6 Best Swim Shorts For Tropical Vacations That Double as All-Day Island Wear
Discover 6 swim shorts that transition from beach to bar. These versatile picks blend quick-dry tech with style for seamless, all-day island adventures.
You’ve just touched down, the humid, salt-tinged air hitting you as you step off the plane. Your first thought isn’t unpacking; it’s finding the nearest stretch of sand and diving into that turquoise water. The perfect pair of shorts for this moment is one that can handle the surf, dry by the time you order a drink, and still look sharp for the walk through town.
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Choosing Shorts for Sun, Surf, and Sunset Drinks
Packing for a tropical escape is an exercise in efficiency. You need gear that pulls double, or even triple, duty. This is where the hybrid short shines. It’s a single piece of apparel designed to bridge the gap between a dedicated swim trunk and a casual walk short.
Traditional boardshorts are great in the water, but their swishy nylon and often liner-less design can feel out of place at a nice beachside restaurant. Conversely, your favorite cotton chino shorts will turn into a soggy, heavy mess after a quick dip. The ideal island short uses quick-drying, stretch-infused synthetic fabrics that look and feel good both wet and dry.
The key is versatility. Look for shorts with features that serve you both in and out of the water. Mesh pocket bags are non-negotiable; they allow water to drain instantly so you’re not carrying the ocean with you. A comfortable waistband and a cut that allows for movement are just as important for hiking to a hidden waterfall as they are for swimming.
Patagonia Baggies: The Iconic, Go-Anywhere Short
If there’s one short that has defined this category for decades, it’s the Patagonia Baggie. You’ll see them on river guides, climbers, and beach bums from Costa Rica to Thailand. Their design is brutally simple and effective: a durable, quick-drying shell made from NetPlus recycled fishing nets, a comfortable elastic waistband with a drawstring, and deep mesh pockets.
The Baggies’ defining feature is their built-in mesh liner, which offers support for swimming and active pursuits. This is a love-it-or-hate-it feature; some find it essential, while others prefer the freedom of a liner-less short. Their classic, relaxed fit and multiple inseam options (typically 5" and 7") allow you to choose between a modern, shorter cut or a more traditional length. They aren’t the most technical, but their rugged reliability is legendary.
Vuori Banks Short: Ultimate Comfort and Stretch
When your vacation plan is equal parts lounging in a hammock and impromptu paddleboarding, comfort is king. The Vuori Banks Short is built around a proprietary VCycled fabric that is incredibly soft, lightweight, and loaded with four-way stretch. They feel less like a stiff boardshort and more like your favorite athletic short.
Designed without a liner, the Banks Short is exceptionally comfortable for all-day wear, from a morning yoga session on the beach to an evening stroll. The scalloped leg opening provides an impressive range of motion, and the zip pocket is perfect for securing a key or card. The main tradeoff is that their super-soft, athletic feel might lack the structured look of a more traditional short, but for pure, unadulterated comfort, they are hard to beat.
Outerknown Apex Trunks for Performance Surfing
For the traveler whose tropical vacation is centered around catching waves, performance is paramount. The Outerknown Apex Trunks, developed with input from surfing legend Kelly Slater, are engineered for exactly that. These are not just swim shorts; they are a piece of high-performance equipment.
The Apex Trunks are crafted from an ultralight, four-way stretch recycled polyester that moves with you and never holds you back. Every detail is considered for time in the water. The seams are welded, not stitched, to eliminate chafing during long surf sessions. The double-bonded waistband provides a secure fit in heavy surf, and the single back pocket is zippered and features a drainage hole and key loop.
The tradeoff for this level of performance is a higher price point and a distinctly technical aesthetic. For casual swimming and lounging, they might be overkill. But if your goal is to spend hours in the water without your gear ever being a distraction, the Apex Trunks deliver uncompromising function.
Faherty All Day Shorts: Soft, Stylish Versatility
Imagine a short you can wear for a morning swim, rinse off, and then wear to a casual dinner without anyone knowing it’s a swim trunk. That’s the mission of the Faherty All Day Short. It prioritizes a refined style and a supremely soft hand-feel, looking more like a tailored chino short than swimwear.
These shorts are typically made from a blend of recycled polyester, cotton, and spandex. This unique fabric combination offers quick-drying properties and stretch while maintaining the comfortable, natural feel of cotton. Details like a classic zip fly, belt loops, and clean-finished pockets elevate their look, making them the most versatile option for transitioning from beach to town. The inclusion of cotton means they may not dry quite as fast as a 100% synthetic short, but the gain in off-the-beach style is a worthy trade for many.
Lululemon Pool Short for a Streamlined, Modern Fit
For those who appreciate a clean, athletic, and modern aesthetic, the Lululemon Pool Short is an excellent choice. It brings the brand’s signature tailored fit and high-performance fabrics to the water. The silhouette is streamlined and sharp, avoiding the baggy look of more traditional surf trunks.
Made with Lululemon’s water-repellent, four-way stretch Swift fabric, these shorts are designed to move and dry quickly. They feature a comfortable, chafe-free mesh liner made with X-STATIC technology to reduce odor. The pocket design is thoughtful, with a zippered back pocket for security. The primary tradeoff is the fit and style; it’s distinctly athletic and modern, which may not appeal to those looking for a more rugged or classic beach vibe.
Howler Brothers Bruja for Unique, Vintage-Inspired Style
If you want your shorts to have as much personality as your destination, the Howler Brothers Bruja Boardshorts are the answer. Known for their unique, often retro-inspired prints and rugged construction, these shorts stand out from the crowd. They evoke the classic surf culture of decades past with a modern technical twist.
The Bruja is built from a quick-drying cotton-poly-spandex blend that offers a great balance of old-school feel and modern performance. The design features a contoured waistband, a traditional button fly with a drawcord, and a back pocket with a velcro closure and drainage grommet. The fit is more traditional and less athletic than some others, but the style is undeniable. These are shorts for someone who values character and a connection to surf heritage.
Key Features: Fabric, Inseam, and Pocket Design
When you’re comparing options, it all comes down to a few key details. Your final decision should be based on how you weigh these three factors.
First, consider the fabric. A 100% synthetic short (polyester or nylon) will offer the fastest drying times and best durability for its weight, making it ideal for those who are constantly in and out of the water. A fabric blended with cotton and spandex, however, will provide a softer feel and a more casual, off-the-beach look, at the cost of slightly slower drying.
Next, think about inseam length. This is largely a matter of personal style and comfort, but it has functional implications.
- 5-inch inseam: A modern, athletic cut that offers maximum freedom of movement for activities like beach volleyball or hiking.
- 7-inch inseam: The versatile sweet spot for most people. It provides good coverage while still feeling contemporary and unrestrictive.
- 9-inch inseam or longer: A more traditional, classic boardshort length that offers the most coverage from the sun and surf.
Finally, inspect the pocket design. At a minimum, all pockets should be lined with mesh to allow for instant water drainage. For active use, at least one secure pocket with a zipper or strong velcro closure is crucial for storing a key, cash, or a credit card without worrying about losing it to the waves.
Ultimately, the best island short is the one you forget you’re wearing. It’s the one that lets you say "yes" to a spontaneous swim or a last-minute hike without a second thought. Don’t get lost in the details; pick the one that best fits your style and planned activities, and then get out there and make some memories.
