These "Amphibian Shorts" Saved My Summer Vacation. Here's Why I'm Sold on the Trend.

On a recent vacay along the Mediterranean Sea, I spent the entire time vacillating between the cool water, the sweltering air, and my kids constantly needing sunscreen, snacks, and sand removal from unlikely crevices. Ah, paradise with children.

To keep myself sane, I went for a run or practiced yoga in the mornings. To keep my partner sane, I minimized “me” time by not changing clothes before jumping back on kid duty in order to give her a break. That’s how my workout shorts became my swim shorts.

It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to understand that running or practicing yoga in swim trunks with a scant mesh liner is not the most comfortable or contained option. And swimming in workout or yoga shorts pretty much ensures that the fabric will attempt to float away from your body the second you make a splash.

That experience introduced me to amphibian shorts.

So What Are Amphibian Shorts for Men?

It seems that there are shorts for men that are good for being athletic on land and shorts for men that are good for swimming. Rarely is there any crossover between the two. But a relatively modest number of athletic attire companies offer men’s shorts that actually excel at both land activity and submersion. This requires supportive liners and stretch as well as mesh pockets and drainage holes.

I spent the last couple of weeks doing extensive research on these curiously, if aptly, named designs. Following are the amphibian yoga shorts I found to be the most reliable.

6 Best Amphibian Shorts for Men

Best Daily Driver: Wellen Sevens Sport Short

$78 at Huckberry $78 at Amazon

These shorts will take you from sunup to sundown. Think mesh pockets that drain, a super cool AC liner, zippered storage, quick-drying fabric, streamlined fit, a generous 7-inch inseam, and a design that can be dressed up with a collared shirt or dressed down with a tank top or less. If your summer involves amphibian outings with the potential need to be presentable, the Wellen Sevens Sport Short understands the mission.

Most Comfortable: BN3TH Agua Volley Short

$80 at Amazon

BN3TH is known for making garments that go beneath your outer layers. Take, for example, the 3D pouch in the liner of these boxer briefs that, frankly, can take some getting used to before you come to appreciate its spaciousness. The Agua Volley Short builds on that spaciousness with a stretchy recycled polyester and spandex fabric that’s designed for movement, whether that’s yoga, swimming, or both. The modest 7-inch inseam hits about mid-thigh.

Best Unlined Option: Path Projects Fortuna Hybrid Short

$68 at Path Projects

If you’re seeking a quick-dry option with no liner, look no further than the Path Projects Fortuna Hybrid Short. Mesh drain pockets, including one with a phone slot, make carrying all your gear simple. The blend of 88 percent recycled nylon and 12 percent spandex fabric allows for dynamic movements. A working fly with a drawcord helps you dial in the fit. Warning: These come only with a pattern—no solid colors.

Best Relaxed Fit: rabbit Surfs Up Short

$68 at rabbit

If your adventures require a degree of flow, the rabbit Surfs Up has a relaxed fit in a 6-inch inseam that provides ample space for wide legs or wacky poses. Zip pockets with drainage make them perfect for paddleboarding or other water adventures. These don’t transition as well as some amphibian shorts to evening activities, such as drinks and dinner. But when the sun and surf are up, these are a strong option.

Best for Gym and Swim: MUNICIPAL Daybreak Lined Short

$88 at MUNICIPAL

The Daybreak Short from MUNICIPAL is designed with a vented back panel that dumps heat as well as water. It’s what makes the shorts excel at gym sessions, hot yoga, a dunk in the water, even poolside lounging. The boxer brief liner is longer than typical, so it will also take longer to dry, which simply means more time in the sun.

Best for High Exertion and Low Coverage: Ciele ATShort

$75 at Ciele $75 at Backcountry

Want to tan your thighs, work up a sweat, and go for a swim all in one outing? Hello, ATShort. Ciele makes products tailored to runners, so the 5-inch inseam will definitely let it all breathe. (Although if you’re worried about accidental exposure, these might not be the best option.) The short’s drainage holes, practical pockets, lightweight fabric, and supportive liner make them the ultimate high-exertion amphibian shorts.