of colours. The one to buy if you want something that pairs with everything and doesn't require any thought. Available direct from Volcom.
A solid-colour swim trunk that just does the job. Quick-dry, comfortable, good fit, available in plenty of colours. Volcom's quality is consistent and the Lido Solid is the cleanest option in their range for anyone who wants a trunk that pairs with everything.
Pros
- Clean, no-fuss design
- Plenty of colourways
- Quick-dry
- Good value
Cons
- Longer length than European styles
- Nothing distinctive
5. Outerknown Nomadic Volley Shorts
Outerknown was co-founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater and the Nomadic Volley is built around that surfing heritage — a shorter inseam, quality recycled nylon construction, four-way stretch, and a versatile design that works in the water and out of it. These cross the line between swim trunk and casual short more convincingly than most. Available direct from Outerknown.
Surf-inspired swim trunk that works genuinely well on land — a shorter inseam, recycled nylon construction, four-way stretch and a clean minimal design. Outerknown's quality is excellent and the Nomadic Volley is the one that crosses from beach to bar most convincingly.
Pros
- Shorter, versatile length
- 4-way stretch
- Recycled nylon
- Works on land too
Cons
- Price premium over simpler options
- US brand — limited UK sizing
The right swim trunk is shorter than you think you want, quick-drying, and simple enough to pair with anything. Start with the Chubbies or the Volcom if you want value; move to the Vilebrequin or Outerknown when you're ready to invest in something that'll last properly.