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Summer is here! And we couldn’t be more excited. It’s by far our favorite season because it means long days for hiking, warm nights under the stars, it’s kayaking and paddle boarding time, and yes, it’s swimsuit season! But not all swimwear is created equal. Many of the options out there aren’t made in a sustainable or equitable way. So if you’re upgrading your swimwear this season, opt for sustainable swim trunks from responsible brands that are as versatile as they are functional and look good doing good. Just don’t forget the sustainable sun hoodie when you hit the water!
Looking for sustainable swimsuits for women? Check out this article.
Why pay more for quality swimwear?
There’s a motto we like to abide by here at Terradrift: Buy once, cry once. It means invest more money in higher quality items and then you won’t have to worry about buying them again next season (and the season after that. And the season after that). And like lots of other outdoor gear, quality swimwear is worth the investment. That’s because it’s generally made of better, more longer lasting materials, offers more privacy and coverage (i.e. it won’t be see through by the end of the summer), will stand up to rigorous use, and just feels nicer on. Plus, most of these brands ensure their manufacturing is responsible, they pay their employees a living wage and they use more sustainable materials. Meaning there’s no sweat shops here.
As a bonus, most are constructed in such a way that you can polar plunge, take an alpine dip, play in the ways, cannonball, and even surf without worrying you’ll expose yourself to the world. We call that a win. What’s more, I’ve had swimwear from many of these brands for years and none of them are even close to needing retired. So shop responsibly, don’t over consume (how many swimsuits do you actually need?), and have fun out there. Wondering where to find quality sustainable swim shorts for men? Keep reading.
Sustainable Swim Trunks for Men
Patagonia Baggies
Patagonia has long lead the charge for sustainability in the outdoors. So yeah, they’re a brand you can trust when it comes to sustainable swim shorts and swim trunks. In fact, not only are pretty much all their swimsuits for men made of recycled materials, they’re also Fair Trade sewn. All with an emphasis on active lifestyles, which means yeah, they should stay put whatever you’re doing in the water. Their most beloved and classic men’s trunks? Their inimitable Baggies. Made of recycled fishing nets (one of the most difficult materials to collect and recycle, but also one that does the most damage when left in the ocean), these are light, loose, and comfy.
They have a stretchy waistband with a drawcord, a 5″ inseam, mesh liner, and two mesh-lined hand pockets plus a swappable back pocket. We dig the shorter length, colors available, and how we can also wear them on the trail, in the gym, or strolling down the boardwalk.
Outerknown All Time Scallop Trunk
If you’re looking for a comfy cross between a trunk and a board short, this might be it. The All Time Scallop Trunks from sustainably-minded brand Outerknown are super lightweight, breathable, fast-drying, not too tight or too loose, and even have a zippered back pocket to keep a few small items safe and secure whether you’re playing beach volleyball, goofing off in the pool, or hiking to an alpine lake. They promise to stay put thanks to a hook-and-loop fly closure paired with a waist tie, are just the right length, and are made of recycled polyester. Thanks to a bit of Spandex (including some that’s recycled), they’re nice and stretchy, too, so he can really move.
There’s no liner, but they’re nice and long, so you do you when it comes to wearing fitted briefs or trunks underneath. We like to, but that’s just us.
Royal Robbins All In Short
Looking for a pair of shorts designed to do it all? Take a peek at the Royal Robbins All In short. They’re a great choice for kayaking, hiking, SUPing, swimming or playing beach volleyball! Just beware: they’re not lined like traditional swim trunks and the inseam is on the short side, so we found when swimming that layering some boxer briefs or trunks underneath helped keep everything securely in place (if you know what we mean). They’re not stretchy, but are loose enough to offer adequate freedom of movement. And yes, there are solids and prints available.
There are two front hand pockets and a zipper pocket on the right seam that was big enough for keys, credit cards, etc. The nylon material is durable, so we’re not worried about them scuffing or snagging, at least not for several seasons. They’re also light and breathable, which makes for comfortable hiking and quick drying after an alpine dip.
Free Fly Reverb Shorts
If there’s one multi-functional short to rule them all, it might be the Free Fly Reverb Short. Made by a freshly certified B-Corp brand, these are soft, stretchy, and just as well suited for the water as the trail. They have two and pockets, a Vecro back pocket, and a stretchy waistband with a drawstring. They’re loose enough for muscular legs and hit short to average wearers just above the knee. We dig how breathable and comfy they are and love the material combo of recycled polyester and cotton, which dries faster than you think.
There’s no liner, but we don’t miss it. In fact, these might be our new go-to swim shorts for when a trip or outing calls for shorts that have to do double duty as bike/hike/run AND swim trunks. They come in a slew of colors and patterns and are available in sizes up to XXXL.
Bottom Line
Ready to suit up and hit the pool/beach/springs/river/lake/whatever body of water is in closest proximity to you? Get out there and wander on! And do it in more sustainable swimwear. Just remember to consume responsibly (how many pairs of men’s swim shorts do you actually need?). Then check out our articles about sustainable sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen.
Looking for sustainable swimsuits for women? Check out this article.
