Men’s swimwear trends in 2026 are moving in more than one direction. Swim briefs and shorter retro trunks are back in the spotlight. At the same time, long surf-inspired boardshorts are gaining attention again. Between those extremes, tailored swim shorts, clean stripes, and versatile swim-to-street styles offer easier choices for everyday wear.
That means there is no single “correct” inseam this summer. The best choice depends on where you swim, how much coverage you prefer, and whether your shorts need to work beyond the beach. A two-inch brief can look current at the pool, while a 20-inch boardshort can feel equally relevant in a surf setting.
This guide breaks down the six men’s swimwear trends worth knowing. We also use current products from Speedo, Orlebar Brown, Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, Patagonia, and Quiksilver to show how each trend works in real life.
Quick Answer: Men’s Swimwear Trends That Matter
Swim Briefs: Minimal coverage is back in the mainstream fashion conversation, especially for confident pool and beach styling.
Tailored Swim Shorts: Smarter waistbands, side adjusters, and cleaner silhouettes make swimwear work better at resorts and poolside lunches.
Short Classic Trunks: Five- to six-inch styles remain the easiest middle ground between briefs and long boardshorts.
Stripes: Nautical and vertical stripes offer an easy pattern update without relying on loud novelty prints.
Long Boardshorts: Surf-influenced lengths are returning alongside shorter silhouettes, proving that one hemline does not define the season.
What Changed in Men’s Swimwear This Summer?
The biggest change is variety. Recent men’s swimwear trends no longer push every shopper toward the same length. Shorter briefs and compact trunks are becoming more visible. Yet longer boardshorts are also part of the current fashion conversation.
That gives shoppers more freedom. A classic five- or six-inch trunk still works almost anywhere. A brief makes a stronger style statement. A longer boardshort fits naturally into surf and streetwear-inspired looks.
The other shift is versatility. Many modern swim shorts are designed to look less like dedicated bathing suits. Pockets, quick-drying fabrics, cleaner waistbands, and simple colors help them move from the water to a café or boardwalk.
This broader approach also fits current men’s spring fashion trends, where relaxed silhouettes and practical fabrics are playing a larger role in everyday wardrobes.
Men’s Swimwear Trends Compared
| Trend | Typical Cut | Current Example | Best Setting | Main Advantage | Main Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swim briefs | Very short, close fit | Speedo Solar Brief | Pool, beach, swimming | Maximum freedom of movement | Minimal coverage |
| Tailored swim shorts | Mid-length, structured waist | Orlebar Brown Bulldog | Resorts, poolside dining | Smart appearance | Higher price |
| Short classic trunks | About 5–6-inch inseam | Ralph Lauren Traveler | General beach and pool use | Easy middle ground | Less specialized |
| Striped trunks | Classic trunk | J.Crew 6-Inch Swim Trunk | Beach, vacation, pool | Easy visual interest | Less versatile than solids |
| Swim-to-street shorts | Relaxed 5-inch short | Patagonia Baggies | Beach days, travel, casual wear | High versatility | Less polished |
| Long boardshorts | 20-inch outseam | Quiksilver Surfsilk Kaimana | Surfing, active beach use | Coverage and secure fit | More fabric and stronger surf look |
Shop Current Men’s Swimwear
The editorial order below is based on trend relevance, not price. Live product blocks can change as retailer inventory and offers update.
1. Swim Briefs Are Back
The return of swim briefs is one of the clearest men’s swimwear trends of 2026. They are no longer limited to competitive swimming or specific European beach styles. Fashion coverage has pushed the minimal silhouette back into mainstream summer wardrobes.
The key is confidence. A swim brief exposes much more of the leg than a trunk, so it creates a sharper and more athletic silhouette. It also removes excess fabric from the water.
Trend Example: Speedo Men’s Solar Brief
Speedo’s Solar Brief is a straightforward example of the look. It uses a two-inch brief cut and PowerFlex fabric. An internal drawcord helps secure the fit. Speedo positions the model for recreational pool and beach use rather than only competitive swimming.
The close fit also makes it practical for actual swimming. There is very little fabric to move or cling around the legs.
However, the style is not for everyone. If you prefer more coverage, you do not need to force the trend. A five- or six-inch trunk still looks current and is easier for many men to wear.
Who Should Try the Swim Brief Trend?
Choose a brief if you value freedom of movement and are comfortable with minimal coverage. It suits swimming, pool days, and hot-weather beach trips especially well.
Skip it if you want pockets, casual walk-around versatility, or a swimsuit that also looks like regular shorts.
2. Tailored Swim Shorts Look More Like Real Shorts
Another major direction is the opposite of athletic swimwear. Tailored swim shorts borrow details from trousers. Look for cleaner waistbands, side adjusters, structured closures, and sharper lines.
This style works especially well at resorts. You can swim, dry off, add a polo or linen shirt, and look more put together than you would in a loose elastic-waist trunk.
Trend Example: Orlebar Brown Bulldog Mid-Length Swim Shorts
The Orlebar Brown Bulldog is one of the clearest examples. Its construction is based on traditional tailored trousers. Adjustable side fasteners replace the usual fully elastic waistband, while the mid-length cut keeps the look balanced.
The result feels closer to a tailored short that happens to work in the water. That makes the Bulldog especially useful when your day moves between swimming, lunch, and resort activities.
The main drawback is price. This is premium swimwear, not a basic beach short. Buyers who only need trunks for occasional swimming can spend far less.
Tailored Waist or Elastic Waist?
A tailored waistband looks cleaner and can create a more precise fit. Side adjusters also let you make small changes without an exposed drawstring.
An elastic waistband is simpler. It adapts easily as you move and usually feels more casual. Neither approach is automatically better. Choose based on where you expect to wear the shorts.
3. Shorter Classic Trunks Remain the Easiest Choice
If swim briefs feel too minimal and long boardshorts feel too specific, shorter classic trunks are the safest option. A five- to six-inch inseam exposes more leg than older knee-length swimwear without becoming extreme.
This is also one of the easiest trends to keep wearing after 2026. The cut is modern, but it is not so unusual that it depends on one season.
Trend Example: Polo Ralph Lauren 5.75-Inch Traveler Classic Swim Trunk
Ralph Lauren’s Traveler uses a 5.75-inch inseam with a classic fit. It has an elastic drawstring waistband, side pockets, a back pocket with drainage, and an interior mesh brief.
The shell mixes polyester and elastane, so it has more give than a rigid traditional swim short. It also looks familiar enough for almost any casual pool or beach setting.
This is a good example of why shorter trunks work so well. You get noticeably less fabric around the thigh without moving all the way to a brief.
If you already like the brand’s broader summer aesthetic, our guide to popular Ralph Lauren products covers more options beyond swimwear.
Is a 5–6-Inch Inseam Right for Everyone?
No. Inseam recommendations should not become rigid rules. Height, leg proportions, comfort, and personal style all matter.
Use the five- to six-inch range as a useful reference point, not a requirement. Taller men may prefer more length. Others may feel better in much shorter trunks.
4. Stripes Are an Easy Pattern Upgrade
Prints have not disappeared, but stripes are one of the easiest men’s swim shorts trends to wear in 2026. They add visual interest without making the swimsuit feel like novelty clothing.
Nautical stripes work naturally near water. Wider block stripes feel more retro. Narrower lines can look cleaner and more tailored.
Trend Example: J.Crew 6-Inch Swim Trunk in Recycled Nylon
J.Crew’s current six-inch swim trunk is available in striped versions, including Finn Stripe colorways. The thigh-length cut keeps the pattern compact, while recycled nylon gives the trunk a practical quick-drying base.
This is a useful way to experiment with pattern. The silhouette itself is conventional, so the stripe becomes the main style feature.
If you want maximum versatility, solid navy or black still wins. If you already own several plain trunks, stripes make more sense as the next addition.
Are Printed Swim Trunks Out of Style?
No. Current fashion coverage does not agree on that point. Some sources favor cleaner stripes and darker solids. Others continue to feature colorful prints.
The practical conclusion is simple. Prints are still wearable, but stripes and simple solids are easier to combine with shirts, footwear, and beach accessories.
5. Swim-to-Street Shorts Are More Useful Than Ever
Not every swimwear trend is about appearance. Versatility has become a major selling point. Some of the strongest modern swim trunks are comfortable enough for swimming but normal enough for the rest of your day.
That matters on vacation. You might walk to the beach, swim, buy lunch, and spend the afternoon exploring without wanting to change clothes several times.
Trend Example: Patagonia Men’s Baggies Shorts 5-Inch
Patagonia Baggies are designed for use both in and out of the water. The five-inch version uses quick-drying NetPlus recycled nylon and includes a recycled-polyester mesh liner.
The elastic waistband has an internal drawcord. Side pockets include mesh drainage, and the back pocket adds another place for small essentials.
The Baggies fit is more relaxed than tailored resort swimwear. That is part of the appeal. They look natural with a T-shirt, casual shirt, or outdoor gear when you are away from the water.
When Does Hybrid Swimwear Make Sense?
Choose it for travel, camping, lake days, and casual beach trips. It is especially useful when you want one pair of shorts to cover several activities.
A hybrid style is less convincing when the setting is formal or resort-focused. In that case, a cleaner tailored trunk will usually look better.
6. Long Boardshorts Are Returning Through Surf Style
Short swimwear is only half of the 2026 story. Longer boardshorts are also relevant again. Surf-inspired silhouettes give buyers more coverage and a stronger athletic look.
Boardshorts make the most sense when their design serves a purpose. A secure fixed waistband, stretch fabric, and minimal bulk can be useful during active water sports.
Trend Example: Quiksilver Surfsilk Kaimana 20-Inch Boardshorts
The Quiksilver Surfsilk Kaimana uses a 20-inch outseam and a fixed waist. Its Surfsilk fabric provides four-way stretch, while the material is designed to dry quickly between sessions.
A rear zip pocket with a key bungee gives the shorts a practical surf feature. The regular straight fit also separates them clearly from compact retro trunks.
This is the right trend for men who prefer more leg coverage or already like surf style. It is less suitable if your goal is a sharp resort look.
Fashion Boardshorts vs. Performance Boardshorts
A fashion-focused boardshort may prioritize pattern and silhouette. A performance model needs to stay secure and move comfortably in the water.
If you surf or take part in active water sports, start with function. Stretch, waistband security, seams, and pocket placement matter more than whether the shorts match the season’s exact trend.
How to Choose the Right Men’s Swimwear
Brief vs. Trunk vs. Boardshort
A brief offers the least coverage and freedom from excess fabric. A standard trunk gives you more coverage and usually adds pockets. Boardshorts are longer and often use a secure fixed waistband for active water use.
Start with the activity. Then decide how much coverage you want.
Choose Length for Comfort, Not Just Trend
The strongest lesson from this year’s swimwear is that several lengths can look current at once. Do not choose a two-inch brief because a magazine says it is fashionable if you will spend the day feeling uncomfortable.
The same applies to long boardshorts. Extra coverage only helps if you actually like the fit.
Elastic Waist vs. Tailored Waist
Elastic waists are easy and flexible. They suit casual swimming, travel, and everyday beach use.
Tailored waists look sharper. They work better when you want swimwear to resemble real shorts after leaving the pool.
Think About the Liner
Many traditional trunks use an internal mesh brief. Some men like the added support. Others prefer a different liner system or choose styles designed without traditional mesh.
Check the construction before buying. A liner can affect comfort as much as the outer fabric.
Look for Quick-Drying Materials
Quick-drying fabric becomes more important when you plan to wear the same shorts away from the water. Wet fabric can feel heavy, cling to the legs, and make casual wear uncomfortable.
For long beach days, practical accessories also matter. A reusable water bottle is an easy addition when you expect to spend several hours outdoors.
Match the Suit to the Setting
A surf session, hotel pool, family beach trip, and resort lunch place different demands on swimwear.
For active swimming, prioritize security and movement. For casual holidays, versatility matters more. For resorts, cleaner tailoring can make the transition away from the water easier.
Start With Easy Colors
Navy, black, dark green, and other simple colors are easy to combine with T-shirts and summer shirts. They are also less dependent on seasonal fashion.
Once you have a versatile solid pair, stripes or brighter colors can add variety.
How to Style Swim Shorts Away From the Water
Keep the rest of the outfit simple. A relaxed linen shirt works well with tailored or classic trunks. A plain T-shirt fits naturally with Patagonia-style hybrid shorts. Avoid combining a very loud swimsuit with an equally busy shirt unless that is deliberately the look you want.
Footwear should match the setting. Sandals and flip-flops make sense close to the water. Once you move into town or a restaurant, clean casual sneakers can make swim-to-street shorts look more intentional. Our guide to affordable Nike sneakers for men includes options for casual summer outfits away from the pool.
Most importantly, let one element lead the outfit. If the trunks have strong stripes, keep the shirt simple. If the shorts are plain navy, you have more freedom to add color above the waist.
Men’s Swimwear Trends by Use Case
| Use Case | Best Direction | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming with minimal drag | Swim brief | Speedo Solar Brief |
| Everyday beach and pool use | Short classic trunk | Ralph Lauren Traveler |
| Resort or poolside lunch | Tailored swim short | Orlebar Brown Bulldog |
| Pattern without novelty graphics | Striped trunk | J.Crew 6-Inch Swim Trunk |
| Travel and all-day wear | Swim-to-street short | Patagonia Baggies |
| Surfing and more coverage | Long boardshort | Quiksilver Surfsilk Kaimana |
Frequently Asked Questions
What men’s swimwear is in style in 2026?
Current trends include swim briefs, shorter classic trunks, tailored swim shorts, stripes, versatile swim-to-street designs, and longer surf-style boardshorts. The season does not have one dominant length.
Are Speedos back in style for men?
Yes. Brief-style men’s swimwear has returned to the mainstream fashion conversation. However, that does not mean every man needs to switch from trunks. Comfort and setting still matter.
How long should men’s swim trunks be?
There is no universal ideal length. Five- to six-inch trunks offer an easy middle ground for many shoppers, but shorter briefs and much longer boardshorts are both current options in 2026.
Are long boardshorts still fashionable?
Yes. Longer surf-inspired boardshorts have renewed fashion relevance, especially when the rest of the design supports an athletic or relaxed surf look.
Are patterned swim trunks still in style?
Yes. Prints have not disappeared. Stripes are simply one of the easiest pattern trends to adopt because they work with many plain shirts and summer accessories.
What color swim trunks are easiest to wear?
Navy, black, dark green, and other simple solids are usually the easiest to combine with casual summer clothing. Stripes are a good next step if you want more visual interest.
Can swim trunks be worn as regular shorts?
Some can. Look for quick-drying fabric, useful pockets, a comfortable liner, and a silhouette that does not look overly technical. Hybrid styles such as Patagonia Baggies are specifically designed for use in and out of the water.
Final Verdict: Which Men’s Swimwear Trend Should You Try?
The best men’s swimwear trend is the one that matches how you actually spend summer. Choose a swim brief if minimal coverage and freedom of movement appeal to you. Pick a five- or six-inch trunk if you want the easiest all-around option.
Tailored swim shorts make the most sense for resort settings. Stripes add personality without becoming difficult to style. Patagonia-style hybrid shorts work well when your beach day continues into town, while longer Quiksilver-style boardshorts remain the natural fit for surf-inspired looks.
The most important change in 2026 is choice. Shorter and longer silhouettes can both look current, so fit and comfort should lead the decision rather than a rigid rule about inseam length.
Best for Minimal Coverage: Speedo Solar Brief
Best Resort Style: Orlebar Brown Bulldog
Best All-Around Cut: Polo Ralph Lauren Traveler
Best Pattern Trend: J.Crew Striped 6-Inch Trunk
Best Swim-to-Street Option: Patagonia Baggies
Best Long Boardshort: Quiksilver Surfsilk Kaimana
For more seasonal clothing ideas, browse Discompare’s Fashion & Apparel guides.
Sources
- GQ — The Best Men’s Swim Trunks Do Everything Else Too
- Esquire Germany — Badehosen-Trends im Sommer 2026
- Speedo — Men’s Solar Brief product specifications
- Patagonia — Men’s Baggies Shorts 5-Inch product specifications
- Quiksilver — Surfsilk Kaimana 20-Inch Boardshorts product specifications
How we research: Discompare compares current manufacturer specifications, retailer availability, fashion coverage, and practical buyer considerations. We do not claim hands-on testing unless explicitly stated. Product availability and prices can change after publication. Discompare may earn a commission from eligible retailer or price-comparison links.
Product Groups: Speedo Men’s Solar Brief, Orlebar Brown Bulldog Mid-Length Swim Shorts, Polo Ralph Lauren 5.75-Inch Traveler Classic Swim Trunk, J.Crew 6-Inch Swim Trunk in Recycled Nylon, Patagonia Men’s Baggies Shorts 5-Inch, Quiksilver Surfsilk Kaimana 20-Inch Boardshorts
