The right pair of beach shorts balances three things: a waistband that stays put in a wave, a fabric that sheds water and sand in seconds, and a cut that doesn’t ride up or sag when you’re chasing a frisbee. Most guys grab whatever is on the rack and end up fighting soggy liners or pockets that dump keys in the surf — the real win is finding a short that performs like gear, not just a garment.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I’ve analyzed material compositions, zipper construction, and seam quality from more than forty swimwear brands to find the pairs that hold up to saltwater, chlorine, and sun without pilling, fading, or losing elastic.
Whether you surf, lounge, or run the shoreline, finding the best beach shorts means matching your activity to the right inseam length, liner design, and pocket layout — so water, sand, and your valuables all end up where you want them.
How To Choose The Best Beach Shorts
Beach shorts are deceptively simple. A one-inch difference in inseam or a missing zipper on the back pocket can turn a perfect day at the shore into a constant readjustment fest. Here are the three specs that separate a well-designed pair from a regret buy.
Inseam Length and Cut
Inseam controls both look and function. A 5.5-inch inseam sits above the knee and delivers maximum freedom for swimming laps or running the sand — it’s a younger, sportier cut. A 7-inch hits mid-thigh, offering the most versatile blend of mobility and coverage. A 9-inch reaches just above the knee and is ideal for tall guys or anyone who prefers a board-short length that won’t ride up. A 22-inch cut, common in true surf trunks, extends well past the knee and prevents wax rash when you’re spending hours on a board — but it restricts walking up stairs.
Liner Type (Compression vs. Mesh vs. None)
Mesh liners are the standard in most budget trunks. They provide basic support but trap water and sand, creating a heavy, dripping sensation when you exit the water. Built-in compression liners are the upgrade — they wick moisture, reduce chafing, and act like a second skin so the outer shell dries faster. Some premium trunks ditch the liner entirely, letting you wear your own swim brief underneath, which is the preferred setup for long surf sessions where chafing is the enemy.
Pocket Design and Fabric Weight
A zippered back pocket or cargo pocket is worth paying for if you carry keys, cash, or a phone. Look for a drainage grommet at the bottom of the pocket — water must be able to escape, or the pocket balloon effect drags you down. Fabric weight matters: lighter nylon (around 80-100 GSM) dries faster and packs smaller, while a slightly heavier polyester blend feels more structured and holds its shape after dozens of wears.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adoretex Men’s Guard Nylon 7-inch | Premium | Versatile everyday beach / pool | 7-inch inseam, nylon, zippered pocket | Amazon |
| MIVEI22″ Board Shorts | Premium | Surfing and active water sports | 22-inch inseam, no liner, UPF 50+ | Amazon |
| maamgic Vintage 5.5″ Trunks | Mid-Range | Style-driven days at the beach | 5.5-inch inseam, compression liner, 2-in-1 | Amazon |
| Mens Swim Trunks with Compression Liner | Mid-Range | Active swimmers needing secure pockets | 9-inch inseam, cargo pockets, zippered | Amazon |
| difficort 9-inch Board Shorts | Budget | Budget-friendly multi-day wear | 9-inch inseam, compression liner, zipper pocket | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Adoretex Men’s Guard Nylon Quick-Dry Swim Trunks (7-inch Inseam)
The Adoretex Guard hits the Goldilocks zone of swim trunks — the 7-inch inseam sits right at mid-thigh, offering coverage that doesn’t limit leg movement. The nylon fabric dries noticeably faster than polyester blends, and the mesh lining provides adequate support without the weight retention you get from thicker compression liners. Owners consistently report that the exterior pocket layout, which includes a zippered back pocket, keeps keys and cash secure during a swim.
What sets these apart from cheaper competitors is the waistband construction. The flat drawstring lays flush against the fabric rather than bunching, and the elastic doesn’t fold over when the fabric is wet. The solid color palette is conservative — red, navy, black — which makes these a reliable choice for a weeklong beach vacation where one pair does double duty for swimming and a quick walk to a beach bar.
One nuance: the mesh liner is sewn completely shut at the back panel, so it won’t flip inside out, but it also doesn’t offer the same dry-down speed as an integrated compression liner. For casual swimmers and beach loungers, this is a non-issue. For competitive lap swimmers, a short with a compression liner dries faster between sets.
Why it’s great
- Quick-dry nylon holds no water weight
- Zippered back pocket secures small valuables
- 7-inch inseam is the most adaptable length
Good to know
- Mesh liner can trap sand if you sit directly on the beach
- Limited color options compared to patterned trunks
2. MIVEI22″ Men’s Board Shorts (No Mesh Lining)
The MIVEI22-inch is built for dedicated surfers who know that standard board shorts cut into the leg during extended knee paddling. The extended length reaches well past the knee, which prevents the hem from riding up and protects the top of your calves from abrasive wax on the deck. The lack of an integrated liner means you wear your own swim brief — this is the preferred setup among serious surfers because it eliminates the chafing that happens when a mesh liner shifts during a long session.
The zippered side pocket sits flat against the leg with a drainage grommet, so it won’t create drag. The UPF 50+ rating is a genuine feature, not a marketing sticker — the fabric weave is dense enough to block UV penetration without feeling like a wetsuit. One subtle design choice: the waistband is a true flat-front with no drawstring bulge, which makes the shorts comfortable under a wetsuit top if you’re surfing in colder water.
On land, the 22-inch cut feels restrictive for running or walking up stairs. These are purpose-built for the water, not for a beach volleyball game. Also, the fabric has a stiffer hand feel than a standard nylon short, which is necessary for the long inseam to hold its shape when wet but can feel less comfortable when sitting still on dry sand.
Why it’s great
- 22-inch inseam prevents ride-up during paddling
- No mesh liner eliminates chafing issues
- UPF 50+ protection for extended sun exposure
Good to know
- Very long cut feels heavy when walking on land
- Stiffer fabric takes a few wears to soften
3. maamgic Vintage 5.5″ Swim Trunks (Compression Liner)
The maamgic Vintage shorts appeal to the guy who wants his beachwear to be a statement, not an afterthought. The 5.5-inch inseam is short enough to look modern and athletic, and the bold retro patterns — think 80s-90s inspired designs — have drawn positive feedback for their color accuracy and vibrancy. The built-in compression liner is a step up from standard mesh: it wicks moisture away from the skin and dries faster, which reduces that post-swim chafing sensation on the inner thighs.
Construction quality punches above its price tier. Multiple verified reviews note that the drawstring is thick and stays tied, the elastic waistband hasn’t stretched out after repeated wear, and the fabric feels soft but sturdy — no pilling or fading after exposure to chlorine and saltwater. The 2-in-1 design means the outer short can be loose and breathable while the inner liner handles support, a smart setup for active water play where a full mesh liner would feel like a wet rag.
One common fix: the inner label is attached with a stiff plastic thread that can irritate the skin. Several buyers removed it with a seam ripper, which takes two minutes and solves the problem entirely. The unhemmed edges on the outer short also have a more raw, relaxed look that works for the beach but may feel too casual for a restaurant pool deck.
Why it’s great
- Bold retro patterns that don’t fade or bleed
- Compression liner dries faster than mesh
- Durable waistband elastic and thick drawstring
Good to know
- Inner label uses scratchy thread
- Short inseam not ideal for tall men or surfers
4. Mens Swim Trunks with Compression Liner and Cargo Pockets (9-inch Inseam)
These trunks are built for guys who want the convenience of deep, zippered cargo pockets without the balloon effect that plagues most pocketed swimwear. The 9-inch inseam provides solid coverage that stays in place during a swim, and the integrated compression liner delivers the support most mesh-lined trunks lack. Verified buyers consistently mention that the liner feels like a proper athletic short, which is a specific design choice that elevates these above generic swim trunks.
The pocket layout is thoughtful: two side pockets with zippers plus a rear zippered pocket give you six secure compartments total. The zippers are covered with a fabric flap to prevent scratching your leg, and the waistband elastic doesn’t sag after hours of wear. The quick-dry fabrication sheds water effectively, though the extra fabric from the cargo construction means it takes slightly longer to dry than a streamlined board short.
The color options are utilitarian — black, navy, olive — which makes these a good choice for travel where one pair needs to work for swimming, hiking, and casual evenings. One missed detail: the drawstring is a bit thin and can slip through its own knot when wet, so a double-knot is recommended for active water use.
Why it’s great
- Three zippered pockets for total security
- Compression liner provides athletic-grade support
- 9-inch inseam works well for taller men
Good to know
- Thin drawstring needs a double knot
- Cargo pockets add drying time
5. difficort Mens Swim Trunks (9-inch Inseam Board Shorts)
The difficort is the entry-level trunk that doesn’t force a compromise on the features that matter most. The 9-inch inseam and integrated compression liner mirror the specs of higher-priced competitors, and the zippered side pocket on the right leg provides secure storage without the extra bulk of cargo pockets. For the budget-conscious shopper, this delivers the foundation of a good beach short — quick-dry polyester, elastic waist with drawstring, and a liner that reduces chafing.
What you trade at this tier is refinement. The fabric has a stiffer hand feel out of the package compared to nylon options, and the color selection is basic — you won’t find the creative patterns or premium texture of more expensive trunks. The zipper pull is smaller and harder to operate with wet hands, and the waistband elastic isn’t as durable long-term, but for a summer’s worth of weekend beach trips, the performance is adequate.
One detail that works well: the compression liner is sewn in at the waistband and the crotch, eliminating the diaper-ball effect that happens when a free-hanging liner bunches up. The drawstring is also reinforced with a bartack stitch at the eyelet, a sign that basic construction was given some attention. For a spare pair to keep in the car or a first set for a growing teen, these are a solid value.
Why it’s great
- Compression liner at a budget price point
- 9-inch inseam offers full coverage
- Zippered side pocket for valuables
Good to know
- Fabric feels stiff when new
- Zipper pull is small with wet hands
FAQ
How do I prevent beach shorts from riding up when I swim?
Should I buy beach shorts with or without a liner?
Do zipper pockets keep my phone dry in beach shorts?
How do I remove the scratchy label from swim trunks?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best beach shorts winner is the Adoretex Men’s Guard Nylon 7-inch because the quick-dry nylon, zippered pocket, and mid-thigh inseam hit every priority for a day on the sand. If you want a retro pattern that makes a statement, grab the maamgic Vintage 5.5-inch trunks. And for long surf sessions with zero chafing, nothing beats the MIVEI22-inch Board Shorts.