Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Swim Shorts For Guys | 7-Inch Inseam Is the Gold Standard

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Chubbies is one of the few brands that has built a cult following around a specific fit — a relaxed 7-inch inseam with a 4-way stretch polyester shell that moves like tech fabric. The elastic waist and mesh liner keep the silhouette clean, and the UPF 50+ rating means you are covered on the sun exposure front. The fabric has a slightly structured feel that keeps its shape after multiple pool sessions, unlike looser board shorts that sag when wet.

Reviewers consistently mention how comfortable the stretch is, especially guys in the 6’7” and 330 lb range who say the 3X fits well without being baggy. The back zip pocket holds a phone securely, and the quick-dry properties make them viable for casual wear after hitting the water. The color options are broad, which helps because the brand releases limited seasonal prints that sell out fast.

The main tradeoff here is the price — these sit in the premium tier compared to the relative bargains from difficort or maamgic. The mesh liner is comfortable for most guys, but if you prefer a compression-style inner, you will want to look at the 2-in-1 options lower in this list. That said, for a do-it-all trunk that works on the beach and at the bar, this is the one.

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Columbia has been making outdoor gear for decades, and the PFG (Performance Fishing Gear) Ramble shorts benefit directly from that experience. The shell is a lightweight quick-dry polyester with a soft, almost cotton-like hand feel that is rare in swim trunks. The elastic waistband with an internal drawstring means you can ditch the belt and still get a secure fit without pinching. Reviewers — particularly the 5’11”, 230 lb crowd — highlight that the length is long enough to cover the quad without going past the knee.

What sets the Ramble apart is the lack of a built-in liner. Some guys prefer this because it lets them wear their own compression shorts or briefs underneath. The side pockets are deep and include a small drainage grommet so they do not balloon in the water. The prints are understated, leaning toward heritage plaids and solid earth tones, which makes these feel more like everyday shorts than purely pool gear.

The downside is the absence of a zippered security pocket — your phone goes in the open slash pocket, which is fine for lounging but sketchy for active surf or volleyball. Also, the fabric is not 4-way stretch, so you lose some range of motion relative to the Chubbies or the maamgic 2-in-1 options. If you value the feel of soft cotton-like fabric over stretch, this is your pick.

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The maamgic 5.5-inch vintage trunks hit a design note that many other brands have abandoned — the shorter, retro cut that sits above the quad without entering micro-short territory. The shell is a smooth, sturdy polyester with a slight sheen that makes the prints pop, and the built-in compression liner eliminates the need for separate underwear. The waistband elastic is supportive without digging in, and the drawstring lies flat against the waist instead of bunching.

Reviewers who bought these for the prints — think 80s and 90s-inspired patterns — say the colors are even more vibrant in person. The 5.5-inch length is a deliberate middle ground: shorter than the 7-inch standard but longer than the 5-inch hyper-athletic cut. This makes them ideal for guys with athletic thighs who want to show some leg without feeling exposed. The compression liner is the same high-quality stretch mesh used in maamgic’s other 2-in-1 models.

You lose some pocket depth compared to the longer 9-inch options. The side pockets are standard depth and do not have a zipper, so you are not going to want to stash a phone in them during active water use. The price is solid for the build quality, but if you need a zippered security pocket or a longer inseam, you will want to look at the TUONROAD or difficort models below.

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The maamgic 5-inch 2-in-1 trunk is the most popular entry in their lineup, and for good reason. It combines a soft, lightweight shell with a full compression liner that reviewers describe as “comfy af” and durable enough for river trips and rock scrambling. The fabric is a quick-dry woven polyester with a smooth interior leg so it does not ride up on your thighs. The 5-inch inseam is deliberately short and athletic — it shows off the quad and stays out of the way during swimming.

What separates this model from the budget-tier competition is the zippered side pocket. It is discreet, lies flat against the leg, and fits a key card or a small smartphone. The compression liner is the star here — it replaces the need for any underwear and keeps everything locked down during active use. Reviewers note that the orange interior leg material is soft and grips the thigh without causing chub rub.

The main thing to watch is that the drawstring color may not match the photos — some buyers received a teal or green drawstring instead of the advertised white. It is a minor cosmetic issue that does not affect function, but it is worth noting if you are particular about color matching. If you want a short, secure, affordable trunk with a pocket, this is the one to beat.

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The TUONROAD 9-inch 2-in-1 is built for guys who want maximum coverage and a secure pocket. The inseam lands at or just above the knee for the average-height guy, and the soft polyester fabric is finished with a full compression liner. Reviewers appreciate that the shorts fit true to size — a 5’10” guy reported the length came just above the knee without being baggy. The fabric has a smooth, almost silky hand feel that dries quickly and resists fading after ocean, lake, and pool use.

The standout feature is the deep zippered pocket. It is large enough to fit a modern smartphone, and the zipper closure means you are not worrying about your phone slipping out during a dive. The compression liner is sewn in securely and provides the same level of support as the difficort model but with a slightly softer inner leg fabric. The colors are vibrant and wash well, as multiple reviewers noted after several cycles.

The 9-inch inseam is the most conservative cut on this list. If you have shorter legs or prefer a modern 7-inch length, these will feel long. The waistband is elastic but does not have the same structured feel as the Chubbies or Columbia options — it is a simpler elastic drawstring setup that gets the job done without fuss.

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difficort delivers a strong value proposition: a 9-inch inseam board short with a compression liner and a zippered side pocket at a mid-range price. The shell is a sturdy woven polyester that feels heavier than the maamgic fabric, giving it a more traditional board-short weight. The compression liner is the highlight — reviewers note that it replaces the need for boxer briefs entirely, and that the lack of a mesh liner removes the chafing they experienced with other trunks. One reviewer wore these every day during a Maui vacation and called them the most comfortable swim shorts he has ever owned.

The zippered pocket is side-mounted and large enough for a phone or wallet. The 9-inch inseam provides full coverage, and the drawstring is flat and adjustable. The quick-dry performance is solid — the fabric sheds water quickly and does not cling uncomfortably when you exit the pool. The color options are standard but well-executed, with no reports of fading after multiple washes.

Where the difficort falls short is in the feel of the waistband elastic — it can feel a bit stiff when new, though it softens after a few wears. Also, the 9-inch inseam is long, so if you are under 5’8” it may fall past the knee and look baggy. If you need a durable, full-coverage trunk with a compression liner and a pocket, this is a strong contender against the TUONROAD model.

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Quiksilver is a surf-industry OG, and these stretchable swim trunks reflect that heritage. They are a true no-liner design — you wear these with your own underwear or swim briefs underneath. The fabric is a stretchable woven blend that moves with you during a paddle-out or a gym session. The 7-inch inseam is the modern sweet spot, and the regular fit means they sit at the waist without being tight. Reviewers say the fast-drying fabric works well for transitions from surf to street.

The interior waistband is smooth and wide, which helps prevent chafing even without a liner. The colors are classic Quiksilver — subtle prints and solids that do not scream for attention. Buyers consistently call out the value at this price point: name-brand quality without the premium markup. The fit runs true to size, and the stretchable material accommodates different body types without feeling restrictive.

The lack of a liner is the main tradeoff — some guys prefer the built-in support of the compression models above. The pockets are standard open slash pockets without zippers, so you will want to leave your phone in a beach bag during active use. Also, a few reviewers reported stitching issues after extended use, which suggests the build quality is not as robust as the Columbia or Chubbies options. For the price and the brand, they are a solid entry-level pick.