The short answer
Quick-dry swim trunks are usually the better holiday choice because they reduce the amount of time you spend sitting in wet fabric. The best versions combine a lightweight outer shell, comfortable liner, secure pockets and enough stretch for walking and swimming. Regular swim trunks can still work perfectly well, but heavier fabrics and slow-drying linings become noticeably less convenient when you wear the same pair for hours.
Our view is that the best men's swim shorts should be designed for the entire day around the water, not only the ten minutes you are actually swimming.
What makes swim trunks quick-drying?
Drying speed comes mainly from fabric construction. Lightweight polyester and nylon-based performance fabrics tend to absorb less water into the fibre than cotton, so water can evaporate from the surface more quickly. Fabric weight, weave and airflow all make a difference.
A liner also affects drying time. Traditional mesh briefs do not hold much water, but many people find them scratchy. Soft boxer-style liners are far more comfortable, although they contain more fabric and may take a little longer to dry than the outer shell.
Our HydroMotion shorts use GRS-certified recycled polyester in a quick-drying outer fabric, with a soft boxer-style undershort instead of old-fashioned mesh. The outer shell dries rapidly, while the liner benefits from being turned inside out and hung to dry properly after use.
What are regular swim trunks?
There is no single definition. Regular swim trunks may use similar synthetic materials but without a specific quick-dry construction, or they may use a heavier fabric that holds more water. Some are fashion-led shorts intended mainly for poolside use, while others are simple nylon designs that dry reasonably quickly anyway.
This is why the label is less important than the specification. A pair marketed as quick dry swim trunks can still be uncomfortable if the waistband, liner or seams are poor. Equally, a straightforward pair made from lightweight fabric may dry perfectly well without shouting about technology.
Why drying speed matters on holiday
Wet swimwear is not only inconvenient. Damp fabric can rub more than dry fabric, especially when you walk any distance. It can also feel cold in air-conditioned restaurants or transport, and it is awkward to pack if you are changing hotels frequently.
Fast dry swim trunks reduce that transition time between sea and normal life. You can swim before lunch, sit in the sun for a while and feel presentable enough to move on without needing to return to your room and change.
For us, that versatility is the entire point of modern swim shorts. If a pair only feels comfortable while you are in the water, it is solving half the problem
What length works best?
Length is mostly personal preference, but shorter trunks have become popular because they are easier to move in, show a cleaner leg line and tend to dry quickly. Short men's swim trunks around a 5 to 7-inch inseam sit in a useful middle ground for most people.
Our HydroMotion shorts use a 6-inch inner leg. We chose that length because it feels modern without becoming extremely short, and it works for swimming, walking and casual wear around a resort.
Longer boardshorts can be better for surfing or when you want more coverage. Very short swim briefs have the least fabric and dry quickly, but they are a different style choice entirely. There is no universal correct length.
Liner comfort matters just as much
A quick-drying outer short is not much use if the liner irritates you. Traditional mesh can rub around the groin and inner thigh, particularly after salt water and walking.
A soft boxer liner spreads support across a larger area and can reduce skin-on-skin friction. Seam position, fabric softness and stretch are crucial. It should feel supportive rather than compressive and should not bunch when you sit.
This is why we moved away from mesh when developing HydroMotion. The brief was simple: make swim shorts we would happily leave on for the rest of the day.
Pockets are a holiday feature, not an afterthought
Beach days involve phones, cards, keys and sometimes cash. Open side pockets are convenient but can be risky if you are cycling, playing sport or moving around a boat.
We use two zipped side pockets plus a hidden internal phone pouch because secure storage changes how useful the shorts are away from the water. It sounds like a small detail until you spend a day constantly checking whether your room key is still in your pocket.
When comparing the best men's swim trunks, look at drainage too. A pocket that traps a large amount of water can slow drying and make the shorts sag after swimming.
Quick-dry versus regular: comfort comparison
Quick-dry designs usually feel lighter after swimming and become comfortable on dry land sooner. They are particularly useful in humid destinations where thick fabric takes longer to dry naturally.
Regular trunks may feel more substantial and can sometimes look more like normal shorts. If you only wear them for swimming and change immediately afterwards, drying speed is much less important. In that scenario, fit and style may be the bigger priorities.
For a typical holiday, though, we would choose the faster-drying option almost every time. One versatile pair does more work, which also makes packing easier.
What about recycled fabrics
Recycled polyester can be used to create the same sort of quick-drying performance fabric as virgin polyester. It does not make swimwear impact-free, and synthetic fabrics still need thoughtful care, but it makes use of existing material rather than relying entirely on new fossil-based feedstock.
Our shorts use GRS-certified recycled polyester. We also support Ocean Generation through the swimwear range. We see that as part of a wider effort to improve a product category that has traditionally relied heavily on virgin synthetic fibres.
Durability still matters. The most sustainable pair in your wardrobe is not the one with the best marketing line if it loses shape after one summer. Look for solid stitching, colour fastness, secure trims and care instructions you can realistically follow.
How many pairs should you pack
For a one-week beach holiday, two good pairs is usually enough if they dry quickly overnight. Three gives more variety and provides a backup if one pair is still damp or needs washing.
If you are moving between destinations or travelling with hand luggage only, quick drying becomes even more valuable. Wash a pair in the evening, hang it properly and it is more likely to be ready again the next day.
This is another reason we prefer versatile designs. A good pair of the best quick dry swim shorts can cover swimming, beach walks, paddleboarding and a casual lunch without needing a separate change of clothes for every activity.
The verdict
For holidays, quick-dry swim trunks are the practical winner. They are lighter after swimming, easier to re-wear and more comfortable when your day moves between water and everything else.
Do not buy on drying speed alone. Check the liner, waistband, stretch, pocket security, length and overall fit. Those features determine whether the shorts actually feel good after several hours of wear.
Our ideal holiday swim short is simple: quick-drying outer fabric, soft supportive liner, enough stretch to move, secure storage and a length that works away from the pool. If those details are right, you will probably pack fewer pairs and wear them more.
FAQs
What is the most breathable underwear for men?
For hot-weather travel, lightweight bamboo viscose, modal and technical performance underwear can all feel breathable. Fit is as important as fibre. A boxer brief that is too tight or made from heavy fabric will feel warmer regardless of the material. For swimming, normal underwear is not ideal because it can hold water. Choose swim shorts with a purpose-builtliner or wear a dedicated swim base layer.
Are bamboo socks good for summer and warm weather?
Yes, a lightweight bamboo sock can work very well in warm weather because it feels soft, breathable and comfortable when feet become warm. Choose an appropriate thickness and pair it with breathable footwear. For long hikes in hot conditions, a specialist walking sock may offer more targeted cushioning and faster drying.
How quickly should swim trunks dry?
There is no fixed time because temperature, humidity, airflow and fabric thickness all change the result. A good quick-dry outer shell should stop feeling saturated relatively quickly in warm conditions. Boxer liners often take longer, so turn the shorts inside out and hang them where air can circulate.
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