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We’ve researched and ranked the best sustainable swimwear for men — these shorts are made to last and use materials that are kind to the earth.
Looking for swimming trunks and men’s swimwear that you can wear this summer and for many summers to come? These brands use recycled materials like plastic bottles, ocean waste, and regenerated nylon for their collection and prioritize longevity and durability above all else. With sizing available through 6X, options with pockets, stretchy waistbands, and varying inseams, you’ll be suited up in a sustainable pair just in time for adventures in the sunshine.
Why consider sustainable swimwear?
Swimwear crafted from eco-friendly materials sourced from recycled fabrics not only ensures comfort and stretch but also reduces waste in oceans and landfills. This approach supports a circular fashion economy, which is significantly better for the environment. Examples of these sustainable materials include plant-based polyamides, ECONYL®, and recycled polyester. Additionally, brands dedicated to sustainable swimwear focus on ethical production methods, striving to maintain a sustainable supply chain while guaranteeing fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers.
Our Criteria:
Our team has worn and researched dozens of sustainable swimwear brands and read thousands of online reviews to select our top picks. We regularly update this list with new favorites that meet our criteria.
- SUSTAINABLE | Each of these brands prioritizes sustainable fabrics in their swimwear, including recycled and plant-based materials.
- SIZE INCLUSIVE | We’ve included a variety of sustainable swimwear brands offering sizes XXS–6X.
- ETHICS | Each of these swimwear brands produces sustainable swimwear using ethical, fair, and safe manufacturing practices, with many pieces made in the USA.
For one-pieces, bikinis, tankinis, and more, check out our guide to sustainable swimwear. And don’t forget a pair of eco-friendly sunglasses or a beach towel!
Best Overall | Patagonia, $79+
Most Affordable | Quince, $42
Made with Organic Cotton| prAna, $64+
1. Patagonia
Materials | Recycled nylon, recycled materials, organic cotton, ripstop fabric
Size Range | XS–XXXL
Price Range | $79–$135
Certified B Corp Patagonia has been a longtime leader in sustainable outdoor style. This thoughtful line of swimwear is made from recycled materials like nylon and polyester from post-industrial waste fibers. These board shorts and swimming trunks come with quick-drying features and are ethically made. Surf’s up, friends.
Customer Review | “Patagonia’s board shorts have always been my choice and these are fantastic. . Great color, quick drying and ideal for anything on, near, or in the water.” – Dave (Read all reviews.)
2. Quince
Materials | Recycled nylon, elastane
Size Range | S–XXL
Price | $42
Quince‘s Italian Swim Trunks are your go-to for beach days, poolside hangs, and everything in between. Made with premium Italian fabric that’s quick-drying, fade-resistant, and tough enough to handle chlorine, sunscreen, and oils, these trunks keep their fresh look all season long. They’ve got built-in UPF 50 sun protection, a comfy elastic waistband with drawstring, and a handy zippered back pocket for your essentials. Plus, the mesh-lined brief adds comfort and support, and the recycled, OEKO-TEX certified materials mean they’re as kind to the planet as they are to your summer style.
Customer Review | “Soo good that I’ve bought 2 and I’m debating a third pair.” – Neil M. (Read all reviews.)
3. Organic Basics
Materials | Recycled poly, recycled nylon, elastane
Size Range | XS–XXXL
Price Range | $53–$56
Organic Basics swim trunks are designed for all-day comfort with a soft, stretchy feel and quick-drying fabric made from 86% recycled nylon. Available in both 4.5-inch and 7-inch inseam lengths, they feature practical details like an adjustable drawstring waist, mesh-lined pockets, and side slits for easy movement. Better yet, they’re GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified, so you can feel good knowing your swimwear is made with responsibly sourced recycled materials that help reduce waste and lower its environmental impact.
Customer Review | “The swim shorts feel really comfy, true to size and lovely basic black color” – Matthias G. (Read all reviews.)
4. Tomboyx
Materials | Recycled poly, OEKO-TEX certified fabric
Size Range | XS–6X
Price Range | $85–$170
UPF 50 stretchy fabric trunks? Yes, please. Tomboyx’s swim trunks are both size- and gender-inclusive, with colorful designs and tailored styles ranging from 6X. Ethically manufactured at a mill using renewable energy and recycled water, each of these swim shorts is made using 8 recycled plastic water bottles. Intentionally produced every step of the way.
Customer Review | “These sturdy board shorts can be worn as swimwear or just as super cool shorts! They are well constructed from very durable fabric, and the colors are BEAUTIFUL in real life! Another great TomboyX find!– I got the swim top to match!!” – Donna E. (Read all reviews.)
5. Buck Mason
Materials | Nylon from recycled ocean waste, Japanese nylon, cotton
Size Range | XS–XXL
Price Range | $98–$148
Buck Mason, founded in 2013 in Venice, California, focuses on creating modern American classics with a commitment to timelessness, quality, and their California roots. Their Diver Cloth swim trunks, made from lightweight recycled nylon, feature a superfine lining, an elastic waistband with a drawstring, and multiple pockets for convenience. We’re loving that these swim shorts embody the laidback, effortless style of California while also being environmentally conscious.
6. Outerknown
Materials | Recycled polyester, recycled spandex
Size Range | US 28–42
Price Range | $98–$168
Started by renowned surfer Kelly Slater himself, Outerknown knows a thing or two about the best in swim trunks. That’s why 100 percent of the brand’s swimwear is made with recycled or regenerated fibers, sewn together in Fair Trade certified factories. And these swimming trunks are specifically designed to be high-performance — from welded seams to a bonded back pocket. However you like to get out this summer, these ethical and sustainable swim trunks are the way to go.
Customer Review | “Classic good looks, unreal comfort, fast drying. Lotsa compliments and that’s just at our pool and around town. Can’t wait to get them in the ocean when “trunk it season” starts.” – Jules N. (Read all reviews.)
7. prAna
Materials | Recycled polyester blend, organic cotton
Size Range | S–XXL
Price Range | $64–$78
prAna was launched back in the 1990s by a couple inspired by sustainability. Today, this California-inspired brand offers apparel for all genders, including swim trunks made of recycled polyester. There are two dozen styles available through XXL, and many are equipped with UPF 50+ and PFC-free finishes for sun-safe and sustainable style. And did we mention they’re quick-drying, too?
Customer Review | “These shorts fit well with nice stretch material. The cinch waist is a nice feature and I like the side pocket zip as well.” – D (Read all reviews.)
8. Bather
Materials | Recycled quick-dry nylon, recycled poly
Size Range | XS–XXL
Price Range | $115–$175 CAD
Canadian-owned swimwear brand Bather is pumping out modern swim trunks with sustainable fabrics in mind. Made from 100% recycled materials, these swimwear pieces use fabrics like recycled nylon and cyclepet recycled polyester in quick-drying, ergonomic styles. Bather also features hand-drawn prints on many of their patterned swim trunk options, plus the deep side pockets and thoughtful addition of buttoned back pockets will keep any essentials secure while you’re out swimming. Bonus: Everything is made steps away from their Downtown Toronto office.
9. Marine Layer
Materials | Recycled poly, spandex, cotton
Size Range | S–2XL
Price Range | $48–$108
From swim to street, these shorts from Marine Layer are built for summer. The Lined Sport & Swim Short doubles as a beach trunk with a super-stretchy boxer brief lining and quick-dry fabric, while the Hybrid Short is the lightweight, do-it-all style that takes you from happy hour to hikes without skipping a beat. For a laid-back vibe, the Saturday Beach Short keeps things easy with an elastic waist and subtle stretch, and the Saturday Corduroy Short brings velvety-soft texture to warm-weather dressing. Marine Layer is a certified B Corp, meaning these shorts are made responsibly, and you can even send back your old clothes through their Re-Spun take back bag program to keep fabric out of landfills.
Customer Review | “Would recommend over Lulu all day, everyday. Buy these! You won’t be disappointed. From gym to the beach these shorts got you covered.” – Jess H. (Read all reviews.)
