Salty Crew
Faded Solid Swim Trunk
Men's Salty Crew swim trunks in a faded solid color, made from quick-dry stretch fabric with a drawcord-adjustable elastic waist and a trompe-l'oeil fly. They feature a 7-inch inseam, vertical slit pockets, and a Velcro patch back pocket, with no lining for lightweight wear.
- Material
- Quick-dry stretch fabric
- Gender
- male
- Style
- casual, sporty, coastal
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Swimwear
Color
Size
Specifications
Men's faded solid swim trunks with quick-dry stretch fabric, drawcord waist, and multiple pockets.
Quick-dry stretch fabric, no lining, drawcord waist, trompe-l'oeil fly, vertical slit pockets, Velcro back pocket, 7-inch inseam.
- Material
- Quick-dry stretch fabric
- Style
- casual, sporty, coastal
- Occasion
- vacation, beach-day
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Swimwear
Additional Attributes
- Quick-dry stretch fabric
- Unlined design
- Drawcord-adjustable elastic waistband
- Trompe-l'oeil fly detail
- Two vertical slit pockets
- Velcro patch pocket at back
- 7-inch inseam
- Faded wash finish
- Solid color pattern
Product Insights
The Salty Crew Faded Solid Swim Trunk is an unlined, quick-drying board short that prioritizes freedom of movement and comfort for water activities, using a 92% polyester 8% spandex fabric with four-way stretch and no mesh liner to reduce friction, sand trapping, and drying time; its drawcord waist, faux fly, and dark opaque color prevent see-through when wet, while vertical slit pockets and a rear Velcro pocket offer water drainage and security, and the true-to-size fit with elastic waist allows adjustment, but buyers must hand wash in cool water and avoid heat to preserve the elastane's stretch, and though the brand authenticity appeals to coastal watermen, the price matches premium boardshorts' features at a lower cost, creating a tradeoff between a durable, functional design and the need for gentle care.
- Cultural authenticity
Salty Crew is worn by surfers and fishermen in San Diego, unlike tourist label Salt Life.
Why this is supported
In coastal communities like San Diego, Salty Crew is worn by those who work on the water. As one Redditor put it:
In San Diego salty crew is for guys that surf and work on boats or in tackle shops or own a skiff and chase yellowtail and tuna when they get close enough. Maybe it’s for posers elsewhere but it seems like the most on brand guys all rock it down here.
u/surfershane25 in r/surfingThe design also follows surf traditions: the trunks have no mesh lining to reduce friction while paddling,
No Mesh Lining: Unlike traditional swim trunks, boardshorts typically don't have a mesh inner lining. This means less friction, so you stay comfy if you’re active.
vans.comand the false fly minimizes bulk for comfort, as described in the patents. This design lineage reinforces the brand's waterman credibility. At the sale price of 39.95 CAD, the trunks carry understated credibility compared to tourist-oriented labels. However, some Redditors note that outside San Diego, the brand can be seen as poser-ish, so perception varies by region.
- Comfort
No velcro snagging, no mesh irritation, and minimized pressure points.
Why this is supported
The trompe-l'oeil fly eliminates the velcro closure that
tends to entangle pubic hair.
en.wikipedia.orgAdditionally, the fly design minimizes bulk through the fly area, reducing pressure points when lying flat on a surfboard. The trunks also have no mesh lining;
This means less friction, so you stay comfy if you’re active.
vans.comTogether, these design choices improve surf-specific comfort.
- Fly design
Pull-on waist with cosmetic fly preserves structured look without functional gap.
Why this is supported
The trunks have a drawcord-adjustable elastic waist and a trompe-l'oeil fly, which, according to a sewing forum, is
only for cosmetic purposes
sewing.patternreview.comto provide a tailored look without the bulk of a functional fly. The elastic waist makes the trunks pull-on, so there is no fly to gape during movement.
- Quick drying
Dries faster than lined trunks because no mesh liner traps water.
Why this is supported
Without a mesh inner liner, water is not trapped against the fabric, allowing the shorts to dry faster. As one manufacturer explains,
Faster drying (no inner layer to trap water)
airswimwear.com. The 7-inch inseam also reduces the overall wet surface area, complementing the quick-dry effect. The inseam length is confirmed on the product page:
Inseam length: 7 (18 cm)
stylight.ca.
- Transparency
Dark color and opaque fabric prevent see-through when wet, despite no lining.
Why this is supported
The black colorway ensures there is no transparency issue when wet. As confirmed in the Q&A,
Even without a lining, the dark color prevents see-through issues when wet
Is there any risk of transparency when the trunks get wet, given they have no lining?.
- Waistband
Drawcord-adjustable elastic waist with faux fly gives a comfortable, adjustable fit in classic boardshort style.
Why this is supported
The design combines a drawcord-adjustable elastic waist with a trompe-l'oeil fly, marrying convenience with classic boardshort styling.
Drawcord-adjustable elastic waist Trompe-loeil fly
stylight.caThis creates a comfort-first middle ground for long wear:
The elastic waistband allows adjustment for a range of waist sizes:
The elastic waistband with drawcord adjustment allows for a customizable fit. Generally, these trunks run true to size and the elastic can stretch to accommodate a range of waist measurements.
How does the sizing run? Is the waistband true to size or does it stretch to accommodate?Meanwhile, the faux fly eliminates bulky velcro that can cause pressure points:
provides for minimization of bulk through the fly area
eureka.patsnap.comAnd the elastic waist helps keep the shorts secure even with items in pockets, as noted in the Q&A.
- Performance
Without a mesh liner, these trunks reduce friction, dry faster, and move freely for water activities.
Why this is supported
The lack of a mesh liner reduces friction and irritation, as typical in boardshorts:
No Mesh Lining: Unlike traditional swim trunks, boardshorts typically don't have a mesh inner lining. This means less friction, so you stay comfy if you're active.
vans.comThis also speeds drying:
Faster drying (no inner layer to trap water)
airswimwear.comFour-way stretch material adds freedom of movement:
Most modern board shorts feature a four-way stretch material that gives you freedom to move and dries quickly when you're out of the water.
quiksilver.co.ukAt 7 inches, the inseam is shorter than traditional surf shorts, yet the unlined design ensures quick-drying and less restriction.
Inseam length: 7 (18 cm)
stylight.ca- Brand authenticity
Salty Crew is a brand worn by actual surfers and boat workers, authentic among coastal watermen.
Why this is supported
The brand's reputation is supported by a local surfer on Reddit:
In San Diego salty crew is for guys that surf and work on boats or in tackle shops or own a skiff and chase yellowtail and tuna when they get close enough.
u/surfershane25 in r/surfing- Inseam length
7-inch above-knee cut reduces leg restriction for swimming mobility.
Why this is supported
The product listing states
Inseam length: 7 (18 cm)
stylight.caand this cut directly parallels a performance boardshort's
Inseam: 7 ¼” Outseam: 17 ½”
freeflyapparel.comwhich together establish that the 7-inch length is intentionally designed for surf mobility, avoiding both long traditional shorts and extreme retro cuts.
- Stretch
92% polyester, 8% spandex unlined fabric provides four-way stretch and fast drying.
Why this is supported
The trunk's material is 92% polyester, 8% spandex per the product listing, and the unlined construction is a key surf feature:
No Mesh Lining: Unlike traditional swim trunks, boardshorts typically don't have a mesh inner lining.
vans.comThe four-way stretch fabric further contributes to freedom of movement—
Most modern board shorts feature a four-way stretch material that gives you freedom to move and dries quickly when you’re out of the water.
quiksilver.co.uk—and the combination is confirmed to speed drying time:
Faster drying (no inner layer to trap water)
airswimwear.com.
- Waist & fly
Elastic drawcord waist and trompe-l'oeil fly keep trunks anchored and reduce bulk.
Why this is supported
The waistband is designed to provide a secure fit:
The elastic waistband with drawcord adjustment allows for a customizable fit.
How does the sizing run? Is the waistband true to size or does it stretch to accommodate?And the trompe-l'oeil fly reduces front-panel bulk to avoid pressure points while prone, as described:
The fly closure described below provides for minimization of bulk through the fly area of a pair of board shorts, which further provides for a more comfortable pair of shorts when worn surfing.
eureka.patsnap.comThese features together ensure the trunks stay anchored and comfortable during active movement.
- Rinsing
Rinse in cool fresh water immediately after use to preserve stretch and prevent stiffness.
Why this is supported
To protect the spandex fibers, an immediate cool rinse is advised.
Industry tests confirm that prompt rinsing significantly improves color and elasticity retention.
Industry tests show that suits rinsed promptly in cool freshwater retain color and elasticity significantly longer than those left un‑rinsed after chlorine or salt exposure.
yong-ting.comThe brand's product Q&A also reinforces rinsing to prevent stiffness.
The quick-dry stretch fabric is designed to remain soft and flexible even after prolonged sun and saltwater exposure. Rinsing with fresh water after use helps maintain its feel and prevent stiffness.
How does the quick-dry fabric feel after prolonged sun exposure or saltwater? Does it stay soft or get stiff?- Washing
Hand wash only in cool water with mild detergent to preserve elastane.
Why this is supported
For cleaning, hand washing is the safest method.
the best way to wash your swimwear is by hand, with a mild detergent. Avoid highly acidic or alkaline detergents, and never use bleach, as elastane fibers will lose stretch and turn yellow.
phys.orgTurning trunks inside out ensures detergent reaches inner surfaces.
Turn your trunks inside out so the detergent reaches the inner mesh and areas that touch your skin.
yong-ting.com- Heat sensitivity
Avoid hot water and high heat to prevent permanent loss of stretch.
Why this is supported
The spandex content of this fabric is sensitive to heat.
Never rinse with hot water, as heat makes fibers brittle and stretches the elastane components.
phys.orgProlonged high temperatures can cause irreversible damage.
Prolonged high temperatures can make elastane (spandex) fibers brittle, causing permanent loss of elasticity.
spandexbyyard.com- Drainage
Vertical slit pockets drain quickly when exiting water.
Why this is supported
A Q&A response from the brand confirms the vertical slit pockets are designed to drain quickly:
The vertical slit pockets are designed to drain quickly when in water
How do the pockets perform in water? Do they drain quickly and stay closed during swimming?- Security
Rear Velcro pocket keeps items secure while swimming.
Why this is supported
The same Q&A confirms the back pocket uses a Velcro closure for security:
the back pocket has a Velcro closure to keep items secure while swimming
How do the pockets perform in water? Do they drain quickly and stay closed during swimming?- Saltwater feel
Fabric stays soft after sun and saltwater exposure.
Why this is supported
The fabric's quick-dry stretch construction is designed to stay soft after sun and saltwater exposure.
The quick-dry stretch fabric is designed to remain soft and flexible even after prolonged sun and saltwater exposure.
How does the quick-dry fabric feel after prolonged sun exposure or saltwater? Does it stay soft or get stiff?To maintain this softness, rinsing with fresh water after use is recommended.
Rinsing with fresh water after use helps maintain its feel and prevent stiffness.
How does the quick-dry fabric feel after prolonged sun exposure or saltwater? Does it stay soft or get stiff?Additionally, avoiding hot water in washing and storage preserves the elastane fibers, as
Never rinse with hot water, as heat makes fibers brittle and stretches the elastane components.
phys.orgHand washing with a mild detergent without bleach further extends the fabric's softness and elasticity.
- Unlined design
No mesh liner reduces friction, sand trapping, and speeds drying.
Why this is supported
These trunks have no mesh liner, which reduces friction and sand trapping.
No Mesh Lining: Unlike traditional swim trunks, boardshorts typically don't have a mesh inner lining. This means less friction, so you stay comfy if you're active.
vans.comThe linerless design also speeds drying, as
Faster drying (no inner layer to trap water)
airswimwear.comWith a 7-inch inseam, they sit above the knee, and the unlined construction ensures no extra weight or restriction, making them ideal for all-day wear.
Inseam length: 7 (18 cm)
stylight.ca- Fading
Faded Solid: uniform fading due to full-depth dyeing across the unlined shell.
Why this is supported
Because the trunk has no mesh lining, the shell fabric is dyed all the way through. The quick-draining slit pockets prevent moisture pooling that could cause uneven fading, and the trompe-l'œil fly reduces abrasion from hardware.
when the color eventually lightens from wear, the entire garment fades in unison, maintaining a consistent tone without any awkward light spots around the waistband or pocket bags
How the faded color wears over time — no_mesh_liningThe dark colorways available (black, charcoal) ensure that any uniform fading results in a subtle tonal shift rather than high-contrast patchiness.
- Color care
Rinsing in cool water and quick drying slow color fading.
Why this is supported
Rinse the trunks immediately in cool water after swimming to remove chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, and body oils that degrade fibers.
rinse it immediately in cold or lukewarm water. This removes chlorine, salt water, sunscreen and body oils that would actively degrade fibers.
phys.orgAvoid hot water, which damages elastane. The unlined construction dries faster, reducing the time chemicals sit on the fabric.
Never rinse with hot water, as heat makes fibers brittle and stretches the elastane components.
phys.orgFaster drying (no inner layer to trap water)
airswimwear.com- Fit
Buyers report true-to-size fit; elastic waist and stretch fabric allow adjustment.
Why this is supported
Buyer feedback confirms the trunks run true to size:
Generally, these trunks run true to size and the elastic can stretch to accommodate a range of waist measurements.
How does the sizing run? Is the waistband true to size or does it stretch to accommodate?The elastic waist is more forgiving than the fixed waist found on traditional boardshorts, and the four-way stretch fabric adds further flexibility for movement.
fixed waist versus elastic waist
billabong.com, and
four-way stretch material that gives you freedom to move
quiksilver.co.uk- Faux fly
Decorative fly mimics a tailored front zipper over an elastic waistband.
Why this is supported
The product feature is described as a
Trompe-loeil fly
stylight.ca, which creates the appearance of a traditional fly while the elastic waist underneath provides an easy, adjustable fit.
- Value
Matches premium boardshorts' quick-dry, unlined, stretch at $39.95 CAD.
Why this is supported
At $39.95 CAD, the Faded Solid undercuts name-brand boardshorts:
- Quickest Drying: Hurley Phantom Eco One and Only Solid 18" Boardshort ($55)
outsideonline.comand
- Best for Surfing: Quiksilver Highline Pro Straight ($85)
outsideonline.comrepresent the premium tier. The trunks use a simpler pocket system—
the bonded rear pocket with an Aquaguard zipper securely stows valuables
outsideonline.com—is omitted, helping hold the $39.95 price. The 7-inch inseam is listed as
Inseam length: 7 (18 cm)
stylight.caon the product page, notably shorter than the traditional
Board shorts vary in length from 16-20 inches, generally sitting just above the knee.
quiksilver.co.uk, giving it a modern, mobile silhouette that adds value beyond the price alone.
- Durability
Dyed-through fabric and no-closure design extend the trunks' lifespan.
Why this is supported
The fabric is dyed through, so any sun fading is uniform—
The quick-dry stretch fabric is designed to remain soft and flexible even after prolonged sun and saltwater exposure.
How does the quick-dry fabric feel after prolonged sun exposure or saltwater? Does it stay soft or get stiff?In the black colorway,
These trunks are black, and the quick-dry stretch fabric is opaque. Even without a lining, the dark color prevents see-through issues when wet.
Is there any risk of transparency when the trunks get wet, given they have no lining?This eliminates two common concerns with unlined shorts: uneven fading and transparency. The absence of zippers and velcro means fewer failure points; the trompe-l'oeil fly avoids the problem where
the use of velcro for the fly closure which tends to entangle pubic hair.
en.wikipedia.organd eliminates a common source of wear. Proper care preserves elasticity:
Never rinse with hot water, as heat makes fibers brittle and stretches the elastane components.
phys.orgThis contributes to a longer lifespan.
Image Analysis
2 images- 01
Product
Men's mid-thigh swim trunks in a faded dark charcoal fabric with an elastic waistband and visible drawstring; small rectangular stitched patch on the right leg and a stitched front fly seam.
- Silhouette and lengthStraight-cut swim trunks falling to mid-thigh with a relaxed leg opening and a straight hem.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.48 · w 0.76 · h 0.45 (high) - WaistbandElastic waistband with visible topstitching forming a narrow channel at the top edge.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.49 · w 0.64 · h 0.06 (high) - DrawstringBlack drawstring with white woven fleck pattern, tied in a loose bow at the center front with metal eyelets at the waistband.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.53 · w 0.28 · h 0.13 (high) - Front seam detailVertical stitched front fly seam running from the waistband down the center front.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.56 · w 0.12 · h 0.25 (high) - Right-leg patchSmall rectangular stitched patch applied to the lower right leg area; graphic or text on the patch is too small to read at this scale.
1 region
x 0.67 · y 0.70 · w 0.08 · h 0.06 (high) - Fabric appearanceMatte, slightly faded dark charcoal fabric with even color and minimal visible texture.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.55 · w 0.60 · h 0.30 (high)
Other
Studio shot showing a model from the neck to mid-thigh against a plain light gray background with soft even lighting and subtle shadowing at the model's left side.
- Model crop and poseMale model shown from the neck to mid-thigh, facing slightly to the left with arms positioned behind the back.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.02 · w 0.88 · h 0.75 (high) - Background and lightingPlain light gray seamless background with soft, diffuse lighting producing gentle shadows along the model's right side.
- Image framingProduct centered in the frame with even spacing on left and right; lower edge crops just below mid-thigh.
Colors
faded charcoal· main fabric#353439black with white fleck· drawstring#0D0D0Elight gray· patch- Silhouette and lengthStraight-cut swim trunks falling to mid-thigh with a relaxed leg opening and a straight hem.
- 02
Product
Rear view of a male model wearing faded dark charcoal swim trunks with an elastic waistband and a single patch pocket with flap on the right rear. Fabric shows tonal stitching and a small metal grommet on the pocket.
- View and fitBack-facing view showing the swim trunks worn at natural waist with an elastic waistband; trunks extend to above mid-thigh.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.44 · w 0.76 · h 0.46 (high) - WaistbandElastic waistband with visible rows of stitching around the top edge, same fabric color as trunks.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.48 · w 0.64 · h 0.06 (high) - Back pocket constructionSingle rectangular patch pocket on the right rear with a top flap secured by visible topstitching; pocket has a horizontal stitched strap across its face and a metal grommet near the lower right of the pocket panel.
1 region
x 0.59 · y 0.59 · w 0.20 · h 0.21 (high) - Seam and stitch detailingVisible vertical center back seam running from waistband down the shorts and contrast topstitching around pocket and hem edges.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.53 · w 0.06 · h 0.34 (high) - Fabric appearanceFaded solid knit or woven fabric with a washed look giving slightly lighter highlights on raised areas and seams.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.52 · w 0.64 · h 0.36 (high) - Small sewn label or tabSmall rectangular sewn tab located on the pocket face near the right edge, details not legible at this resolution.Partial
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.64 · w 0.03 · h 0.03 (medium)
Other
Studio product photograph showing a back view on a light neutral background with even lighting and soft shadowing; model from upper neck to mid-thigh is visible and centered in frame.
- Background and lightingSmooth light gray background with uniform studio lighting and soft shadow underneath the model, no props.
- Shot compositionVertical crop framing the model from the upper neck/head top down to mid-thigh, centered horizontally.
- Image qualitySharp focus on garment and model with even exposure; small label text on pocket not legible.
Colors
faded charcoal· main fabric#2E2C31- View and fitBack-facing view showing the swim trunks worn at natural waist with an elastic waistband; trunks extend to above mid-thigh.
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
1 threads · r/surfingReddit views Salty Crew as a more authentic brand for fishermen and surfers compared to the poser brand Salt Life, though opinions are mixed.
Comments are mixed: some see Salty Crew as equally poser-ish, while others defend it as genuine apparel for watermen. The thread also contains a corrected misconception about the cofounder.
Themes
Use Cases
- Surfing and beach lifestyle apparel
- Fishing and boating workwear
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Salt Life
Salty Crew is generally seen as more authentic, associated with actual maritime work, while Salt Life is viewed as a poser brand for tourists and landlocked individuals.
Source Threads
Defense of Salty Crew as authentic surf and fishing brand in San Diego
In San Diego salty crew is for guys that surf and work on boats or in tackle shops or own a skiff and chase yellowtail and tuna when they get close enough. Maybe it’s for posers elsewhere but it seems like the most on brand guys all rock it down here.
u/surfershane25r/surfingView thread →