Swim Trunks vs Board Shorts: How to Choose Men's Swimwear

Shopping for men's swimwear gets confusing fast, because "swim trunks" and "board shorts" get used like they mean the same thing. They don't. Length, liner, and fit change how a pair feels in the water and out of it, so picking the right one starts with knowing what each is built for.

Swim Trunks: Shorter, Lighter, Built for Swimming

Classic swim trunks are usually cut shorter, sitting above the knee, with a lightweight feel and a mesh brief liner inside. The liner is the giveaway: it replaces underwear, keeps things in place while swimming, and drains fast when you get out. The waist is typically elastic with a drawstring, so the fit is easy and forgiving.

Swim trunks are the right call for laps at the pool, jumping in off the dock, and general swimming. They dry quickly, pack small, and are comfortable enough to keep wearing after you towel off.

Board Shorts: Longer, Tougher, Built for Surfing

Board shorts run longer, usually to or just above the knee, and are cut for movement on a board. They are often made from quick-dry fabric with a stiffer, more durable feel than a pool trunk, and many have a lighter liner or none at all, since surfers often wear them over a rash guard or compression short. The waistband is usually a lace-up or drawstring tie, with a fly closure on some styles.

Board shorts are the right call for surfing, paddleboarding, and long sessions in the waves, where the extra length protects your legs from board rash and the tougher fabric holds up to salt water and sun.

Fishing Swim Trunks: The Hybrid Worth Knowing About

There is a third category that splits the difference: fishing swim trunks. These are swimwear cut for anglers, usually with quick-dry stretch fabric, a mesh liner, and an elasticized waistband, plus pockets that actually hold something. They work as shorts on the boat or the bank and as swimwear the second you step into the water, which makes them a smart pick for a full day that mixes fishing and swimming.

How to Choose: Four Questions

1. What will you mostly do in them? Swimming and pool days point to swim trunks. Surfing and paddleboarding point to board shorts. A day that mixes fishing, wading, and swimming points to a fishing swim trunk.

2. How much length do you want? Shorter trunks feel freer and dry faster. Longer board shorts give more coverage and leg protection on a board.

3. Do you want a liner? A mesh liner means no extra layer underneath and a secure fit in the water. No liner means you choose your own base layer, which some surfers prefer.

4. What about pockets and fit? Zippered or side pockets matter if you carry keys, a phone, or tackle on the beach. An elastic waistband with a drawstring is the most forgiving fit; a lace-up board short waist stays put in the surf.

Three Men's Swim Picks From Coastline Supply

Men's Bills Up Fishing Swim Trunk — A Hook & Tackle fishing swim trunk made in Miami, FL, USA, from super-soft 360-degree stretch fabric with a quick-drying mesh liner and an elasticized waistband. The pick for a fishing day that ends in the water.

Men's Gulfstream Fishing Swim Trunk — Another Hook & Tackle fishing swim trunk, also made in Miami, FL, USA, from super-soft suede stretch microfiber with a quick-drying mesh liner and an elasticized waistband. Same easy-wearing formula, different look.

Men's Tropical Print Board Shorts with Mesh Lining — A Stevvex board short in quick-dry polyester with a breathable mesh brief lining and side pockets, in an all-over coconut tree print. The pick for surf, boating, and all-day beach wear.

Browse the full range in our men's beach and fishing apparel collection, and match your pick to the day you actually have planned. The best swimwear is the pair you forget you're wearing.