Best Quality Swim Trunks and Shorts
Most men probably don’t think much about swimwear until it’s time to pack for their summer vacation, and those who are more prepared might start looking a couple of weeks earlier. This article is about best-quality swim trunks and shorts. By that, I mean timeless design, better fabrics and construction, and often a more flattering fit. Considering how few days a year most people actually wear swimwear, a well-made pair should last for many years.
I prefer my swim trunks not too loose and not too long, ideally around mid-thigh length or even an inch shorter. Color and pattern preferences are always a personal choice, but if you want to play it safe, you can’t go wrong with navy, red, or yellow.
Below is a list of best quality options available.
Bather
A Canadian brand founded in 2013, created to elevate men’s swimwear with a focus on design, comfort, and function. Best known for its signature swim trunks that are crafted from quick-dry recycled nylon with a soft mesh lining, the brand has since expanded to include camp shirts, sweats, and accessories. Designed in Toronto and made locally, they offer approachable, thoughtfully made leisurewear.
Price: from $90
Made in Canada. Get it here.
Ripa Ripa
Inspired by the style of the Mediterranean and the Italian sixties, these swim shorts have been redesigned for a better fit, capturing the spirit of an Italian summer.
Working with a team of tailors, the company improved the classic swimsuit. They made the inseam longer and the leg opening slightly smaller, resulting in a straight and elegant fit.
The company values quality over quantity, believing in owning one excellent, well-made item rather than many mass-produced products.
Price: 125€
Made in Italy. Get it here.
Birdwell
Birdwell Beach Britches was born in Santa Ana, California. One of the first companies focused on surf‑specific swimwear, building on the pillars of enduring quality and timeless style, they’ve been hand-making boardshorts in the USA since 1961. Their swimsuits are double‑layered and always double‑stitched, featuring reinforced seams for high durability
Price: from $86.95
Made in USA. Get it here.
The Salty Circle
As ocean lovers, they design products that help protect and enjoy the ocean. They want to make a positive impact on the planet and people. They use high-quality recycled and sustainable materials, work with local manufacturers who ensure safe and fair working conditions and employ traditional craftsmanship. By limiting their collections, they avoid overproduction and waste.
Beyond creating an ethical and eco-friendly men's beachwear brand, they want to inspire change. They encourage others to adopt a more conscious lifestyle that protects our oceans. Without a healthy ocean, there is no life.
Price: 89€
Made in Portugal. Get it here.
CDLP
All of CDLP's products are designed in their Stockholm studio and made in Portugal and Italy. The brand supports small-scale European production to reduce the negative effects of mass manufacturing. They choose partners who share their values and ensure safe working conditions and fair wages for workers.
Price: from 125€
Made in Portugal. Get it here.
Serà Fine Silk
Italian brand founded in 2014, known for its refined accessories made from the finest Italian silks. Bringing together the rich tradition of Como silk with the easy elegance of Milanese style, the brand offers a modern take on classic luxury. What began with a single handcrafted pocket square has grown into an internationally recognized name in Italian craftsmanship - a celebration of silk, style, and the art of dressing well.
Price: 118€
Made in Italy. Get it here.
Poszetka
They designed these swim trunks with practicality and versatility in mind. They are made from a 70/30 polyamide/cotton blend with a textured seersucker finish, perfectly combining style and functionality. They look sharp and dry quickly.
Price: 77€
Made in Poland. Get it here.
Petronius 1926
A Milan-based brand founded in 1926, originally focused on handcrafted neckties. Named after Petronio Nigro, a Roman symbol of elegance, the brand has always stood for refined taste and quality. Now run by the third generation, they continue to produce ties, scarves, pocket squares, foulards, and swimwear, entirely made in Italy. Known for its timeless style, vintage silks, and expert craftsmanship, Petronius 1926 remains a symbol of Italian elegance.
Price: 170€
Made in Italy. Get it here.
The Resort Co
They offer two different cuts: classic and tailored.
Their mission is to develop the world's best resort wear for men, focusing on creating timeless and sustainable items. They carefully select the finest materials and partner with top producers across Europe for each product.
They started making luxury vacation wear to create items they wanted to wear themselves and continue to develop their collections this way. They focus on using top-quality fabrics and skilled craftsmanship. All items are crafted in Portugal, Italy, and Spain.
Price: from 139€
Made in Portugal. Get it here.
Fedeli
Their iconic swim trunks are cut slightly shorter and entirely made with select polyester. They dry out in 90 seconds.
Since 1934 when Luigi Fedeli founded his eponymous brand in Monza, Fedeli hat remained in constant pursuit of artisanal excellence. At the heart of their brand is a passion for garments and fine craftsmanship. They celebrate their skilled artisans and honor the vision of past generations who inspired their craft.
Price.: from 165€
Get it here.
NR Napoli by Nicola Radano
A Naples based brand founded by Nicola Radano in 2023. Built on his idea of “Funky Elegance,” it brings a fresh take to classic Neapolitan tailoring, mixing tradition with bold personality and modern flair. Each piece, from relaxed jackets to carefully made accessories, is crafted entirely in Naples. More than just clothing, NR NAPOLI represents a way of life grounded in elegance, creativity, and the southern Italian spirit.
Price: 120€
Made in Italy. Get it here.
Peplord M29 Swim Trunks
Made with original vintage M29 camouflage fabric, used by the Italian army since 1929. The fit is relaxed and similar to Italian Navy Gurkha shorts, but without the waist with buckles. They are low to mid rise, similar as most swim trunks and athletic shorts. I wouldn’t specify these exclusively as swim shorts, but I would call them summer utility shorts. "Utility" because they’re something I throw on every time I need to run errands, or for days off when I want something I’m not afraid to get dirty. Plus, they dry quickly, so they’re perfect for pool and beach days. The camo fabric looks great too, so they’re not just like typical swim or athletic shorts, and they’ll only get better with wear. The only downside is that they don’t have mesh lining, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Peplord is a young brand based in Florence and deeply inspired by Mediterranean culture and traditions. They draw their inspiration from the antique beauty of forms and harmony, as well as the tales of travelers and explorers who are always ready to cross seas, deserts, and borders to make space for the wonder of new discoveries. Each piece is precisely designed and produced, usually within a few kilometers, using exclusively high-quality materials. Some clothing capsules (shorts, shirts, etc.) are crafted by reworking vintage fabrics, such as Italian M29 camo on these shorts. Each piece is unique, like the very person who will own it.
Price: 130€
Made in Florence. Get them here. (The website is currently offline, so he is accepting orders via DM.)
What is your favorite swimwear brand?
related articles
Most people probably don’t think about swimwear until it comes to packing their bags for summer vacation. In this article I will talk about better options when it comes to swim trunks or shorts.