Length guide
3 inch vs 5 inch vs 7 inch swim trunks: which inseam should you buy?
The same trunks in three lengths, compared using 10,800 reviews.
| 3" inseam | 5" inseam | 7" inseam | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 3,513 | 5,619 | 1,668 |
| Average rating | 4.91 | 4.9 | 4.91 |
| Customer photos | 721 | 690 | 143 |
| Reviews saying too short | 13 | 13 | 3 |
| Reviews saying too long | 9 | 10 | 3 |
| Reviews saying size up | 31 | 63 | 25 |
| Reviews saying perfect fit | 334 | 497 | 147 |
| Where it lands | High thigh | Mid thigh | Just above the knee |
| Typical buyer | Beach, style led | Most men | Tall, wears as shorts |
3 inch swim trunks
The length Tucann launched with in 2017. Highest leg, most sun, least fabric in the water. Popular in Australia and Europe, and with men who want their trunks to look intentional rather than default. If you have never worn a short inseam, 5 inch is the safer first order.
Love these!! The fit snd feel are perfect. The inner liner provides security but isn’t too tight! Definitely my best pair of swim trunks! As you can see by the photo, my girlfriend loves them too!!
Online sites make lots of promises but pumped that Tucann delivers on theirs...the fabric, pockets and stretch are as good as they say! The trunks are amazing....already picking out my next pair!!
I wish the lining was tighter, especially on the 3" shorts (I also have a pair of the 5"). I worry about exposure on the 3", and unfortunately feel inclined to wear secondary underwear.
5 inch swim trunks
The most reviewed length by a wide margin and the one to buy if you are unsure. Mid thigh is the modern standard: short enough to look current, long enough for a barbecue or a bar after the beach.
Love the color. The shine pops in the sun, on the beach. Lots of compliments from the ladies. I went with the 5” inseams, usually go with the 7”. Little more leg, but getting use to it.
I ordered a pair of shorts. There was an inseam sewing problem. It was addressed and a new pair was sent out. Love the fit style and comfort. By far best swimwear I’ve ever owned
I'm in between large and xl so these are a little snug but I love them. They are so comfortable to wear. The zipper pockets are great. Love the vibrant color and pattern
7 inch swim trunks
Knee length without being baggy. The tailored cut is the same, so 7 inch reads as a smart short rather than a board short. This is the pair customers most often wear to the gym, on boats and as everyday summer shorts. Tucann does not make a 9 inch, which is the only recurring length complaint.
Love my new trunks. Bought the 7" in Large but could probably use a Medium. I'm 5'11 and 190 lbs - 32" waist so I will be ordering the Medium going forward. The Large is still OK though.
Best pair of shorts! Always had board shorts that are ok except when you loose weight or gain weight. I like the liner that doesn’t show the privates when getting out of the water. 🤙🏽
I really liked the look of these shorts. When they arrived I was very satisfied. There is an elastic waist band, but only on the back half. I normally wear a 33" waist, but because of the elastic the 34" was a perfect fit.
Inseam questions
What is the difference between 3, 5 and 7 inch swim trunks?
The inseam, measured from crotch to hem. 3 inch sits high on the thigh, 5 inch lands mid thigh, 7 inch finishes just above the knee. Same waist, same liner, same fabric; only the leg length changes.
Which inseam is most popular?
5 inch, with 5,619 reviews versus 3,513 for 3 inch and 1,668 for 7 inch.
Are 5 inch swim trunks too short?
Only 13 of 5,619 5 inch reviews say they are too short. It is the modern standard length for men's swim trunks.
Are 7 inch swim trunks better for tall men?
Yes. Reviews from men over 6 ft consistently choose 7 inch, and it is also the length most often worn as regular shorts.
Do 3 inch swim trunks look good?
3,513 reviews and a 4.91 average say yes, but it is a confident, short cut. Fit and leg shape are on show, which is exactly why some men choose it.
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How this page was made: every figure is computed from the 12,444 customer reviews on this site (11,351 contain written text). Percentages are the share of written reviews that mention a theme. Quotes are reproduced unedited and link to the original review. Read our methodology.