When a man chooses swimwear today, in the vast majority of cases he reaches for shorts. Not by chance — it is the cut that combines comfort, decent coverage and versatility, from the pool through the sea to the beach. That is exactly why swim shorts make up the overwhelming share of what men actually buy. Yet the word shorts covers a very wide scale: from cheap models that lose their shape after a few uses, to technically woven pieces that last for years and still look like new.
This guide is not another list of swimwear types. It is a practical overview of what truly separates good mens swim shorts from the average — and which models deserve attention. We show the difference between regular and sporty swim shorts, the four quality factors that decide, and the specific cuts that the experts at DESSUE recommend long term. The goal is that after reading you can say with confidence what you are looking for — and not spend money on a model that ends up in the bin after one summer.
If you want to browse the whole range first, take a look at the mens swim shorts category — then come back to how to choose between the models.
The best mens swim shorts have a technically woven, quick-drying fabric that does not show through and holds its shape, an inner lining made of four-way stretch fabric, and a length to mid-thigh. For relaxing and daily swimming choose regular swim shorts of medium length; for active swimming choose a shorter sporty cut. What matters is the technical workmanship of the fabric, not its thickness — and a model that fits your use and your body.
Mens swim shorts are a swimwear cut with a leg that covers the upper part of the thigh. Unlike briefs and boxers, they offer more fabric, a looser feel and versatile use. In practice, several forms hide under one term — from short sporty cuts, through classic swim shorts, to longer models. It is exactly these differences in length and cut that decide what a specific model suits best.
Shorts win because they do not force a man into a compromise. Briefs and thongs are bold and require a certain dose of confidence, boxers sit somewhere in between — and shorts offer comfort and decent coverage at the same time. They are swimwear in which most men feel good on the beach, at the water park, by the pool and on the lounger after a swim. This versatility is appreciated by the twenty-year-old and the fifty-year-old alike.
The second reason is practical. Shorts can be worn as part of a beach outfit, you do not have to feel exposed in them, and at the same time you swim without restriction. That is exactly why they have become the default choice among mens swimwear — they are swimwear for everything. A complete overview of the individual cuts can be found in the guide to types of mens swimwear.
The shift to shorter cuts is also no seasonal whim — it has a precise beginning. Where and when the modern short cut was born is covered in the article about the trend that started in 2012.
Many men look for mens swim shorts without knowing that two slightly different things hide under similar names. The difference is not in marketing, but in purpose.
Regular swim shorts are the classic. They have a medium length, a looser to semi-fitted cut, and are built for comfort and all-day wear. They suit the sea, the beach, the pool and ordinary summer swimming. They are swimwear that handles the transition from water to lounger and back without looking out of place. For most men, regular swim shorts are exactly what they are looking for.
Sporty, or swimming, shorts have a shorter and more fitted cut that does not hinder movement in the water. Their logic is different: less fabric, lower resistance, more perfect coverage during active swimming and sport. They suit the man who really swims in the water, moves, jumps or does sport, and does not want the leg to balloon or slow him down. This approach is represented, for example, by the sport line CC7 Sport ROBERTO LUCCA, which we covered in the article about the CC7 Sport collection for sport 2026.
A simple rule of thumb: if you mostly lie on the beach, go to the water and swim recreationally, choose regular swim shorts of medium length. If you actively swim or do sport in the water, you will appreciate the shorter, more fitted sporty cut. Many men end up keeping both types at home — one for relaxing, one for movement.
Setting aside colour and looks, four things decide the real quality of swim shorts. None of them is visible at first glance — and that is exactly why cheap models save on them.
The most important factor. Quality is not made by the thickness of the fabric, but by its technical workmanship. Cheap, coarse textile holds water, dries slowly and loses its shape after a few uses; a thin but technically woven fabric, on the contrary, wicks away moisture, dries fast and does not show through even when wet. The best models are built on a special Hi-Tech polyester that is relatively thin, but thanks to its construction holds its shape and dries quickly. What really determines quality is covered in the article quality mens swimwear.
Why it works this way: polyester and polyamide (nylon) fibres barely absorb water themselves, unlike cotton, which draws it into the fibre. With a technical fabric the water therefore stays on the surface, from where it evaporates quickly, and the fabric does not soak through or get heavy. Coarse textile, on the contrary, holds a large volume of water between the fibres, staying wet, cold and heavy. That is exactly why the technical workmanship and the structure of the weave matter more than how thick the fabric feels to the first touch. How quick drying really works in practice and not just in advertising is covered in the article how fast drying works in practice.
Length decides how the shorts look on your body. The hem should end above the knee; a length to mid-thigh suits most men best. The cut should follow the body without pulling or ballooning. Here the rule is that size handles the circumference, not the length — so before buying, always check the stated leg length, not just the size chart. How to choose the right cut, length and style is covered in detail in the guide to choosing mens swim shorts.
An often overlooked but crucial detail. Quality shorts have an inner lining made of four-way stretch fabric that adapts to movement, stays in place and does not roll up. It is exactly the inner lining that decides comfort during movement and whether the shorts fit correctly. Cheap models either ignore the inside entirely or put a stiff mesh in it — and that belongs on a window against flies, not in swimwear. It presses, gets coarse when wet and deforms over time.
Why four-way stretch: an ordinary fabric stretches in only one or two directions, so during a step, a squat or swimming it pulls somewhere and bunches elsewhere. A four-way stretch fabric stretches in all directions at once, follows the movement of the body and always returns to shape — that is why the inner lining does not bind, does not press and does not roll up. It is a difference you cannot see in a photo, but feel immediately on first use. How the construction of the front relates to comfort is explained in the article on anatomical fit and basket shaping.
The last factor is durability. Well-made technical shorts usually last three to five seasons and hold their shape, colour and function the whole time. Cheap models sag after one summer, fade and lose elasticity. Why this happens and how to recognise a model that keeps its shape is covered in the article why mens swimwear loses its shape over time and which ones do not. In the long run, a quality piece is cheaper than two or three cheap ones that you replace every season.
In the offer of DESSUE, the mens swim shorts are built on two basic cuts — the shorter 10152 and the more universal 10153 — which are available in two materials (the standard line in Hi-Tech polyester, the premium LUCCA line in Hi-Tech nylon). To this is added the standalone sport line CC7 Sport. They share a technical material, a thoughtful inner lining and a cut that holds its shape.
The best-selling model 10152 is the cut with which the modern short trend began. It is short — and that is its main advantage. Have you noticed on the beach or at the pool how men roll up the leg of their shorts to get a tan? With model 10152 this problem disappears, because the cut is short from the factory. The leg covers the upper third of the thigh, looks sporty but not provocative. It is a model for men who know what they want.
Model 10153 is the more universal choice. It is about three to four centimetres longer than 10152, so it offers a little more coverage and suits a wider range of men. We especially recommend it to those who are moving from the so-called shapeless, baggy trunks to real modern swimwear. It is precisely those few extra centimetres that make the transition easier and look natural even at the first step towards a shorter cut.
The LUCCA line is not a different cut — they are the same cuts 10152 and 10153 with the same lengths, but in a premium material. While the standard line is built on Hi-Tech polyester, LUCCA uses Hi-Tech nylon with special ribbing that changes with the light. To this are added its own details — colour-matched drawcords and metal tips with the logo. The difference is therefore in the material and the detail, not in the cut or the length. It is the choice for the man who wants the best. We dedicated the article on the LUCCA collection to the whole range.
The CC7 Sport line is the answer for the active and has two cuts of its own. The short sporty cut with arches on the sides offers maximum freedom of movement and suits ordinary sport in the water. The longer cut is intended for extreme sport and demanding terrain — for example in the jungle — where the longer leg protects the thighs. Both are built on a four-way stretch fabric that ensures perfect coverage during every movement, and a wide colour palette.
The common denominator of these models is the brand ROBERTO LUCCA, which has long belonged to the elite of mens swimwear. If you are building a quality wardrobe, it is worth looking at the whole mens swimwear category, where technical material and cut are the primary criterion.
The following table is an orientation aid for a quick decision. Always adjust the final choice to your body shape and to whether you mostly relax in the water or actively swim.
| Model / line | Cut | Length | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best-selling 10152 | Short, universal | Upper third of the thigh | Sea, beach, pool — for men who know what they want |
| Model 10153 | Universal, 3–4 cm longer | To mid-thigh | Moving from baggy trunks, more coverage |
| LUCCA line | Cuts 10152/10153 in Hi-Tech nylon | Same as 10152/10153 | Premium material and detail |
| CC7 Sport — short | Sporty, arches on the sides | Shorter | Ordinary sport in the water |
| CC7 Sport — longer | Sporty, longer | Longer | Extreme sport and terrain, thigh protection |
The best model is always the one that fits your use and your body. Start with the question of what you will really do in the water: for relaxing and daily swimming choose regular swim shorts of medium length, for active swimming a shorter sporty cut. The second question is about the body — a cut and length that suit one man perfectly can look different on another.
In general: solid and darker tones elongate and unify the silhouette, a precise fit at the waistband holds the line, and the right length balances the proportion of the leg. How the individual cuts behave at the sea and in the pool is covered in the article swimwear for the sea vs the pool. Which cut suits which body type is covered in detail in the guide to choosing mens swimwear according to your body shape. If you are looking for one universal pair for the whole summer, a good rule is to bet on a proven classic cut in a neutral colour and add a sport model as needed.
In conclusion: when choosing mens swim shorts, what decides is not colour or price, but material, length, inner lining and lifespan — and whether the model fits your use and body. Choose a technically made fabric, clarify whether you are looking for relaxing or sport, and check the length. These recommendations are based on the long-term experience of the experts at DESSUE in dressing men of all body shapes and needs.
What makes a designer swim shorts a luxury item?
A designer swim shorts becomes a luxury item through four things that cheap models lack: a custom-developed technical Hi-Tech fabric that dries fast, resists chlorine, salt water and UV, and holds its shape; a precise cut and length developed for the male body; an inner lining of four-way stretch fabric for comfort during movement; and durability of three to five seasons. The luxury is not in the logo, but in the workmanship and materials you feel only over time, not on the hanger.
What are the advantages of designer swim shorts versus generic brands?
Designer swim shorts use custom-developed Hi-Tech fabrics, a precise cut for the male body, a four-way stretch inner lining and stronger resistance to chlorine, salt and UV. Generic brands save on exactly these hidden elements, so they dry slowly, lose shape after a few uses and fade after one season. The advantage of designer swim shorts is therefore comfort, shape stability and a lifespan of three to five seasons, which makes them cheaper in the long run than several cheap pairs.
What materials are best for comfortable mens swim shorts?
The best material is a technically woven Hi-Tech fabric — most often Hi-Tech polyester, in premium models Hi-Tech nylon. These fibres barely absorb water, so the shorts dry fast, stay light and do not show through. Comfort comes mainly from the inner lining of four-way stretch fabric. What matters is the technical workmanship, not the thickness of the fabric — cheap coarse textile holds water, dries slowly and loses shape.
How do I choose mens swim shorts?
Start with use: for relaxing and daily swimming choose regular swim shorts of medium length, for active swimming a shorter sporty cut. Then check four quality factors — a technical quick-drying material, the right length and cut, a four-way stretch inner lining, and durability. The hem should end above the knee, a length to mid-thigh suits most men. Solve length by choosing the cut, not by going up a size.
What swim shorts should men wear on holiday in 2026?
For a holiday, one universal pair of regular swim shorts of medium length in a neutral solid colour is the safest base, ideally complemented by a sporty cut if you plan to swim actively. A short, clean cut to the upper third or middle of the thigh looks current, works in and out of the water and pairs well with a T-shirt or shirt. Quick-drying Hi-Tech material is the priority so the shorts handle the transition from water to lunch or the promenade.
What colours are popular for mens swim shorts this year?
The current direction is pure, solid colour without print — expressive but muted tones rather than loud tropical patterns. Universal mint and lavender, mediterranean turquoise, warm melon yellow and pastel pink, and a deep reducing bordeaux all work well, depending on skin tone and destination. Solid darker tones elongate and unify the silhouette, which is why a neutral solid is the safest first choice.
Are swim shorts for men in style right now?
Yes. The short, clean shorts cut is the current European standard, not a passing fad — it has a precise beginning in 2012 and has only matured since. Long below-the-knee Bermudas now look dated, while a shorter cut ending at the upper third or middle of the thigh visually elongates the legs and reads as modern. Shorts remain the most versatile and most worn cut of mens swimwear.
How many seasons do quality swim shorts last?
Well-made technical shorts usually last three to five seasons and hold their shape, colour and function the whole time. It depends on the material and care — chlorine, salt water, UV exposure and incorrect drying shorten the lifespan. Cheap models lose shape and elasticity after just one summer, so they cost more in the long run than one quality piece.
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