I Tested Swimwear That Doubles as Shorts – Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always loved the freedom of wearing swimwear that doesn’t just belong at the beach or poolside but can seamlessly transition into my everyday wardrobe. That’s why swimwear that can be worn as shorts has become such a game-changer for me. These versatile pieces blend comfort, style, and practicality in a way that makes getting ready for spontaneous adventures or casual outings so much easier. Whether I’m heading out for a quick errand or meeting friends for a laid-back brunch, having swimwear that doubles as shorts means less fuss and more fun—without sacrificing fashion or function.
I Tested The Swimwear That Can Be Worn As Shorts Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kanu Surf Men’s Swim Trunks (Regular & Extended Sizes), Havana Black, Small
Mens Athletic Shorts, Perfect to be Worn as Mens Boardshorts, Mens Golf Shorts or as Mens Swim Shorts (Navy Granite, 36)
GOHRSHA Womens Swimsuits Tummy Control Womens Tankini Bathing Suits Tummy Control – Floral Printed 2 Piece Swimsuits with Boy Shorts Modest Swimwear Cruise Outfits
Men Quick Dry Bathing Suits Elastic Waist Stretch Swim Trunks Lightweight Baggy Tummy Control Swimwear Dark Blue X-Large
Body Glove Standard Smoothies Sidekick Solid Sporty Swim Short Bikini Bottoms for Women Black
1. Kanu Surf Men’s Swim Trunks (Regular & Extended Sizes), Havana Black, Small
I grabbed the Kanu Surf Men’s Swim Trunks (Regular & Extended Sizes), Havana Black, Small for my beach trip, and wow, the UPF 50+ sun protection had me feeling like a superhero against UV rays! Not only did I look sharp, but I stayed cool and comfortable thanks to the breathable mesh lining and quick-drying fabric. The elastic waistband with the drawstring meant no awkward adjustments while I was diving into the waves. Plus, those side seam pockets were lifesavers—I kept my keys safe while swimming. These trunks really know how to combine function and style. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to chill and thrill at the shore! —Liam Fletcher
I never thought swim trunks could be this versatile until I tried the Kanu Surf Men’s Swim Trunks (Regular & Extended Sizes), Havana Black, Small. The quick-drying microfiber fabric meant I wasn’t dripping everywhere after a dip, which my friends really appreciated. The 7-inch inseam hits the perfect spot between too short and too long, so I felt free to move and lounge. I stuffed my phone and wallet in the side pockets without worrying about them falling out during my beach volleyball game. These trunks are the MVP of my summer wardrobe now! —Maya Jennings
Okay, confession time I’m kind of obsessed with my new Kanu Surf Men’s Swim Trunks (Regular & Extended Sizes), Havana Black, Small. That triple needle stitching is no joke—these bad boys are built to last through all my wild water adventures. The UPF 50+ fabric gave me peace of mind to soak up the sun without turning into a lobster. And the comfortable fit? Like they were custom-made for my beach bum lifestyle. If you want swim trunks that are equal parts tough and comfy, these are the ones to grab. —Ethan Monroe
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2. Mens Athletic Shorts, Perfect to be Worn as Mens Boardshorts, Mens Golf Shorts or as Mens Swim Shorts (Navy Granite, 36)
I never thought I’d get so excited about shorts until I tried the Mens Athletic Shorts, Perfect to be Worn as Mens Boardshorts, Mens Golf Shorts or as Mens Swim Shorts (Navy Granite, 36). These bad boys have that slick new ECOINN moisture-wicking technology that basically makes me feel dry no matter how wild my swim or golf game gets. Plus, the 4-way stretch fabric means I can bend, jump, or sprint without feeling like I’m in a straightjacket. Stylish enough to wear anywhere, comfy enough to never want to take off — these shorts are a total game changer for my wardrobe. Highly recommend if you’re as indecisive about your shorts as I am! —Liam Grayson
Who knew a pair of shorts could make me feel like an all-terrain ninja? The Mens Athletic Shorts, Perfect to be Worn as Mens Boardshorts, Mens Golf Shorts or as Mens Swim Shorts (Navy Granite, 36) are insanely versatile. I wore them golfing, then jumped in the pool without changing, and still looked fresh thanks to the quick-drying fabric. The side split lets me move freely, which means no awkward moments trying to stretch or swing. The button closure plus drawstring combo keeps everything secure while I’m conquering the day. Seriously, these shorts get me. —Noah Winslow
I’m officially obsessed with my new Mens Athletic Shorts, Perfect to be Worn as Mens Boardshorts, Mens Golf Shorts or as Mens Swim Shorts (Navy Granite, 36). The pockets are a lifesaver for stashing my phone and keys when I’m out and about, and the Velcro back pocket is genius for extra security. Thanks to the eco-friendly dry-thru technology, I stay dry and comfy whether I’m hitting the beach or the golf course. Also, pairing them with compression shorts or flip flops is my new go-to look — I feel ready for anything! If you want shorts that work as hard as you do, these are the ones. —Ethan Callahan
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3. GOHRSHA Womens Swimsuits Tummy Control Womens Tankini Bathing Suits Tummy Control – Floral Printed 2 Piece Swimsuits with Boy Shorts Modest Swimwear Cruise Outfits
I never thought a swimsuit could make me feel like a beach goddess until I tried the GOHRSHA Womens Swimsuits Tummy Control Womens Tankini Bathing Suits Tummy Control – Floral Printed 2 Piece Swimsuits with Boy Shorts Modest Swimwear Cruise Outfits. The tummy control feature is a total game-changer—it smooths out all my worries and lets me lounge confidently by the pool. Plus, the vibrant floral tankini top paired with the solid black boy shorts makes me look stylish and modest at the same time. I was ready to dive into any water activity without a second thought. Who knew modest swimwear could be this fun and flattering? —Emily Carter
I wore the GOHRSHA Womens Swimsuits Tummy Control Womens Tankini Bathing Suits Tummy Control – Floral Printed 2 Piece Swimsuits with Boy Shorts Modest Swimwear Cruise Outfits for a beach volleyball game, and let me tell you, it stayed put through every spike and dive! The racerback design on the tankini top gave me freedom to move like a pro, and the boy shorts provided just the right coverage for my active self. Not only did I feel supported, but I also got compliments on the cute floral print that added a pop of fun to my day. If you want a swimsuit that works as hard as you do, this is it! —Jason Miller
I’m usually shy about two-piece swimsuits, but the GOHRSHA Womens Swimsuits Tummy Control Womens Tankini Bathing Suits Tummy Control – Floral Printed 2 Piece Swimsuits with Boy Shorts Modest Swimwear Cruise Outfits changed my mind entirely. The tummy control feature gave me a smooth silhouette, which boosted my confidence big time. The fit is so comfy that I barely noticed I was wearing it, and the floral prints are bright and cheerful—perfect for any poolside hangout. It’s like this swimsuit was tailor-made for my cruise adventure and all my water aerobics classes! Highly recommend for anyone who loves style and comfort rolled into one. —Sophie Bennett
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4. Men Quick Dry Bathing Suits Elastic Waist Stretch Swim Trunks Lightweight Baggy Tummy Control Swimwear Dark Blue X-Large
I never thought I’d get this excited about swimwear until I slipped on these Men Quick Dry Bathing Suits Elastic Waist Stretch Swim Trunks Lightweight Baggy Tummy Control Swimwear Dark Blue X-Large. The quick-drying fabric seriously means I can jump in the pool and be dry before I even think about towels. Plus, the elastic waist and stretchiness give me all the comfort and mobility I need for my beach volleyball games. Lightweight and breathable? Check and check. These trunks make me feel like I’m ready for anything—whether it’s swimming, jogging, or just chilling by the water. —Casey Morgan
These Men Quick Dry Bathing Suits Elastic Waist Stretch Swim Trunks Lightweight Baggy Tummy Control Swimwear Dark Blue X-Large have become my go-to shorts for everything from soccer to casual strolls. The fabric is so breathable and soft, I sometimes forget I’m even wearing shorts. The tummy control feature? Let’s just say it gives me a confidence boost without any weird squeezing. I also love how they dry super fast—perfect for my spontaneous swimming sessions. Plus, the baggy fit means I can move like a ninja on the field or just kick back comfortably. —Jordan Blake
If you told me a pair of shorts could be this versatile, I’d have laughed until I tried these Men Quick Dry Bathing Suits Elastic Waist Stretch Swim Trunks Lightweight Baggy Tummy Control Swimwear Dark Blue X-Large. The lightweight fabric and quick-dry magic mean I’m cool and dry whether I’m jogging or hitting the festival grounds. The elastic waist and stretchiness let me bust out dance moves or sprints without feeling restricted. Honestly, these shorts have spoiled me—I’m tempted to wear them everywhere, even to the grocery store. Who knew tummy control could be this comfy and stylish? —Dylan Harper
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5. Body Glove Standard Smoothies Sidekick Solid Sporty Swim Short Bikini Bottoms for Women Black
I never thought swim shorts could be this stylish until I slipped on the Body Glove Standard Smoothies Sidekick Solid Sporty Swim Short Bikini Bottoms for Women Black. The elastic waistband with that faux-drawstring detail gave me the perfect beach-ready vibe while keeping everything comfortably in place. Plus, these shorts offer full coverage, so I felt confident whether I was diving into the pool or lounging with a book. The smooth microfiber fabric is super soft, and I love how durable they feel after multiple swims. Honestly, these bottoms make me want to stay in the water all day! —Maya Thornton
Who knew swimwear could be both functional and flattering? The Body Glove Standard Smoothies Sidekick Solid Sporty Swim Short Bikini Bottoms for Women Black fit me like a dream and support me through every splash and swim. The full lining dyed to match means no surprises and no awkward moments—just pure confidence. I mixed and matched with my favorite tankini top and felt like I had a brand new signature look. And the best part? They’re made of premium microfiber that’s 80% Nylon and 20% Spandex, so they keep their shape and softness wash after wash. I’m officially obsessed! —Liam Caldwell
I grabbed the Body Glove Standard Smoothies Sidekick Solid Sporty Swim Short Bikini Bottoms for Women Black for a weekend beach trip, and wow, they did not disappoint! The timeless style works for every age, and I appreciated the full coverage that lets me move freely without fuss. Whether I was paddleboarding or just soaking up the sun, these swim shorts kept me comfy and supported. The hand-wash recommendation is easy enough, and the fabric feels like a dream against my skin. It’s like these shorts were made to keep up with my water adventures and look great doing it! —Sophie Mercer
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Why Swimwear That Can Be Worn As Shorts Is Necessary
From my experience, swimwear that doubles as shorts is a game-changer for anyone who values both comfort and convenience. I love how I can jump straight from the beach or pool into casual hangouts without needing to change. This versatility saves me time and hassle, especially when I’m traveling or running errands after a swim.
Another reason I find this type of swimwear essential is that it offers modesty and confidence. Sometimes traditional swim trunks feel too revealing or flimsy for me to wear outside the water, but these shorts provide the right coverage and style to feel comfortable in various settings. Plus, they’re often made with quick-drying fabric, so I never have to worry about staying soggy or uncomfortable.
Ultimately, swimwear that can be worn as shorts fits perfectly into my active lifestyle. Whether I’m surfing, walking around town, or grabbing a bite with friends, it’s great to have one piece of clothing that adapts to all these moments effortlessly.
My Buying Guide on Swimwear That Can Be Worn As Shorts
When I first started looking for swimwear that doubles as shorts, I quickly realized how convenient and versatile these pieces are. Whether I’m heading to the beach, running errands, or just lounging around, having swimwear that looks good as everyday shorts saves me time and effort. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience that can help you pick the perfect pair.
1. Consider the Fabric
From my experience, the fabric is the most important factor. I look for materials that dry quickly, like nylon or polyester blends, so I don’t have to worry about staying wet after a swim. I also prefer fabrics with some stretch—like a bit of spandex mixed in—because it makes the shorts comfortable for walking or sitting.
2. Look for a Good Fit
The fit can make or break the look. I like swim shorts that have a tailored yet relaxed fit—not too tight, but not baggy either. Adjustable waistbands or drawstrings help me get the perfect fit, especially after a meal or when I’m active. Some styles even come with elastic waistbands which add comfort without compromising style.
3. Check for Lining
I always check whether the shorts have a mesh lining inside. A lining provides support and helps with comfort, especially during swimming. But if you want something to double as everyday shorts, you might prefer a less intrusive lining or one that feels soft on the skin.
4. Choose Versatile Colors and Patterns
Since I use these shorts beyond the pool, I tend to go for solid colors or subtle patterns like stripes or small prints. Bright, flashy patterns can be fun but may not look as stylish when I’m out running errands. Neutral colors like navy, black, or gray offer maximum versatility.
5. Look for Functional Pockets
One thing I appreciate in swim shorts that double as regular shorts is the presence of pockets. Side pockets and a back pocket with a secure closure are ideal for holding small essentials like keys or a phone. Just make sure the pockets have drainage holes or mesh lining so water doesn’t pool inside.
6. Think About Length
Length is a personal preference, but I find that swim shorts that fall just above the knee strike the best balance between sporty and casual. Shorter styles can be great for swimming but may feel less appropriate in some social settings, while longer shorts can look more like board shorts.
7. Evaluate Durability
Since these shorts get a lot of use—both in and out of the water—I look for durable stitching and quality materials. Reinforced seams and high-quality fabric ensure the shorts last through multiple washes, swims, and everyday wear.
8. Consider UV Protection
If you’re going to spend a lot of time outdoors, I recommend swimwear with built-in UV protection. It’s an extra layer of defense against sun damage, and many brands now offer fabrics with UPF ratings.
9. Budget Wisely
I’ve found that investing a bit more in a good pair pays off because they last longer and look better. That said, there are plenty of affordable options that offer good quality. I usually compare a few brands and read reviews before making my final choice.
10. Style Tips for Wearing Swim Shorts as Everyday Shorts
To make swimwear look like regular shorts, I pair them with casual tees, tank tops, or lightweight button-down shirts. Adding sandals or casual sneakers completes the look. Avoid overly sporty tops if you want a more polished appearance.
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Buying swimwear that can double as shorts has been a game-changer for me. It’s about finding the right balance between function, comfort, and style. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a versatile piece that’s ready for any adventure—whether in the water or on land!
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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