Our verdict
Between the Lululemon Swim Trunks and the Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts, we lean toward the Lululemon Swim Trunks — we rated it 10/10 versus 9/10. Top-pick swim short that looks like casual shorts, dries fast, holds up season after season, versatile for off-beach wear.
Our pick
Lululemon Swim Trunks
$78
Check priceRead our full review
Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts
$68
Check priceRead our full reviewSide by side
| Attribute | Lululemon Swim Trunks | Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Price | $78 | $68 |
| Best for | Top-pick swim short that looks like casual shorts, dries fast, holds up season after season, versatile for off-beach wear. | Worth the $68 for everyday wear—3+ years in rotation proves it, but skip them for gym workouts. |
| Standouts |
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| Watch-outs | None we flagged |
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Which one is right for you?
Choose the Lululemon Swim Trunks if…
Top-pick swim short that looks like casual shorts, dries fast, holds up season after season, versatile for off-beach wear.
- Looks like casual shorts, not overly beach-focused
- Fast-drying and water-repellent
Choose the Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts if…
Worth the $68 for everyday wear—3+ years in rotation proves it, but skip them for gym workouts.
- Zippered pockets keep phone/keys from sliding out
- Incredibly stretchy and breathable
Why we rate them this way
Lululemon Swim Trunks — 10/10
Top-pick swim short that looks like casual shorts, dries fast, holds up season after season, versatile for off-beach wear.
What we liked: Looks like casual shorts, not overly beach-focused, Fast-drying and water-repellent, Durable through multiple seasons without fading, Multiple pocket options including zippered back pocket, Comfortable, stretchy fit with built-in liner.
Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts — 9/10
Worth the $68 for everyday wear—3+ years in rotation proves it, but skip them for gym workouts.
What we liked: Zippered pockets keep phone/keys from sliding out, Incredibly stretchy and breathable, Easy to care for and durable, Strong elastic waistband with drawstring, Versatile for casual to light active wear.
Worth knowing: Too thick for athletic or gym use, Lint collects on darker colors, Lean too casual for dressy occasions, Premium $68 price for elevated sweatshorts.
On price, the Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts is the cheaper pick at $68, versus $78 — a difference of about $10.
Common questions
Is the Lululemon Swim Trunks or the Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts better?
We rated the Lululemon Swim Trunks 10/10 and the Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts 9/10, so we lean Lululemon Swim Trunks — but it depends on what you want it for (see "which one is right for you" on the page).
Which is cheaper, the Lululemon Swim Trunks or the Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts?
The Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts is the cheaper of the two at $68, versus $78.
What's the difference between the Lululemon Swim Trunks and the Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts?
Short version — Lululemon Swim Trunks: Top-pick swim short that looks like casual shorts, dries fast, holds up season after season, versatile for off-beach wear. Public Rec All Day Every Day Shorts: Worth the $68 for everyday wear—3+ years in rotation proves it, but skip them for gym workouts.