The best men’s swim shorts 2026

Whether you’re staycationing or heading abroad, now’s the perfect time for a swimwear upgrade

Summer is on the horizon, in all its sun-kissed, SPF-rich glory – which is the perfect excuse to dive into a pair of new swim shorts (or two). One of the biggest men’s swimwear trends for ‘26 is tailored leisure; designs that take you seamlessly from beach to bar. Or make a splash with a bold print, elevated textures, or a matching shirt-and-shorts set.

Trusty, versatile athleisure with a tailored edge – these designs look great, moving you effortlessly between swimming laps and enjoying lunch on the terrace. The all-important pockets come as standard.

Stand-out new-season styles combine comfort and style, featuring clever design details for life in and out of the water – and all without setting you back a fortune.

Investment swimming trunks that you’ll wear for years to come. Choose from elevated textures, such as seersucker or piqué, or a bold pattern or colour that you love.

What length swim trunks are most flattering? It comes down to personal choice. Right now, the shorter styles with a 5-inch inseam are increasingly popular; these beauties have a 4-inch leg and subtle curved hem.

High-performance swimwear (AKA men’s jammers) for training or racing are designed to reduce drag and enhance speed, while the OG hydrodynamic swimming briefs allow for maximum range of motion.

A huge trend for 2026, a matching set of shorts and a cabana shirt will help take your poolside styling to the next level. Names to know are new brand OAS, Chelsea Peers and Parlez.

Geometric patterned swim shorts are a key look for 2026. Ranging from bold abstracts to micro motifs, you can expect to see these prints on repeat everywhere this summer.

Nail the classic preppy look with block-coloured swim shorts in shades of grey, khaki or dusty pink, worn with a white T-shirt, linen shirt or a jumper nonchalantly slung around your shoulders.

Stripes are forever in fashion, and this summer we cannot get enough of them. From rainbow hues to your classic blues, they’re fun, foolproof and flattering – due to the elongating effect of vertical stripes.