What to Consider
“A great pair of swim shorts should feel just right, dry quickly, and have those handy little extras,” says Jen Hinton, creative director at women’s sustainable swimsuit and clothing company Carve Designs. For starters, a swim short should fit comfortably. This means it shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. If it’s too tight, it might uncomfortably stick to the skin when wet, and if it’s too loose, it might slip off in the water. On top of that, a swim short needs to be breathable, allowing you to stay dry and comfortable without the fear of moisture retention. What’s more, quick-drying fabric is a game-changer in terms of post-swim comfort.
Fit
When it comes to swim shorts, a well-fitting pair is a must. To know if a swim short has the right fit, it will stay in place without riding up, provide comfortable coverage without feeling too tight, and have a length that suits your preference, whether it’s mid-thigh or longer. The waistband should sit securely on your hips without digging in, and the fabric should allow for easy movement without bunching or chafing.
Breathability
According to Hinton, breathability is one of the main keys to staying comfortable all day long. Look for something lightweight and airy to help keep everything cool and comfortable, whether you’re jumping in the water or hanging out on the sand. Swim shorts made from breathable materials allow air to circulate, which helps regulate body temperature and keep you cool. This is especially important in hot and humid conditions, where excess heat and sweat can quickly lead to discomfort and even health issues. Breathable fabrics wick away moisture from your skin, preventing the sticky, clammy feeling that can occur when wearing less breathable materials. If you’ve ever had, say, terrycloth material get wet, you know what we mean.
Materials
As Hinton explains, material is super important when picking out swim shorts since it affects comfort, durability, performance, and your overall experience in and out of the water. “You want something durable and quick-drying, with a bit of stretch,” she says. In terms of the best materials, polyester, nylon, elastane, and shorts with water-repellent coating will make all the difference. Here’s what to know about each option:
Polyester
Polyester is a common material used in swim shorts thanks to its durability and resistance to chlorine and saltwater. To break it down a bit, because its fibers are made from a highly crystalline polymer, this creates a dense and strong molecular structure that minimizes the absorption of chlorine, which ultimately prevents the chemical from breaking down the fabric. As a result, polyester swimwear retains its color, shape, and durability even with a lot of exposure to chlorinated water.
Plus, it’s lightweight and quick-drying, making it ideal for both casual swimmers and those who enjoy more active water sports. Polyester’s resistance to UV rays also helps protect the fabric from sun damage, which makes it a top choice for people who want something that’ll last.
Nylon
Nylon is another popular material for swim shorts due to its softness, strength, and its ability to dry fast. It provides good flexibility, which means it’s able to adapt well to a wide range of motion. Plus, nylon shorts are stretchy, which lets them comfortably hug the body. However, nylon is less resistant to chlorine than polyester, so it’s best for saltwater swimming.
Elastane
Elastane is often blended with polyester or nylon to help provide more stretch and flexibility. This material enhances the fit of swim shorts, letting them move with your body and return to their original shape after stretching. The stretchy nature of this material also helps to make a snug fit, reducing drag in the water.
Water-repellent coating
Many high-quality swim shorts have a water-repellent coating, such as DWR (Durable Water Repellent). This coating helps water bead up and roll off the fabric, reducing absorption and keeping the shorts comfortable. Water-repellent coatings also help with quick-drying capabilities, making them great for all kinds of activities.
How We Selected
At Women’s Health, we’re constantly testing swim pieces. For this story, we used our personal preferences to pick swim shorts we love. On this list, you’ll find swim shorts that you can wear all day at the beach, take on vacation, and enjoy during your favorite water activities. With features like snug but flexible fits, a variety of sizes, and breathable, quick-drying materials, these swim shorts are as comfortable and functional as they come.
So, are you ready to dive in? Keep reading to discover the six best swim shorts for women, tested and reviewed by editors.
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Pros
- Quick drying powermesh lining
- Tummy control
- Dries fast
Cons
- Must be hand washed
As a California native, I have to say that this Sea Level Swim Short is the best of the best. It’s stylish, comfortable, and ultra-flattering with swimsuits, coverups, and t-shirts. The best thing about the short lies in the material. Made with recycled nylon and elastane, the short dries faster than other ones I’ve tried, which means I’m comfortable both in and out of the water. The blend of nylon and elastane has the perfect balance of stretch and support, allowing it to move with me, no matter what I might be doing.
What’s more, it’s super flattering on all kinds of body types. As someone with a short torso, high-waisted shorts can be tricky, but this option hits the perfect length on my thighs and even makes me look a bit taller. I also love that it offers tummy control, thanks to the high-rise and stretchy material. Not to mention, the short also has an internal brief so I can wear it without swim bottoms if I so choose.
It’s best suited for water activities like surfing and swimming since it has a snug fit and comfortably clings to the skin. Once you’re out of the water, the short will dry in no time at all. And, it’s easy to brush sand off of it, which is a major plus. As for the only downside, it must be hand washed, so be sure not to throw it in the wash.
Read More: Best One-Piece Swimsuits On Amazon
| Fabric | 85% recycled nylon, 15% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 4-16 |
| Rise | High |
Chlorinated pools have met their match. This Nike bestseller is made from high-quality, chlorine-resistant fabric, meaning each pair is designed to withstand the harsh effects of chlorine and maintain their shape, color, and elasticity over time. This makes it ideal for regular swimmers who need durable swimwear that can handle daily swims. (Trust us, most can’t.)
A few things that make this short a must tie in with its design. First, it’s six inches long, which means it provides full coverage. This is great for activities that require a wide range of movements as it won’t budge or make you feel exposed. Additionally, it’s fully lined, offering both support and comfort. It also has a back zip pocket that can hold things like credit cards and keys, making it functional in addition to being fashionable. (We will note that it runs small, so be sure to order a size up.) The best part? It can be used as a swim short or biker short. Durable, comfortable, and versatile? Yes, please.
| Fabric | 83% recycled polyester, 17% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Rise | High |
Pros
- Elastic waist with interior drawstring
- UPF 50
- One zippered & one waist stash pocket
Cons
- Can sit odd on short torsos
Want a swim short with a built-in brief? We’ve got you covered. These Title Nine selects are made with the comfort and convenience of a built-in brief. Crafted from mostly polyester with a dash of spandex, it’s durable, flexible, and quick-drying. The fabric also offers a snug yet comfortable fit, meaning it’ll hug your body in all the right ways. Plus, it comes in a ton of bright, cute colors, which means you can pair it with any and all swimwear.
In terms of the built-in brief, this provides added support and coverage. It completely eliminates the need for additional layers, which is great for reducing the risk of chafing. In addition, the brief is designed to stay securely in place, which means you’ll be covered whether you’re swimming, surfing, or simply enjoying the waves. This feature is particularly beneficial for active women (Read: wardrobe malfunctions will be a thing of the past.)
It’s worth mentioning that some customers with short torsos didn’t love the way the short sat on their hips, so be sure to keep that in mind if you, too, have a short torso.
To top it all off, it has an elastic waistband with an interior drawstring as well as a zippered waist pocket that can hold small items. Oh, and did we mention it dries extremely fast?
| Fabric | 91% polyester, 9% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Rise | Mid |
Pros
- Thin waistband
- Fully lined
- Form fitting design
Cons
- Can ride up when wet
If you like the finer things in life, allow us to introduce you to the Jean Blake Swim Shorts. This swim short is crafted from soft, lightweight polyamide and spandex fabrics that not only feel buttery against the skin but also has fabulous quick-drying properties. As for the design, we love the chic, tailored fit that features a flattering high-waisted cut that works to accentuate the waistline and elongate the legs. (Believe us when we tell you that With Jean has paid attention to every detail with this short, ensuring it looks great and also performs well in water.) What’s more, it comes in a range of sizes (XXS to XL), it’s fully lined, and it can be paired with a cute, thin belt. Just be mindful that it can ride up when it’s wet, so you might have to tug it down.
| Fabric | 90% polyamide, 10% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS-XL |
| Rise | High |
Pros
- Thick waistband
- Moderate coverage
- Tummy control
Cons
- Waistband can roll down if not tight enough
Free People does it right when it comes to fashion. These Salt Gypsy Betty Surf Bottoms are so cute, we want to wear it to more places than just the beach. But, we’ll start with the basics. First, this short is made with recycled nylon and lycra, meaning it’s effortlessly form-fitting. On top of that, we found that the thick waistband tucks in the tummy without being uncomfortable (the fabric is soft and stretchy, so it won’t press down on your stomach). What’s more, it comes in over 10 different colors and patterns, allowing you to find the perfect hue to suit your style. As for the cherry on top, it provides great coverage (it’s a little cheeky, which is cute!) and it’s made to retain its shape over time. Need we say more?
| Fabric | 78% recycled nylon, 22% lycra |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Rise | High |
Pros
- Built-in brief liner
- Designed to absorb perspiration and water
- Can be machine washed
Cons
- Not super tight so can gape in the back
Keep your skin protected from the sun with the help of this Amazon favorite. This comfortable short offers UPF50+ sun protection, which will effectively block your skin from harmful UV rays. (And, when you’re spending a day by the water, this is crucial.)
Plus, the three-inch inseam has just the right amount of coverage, allowing you to move around without feeling restricted or worrying about being exposed. One thing we particularly love about this short is that it is super breathable and is designed to absorb perspiration. This means it’ll dry fast, leaving you moisture-free. It also has a built-in brief liner as well as V slits on both sides, which lets you move more comfortably. As for the kicker, this short has a handy hidden waistband pocket where you can stash keys and cards, freeing up your hands. The one downside is that this short is not super tight, so it can gape in the back. To avoid this, order a size smaller than normal.
| Fabric | 82% polyester, 18% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-XXL |
| Rise | Mid |
Lauren Harano is a New York-based writer, editor, and journalist covering commerce, beauty, travel, food, and lifestyle topics. She has been in the industry for over 7 years, and her work can be found in various publications including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, Hotels Above Par, Editorialist, Esquire, and InStyle. When she’s not writing or interviewing sources, Lauren can be found testing the latest beauty products, planning her next vacation, and buying clothes she definitely does not need.
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