Custom Swim Trunks Manufacturing: A Complete Guide

Published: 2026-02-06

Swim trunks are one of the highest-volume products in beachwear: an impulse purchase, a repeat purchase, and a category where bold prints and value pricing win. This guide covers how to design, specify and manufacture custom swim trunks for your brand.

What Are Swim Trunks?

Swim trunks (also called swim shorts, beach shorts or volley shorts) are casual, quick-dry shorts for swimming and the beach. Compared with technical boardshorts, trunks are usually shorter, with an elastic waistband and drawstring, and are the most common men's and boys' beachwear silhouette.

Key Construction Decisions

• Length — mid-thigh (around 14–17 inch outseam) is the classic trunk; longer lengths read as boardshorts.
• Waistband — elastic with drawstring is standard; a contrast or printed waistband adds a design detail.
• Liner — mesh liner, compression liner, or none. In North America a mesh liner is common; in many other markets unlined is preferred.
• Pockets — side seam pockets, plus an optional back pocket with drainage.
• Closure — most trunks are pull-on; a hook-and-loop or elastic fly is optional.

Fabric for Swim Trunks

Quick-dry polyester or nylon is standard. For bold all-over prints, polyester is the best base for sublimation. Add spandex for stretch, and specify a chlorine-resistant finish for pool use. Common weights are 100–160 GSM — light enough to dry fast, substantial enough to drape well.

Printing and Design

All-over sublimation print is the standard for trunks and gives the boldest, most durable color. Screen print suits simple logos, and embroidery suits premium brand marks on solid styles. Artwork is usually developed as a seamless repeat for all-over designs.

MOQ, Sampling and Lead Time

• MOQ — typically 100 pieces per style and color, with mixed sizes allowed.
• Sampling — about 7–10 days per style after artwork approval.
• Bulk production — about 25 days after sample approval.

Packaging and Branding

Custom woven labels, care labels, hangtags, polybags and retail-ready packaging are all part of a professional trunk program. For an impulse-purchase product, packaging and hangtag design often lift perceived value more than any other detail.

Why Trunks Are a Strong Product for New Brands

Trunks are relatively simple to produce, forgiving on fit compared with tailored garments, and highly visual — which makes them ideal for social media and impulse sales. A focused launch of a few bold prints at low MOQ is one of the most capital-efficient ways to start a beachwear brand.

Frequently Asked Questions