The best men's travel shorts dry fast, look fine at dinner, have pockets you can trust and can go in the water. Get those four right and one pair replaces your board shorts, your day shorts and a separate money belt, which frees up a lot of room in your bag.
1. Quick-dry fabric
Look for a polyester and spandex blend rather than cotton. Ours are 90% polyester and 10% spandex: stretchy, quick to dry and fine to rinse out in a sink.
2. A cut you can wear anywhere
A longer, cleaner cut looks like regular shorts, not swimwear, so you can go from the beach to a bar without changing.
3. Pockets that actually hold things
Cargo pockets for sunscreen and snacks, a back pocket, and ideally somewhere secure for the important things.
4. A waterproof pocket for the essentials
This is the one that changes how you travel. A hidden pocket, sealed by magnets and IPX8-rated to 30 metres, holds your phone, card and cash while you swim. No bag on the sand, no money belt, no taking turns to swim.
Our pick: men's swim and travel shorts
Our swim and travel shorts in black and grey have a longer cargo cut with front, back, cargo and knife pockets, plus the waterproof pocket. Buy both in the Men's Outdoorsman Bundle.
Prefer a classic swim short? Our men's black swim shorts are shorter and sleeker, with the same pocket.
How many pairs to pack
For a week or two in the tropics, two pairs is enough: one on, one drying.
FAQs
Can I swim in travel shorts?
Ours are made for it, with quick-dry fabric and a waterproof pocket rated to 30 metres.
Will a passport fit in the waterproof pocket?
The pocket is 201 × 140mm inside. We'd still leave your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photo of it.
