The modern traveller no longer packs swim trunks as an afterthought. Between a morning swim, an afternoon spent working from a shaded terrace, and an unplanned aperitivo at sunset, today’s ideal pair has to do more than dry quickly. It must feel considered, wear beautifully beyond the water, and hold its own beside a linen shirt, a pair of espadrilles and a well-worn passport.
After testing dozens of men’s swim trunks across pools, beaches and long travel days, we narrowed the field to three standouts. They represent different approaches to the same brief: elevated design, genuine comfort, and the kind of versatility that earns permanent space in a carry-on. From Eton’s quietly luxurious swim shorts to Hamabe’s colour-rich, comfort-first designs and Montreal’s own Public Beach, these are the pairs we’d pack first.
Best Elevated: Eton Solid Swim Shorts
Eton’s Solid Swim Shorts are the pair for travellers who want swimwear that feels closer to refined resortwear than standard beach gear. At $180, they sit firmly in the premium category, but the cleaner silhouette, elevated fabric and understated branding make them equally convincing poolside in Positano or with a linen shirt at dinner.
The solid colourways—green, black and blue—avoid the loud-logo look that can date quickly in photos, while the tailored cut keeps the short from reading overly athletic. This is the choice if your travel wardrobe leans polished: think Aman, Soho House, or a long weekend where the swim trunks may double as shorts around the hotel.
Why we like it: Luxurious feel, sophisticated minimalist styling, and a versatile resort-to-dinner look.
Consider it if: You value fabric quality and design over price.
Price: $180.
Best for Colour and Comfort: Hamabe
Hamabe, available through Bikini Village, is the happy middle ground: playful without feeling juvenile, comfortable enough for all-day wear, and priced accessibly at roughly $59.95 to $64.95. The brand’s volley-style trunks come in a wide range of prints and colours, from tropical and foliage motifs to ombre dots, fish, turtles and florals.
We were especially impressed by the choice of liners: several styles offer a brief liner, while others include a compression liner for a more secure, modern fit. The 4.5-inch and 5-inch lengths strike a practical balance—short enough to feel current, long enough to work for swimming, paddleboarding or a casual walk into town.
Why we like it: Strong comfort, fun design range, and excellent value.
Consider it if: You want several pairs for a longer trip without overspending.
Price: About $59.95–$64.95.
Best Canadian Value: Public Beach
Montreal-based Public Beach delivers perhaps the best style-per-dollar proposition in this group. Its men’s swimwear is described as high-end, classic, chic, colourful and bohemian—and the Vintage 6.5-inch Classic Volley Swim Short, priced at $69, captures that easy, sun-washed aesthetic particularly well.
The longer 6.5-inch cut is a smart option for travellers who prefer a little more coverage without sacrificing a tailored look, and the mesh brief adds familiar, uncomplicated comfort. With numerous styles and colours across the collection, Public Beach is ideal for building a small capsule of swim trunks that can move from beach town to city pool without looking disposable.
Why we like it: Montreal design credibility, versatile classic styling, and a friendly price.
Consider it if: You want a dependable everyday pair with more character than basic big-box trunks.
Price: $69 for the Vintage 6.5-inch Classic Volley Swim Short.
The Verdict
These three brands prove that great swim trunks are about more than drying quickly. Whether you gravitate toward Eton’s elevated resort aesthetic, Hamabe’s colourful comfort-first designs, or Public Beach’s easy Montreal-born style, each offers a distinct take on modern travel swimwear.
The right choice comes down to how you travel: invest in one refined pair, build a small rotation of prints and colours, or find a versatile everyday option that moves effortlessly from the water to the rest of the day. Whichever direction you choose, these are three solid brands worth packing.