You don’t want to be stuck in soggy, heavy swim shorts all day. The right pair can make your trip to the beach or poolside so much better.
We know it’s tricky to find shorts that dry fast and still look good. You need something that works for swimming and then walking around town.
Our team tested five top-rated pairs of quick dry shorts. We checked how fast they really dried and how comfortable they felt during all-day wear.
This review shares our honest findings. We’ll help you find the perfect pair so you can stop worrying and start enjoying your day.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Men's Swim Trunks Quick Dry Board Shorts | Quick Dry Fabric | PRICES |
 |
maamgic Mens Swim Trunks Quick Dry Swim Shorts | Built-In Lining | PRICES |
 |
BOJIN Mens Swim Trunks Quick Dry Swim Shorts | Drawstring Waist | PRICES |
 |
G Gradual Women's Quick Dry Swim Shorts | High-Waisted Fit | PRICES |
 |
IUGA Womens 5" Swim Board Shorts | UPF 50+ Protection | PRICES |
Men’s Swim Trunks Quick Dry Board Shorts
These swim shorts are a fantastic choice if you want to get out of the water and be dry in minutes.
They are made from a lightweight, quick-dry fabric that really works. I found they shed water quickly and don’t stay heavy or clingy. The material is comfortable and feels durable for regular use.
The design is simple and practical, with a secure zipper fly. I really appreciate the zipper pockets, which keep your keys or cards safe. The lack of a mesh liner makes them more versatile for wearing as regular shorts too.
Pros:
👍 Dries incredibly fast after swimming
👍 Secure zipper pockets are great for valuables
👍 Comfortable, lightweight fabric
👍 Versatile no-liner design
👍 Simple, classic look
Cons:
👎 Sizing can run a bit large for some
👎 Limited color options in some sizes
👎 The fabric might feel thin to some people
My Honest Opinion:
These are excellent, no-fuss swim shorts that do exactly what they promise. The quick-dry feature is legit, and the zipper pockets are a game-changer for beach days. They offer great value for the price.
maamgic Mens Swim Trunks Quick Dry Swim Shorts
These swim shorts are a fantastic choice if you want to go from the water to walking around town without feeling soggy.
They feature a quick-dry fabric that sheds water incredibly fast. The 7-inch inseam offers a modern, comfortable fit that works for swimming and casual wear.
The built-in mesh lining provides great support, and the secure side pockets are perfect for holding your keys or a little cash. The fun striped pattern adds a nice pop of style.
Pros:
👍 Dries unbelievably fast
👍 Comfortable, built-in mesh lining
👍 Practical and secure side pockets
👍 Fun, stylish striped design
👍 Versatile for swim and casual use
Cons:
👎 Sizing can run a bit small
👎 The mesh might feel rough to some
👎 Pattern choices are somewhat limited
My Honest Opinion:
I think these are a stellar value for the price. The quick-dry feature really works as advertised, making them a hassle-free option for a full day out.
BOJIN Mens Swim Trunks Quick Dry Swim Shorts
These swim shorts are a fantastic budget-friendly option that truly lives up to the “quick dry” promise.
They feature a lightweight, quick-drying fabric that gets you from the water to walking around in no time. The built-in mesh lining provides great support and comfort without being too restrictive.
The fit is comfortable and true to size, with a simple drawstring closure for a secure feel. I found they work perfectly for swimming, beach days, or even just as casual summer shorts.
Pros:
👍 Dries incredibly fast
👍 Excellent value for the price
👍 Comfortable mesh lining
👍 Lightweight and versatile
👍 Simple, secure drawstring waist
Cons:
👎 Limited color/pattern selection
👎 Mesh may feel rough for some
👎 Basic design without extra features
My Honest Opinion:
If you need reliable, no-fuss swim shorts that won’t break the bank, these are a solid pick. They do exactly what they’re supposed to do without any unnecessary extras.
G Gradual Women’s Quick Dry Swim Shorts
If you want swim shorts that feel dry and comfortable minutes after you get out of the water, these are a fantastic choice.
These shorts are made from a special quick-dry fabric that really works. I found they shed water quickly and don’t stay heavy or soggy. The 7-inch inseam provides good coverage without feeling too long.
The high-waisted design is flattering and stays put during activity. Having a built-in liner and pockets is a huge plus for convenience. The fit is true to size and allows for easy movement.
Pros:
👍 Excellent quick-dry performance
👍 Comfortable, high-waisted fit
👍 Includes a handy liner
👍 Useful side pockets
👍 Good value for the price
Cons:
👎 Color selection can be limited
👎 Liner might feel thin to some
👎 Sizing can vary slightly by color
My Honest Opinion:
I was really impressed with how fast these shorts dried. They’re perfect for a beach day where you’re in and out of the water. You get a lot of practical features for a very reasonable price.
IUGA Womens 5″ Swim Board Shorts
These shorts are a fantastic pick if you want to get out of the water and be dry in minutes.
They feature a high-waisted, stretchy design that offers great coverage and comfort. The built-in liner and UPF 50+ sun protection are major bonuses for a full day at the beach or pool.
The 5-inch inseam provides a modern, flattering length. I found the material to be soft and the fit was true to size, making them easy to move in.
Pros:
👍 Exceptionally quick-drying fabric
👍 Comfortable, stretchy high-waist fit
👍 Includes a supportive liner
👍 UPF 50+ sun protection
👍 True to size and easy to move in
Cons:
👎 Limited color selection in some sizes
👎 The liner might feel tight for some
👎 Can show water spots before fully dry
My Honest Opinion:
I was really impressed with how fast these shorts dried after swimming. They’re a practical and stylish choice that takes the hassle out of a beach day.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Length & Fit
Swim short length is a personal choice, but it affects mobility and style. A 5-inch inseam offers a modern, athletic look, while a 7-inch inseam provides more coverage and is often considered a classic fit. Always check the sizing chart, as brands vary.
Material & Drying Speed
Look for shorts made from polyester or nylon blends with a quick-dry finish. This is the most important feature, as it ensures you won’t be sitting in soggy fabric after a swim or getting chafed on a post-beach walk.
Features & Lining
A built-in mesh liner provides essential support and eliminates the need for underwear. Other useful features include a secure zip pocket for keys or cards, a drawstring waist for adjustable comfort, and UPF 50+ fabric for sun protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “quick dry” actually mean?
Quick-dry fabric is designed to wick moisture away from your body and evaporate it rapidly. A good pair of swim shorts should feel nearly dry to the touch within 15-30 minutes of getting out of the water.
Do I need a mesh liner?
For most men, yes. The mesh liner provides built-in support and comfort, acting like swimwear underwear. For women’s board shorts, a soft brief liner is common and serves a similar purpose.
Can I wear swim shorts as regular shorts?
Absolutely. The best quick-dry swim shorts are designed for dual-purpose use. Their casual style and comfortable, fast-drying material make them perfect for beach walks, travel, or casual summer outings.
How do I choose the right length?
Consider your activity and comfort. Shorter inseams (5″) are great for serious swimming and a sporty look. Longer inseams (7″) offer more coverage and are versatile for general beach and poolside wear.
What is UPF 50+ and do I need it?
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how much UV radiation the fabric blocks. UPF 50+ blocks over 98% of UVA/UVB rays. It’s a highly recommended feature for extended sun exposure.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For the best overall combination of style, quick-dry performance, and value, the BOJIN Mens Swim Trunks (BS017) are our top pick. They offer a reliable fit, excellent drying speed, and practical features. For a fun, patterned option, the maamgic Mens Swim Trunks are a great choice. Women seeking a secure, flattering fit for active swimming should opt for the IUGA Womens 5″ Swim Board Shorts with their high waist and UPF 50+ protection.
Your perfect swim short depends on your preferred fit and activities, but prioritizing quick-dry fabric is non-negotiable for comfort.