The Best Swim Trunks Look Great Inside, Outside, and Poolside

It’s easy to see the appeal across all those demographics: they’re tough but lightweight, laidback but presentable, affordable as hell, trend-proof in fit and form and function. I’ve collected over 10 different colorways dating back a decade since I got my first pair (which naturally was black), and they’ve become an absolute essential for travel because of their sheer versatility. It’s no wonder you’ll spot these equally around town than you will around the pool.

Best Heritage Swim Trunks: Birdwell 808 Boardshorts

When it comes to board shorts, none may be more time-tested than Birdwell. Since 1961, the brand’s original two-ply, triple-stitched design is still as handsome, practical, and impossible to wear out as ever. But this year, the brand’s newly redesigned 808 board short, which has all the anti-chafe trappings of the original model, but with a four-way stretch material, is our new favorite.

While some purists will prefer the stiffness of the 300 and 310 models, the 808 is simply just more comfortable, and therefore a little more versatile for everyday life. It also helps they’re available in the same bevy of classically tinged colorways. Whichever model you choose, if you’re after some serious throwback, hang-ten, shaka-hand energy, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better pair of drawstring waist boardies than those from Birdwell.

Best Tailored Swim Trunks: Sunspel Tailored Swim Short

If you don’t think swim trunks have the sartorial range to be worn when there’s no water in sight, Sunspel’s Tailored Swim Short will make you a believer. The luxury British label’s classic trunk has a tailored fit with an adjustable waist and the same convenient pockets and zip fly as any regular short. Perhaps the best part is that the quick-dry fabric is made of all recycled material, the majority from upcycled marine plastic.

“To call these trunks ‘rad’—or posh, in the parlance of our friends across the pond—is true, but it’s also woefully inadequate,” says GQ senior commerce editor Avidan Grossman. “I’m going to level with you: I’ve got zero ass to speak of and hips daintier than a ballet flat, and these flutter around my thighs with Baryshnikov-like grace.” Don’t let their tony pedigree fool you, either. Over the course of a year, Grossman has worn Sunspel’s swim shorts into the ground, with easy, breezy striped shirts and fisherman sandals—but also threadbare white tees and thrashed Vans. “I hate the beach,” Grossman adds. “These might be the only valid reason to go.”

Best Subtle-Flex Swim Trunks: Stone Island Nylon Metal Swim Shorts

Fabric: | Sizes: | Liner: Mesh liner

We’ve tested our fair share of luxury swim trunks, and while we still stand by our past picks, which include handsome shorts from Frescobol Carioca and Orlebar Brown, we are quite taken by the quiet flex that comes with sporting Stone Island’s Nylon Metal Swim Shorts.

Everything about these shorts—in terms of colors, design, silhouette, and fabric—is subtle. But a closer inspection reveals a highly considered swim trunk cut from quick-dry recycled nylon fabric with an unmistakable iridescent crinkle texture.

GQ commerce writer Gerald Ortiz, who believes many swim trunks suffer from garish colors and patterns, appreciates that Stone Island takes “the more difficult route of stripping away the extraneous details and focuses on materials.” The fabric is solid,” he says, “but far from boring thanks to the luxe feel and the mesmerizing metallic sheen.”