The best swim trunks you can buy

I've honestly never had a bad experience with a product from Patagonia, so I had high expectations before reviewing the Baggies and wasn't disappointed.

The Patagonia Baggies are available in 5-inch inseams and 7-inch inseams, which are referred to as Baggies Shorts and Baggies Longs. I tried the Baggies Longs because I'm not a fan of shorts that stop mid-thigh, and I found them to fit true to size.

The brand describes the Baggies as "life's shorts" because they're designed to go wherever life takes you, and I'd say that's an accurate description. I started my day by wearing them as normal shorts with a T-shirt and sneakers and later went to the pool where they came in handy as true swimming trunks.

I had no issues with the fit in the water. They stayed securely on my waist, and thanks to the pocket drain, I didn't experience any drag.

The front pockets don't zipper or fasten shut, but the front right pocket has a bungee loop, which is good for securing a key ring. There's also a rear pocket that snaps closed.

Although it was exceptionally hot outside, I was still impressed with how quickly they dried. I didn't have to change my clothes or walk around for the rest of the day with slightly damp shorts.

Pros: Available in 5-inch and 7-inch inseams, made from 100% recycled materials, water-repellent, solid colors and patterns available

Cons: Front pockets do not zip or snap closed

The North Face is one of my favorite brands for all types of outdoor gear, so it's no surprise they know how to make a solid pair of swimming trunks.

While The North Face does have other swim trunks (and board shorts) available, I gravitated to the Classic V Belted Trunks because of the retro styling. Rather than featuring a typical drawstring, the elastic waistband is complemented by an adjustable belt. It's easy to tighten or loosen and I'd say it looks pretty cool, too.

Aside from the styling, the Classic V Belted Trunks are a great choice for everyone because they come in three inseam lengths — short (5 inches), regular (7 inches), and long (9 inches).

I went with the regular 7-inch inseam in my true size and found them to be a bit snug, but not too small. If you're looking for a slightly relaxed fit or you're in between sizes, don't be afraid to size up.

Regardless of what style you choose, the trunks come with two front pockets and two large side zippered pockets. This means there's plenty of space for daily essentials like your phone, wallet, and keys. The pockets also completely secure so you can store things that you don't mind getting wet but would hate to lose in the water.

Pros: Available in 5-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch inseams, zippered pockets, adjustable belted waist, UPF 50+ material

Cons: Runs small, no patterns available

Amazon Essentials should never be overlooked for simple, affordable wardrobe basics. Whether you're on a tight budget, you're in need of a second pair to alternate between, or you need a specific color to add to your rotation, the Quick-Dry Swim Trunks might be a good fit.

At just $15, you really can't go wrong. They feature an interior mesh lining, a drawstring waist, and a fastened rear pocket. All the key requirements for a decent pair of swim trunks are here. They're available in 7-inch and 9-inch inseams, so only if you're looking for a very short inseam would these not be worth buying.

I personally think they're a great value and many people seem to agree, as I've seen them sell very quickly when Amazon restocks or releases new colors. If you see a pair that you like, I recommend not hesitating to grab them.

Pros: Lots of colors and patterns available

Cons: No complaints considering the price

If you're all about having fun and want clothes to match that energy, then Bonobos is where you'll want to buy your swim trunks this summer.

The popular menswear brand has always done an amazing job at offering a lot of variety in its patterns and colors so just about anyone will be able to find something they like.

There are designs that include everything from treats like popsicles, mixed drinks, and watermelon to other summer-themed prints like florals, flamingos, and palm trees.

Sizing shouldn't be a concern either. The Riviera Swim Trunks are available in 5-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch inseams and waist sizes XS through XXL.

Although I haven't worn these yet, I can say with confidence that they'll fit true to size. I've worn suits, pants, chinos, underwear, button-up shirts, pullovers, and more from Bonobos and was always happy with my true size.

Pros: Available in 5-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch inseams, plenty of fun patterns available, back pocket with fastener

Cons: Very few solid colors

Designed for all kinds of sports and activities, the Everlane ReNew Sport Shorts feature a stretchy feel and a water-resistant finish. Although these are all characteristics of sporty performance gear, Everlane's approach to style makes these a wonderful pair to wear casually as well.

With classic no-frills styling, you'll find two side pockets, a velcro rear pocket with a small drain hole, and a white drawstring. For now, they're only available in three solid colors — Navy, Dark Forest, and Dark Royal — but I wouldn't be surprised to see Everlane release more colors down the line.

Upon receiving them, my first impression was that they'd be perfect to wear on a normal day even when I had no plan of being in the water, and they've served me well for that function. When I have worn them in the water, they stayed secure on my body and dried quickly.

In addition to the styling, Everlane ReNew Sport Shorts are a good choice if you value sustainability (you should). The outer is made from 95% recycled nylon and 5% elastane for stretch, and the inside lining is made from 100% recycled polyester.

There's only one inseam length available, but they're about the same length as the Baggies Longs (7-inches) and The North Face Classic V-Belted Trunks in the regular length (also 7-inches), which I believe anybody can pull off. If you're not extremely particular about your shorts being super short or long, you should find them to be a good length.

Pros: Made from recycled materials, stretchy, water-resistant, simple styling makes them easy to wear

Cons: Only available in three solid colors, no patterns, only one inseam length available

If you just can't shake that vintage '80s or '90s look, then the Columbia Riptide Shorts might be the perfect pair of swim trunks for you.

Released as part of Columbia's Icons Collection, which pays homage to the silhouettes from the late '80s and '90s, the Riptide Short is easily one of the best choices for styles from that era.

There are several colors available, but the particular pair I tested features a black base with royal blue and hot pink accents. The front zippered pockets are mesh, which makes a large Columbia Sportswear logo on the inside of the pocket visible. I also found that the mesh fronts help to eliminate drag in the water.

One of my favorite features on the Riptide Shorts is that they pack away into the rear pocket. Out of all the swim trunks I tested for this guide, this is the only pair that packs away, which is a common feature in Columbia products. I've tested pants, anoraks, other shorts from the brand that had the same function.

The shorts only come in one length, which is rather short, but again, if you're going for that retro look you should be expecting that. You also won't have any issues finding matching gear that ranges from fanny packs to fleece pullovers.

If you happen to be a fan of Mickey Mouse, Columbia has also made Riptide Shorts in collaboration with Disney.

Pros: Large front zippered pockets, easily packs into back pocket, drawstring waist, water-repellent, made from 100% recycled nylon, retro-style colorblocking

Cons: Only available in one inseam length, may be too short if you prefer an at-knee or slightly above-knee length

I personally love everything that I've tried from Mack Weldon including the Swim Trunks, but they ultimately didn't make our list because of the price. They feature a 4-way stretch quick-dry material, a seam-sealed zippered rear pocket, and a comfortable mesh lining, but it's still a bit hard to justify spending so much on a pair of trunks.

However, I could see these being a great fit someone who sees a color or pattern they love and genuinely doesn't care about the price, who has been spoiled by performance gear in other areas of their wardrobe and doesn't want to compromise on swim trunks, or who wears swim trunks more than just a few months out of the year.

We've tested nearly a dozen board shorts, and researched many more. After wearing them both in and out of the water, Patagonia's Stretch Planing Board Shorts win our praise for being lightweight, unrestrictive yet sleek, affordable, and the quickest drying pair we tested.