10 of the freshest swim shorts to wear everywhere
From the sea to the city, from the pool to the gym, we round up the best swim shorts to wear this summer and beyond
By 
DO YOU NEED MORE than one pair of swim shorts? It’s a question I find myself returning to. Personally, swim shorts are an item of clothing that go overlooked in my own wardrobe, neglected to the point whereby I realise I’ve been wearing the same pair for several years. On a recent visit to my shorts drawer, the occasion of my first swim of the season felt a little underwhelming, as my faded mango yellow Patagonia Baggies looked back at me. I’ve taken them everywhere, even on runs. They’re built for everything. But it’s high time (or overdue) for me to get a fresh pair for the season ahead. If you’re anything like me, you do, too.
Thankfully for us, swim shorts have evolved since the board short knee-knockers that dominated naughties surf culture. Over the past decade, brands have given swim shorts a new lease on life; designed to be worn walking around the city in as well as hitting the beach. Our taste for Euro-summer vibes has swelled, too, with Aussie labels riding the wave of romantic and vibrant prints, bringing the continent within reach of our year-end summer. Most surprisingly, though, is that plenty of swim shorts now come tailored, meaning you really can wear them anywhere.
From revisited classics to ones you can wear to the gym, scroll on for our picks of the best swim shorts to mark the new season.
The best men’s swim shorts for 2024
Patagonia Baggies Shorts 5-inches
The most versatile
Patagonia Baggies have remained at the top of our list for years. When Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard first released them in 1982, he needed shorts that were “multi-functional”: quick-drying, mesh-lined, with a shorter inseam. The fabric, a 100 per cent recycled nylon, is classic board short. But the 5-inch inseam makes them gym friendly, too. In short, they’re designed for active people.
The baggy silhouette is all in the name, but the nylon gives them a crunchy stiffness that flares outward without clinging. If you want a pair of shorts that float, instead of clinging, to your legs, these are it.
Quicksilver Classic Straight Swim Shorts
The classic pick
A surf wear icon, Quicksilver has seen it all. Since riding the wave (sorry) of the surf wear boom in the 2000s, the brand has been the go-to for anything water-wear related. And it’s reflected in its ever expanding range. Classic lengths and cuts are best observed with Quicksilver, with this particular pair of swim shorts done in a straight leg. Unlikely colour and print combos are a staple of the brand, too, with the back pocket in a black-and-white check off-set against the mustard yellow.
Orlebar Bulldog Brown Deep Sea Mid-Length Swim Shorts
The best splurge
Can you get tailored swim shorts? Orlebar Brown has made an empire out of them. Best known for shorts featuring side tabs, styles from the English label are tailored to perfection with waistband and rear darts. You’d see them on the type of guy who summers (verb) in the continent.
What also sets them apart are the prints: think Slim Aarons and the jet-set. OB’s choice of prints capture a nostalgia for the mid-century, again, reflected in the shorts’ cut.
Speedo Essential Watershort
The best fit
It’s the brand of champions. Speedo has been outfitting everyone from Olympians to everyday guys since it began on the shores of Bondi in 1914. Not only is it a national gem, but the brand is inextricable from most of our first memories of the water. Long is the dilemma of swim shorts’ drag, Speedo’s Essential Watershort is a lightweight, fitted addition to the range, ideal for the pool or beach. A drainage system in the pockets is what ensures the secure fit, while the drawstring waistband gives extra measure.
Double Rainbouu Fast Guitar Pool Shark Swim Shorts
From the city to the beach
The Aussie label made its name producing psychedelically-printed Hawaiian shirts, and now, those vivid, bold colours are translating well into DR’s casual and swimwear. Hence, the brand answers our demand for swim shorts that aren’t so obviously swimwear-looking; these are made to be worn around town. Our favourite pair feature embroidered motifs, while fitting baggy enough to be worn with a hoodie or T-shirt.
Venroy Printed Swim Shorts
The Euro-summer pick
The Bondi brand crafts its collections with the Euro-summer traveller in mind. Even when not on the continent, wearing a pair of Venroys brings it within reach. So if you’re pining for a far-flung holiday, slip on a pair of these swim shorts; bright colours and romantic prints are the name of the game.
OAS Company Swim Shorts
The coolest print
Just to continue on that continental beat, OAS Company has been a keen favourite for its Scandi twist on resort wear. Brand founder Oliver Adam Sebastian has cultivated an eye for geometric prints, and jewel, inky tones, inspired by his trips to Barcelona. But how these elements are brought together is what gives the Swedish brand a leg up.
Lululemon Hybrid Pool Shorts
The best for the pool and gym
Whether you’re packing a day-bag or trying travel with carry on only, shorts for multiple courses are the key. Designed with this in mind, the Hybrid shorts from activewear giant Lululemon will take you from the gym to the shore to the streets. Made mostly out of recycled nylon, the water-repellent shorts dry as soon as you emerge from the water. What’s not to love?
Camilla Mid-Length Boardshort
The biggest statement
For the days when you want to take swimming at a leisurely pace, Camilla is the brand to embrace decadence. The Aussie brand’s elaborate prints in rich tones bring to mind the excess of ’80s swimwear, while its cuts remain fitted and streamlined. These shorts are for standing out, whether lounging around on the sand or sitting poolside with a martini.
Commas Short Swim Shorts
The best short option
Aussie label Commas designs pieces for ensuring optimal style points as well as practicalities like quick-drying. Creative director Richard Jarman designs his resort wear using European-inspired cuts and fabrics, but with enough of his own personal flare to create something distinctly Australian. These particular shorts are among our favourites, finished in a print inspired by the mid-century French ceramicist Roger Capron.
Are short or long swim shorts in?
Even the inseam debate can’t seem to escape swim shorts. Short swim shorts are an ideal length because they allow for the most movement and drag less in the water. You want to be as comfortable in your swim shorts in the water as you are out. So, in our informed opinion, knee-knocker board shorts of the 2000s should stay where they are.
Esquire participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
