Best Men's Athletic Swimwear Under $100 (2026)

• 10 products compared from 1 brand • avg ItemOracle score 3.9/5

We ranked products by a value score combining materials, performance features (quick-dry, sun protection), construction, and price under $100

The Verdict

  • Best Overall: Columbia Backcast IV Water Short — Great for everyday active use: durable quick-dry construction with sun-protection features for versatile water activities
  • Best Value: Columbia backcast iv water shorts — Solid value for casual water sports thanks to quick-dry fabric and practical sun-protection detailing

Top Picks

  1. 1
    Columbia Backcast IV Water Short

    Best Overall Columbia Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    Great for everyday active use: durable quick-dry construction with sun-protection features for versatile water activities

    Water short for men with sun protection and quick-dry comfort. Customers note good quality, comfortable fit, and fast-drying wear

    • sun protection and stain resistance
    • quick-dry texture nylon
    • comfortable fit with durable build
    Check current price on Amazon →
  2. 2
    Columbia backcast iv water shorts

    Best Value Columbia backcast iv water shorts

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    Solid value for casual water sports thanks to quick-dry fabric and practical sun-protection detailing

    Lightweight nylon shorts with OMNI-SHADE sun protection and quick-dry comfort. Customers note quality, comfort, and fast-drying feel with a durable fit

    • OMNI-SHADE sun protection
    • quick-dry comfort
    • durable, comfortable fit
    Check current price on Amazon →
  3. 3
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    Reliable choice for anglers and paddlers with performance-focused fabric and protective sun coverage

    Columbia men's water shorts with OMNI-SHADE and OMNI-SHIELD for sun protection, rain resistance, and quick-dry comfort. Customers note good quality, comfortable fit, and fast-drying performance

    • sun protection
    • stain and rain resistance
    • quick-dry nylon blend
    Check current price on Amazon →
  4. 4
    Columbia Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    Dependable athletic option offering mobility-focused cut and quick-drying materials for multi-sport use

    Lightweight nylon swim shorts with sun protection and quick-dry comfort. Customers note good quality, comfortable fit, and fast-drying performance

    • OMNI-SHADE sun protection
    • quick-dry comfort
    • durable, textured poplin nylon
    Check current price on Amazon →
  5. 5
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Shorts

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Shorts

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    Practical performance short with durable construction and sun-protection for frequent outdoor water activities

    Columbia water shorts with sun and stain protection, quick-dry comfort. Customers note good quality, comfortable fit, and fast-drying performance

    • OMNI-SHADE sun protection
    • OMNI-SHIELD stain and rain resistance
    • 100% nylon textured poplin, quick-dry
    Check current price on Amazon →
  6. 6
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    Budget-friendly athletic short that still delivers quick-dry fabric and protective sun features for regular use

    Water shorts with Omni-Shade sun protection and quick-dry comfort. Customers note good quality, comfortable fit, and fast-drying wearability

    • omni-shade sun protection
    • quick-dry fabric
    • durable comfortable fit
    Check current price on Amazon →
  7. 7
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    Good low-cost pick for active swimmers who want quick-dry performance and basic sun protection

    Lightweight nylon swim shorts with OMNI-SHADE sun protection and quick-dry comfort. Customers note good quality, comfortable fit, and fast-drying wear

    • OMNI-SHADE sun protection
    • quick-dry nylon texture
    • comfortable fit
    Check current price on Amazon →
  8. 8
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    Performance-oriented short with secure fit and sun-protection features suited to extended outdoor sessions

    Men's quick-dry swim shorts with sun protection and stain resistance. Customers cite quality, comfort, and durable fit

    • sun protection with Skin Cancer Foundation seal
    • light precipitation and stain resistance
    • textured poplin 100% nylon for quick-dry
    Check current price on Amazon →
  9. 9
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    Versatile option combining durable materials and Omni-Shade sun protection for long days on the water

    Columbia water shorts with OMNI-SHADE sun protection and quick-dry fabric. Features durable texture and pockets; praised for fit, comfort, and fast-drying performance

    • sun protection
    • quick-dry fabric
    • durable fit
    Check current price on Amazon →
  10. 10
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    Consistent performer with protective fabric and athletic fit designed for active waterfront use

    Lightweight nylon swim shorts with sun protection and quick-dry comfort. Customers note good quality, comfortable fit, and fast drying

    • sun protection with Skin Cancer Foundation seal
    • quick-dry textured poplin nylon
    • stain and rain resistance features
    Check current price on Amazon →

Buying Guide

Fabric and drying time

Choose lightweight, quick-dry polyester or nylon blends for faster water-to-land transitions and less chafing

Sun protection

Look for built-in UPF/Omni-Shade or sun-protection tags to reduce UV exposure during extended outdoor use

Fit and mobility

Opt for an athletic cut with a comfortable inseam and stretch panels or gussets for unrestricted movement while swimming or paddling

Pockets and closures

Consider secure pockets with drainage and reliable waist closures (drawcord or elastic) if you need storage during activities

Durability and care

Select pieces with reinforced stitching and easy-care fabric that tolerate chlorine, sun, and frequent washing