Mesh-lined pockets or nothing.

Mesh-lined pockets.

Regular pockets — cotton or poly lining — trap water like a sponge. Mesh lets the water drain right out the bottom. No bulge, no sag. You want pockets that have a mesh bag and a drainage hole or grommet.

Patagonia Baggies are the gold standard here. They have two mesh-lined hand pockets and a back zip pocket that actually works. Bonobos makes a pair that looks more like chino shorts but with the same mesh interior. Chubbies also do it well if you want something louder.

Just avoid anything with a “quick dry” claim that doesn’t mention mesh lining. That’s marketing, not engineering.

Don’t overthink it — mesh or bust.