Best Men's Athletic Swimwear (2026 Guide)

We ranked options by average user rating and review volume, emphasizing recurring performance tags (quick-dry, Omni-Shade, Omni-Shield) and practical design features

This roundup covers top-rated men's athletic swimwear focused on performance features like quick-dry fabrics, sun protection, and water-ready construction. Selections are based on aggregate user ratings and review volume, plus recurring feature tags such as Omni-Shade, Omni-Shield, and quick-dry performance

Top Picks

  1. 1
    Columbia Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    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 PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    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
    Buy at Amazon →
  3. 3
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    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 →
  4. 4
  5. 5
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Shorts

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Shorts

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    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
  7. 7
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    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 →
  8. 8
  9. 9
  10. 10
    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia PFG Backcast IV Water Short

    Columbia • ★ 3.9/5 • Budget

    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 performance

Look for quick-dry, chlorine-resistant or water-ready fabrics that retain shape and dry fast after swims or workouts

Sun protection

Check for built-in UPF or sun-protection technologies (e.g., Omni-Shade) when you need extended outdoor exposure

Water repellency and finish

Treatments like Omni-Shield or similar finishes help shed water and resist stains, useful for beach and boat use

Fit and mobility

Choose styles with articulated cuts, gussets, or stretch panels for unrestricted movement during laps, surf, or training

Practical features

Prioritize details like secure waist closures, mesh pockets or drainage, and internal briefs for comfort and utility