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Swim Trunk Guide (Summer 2025)

  • Writer: Joshua Miller
    Joshua Miller
  • 1 day ago
  • 5 min read
Four swim trunks with different patterns are displayed against a yellow background. Text: "Swim Trunk Buying Guide, Summer 2025."

Introduction

Pool summer is quickly approaching and I want to ensure you know what swim trunks to buy and which ones to skip.


So, I thought for today's post I'd put together a guide depicting the main trends for swim trunks this summer, a couple of recommendations I have for you, and share the swim trunks I'm thinking about buying. 


I hope this post helps connect you with swim trunks that support many hours of rest!


Note: This is a bit longer a post, so refer back to the outline below to help navigate it.

Outline (Hyperlinked)

Man in blue shorts jumps to hit a volleyball on sandy beach. Clear blue sky in background, creating a dynamic and energetic mood.

Style of Shorts - Volley Short

The vibe for swim trunks this summer is all about versatility: trunks that work just as well on land as they do in the water.


Specifically, volley shorts, the kind you’d wear for beach volleyball, are the foundation of the trend this season.


Beach volleyball action with two players mid-air, one spiking. Colorful shorts, clear sky, and a cheering crowd in the background. Energetic mood.

Volley shorts are typically short (think 5" to 7" inseams), medium weight, and bold in color.


In fashion design, form always follows function, and volley shorts prove it. They’re the perfect pair for jumping, diving, and running around.



Even if the shorts you buy aren’t technically volley shorts, I still want you to go for something similar in feel and fit.





Three men wear black shorts on a yellow background. Shorts length numbers 5", 7", and 9" with a red cross over 9" appear below.

Swim Trunk Length

Every year you'll always hear contradictory advice on what inseam length of swim trunk you should buy.


I think you should aim on the shorter side with 5" to 7" being the sweet spot.



This length makes you look taller elongating your legs, and it also makes your shoulders look wider by tapering your hips.




Three fabric patterns in circles: blue stripes, teal floral, and colorful tropical leaves on a yellow background.

Swim Trunk Print

The three prints I'd recommend for this summer are vertical stripes, dense florals, and tropical patterns.


Blue and white striped fabric in a round frame, set against a solid yellow background. No text or distinct emotions conveyed.

Vertical Stripes: This print helps you look taller and more masculine.


Circular floral pattern with small orange, teal, and white flowers on a dark background. Set against a yellow backdrop. No text present.

Dense Florals: This print helps show off your style and allows you to make a statement with only one piece.


Colorful tropical leaf pattern with red, blue, green, and yellow leaves on fabric, set against an orange background. Vibrant and lively.

Tropical Patterns: This print shows off that you understand trends. This summer is about being comically tropical, and this print shows that off.





My Recommendations

Shorts and a sandal on a yellow background. Shorts: blue, purple, patterned; numbered 1-5. Sandal labeled 6. White drawstrings.





My Recommendations - Trunk by Trunk

Light blue and white striped shorts with a drawstring waistband on a solid yellow background. Casual and summery vibe.

I've always wanted a pair of swim trunks like these. They make you look taller, complement every skin tone, and come at a great price!



Blue shorts with white vertical stripes and a drawstring waist on an orange background. Casual and stylish design.

Like the Hollister shorts, vertical stripes make everyone look taller—but I love these for a different reason. I think the pairing of light purple with a faded pink gives the trunk a nostalgic 1950s aesthetic that I really like. Again, I see this looking great on multiple skin tones, so I’ll be pushing my closest friends to buy these. Honestly, I think they’d look great on you too.



Purple floral swim shorts with a white drawstring waistband on a plain orange background.

I really like florals, and I really love dense floral prints like this one. Plus, these come at a great price. If you want to hear "I love your swim trunks!" but don't want to break the bank, these are a great choice.




Navy swim shorts with a tropical leaf pattern, drawstring waist, against an orange background. Label reads "BONOBOS" inside the waistband.

This summer, the theme is being comically tropical, and these swim trunks are the perfect gateway into the trend.



Navy blue shorts with a white drawstring against an orange background. Simple and casual design. No text visible.

Amazon Essentials is one of my favorite brands, and these swim trunks are a perfect example of why. They are an affordable and stylish basic. If you are only planning to swim a few times this summer or just do not want to overthink your options, these are a reliable choice that will still look great for many summers to come.



Two brown flip-flops lay side by side on an orange background. Simple design with visible stitching. No text or patterns. Casual and relaxed mood.

Brown leather is going to be in this fall, so why not kick off the trend with a pair of brown sandals?




What I'm Interested In

Six pairs of colorful shorts with numbers on a yellow background. Includes plaid, floral, and boat patterns, each with a drawstring.

What I'm Interested In - Trunk by Trunk

Green plaid shorts with a white drawstring on a yellow background. The pattern includes blue and pink stripes, creating a fresh, casual vibe.

I have been loving the “boyfriend boxer” trend for women recently, and these swim trunks remind me of that in a way I really like.



Floral-patterned shorts with a navy drawstring on a mustard background, creating a vibrant and casual summer vibe.

I love dense florals and I love this color story. I think these would look good on anyone with a tan/olive skin tone.



Green swim shorts with purple floral pattern on a yellow background. Brand name "Bonobos" visible on waistband. Light, summery vibe.

I love the way the purple and green work together on these swim trunks. I also really appreciate dense prints that make the most of the fabric.



White shorts with colorful sailboat pattern on a yellow background. Elastic waistband and drawstring. Fun, summery vibe.

Despite loving the sailorcore trend right now, I still don't own anything with a sailboat on it. Maybe these swim trunks will be my first piece.



Pink striped shorts with a drawstring on a mustard background, creating a simple, casual mood.

As I mentioned earlier, I am really into blue and white vertical stripes this summer—but you know I always need something in orange.



Colorful shorts with blue, green, and red paisley patterns on orange. White drawstring, set against a solid yellow background.

If I owned these swim trunks, they would definitely be a favorite for a long time. The color story is incredible, and I think the paisley floral print is really fun. I also trust J. Crew to create pieces that last, so I might just bite the bullet and grab these in the next few weeks.





Conclusion

I feel like this winter was nonstop—and being stuck inside only made it feel even heavier.


That’s why I’m so excited to spend as much time as I can in the sun this summer, surrounded by people I care about.


And honestly, I know these swim trunks will make those moments feel even more special.


I hope you find time to reconnect with the outdoors this summer.


You deserve it.


Fashion is such an incredible part of life, but it’s those real moments with people you love that give you the experience and inspiration to think creatively about fashion.


I’m learning to find beauty in the simple moments, and I hope you are too.


Thanks for reading!


-JM






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