Tommy John swim shorts review: comfortable and quick-drying swim trunks

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Since its inception in 2008, when Tommy John set out to the create an all-around better undershirt, the company has continued to put out thoughtfully designed products especially its highly rated underwear, which we've always found to be comfortable, soft, and durable. After years of testing its full range of products, Tommy John has maintained its brand DNA built on comfort, performance, functionality, and style, but now they're expanding to swim trunks for men.

When I heard Tommy John was launching a swim collection, I was excited for the chance to try out its new Classic Swim Short, one of two designs, the other being the Air Airflow Swim Short, the brand recently released. It had a lot to live up to, and the Classic Swim Shorts delivered. Tommy John is known for its solution-based approach to garments, solving issues through both design and materials, and this has carried through to its new swim trunks, which are incredibly comfortable, quick-drying, sleek, and breathable.

Tommy John Classic Swim Short

The Classic Swim Short has a clean minimalist style, a truly comfortable fit, and it includes some nice details. There are metal aglets at the ends of the drawcord, on seam pockets that are actually usable. and a zippered back pocket with a metal slider large enough to easily access the pocket, but still small enough not to be bothersome when you sit down.

The first thing I noticed even before slipping into the Classic Swim Short was how soft the material felt, unlike many trunks that can sometimes feel slightly plasticky. The fabric that's made from 96% polyester and 4% spandex had a good bit of stretch and provides 50+ Ultraviolet Protection Factor, the highest rating available, which protects your skin from 98% of UV rays. The liner was even softer than the shorts' material and reminiscent of the brand's underwear. On the inside, the suit was well constructed with tight stitching and no errant or loose threads. You can tell it's a pair of swim trunks that will last.

In the water, these swim trunks performed well. Even after spending several hours in the water there was no chaffing. The suit stayed in place while swimming without feeling unduly heavy or dragging while moving underwater. Additionally, once out of the water, the trunks shed water fast and dried quickly. With the Black colorway, I've used them as running shorts and for gym workouts, making them definitely multifunctional. The shorts have maintained their color and shown no shrinkage or other issues after multiple washings, following the brand's care instructions.

Sizing and fit

I'm six feet tall, weigh 175, and typically wear a size 32 in jeans. Size medium in the Classic Swim Shorts fit me well. The elastic waist and drawstring mean you can adjust the shorts to how loose or tight you prefer to wear them. In the water, the shorts stayed put while I swam and didn't feel like they might slip off even during strenuous activities.

The Classic Swim Short comes in a 5-inch inseam, which hits me at mid-thigh. The inseam length gives these shorts a modern, athletic look that provides a great range of motion while still giving adequate coverage. Likewise, the leg openings are large enough to provide freedom of movement (that said, I don't have large thighs).

The liner is exceptionally comfortable and feels like wearing a pair of Tommy John underwear, including a built-in "support pouch" that keeps everything in place. One small but key comfort detail is the tagless label, which is one less potential irritant that can cause chaffing. The liner doesn't ride up or sag in the water. It definitely provides all-day comfort for water-related activities or for workouts.

Cons to consider

The only cons we could find involve the inseam size and a limited selection of colorways. While 5 inches is by no means super short, some customers may be more used to, or feel more comfortable with, a longer inseam. Currently the Classic Swim Short only comes in Black, Marina (a light blue), and Bel Air Blue Waves, which features a two-tone blue wave pattern. It's other style, the Air Airflow Swim Short comes in two colors. It's worth noting that while the shorts themselves don't include recycled materials, the liner is made from 76% recycled polyester, which is a start, but might be an issue for consumers who prefer more sustainable products.

Still, with all the positives the brand's new swim trunks offer these are by no means deal breakers, and in the future we may see more color choices and inseam sizes from the brand as it moves further into the swim suit category. It would also be nice to see Tommy John take a more sustainable approach to its production.

Bottom line

With its Classic Swim Short, Tommy John has continued its legacy of consciously designed, purpose-built garments that deliver through superior materials and construction. Not surprisingly, these swim shorts really shine in the area of comfort. The well-designed liner won't chafe or bunch during an entire day at the beach or in the pool. If comfort is paramount to you in a swimsuit, these definitely provide that in spades.

These quick-drying, water-shedding, and ultra-comfortable swim trunks, which include some recycled materials in their construction, are worth the $88 price tag, which is in line with swim trunks from brands like Fair Harbor, Lululemon, and Chubbies.

While there is a limited selection of colorways and only a single inseam size, these are small quibbles compared with the positives. The Classic Swim Shorts are handsome, with a clean, minimalist style that's flattering to many body types, and have a classic, timeless look. Paired with the solid construction, these are likely to provide you with years of wear.