Swim Trunks – Five Plus One

Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.


Swim shorts may be one of those items you feel like you have to buy for vacay or some water-oriented summer fun, but when presented with the right options, they can be a fun purchase. And a decent pair will serve you for years,

I’ve never been the biggest swimmer, but even I have a few pairs of swim trunks floating around my wardrobe. And while they are sufficient, I’ve always been struck by their infuriating lack of pockets. That’s why today’s list covers only those swim trunks with sufficient pockets for all your EDC essentials.

1) Uniqlo: Swim Active Shorts

Pocketed-Swim-Trunks---Five-Plus-One-gray-front-and-details

If you’re like me and rarely find yourself wearing swim trunks then Uniqlo‘s Swim Active Shorts are an inexpensive way to jump into the pool. They’re a great value for the money, feature two front pockets and one back pocket, and are available in a wide array of different colors.

Available for $40 from Uniqlo.

2) Katin: Poolside Volley Trunk

Pocketed-Swim-Trunks---Five-Plus-One-rust-front-and-back

If you’re looking to upgrade just a little bit from entry-level swim trunks, then Katin‘s Poolside Volley Trunks might tickle your fancy. They’re made of 100% nylon with two front hand pockets, one back pocket, and an inside stash pocket — a classic design. The back pocket is secured with a button, and a contrasting drawstring sets these swimmers off in style.

Available for $68 from Stag Provisions.

3) Reigning Champ: Classic Swim Shorts

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Reigning Champ‘s Classic Swim Shorts are made in Canada from 100% nylon and have all the details you could hope for in a well-built swim trunk: mesh-lined front pockets, flat-locked seams, and an easy open velcro back pocket. The woven nature of the nylon fabric used gives these swim trunks a decidedly premium look which is missing from their more inexpensive competitors.

Available for $115 from Blue Owl.

4) Corridor: Swim Trunks

Pocketed-Swim-Trunks---Five-Plus-One-aegean-blue-front-and-side-model

Corridor‘s Swim Trunks, shown here in beautiful Aegean Blue, are a solid cop if you’re looking for a pair of mid/high-tier swimming trunks. Made from a wonderfully textured polyester fabric, these swim trunks have two front pockets, one back pocket, and one side pocket for any additional items you might need by he pool or on the beach.

Completed with an elasticated waist and drawstring closure with metal aglets, Corridor really brought out all the stops with these trunks.

Available for $165 from Corridor.

5) OAS: Swim Shorts

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If you’re more into patterned swim shorts then this pair offered up by OAS is a big hitter with a vintage aestehtic. Featuring two front hand pockets, one back pocket, and one hidden zippered pocket, these shorts have more than enough cargo space and style to spare. And if you don’t like this boldly wave-striped pattern, OAS has a ton more options as well, so you’ll certainly be able to find something that suits your taste.

These look to have a shorter inseam, so be aware of that before copping, and be sure to reach out to Manready Mercantile if you have any queries.

Available for $90 from Manready Mercantile.

Plus One – The Real McCoy’s: Cotton Drill Swim Shorts

Pocketed-Swim-Trunks---Five-Plus-One-Chestnut-front-and-back-model

It’s been a while since we’ve had The Real McCoy’s as our Plus One, but these Cotton Drill Swim Shorts caught our eye. Not just ‘cos they look great, but because they’re not really swim shorts at all.

Made in Japan from 100% cotton, these are for those of you that don’t actually want a pair of super-fast drying swimmers, you just want to look cool. They feature slash side entry pockets, a single back pocket, a front coin pocket, and come in a range of charming overdyed hues that will fade over time.

Whether you brave a swim in these or just wear them as shorts, they’ll always serve the purpose of looking fantastic.

Available for $162 from Lost and Found.