The 10 Best Workout Shorts That Double as Swim Trunks

Packing separate gym shorts and swim trunks is redundant if the right pair handles both. Quick-dry fabric, built-in liner, and a design that doesn't scream either gym or beach exclusively—that's the hybrid short that reduces your packing list and works harder per garment.

Vuori Kore Short at $68 is the benchmark hybrid. DreamKnit fabric dries in minutes, the moisture-wicking liner provides support without compression, and the 7.5-inch inseam hits the modern sweet spot. They look like normal shorts at dinner—not gym wear or boardshorts.

Patagonia Baggies at $55 are the original hybrid and still viable. The 100% recycled nylon shell dries fast, the DWR finish repels splashes, and the mesh liner breathes during activity. The 5-inch inseam runs shorter than current trends, but the relaxed fit compensates.

Rhone Pursuit Short at $78 features four-way stretch fabric with their GoldFusion anti-odor technology. The internal brief liner provides support, the zippered back pocket secures keys during ocean swims, and the 7-inch unlined version exists for those who prefer separate compression.

Lululemon Pace Breaker 7-inch Lined at $68 uses their Swift Ultra fabric that transitions from a HIIT class to a beach without feeling out of place in either. The drawcord waistband secures during diving and the side slits allow full range of motion during squats.

Ten Thousand Interval Short at $68 uses their Twilight fabric that dries almost instantly. The liner is their most comfortable—flat-seam construction eliminates chafing during long sessions—and the overall aesthetic is restrained enough for pool-to-lunch transitions without self-consciousness.

The details that matter for dual-use: drainage grommets in pockets (prevents water pooling), internal drawcord rather than external (no dangling string), and dark colorways (chlorine fading is less visible). Check all three boxes and a single pair covers both activities indefinitely.