Men's swim shorts, often called board shorts or trunks, are one of the most popular swimwear styles for small and new brands. The style is straightforward, but the product has to survive water, sun, chlorine and constant movement. These are the decisions to settle before you ask a factory to quote.
1. Choose the style
- Board shorts are longer, usually with a tie and a hook-and-loop or snap fly, and are made from a stiff or four-way stretch woven fabric.
- Swim trunks are a classic, shorter cut, often with an elastic waistband and a mesh brief lining.
- Hybrid and performance shorts use stretch fabrics and flatter waistbands and work for both swimming and everyday wear.
2. Pick the fabric
Most swim shorts use polyester because it dries fast and holds colour and shape. Some brands choose recycled polyester for a sustainability story, or nylon for a softer feel. Decide on the fabric weight and whether you want four-way stretch, and ask the factory for fabric swatches. Fabric choice affects price more than any other single decision.
3. Decide the lining and waistband
Many men prefer a soft mesh liner, while others want an unlined short. Check the waistband construction: an elastic waist with a drawcord is common, and a flat waistband with a hook-and-loop closure gives a cleaner look. Pockets, including a zipped or hook-and-loop pocket for a key or card, need clear drawings in your tech pack.
4. Print, colour and branding
Swim shorts are often sold on prints and colour. Decide whether you want solid colours, sublimation prints, or screen-printed or embroidered logos. Sublimation printing allows full-colour designs on polyester, and the factory will need your artwork in the right file format and colour references. Always approve a colour sample before production.
5. Trims that hold up
- Drawcords and eyelets that do not rust or fray.
- Hook-and-loop or snap closures that stay closed when wet.
- Thread that resists chlorine and salt water.
- Labels and care labels that stay legible after washing.
6. Fit and sizing
Give the factory a size chart with inseam and waist measurements and a reference sample if you have one. Check fit on a real person in the sample stage, wearing the shorts as customers would, and approve a grading plan across sizes.
7. Samples, testing and inspection
Approve a pre-production sample in the real fabric and trims before production starts. Test colourfastness and fabric performance, and plan a final inspection before the goods are loaded.
8. Quote and buy FOB
Ask every factory for an FOB quote with a named port so quotes can be compared. Then put each quote on a landed cost sheet to see the real cost per short, including freight, duty and customs. Our guide to comparing factory quotes shows how to do this fairly.
Where to produce
Swimwear and performance shorts are made in several countries. China has deep experience with technical and printed polyester fabrics, while Bangladesh and Pakistan are also strong sources for woven and activewear products. Compare options in our sourcing hub comparison.
Work with Dragon Charm
Dragon Charm manages swimwear and swim shorts production for US brands across China, Bangladesh and Pakistan on FOB terms. See our swimwear manufacturing page or send us your design to get quotes.