The Best Men’s Swim Shorts for Summer Holidays

Words by Tony Wilkes

What defines first-class swim shorts? Practicality, of course – no one wants to find theirs have slipped off after diving in. But beyond comfortable fits and quick-drying fabrics, today’s best pairs have to work outside the water, too. Whether you prefer plain and simple or tropical prints, these are the best men’s swim shorts to make a splash in 2026, whatever your holiday calls for.

Perfectly pared-back, these are the swimwear equivalents of your trusty button-down shirt. Look for a regular straight-leg fit that hits around mid-thigh – guaranteed not to date. Polo Ralph Lauren’s Traveller swim shorts set the blueprint. Available in navy, red, blue and black, they’re finished with a net lining and elasticated waistband for a comfortable fit, not to mention the signature pony logo near the hem.

Summer is the time to play with colour and print. Loewe’s Paula’s Ibiza collection, inspired by the famous island boutique, offers some of the best this season, from 70s tie-dye to vibrant artichokes. Elsewhere, Vilebrequin – founded in Saint-Tropez, France – has a broad array of prints to choose from. Its Moorea swimshorts, the brand’s first design, take inspiration from the ‘boubou’ prints its founder came across in Senegal in the late 1960s.

A man’s love for higher-cut shorts dates much further back than Paul Mescal. Such menswear style icons as Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, photographed on the beach in the 1960s, are enough to convince us to keep things brief. “I’ve seen an uptick in men seeking to enhance their leg muscles,” a personal trainer told GQ, reflecting on the trend for short-shorts. If that’s you, the season offers an array of pairs from Ami Paris, Prada, Dunhill and more.

Gone are the days when swim shorts were only worn in the water. Today, the best pairs flex from sea to socialising. Styles like Prada’s cotton twill swim shorts look the same as those for dry land, and will slot easily into the rest of your holiday wardrobe. To make matters easier, try a printed set. Matching pieces are the zero-effort route to looking put together. 

Perhaps after a day of sun-lounging, you plan to head for a smart-casual bite. Need to change? Not if you’re clever about it. Certain brands – TOM FORD, Ché, Polo Ralph Lauren – offer swim shorts that can be paired seamlessly with relaxed summer tailoring. Waistbands, complete with waist adjusters, resemble those of formal trousers, helping them blend with a linen blazer. Look to classic button-downs, polo shirts and loafers to complete the look.