Stylish swim shorts you’ll actually want to wear all summer – no budgie smugglers required
If the recent heatwaves weren’t enough of a clue – and with the school summer holidays well and truly here – here’s your reminder that the sunniest days of summer are still to come – and with them comes swimwear season.
Whether you’re heading off on an all-inclusive holiday, a fitness break or simply making the most of Britain’s beaches and lidos, investing in a great pair of swim shorts is well worth it. The best styles don’t just perform in the water – they’re versatile enough to wear all day, taking you seamlessly from the beach to lunch without looking out of place.
If you’re planning to stay active, look for lightweight, quick-drying fabrics that are just as comfortable for a beach run or some water sports as they are for an impromptu dip in the sea. Features such as zipped pockets, UV protection and four-way stretch are also worth looking out for if you’re spending long days outdoors.
Above all, choose a pair that suits your body shape, fits well and works with the rest of your summer wardrobe. Get it right, and you’ll find yourself reaching for them long after you’ve left the beach.
Here are our top picks.
1. Best budget swim shorts
M&S Quick Dry Printed Swim Shorts, £20
These lightweight swim shorts blend comfort and functionality, combining impressively quick-drying fabric with practical features such as side pockets, a drawstring waist and UPF 50+ protection.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, exploring the local area or relaxing by the pool, they’re a dependable all-rounder that offers excellent comfort, versatility and value for money. Better still, the bold fish-inspired zig-zag print adds plenty of personality without being OTT.
2. Best premium swim shorts
Naia Beach Mr Capri Swimshort, £89
Effortlessly eye-catching and one of the most stylish pairs in our round-up, the Naia Beach Mr Capri Swimshort strikes an excellent balance between comfort and sophistication. The lightweight, quick-drying fabric and relaxed fit make them ideal for everything from beach days to long lunches, while practical details such as side pockets and a useful zipped rear pocket add everyday functionality.
The standout Postcard Scene print gives them a premium, holiday-ready feel, while the subtle gold trims elevate the finish to justify the price tag. Better still, sustainability is woven into the design, with responsibly sourced recycled fibres made from abandoned fishing nets, pre-consumer plastics and discarded textiles.
3. Best for beach sports and beyond
Nike Swim Breaker Swim Shorts, £44
The Nike Swim Breaker strikes the perfect balance between sporty performance and everyday comfort. Lightweight and breathable, they’re designed to keep you comfortable whether you’re swimming lengths, playing beach football or simply relaxing by the pool.
This version has a comfy mesh brief liner and, as usual, Nike’s colourways are eye-catching and bold enough to stand out, yet versatile enough to wear all holiday long. The adjustable drawcord waistband ensures a secure fit, while the lightweight construction and relaxed five-inch box cut strike the perfect balance between comfort and style for long days by the water. Better still, they’re versatile enough to wear in the hotel gym before you head to the pool.
4. Best for sea-to-land adventures
Lululemon Beach to Trail Lined Short 5″, £78
It’s all in the name with this pair of Lululemon hybrid shorts, designed to take you effortlessly from the beach to the trails – and everywhere in between.
The five-inch boxer-style liner helps reduce chafing while providing plenty of airflow when you’re back on dry land, while the silicone-grip drawcord helps keep the fit secure in the water. Practicality hasn’t been overlooked either, with two side pockets, a hidden phone sleeve and a key loop making them ideal for active holidays.
Finished in a vibrant Starburst Red, they’re bold without being over the top, while the quick-drying, four-way stretch fabric is water-, wind- and chlorine-resistant. There’s very little these versatile shorts can’t do.
5.Best boardshorts
Decathlon 100 Symbol 18″ Boardshorts, £12.99
For those who prefer a little extra coverage, the Decathlon mid-length boardshorts are a practical choice for beach days and water sports alike. Made from lightweight, quick-drying, water-repellent fabric with added stretch, they’re designed to move with you whether you’re surfing, swimming or simply exploring the coastline.
The semi-elasticated drawstring waistband ensures a secure, comfortable fit, while the inner mesh lining helps minimise friction and reduce the risk of chafing. Two side pockets and a deep rear pocket provide plenty of storage for your holiday essentials, and the understated black-and-white design offers a refreshing alternative to brighter, more colourful prints.
6. Best sustainable swim shorts
North Sails Upcycled Swim Shorts, £90
If you’re looking to make more sustainable choices without compromising on style, these North Sails swim shorts are well worth considering. Made from surplus fabric left over from previous collections, they give perfectly good materials a second life while delivering all the comfort and practicality you’d expect from a premium pair of swim shorts.
The regular fit strikes a comfortable balance between relaxed and streamlined, while the elasticated drawstring waist, inner mesh briefs and handy side and back pockets make them ideal for long days by the water. Finished with smart contrast blue trims and subtle North Sails branding, they’re just as easy to throw on with a T-shirt for lunch as they are for a swim in the sea.
