What should you consider when buying men’s swimwear?

Whether you’re buying swimwear for yourself or as a gift for someone else, finding the right swimwear will depend on two main factors: function and style. Some swimwear is geared more towards intense swimming activities such as swimming laps, while others are great for hanging around poolside for the occasional dip. If you’re looking to increase lap times and swim primarily for exercise, picking a swimsuit that is skintight to reduce drag is best, such as a bikini bottom or a pair of jammers. Also consider the water temperature you’ll be swimming in and if you want your suit to offer any insulation, like a wetsuit for the ocean and surfing. For hitting up hotel pools or a few beach parties, you might want more legroom and the looser fabric found in trunk styles and board shorts . The extra space between your legs will help you dry faster between dips and reduce chafing. If you are out in the sun a lot, consider a style with more sun protection such as mens’ one-piece suits or shorts with a long hemline. Choose something comfortable with a style that suits you. It could be a navy pair of board shorts or a pair of personalized swim shorts with a pattern or custom text you pick, like your partner’s face for a funny anniversary gift. Longer suits that come to the thighs or past the knee are more conservative, while tight-fitting suits could leave less to the imagination.

What types of men’s swimwear are there?

Swimwear for men has evolved from the one-piece swimsuit popular throughout the early 20th century to tight briefs and trunks, which now make up the majority of swimwear in North America and Europe. Taking into consideration the style and technical features you may want, here are some types of men’s swimwear to help you decide which type may be best: Men’s swim trunks: Like everyday shorts, trunks vary according to inseam length and may have pockets and adjustable waistbands. They usually feature a tight-fitting mesh liner to help you dry quickly. They are made from light, fast-drying materials such as nylon and polyester, available in many colors and patterns. Trunks that fit snugly and reach past the knee are often called board shorts and might be used for surfing or paddleboarding. Men’s swimwear briefs: Also known as men’s bikini swimwear, briefs are tight-fitting swimsuits with a V-shaped front. Briefs use minimal material so you can tan more parts of your body when sunbathing. People also frequently use them in recreational swimming in Europe and for bodybuilding worldwide. Men’s pouch swimwear is a similar, tight-fitting suit with a pouch to hold your front, but with a bit more fabric down the thigh—like underwear briefs. Men’s jammers: These knee-length, skintight suits are the go-to for competitive swimmers, divers, and watersports athletes. They are bottoms only, which provides coverage while reducing chafing when kicking. Men’s wetsuits and drysuits: One of the more technical swimsuits, wetsuits and drysuits are usually made from neoprene and have insulation to better regulate your temperature for a prolonged amount of time. They are close-fitting and tend to cover your body to your ankles and wrist and end at your neckline. Use them when snorkeling, scuba diving, or surfing in cold waters.