The Ultimate Men’s Swimwear Guide for 2026

7 hours ago
8 min read

Every summer brings a bit of a reset. You pull out last year’s swimwear and something feels off. The length isn’t quite right, the fit feels dated, or it simply doesn’t match how you want to show up anymore.

For 2026, men’s swimwear has moved on in a very clear way. It’s sharper, more intentional, and, overall, a lot more flattering. Before getting into specific brands, it’s worth understanding what’s actually changed this year, because those shifts will shape what you buy and how you wear it.

What’s Changed in Men’s Swimwear for 2026

The biggest shift is toward shorter, better-fitting silhouettes. The 5 to 7 inch inseam has fully taken over, and anything longer is starting to feel like it belongs in a different decade.

At the same time, fabrics have improved across the board. Even more accessible brands are now using softer, stretchier materials with better linings, which makes a noticeable difference when you’re wearing them all day, not just stepping in and out of the water.

There’s also a move away from overly loud prints. Patterns are still very much part of the conversation, but they feel more considered and more influenced by European styling, rather than overly busy or chaotic.

And then there’s the return of the swim brief, although for some of us, it never really went away.

Across all of this, the common thread is simple. Fit matters more than anything else, and it’s what ultimately separates something that just works from something you actually feel good wearing.

Swim Shorts: The Core of Your Summer Wardrobe

For most guys, swim shorts are still the starting point, but the difference between average and great comes down to choosing the right cut, fabric, and overall feel.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Consistently good, and better than most people expect

Abercrombie has quietly become one of the most reliable places to buy swim shorts right now, with flattering cuts, strong 5 inch inseam options, and a range that covers everything from clean solids to seersucker and subtle patterns; the boxer brief style liner is also a standout detail that adds comfort and support, making this one of the easiest brands to recommend when you just want something that works.

Boardies

A UK brand that always brings something different

Boardies is one of those brands we discovered a few years ago and now return to every summer, thanks to its ability to deliver patterns that feel fresh without being over the top, combined with a clean fit and the right length, plus the added bonus of family matching / coordination options that make it a go-to for travel and one that consistently gets comments.

J.Crew

Classic American style with a tailored, updated feel

J.Crew has always been a go-to for timeless summer pieces, and their swim trunks follow that same formula with a more modern edge. The fits feel clean and intentional, often landing right in that ideal mid-thigh length, and the mix of solids, subtle prints, and textured fabrics like seersucker keeps things interesting without trying too hard.

Lululemon

Minimal, functional, and built for real life

Lululemon approaches swimwear the same way it approaches everything else, focusing on clean design and performance-driven fabrics, which results in shorts that are incredibly versatile, easy to wear, and just as appropriate at the pool as they are heading to lunch or even doubling as gym shorts when you’re packing light.

Maamgic

Affordable, versatile, and easy to build around

Maamgic offers a wide range of swim shorts that balance classic styles with more retro-inspired prints, all at a price point that makes it easy to build out a rotation, making it a strong option if you want variety and flexibility without committing to a higher price tier.

Vilebrequin

Luxury swimwear that actually feels like it belongs on vacation

Vilebrequin sits in a category of its own, with its French heritage, signature turtle patterns, and elevated fabric quality making it instantly recognizable at luxury resorts across Europe, and while it’s not an everyday purchase, it’s the kind of piece that feels intentional and right when the setting calls for it.

Vineyard Vines

Preppy, polished, and finally modernized

Vineyard Vines has always owned that preppy, coastal aesthetic, but the move to shorter inseams has made the brand feel much more current, with bright but controlled colors, classic patterns, and a polished look that works equally well for a beach club or a family trip, and for us, the ability to coordinate with the boys makes it even more appealing.

Swim Briefs: Confidence, Context, and Knowing Your Setting

Swim briefs are definitely having a moment again, but depending on where you are, they never really disappeared, and while they still take a bit more confidence in the US, they feel completely natural in Europe, making the choice of brand and style all the more important.

Speedo

The original, and still setting the standard

Speedo built the category and still leads with performance at its core, delivering streamlined, durable designs that have naturally crossed over into everyday pool and beach wear. Pro tip: Definitely size up one (or two!) sizes in these.

94Men

Minimal, modern, and design-led

94Men focuses on clean silhouettes and a stripped-back aesthetic, offering swim briefs, sungas, and swim shorts that feel current and intentional without relying on bold branding.

AberBeach

Brazilian-inspired, bold, and built for the beach

AberBeach draws directly from Brazilian swim culture, with body-hugging fits, multiple cut options, and high-stretch fabrics designed for comfort and movement, delivering confident, beach-ready briefs with a strong Ipanema influence.

Addicted

Barcelona-based and unapologetically bold

Addicted comes out of Barcelona and is known for confident, fashion-forward swimwear with enhancing fits, strong color palettes, and a clear connection to European beach culture.

Aronik

Refined, modern, and instantly recognizable

Aronik keeps things clean and polished, with a focus on fit and detail, and is known for its signature bee emblem that appears across its swim briefs.

AWRY

Modern cuts with a fashion edge

AWRY positions itself firmly in the fashion space, offering a wide range of swim styles with body-conscious fits, strong color choices, and a more styled, contemporary feel. For 2026, they will be updating the surge brief and introducing some new patterns as well! Use code "VONBK" for 20% off regular priced items.

BANG! Miami

Playful, varied, and built for every kind of swim style

BANG! Miami offers a wide range of fits and styles beyond just briefs, but their swim briefs and mini briefs stand out, combining bold color, strong design, and a fun, vacation-ready energy. With 7 different styles you are bound to find one that fits your preference and body type.

BearThreads

Body positive, expressive, and built around community

BearThreads leans into bold color and inclusive design, with a strong body-positive message. These briefs leave plenty of room in the pouch for those that need a bit more room upfront. Use code "VONBK15" for 15% off regular priced items.

C-IN2

Bold, expressive, and rooted in underwear expertise

C-IN2 brings its strong foundation in men’s underwear into swim, with body-conscious fits, confident color choices, and a slightly edgy, fashion-forward feel, while also expanding into swim shorts for those who want the same energy in a more versatile cut. Use code "VONBK" for 15% off regular priced items.

Chris Turk Swim

Inclusive, bold, and built for real bodies

Chris Turk Swim focuses on confident fits and inclusive sizing, with bold, playful designs influenced by queer culture and a 70s disco energy that’s made to stand out. We grabbed one of their briefs which is glitter (yes, on a swimsuit!) and also has a buckle side for an additional touch.

GALI

Distinctive design with cultural depth

GALI stands apart through patterns created by Aboriginal artists, resulting in designs that are instantly identifiable and carry real meaning beyond just aesthetics. And they have just launch swim shorts in addition to their signature briefs!

Ikakos

Emerging, expressive, and built for versatility

Ikakos brings a strong visual identity and offers the added benefit of matching swim shorts and briefs, which is a rare and genuinely useful feature when building a coordinated look. Their designs are bold and playful and perfect for a day on a Miami beach.

Klevy

New, bold, and one to watch

Klevy is still early in its growth with a more limited range of styles, but its bold approach and clear identity make it one to keep an eye on. This is a new brand you will want to watch over the coming years.

Mounderwear

Classic, elevated basics with a confident edge

Mounderwear focuses on clean, body-conscious designs that feel simple but intentionally styled, with details like mesh panels and supportive structure that create a more sculpted, elevated look without overcomplicating it. Their signature MO fabric briefs are an instant classic and available in pink, blue, and yellow.

Orttu

Fashion-first and more directional

Orttu approaches swimwear from a more editorial perspective, with styling and cuts that feel elevated and slightly more runway-inspired than traditional swim. Definitely a brand to look at if you are looking from unique and memorable pieces.

Ryke

Classic lines with a modern, tailored feel

Ryke focuses on clean, classic designs and sharp silhouettes, delivering swim briefs that feel timeless but still very intentional in their fit. We love the racer cut brief - an absolute great fit!

Sammy

Emerging brand with a focus on clean execution

Sammy is still building its name, but the emphasis on streamlined cuts and subtle detailing gives it a strong, modern foundation. They also have options beyond the standard brief cut like swim thongs should you dare!

Sullios

Premium, limited drops with a community-led feel

Sullios focuses on releasing swim briefs in small, considered drops shaped by their community, creating pieces that feel more exclusive, intentional, and slightly harder to get, which adds to the appeal. We are currently loving their recent Watercolour Stripe launch!

Walden Outdoor Athletic

Performance-driven with a sustainability mindset

Walden Outdoor Athletic blends athletic functionality with a clean aesthetic, while also leaning into more sustainable materials and practices, making it a thoughtful choice beyond just design.

Still on Our List to Try

There’s always a second list. Brands we’re watching, saving, and planning to try but haven't had a chance to get their swimwear yet!

BDXY: A sustainable brand founded by Luke Evans, blending Old Hollywood style with modern travel-inspired design
Budgy Smuggler: An Australian brand known for bold, playful prints and a confident, cheeky approach to swim briefs
Charlie: A UK-based swimwear brand known for clean cuts, flattering fits, and a more refined, minimalist aesthetic
Harvey Swim: Premium resort-focused swimwear with a clean, tailored aesthetic
Jack Adams: Underwear experts bringing strong fit and structure into swim
KBAYO: Bright, expressive styles clearly designed for vacation settings
Park & Ronen: A fashion-forward swim brand known for bold prints, tailored fits, and a refined, resort-ready aesthetic
Pump!: Athletic-inspired swim with a focus on fit and performance
Smithers: A newer lifestyle brand starting to build real momentum
Solibré: An Australian brand known for tailored cuts and refined minimalism

Final Thoughts

The biggest mistake most guys make with swimwear is treating it like an afterthought, something you grab last minute before a trip rather than something that actually deserves a bit of consideration.

In reality, it’s one of the most visible things you wear all summer, whether you’re at a pool, on a beach, or walking through a resort, and it sets the tone for how put together you look.

You don’t need a huge rotation, but you do need the right pieces. A better fit, a more intentional cut, and fabrics that feel good to wear all day make a noticeable difference, not just in how you look, but in how confident you feel wearing them.

That’s ultimately what this comes down to. Choosing swimwear that actually reflects your style, where you’re going, and how you want to show up this summer!