Home » Blog » Different types of men’s swim trunks
There is a variety of men’s swimwear that is available, depending on the type of holiday they are looking for, or for those that are looking for something professional for water sports. We are firm believers that multiple pieces of swimwear should be owned by the modern man so that they are always ready for whatever life (and water) is thrown at them. Below we’re going to look at the most common types of swimwear that we recommend for numerous different situations. This means that whether you plan on going surfing in the Pacific Ocean, or decide to become an Olympic Swimmer, you will know what type of swim trunks you will need.
The different categories of men’s swim trunks are:
Swim trunks are the most common type of swim shorts. They are usually made of nylon or polyester and have an elastic waistband. Swim trunks usually have an inner mesh lining, open side pockets and one or two back pockets. The fit is in the loose side and they end above the knees. The original trunks usually came in a single basic color. However, these days it’s not uncommon for them to have abstract patterns, colorful prints, stripes or full photos. The great variety in swim trunks makes them the standard choice for males of all ages.
“Their primary use is for vacationing at the beach or the beautiful hotel pool”
Their primary use is for vacationing at the beach or the beautiful hotel pool. If there is a need for a posh high-end event on a yacht or mansion, we already recommend going with our blue or pink striped swimwear. This brings back that timeless look that can be partnered with other fashionable items. If it is a day at the pool, we recommend solid colors, such as dark blue or green, to enjoy a day of pool games and sunbathing.
Briefs are commonly known as” Speedos”. However, Speedos is actually the swimwear brand making the swim briefs popular. Swim briefs are tight and V-shaped, not covering the tights. They are usually used for swimming to have as little fabric as possible slowing you down in the water. They used to be the standard for professional swimmers due to the reduction of drag, and versatile rotation that was possible while wearing them. They are also more durable than more competitive swimwear, as they are built thicker and more robust than their relevant counterparts.
“Speedos is actually the swimwear brand making the swim briefs popular”
Briefs are also used when sunbathing to avoid tanning lines. Ironically these are the most comfortable of the bunch because they literally do not cause bunching between the thighs like some other types might. In addition, even though a six-pack would be great, it is not a requirement for someone to select this choice as they are not going to constrict and misshape the body like a more standard swim trunk might.
They are also extremely practical as the material made out of swim briefs is completely made of waterproof material, meaning that they dry quickly and take up less space than other variations. These might also be reserved for the more confident man, as these have the bare minimum material to cover up our private bits. That does not mean shy away from them, and at the least, they practically take up almost no space and can be used in case of emergency.
Much like the swim briefs these shorts have a tight, close to the body fit but have shorts legs cut straight. This makes them look boxy or squared and therefore the name. They could be compared to boxer shorts underwear for men. If you still want to avoid tanning lines but briefs are not your thing then square swim shorts might be a good pick. These can be quite revealing at the same time and might be a good choice for that beach party, with a good time looking to be had. Due to their form, they can help cut and accent the body for a tighter look, while providing optimal performance. They are the next step above swim briefs and are a little more modest as well. Due to their build, if the confidence is there, they also come with the added benefit of being one of the more comfortable fits, just like their underwear companion.
Since these are in the middle of the swimwear arena, they are not always the common or obvious choice. They also might be a bit revealing for casual day wear during a stroll through the town. These could be actually paired in some cases with board shorts during those non-beach times, and then quickly shift into this beautiful cut. Remember, swimwear is primarily worn on holiday, and it’s always a good idea to relax and let loose!
James Bond famously used classic square-cut shorts in Casino Royale as seen here
This is where science meets the swimwear industry. No, they are not signal blockers, but very efficient swimwear. They are built primarily for professional swimmers for practice or competition. They are the evolution of the swim briefs, with more modesty than the square-cut shorts. They are built to tighten the core leg area, and built with a slick nylon material that wicks away the water. Jammers are very similar to the squared swim shorts but have longer legs often going all the way down to the knees. These are for pure performance to make water drag almost down to nothing, and increase your racing speed. Although these are a specialised and uncommon choice for the pool or beach, that does not mean they do not have a place in that area. These are great for those that will be spending long periods of time swimming or doing water sports. As they will provide a comfortable feel while providing maximum power to your swimming.
These commonly use the minimal amount of material possible, so it has the lowest weight possible, meaning that sometimes the chlorine water in pools can fade the coloring, and accidentally make these more revealing. After some use, they can also begin to sag a bit at times, reducing their effectiveness for speed. Although considered the best to shave those milliseconds off in a competition, these might need additional thought before adding to your swimwear repertoire, and you might need to consider what their usage would be.
A wetsuit is a very specific type of swimwear for those that are spending several hours in the water at one time, and are in constant motion. A wetsuit is used when diving, surfing or any other activity when you are in the water for a period of time. The wetsuit helps you keep the temperature up in colder water. The suit covers most of your body and has a tight fit. Usually, it ends by the elbows and knees or wrists and ankles. The wetsuit can even have a hood to offer your head maximum protection in the water. Wetsuits also tend to range towards the higher end in terms of cost and should be considered specialized swimwear.
As with any type of swimwear, and especially for wetsuits, there are a variety of options for different settings. For those that are going to constantly be surfing, a long sleeve spring suit is an excellent option. This is due to the fact that it covers less of the legs to allow for better mobility and balance on the board. For areas that can get quite warm (especially when waiting for your turn in a competition), look for the sleeve’s wetsuit, which offers maximum protection and warmth, but reveals the top portion to reduce the chance of overheating. They’re also a great option for the extreme adventurous type that likes to go underwater cave climbing.
These options above can come in separate top and bottom choices for flexibility. Sometimes one might prefer a wetsuit jacket and swim briefs for casual surfing for example.
Then we get to our full covering option, which is best for those that are scuba diving, or Navy Seals. These offer a slightly minimal compression when diving deep, but are primarily used for temperature control. What most people need to remember is that when you are going down only a few feet the water can get really cold really fast. This is due to the sun no longer being able to penetrate through. There are multiple thickness choices, depending on how deep the dive will be, and it is an important piece of information to know before going scuba diving.
All the different types of swim trunks doesn’t fit everyone. You might not prefer some types, but your body type might also work better in some type. We’ve created a full guide on what kind of swim trunks works best for each body type. You might also want to check out our size guide for further guidance when buying swim trunks.
Swim trunks are special shorts made for men to go to the swimming pools, sea, and other water places. These clothing items are designed in such a way that when men wear these swim trunks, they feel really comfortable while swimming. However, some of these swim trunks have some additional features that make them extra …
Are you a competitive lap swimmer? If yes, you must pay special attention to the swimwear you are wearing on the competition day or when practicing. It is because your swim trunks can play a key role in either making you win or lose the competition by merely a millisecond. You must be wondering; how …
It’s time to wash your swim trunks and you wonder if your swim trunks can go in the dryer? The fact that you are searching for the answer before trying to throw your swim trunks in the dryer is a good thing. Because most swim trunks do not go in the dryer. Swim trunks are …
So you are going on vacation to France. That sounds great! Just pack your bag, throw in your favorite swim trunks and hop on the plane, right? Unfortunately, no. As it turns out, you do not need to pack your regular swim trunks or board shorts when going to France. Instead, it would be best …
Different types of men’s swim trunks
There is a variety of men’s swimwear that is available, depending on the type of holiday they are looking for, or for those that are looking for something professional for water sports. We are firm believers that multiple pieces of swimwear should be owned by the modern man so that they are always ready for whatever life (and water) is thrown at them. Below we’re going to look at the most common types of swimwear that we recommend for numerous different situations. This means that whether you plan on going surfing in the Pacific Ocean, or decide to become an Olympic Swimmer, you will know what type of swim trunks you will need.
The different categories of men’s swim trunks are:
Swim trunks
Swim trunks are the most common type of swim shorts. They are usually made of nylon or polyester and have an elastic waistband. Swim trunks usually have an inner mesh lining, open side pockets and one or two back pockets. The fit is in the loose side and they end above the knees. The original trunks usually came in a single basic color. However, these days it’s not uncommon for them to have abstract patterns, colorful prints, stripes or full photos. The great variety in swim trunks makes them the standard choice for males of all ages.
“Their primary use is for vacationing at the beach or the beautiful hotel pool”
Their primary use is for vacationing at the beach or the beautiful hotel pool. If there is a need for a posh high-end event on a yacht or mansion, we already recommend going with our blue or pink striped swimwear. This brings back that timeless look that can be partnered with other fashionable items. If it is a day at the pool, we recommend solid colors, such as dark blue or green, to enjoy a day of pool games and sunbathing.
Turtle Swimsuit
$49Ducks – Father and Son
$68Blue Striped Matching Couples Swimwear
$77Blue Lagoon 2-Pack Swim Shorts
$77Swim briefs
Briefs are commonly known as” Speedos”. However, Speedos is actually the swimwear brand making the swim briefs popular. Swim briefs are tight and V-shaped, not covering the tights. They are usually used for swimming to have as little fabric as possible slowing you down in the water. They used to be the standard for professional swimmers due to the reduction of drag, and versatile rotation that was possible while wearing them. They are also more durable than more competitive swimwear, as they are built thicker and more robust than their relevant counterparts.
“Speedos is actually the swimwear brand making the swim briefs popular”
Briefs are also used when sunbathing to avoid tanning lines. Ironically these are the most comfortable of the bunch because they literally do not cause bunching between the thighs like some other types might. In addition, even though a six-pack would be great, it is not a requirement for someone to select this choice as they are not going to constrict and misshape the body like a more standard swim trunk might.
They are also extremely practical as the material made out of swim briefs is completely made of waterproof material, meaning that they dry quickly and take up less space than other variations. These might also be reserved for the more confident man, as these have the bare minimum material to cover up our private bits. That does not mean shy away from them, and at the least, they practically take up almost no space and can be used in case of emergency.
Turtle Swimsuit
$49Ducks – Father and Son
$68Blue Striped Matching Couples Swimwear
$77Blue Lagoon 2-Pack Swim Shorts
$77Square-cut shorts
Much like the swim briefs these shorts have a tight, close to the body fit but have shorts legs cut straight. This makes them look boxy or squared and therefore the name. They could be compared to boxer shorts underwear for men. If you still want to avoid tanning lines but briefs are not your thing then square swim shorts might be a good pick. These can be quite revealing at the same time and might be a good choice for that beach party, with a good time looking to be had. Due to their form, they can help cut and accent the body for a tighter look, while providing optimal performance. They are the next step above swim briefs and are a little more modest as well. Due to their build, if the confidence is there, they also come with the added benefit of being one of the more comfortable fits, just like their underwear companion.
Since these are in the middle of the swimwear arena, they are not always the common or obvious choice. They also might be a bit revealing for casual day wear during a stroll through the town. These could be actually paired in some cases with board shorts during those non-beach times, and then quickly shift into this beautiful cut. Remember, swimwear is primarily worn on holiday, and it’s always a good idea to relax and let loose!
James Bond famously used classic square-cut shorts in Casino Royale as seen here
Sprinkles Swim Shorts
$55Los Angeles Swim Shorts
$70Ibiza 2-Pack Swim Shorts
$77Tile
$65Jammers
This is where science meets the swimwear industry. No, they are not signal blockers, but very efficient swimwear. They are built primarily for professional swimmers for practice or competition. They are the evolution of the swim briefs, with more modesty than the square-cut shorts. They are built to tighten the core leg area, and built with a slick nylon material that wicks away the water. Jammers are very similar to the squared swim shorts but have longer legs often going all the way down to the knees. These are for pure performance to make water drag almost down to nothing, and increase your racing speed. Although these are a specialised and uncommon choice for the pool or beach, that does not mean they do not have a place in that area. These are great for those that will be spending long periods of time swimming or doing water sports. As they will provide a comfortable feel while providing maximum power to your swimming.
These commonly use the minimal amount of material possible, so it has the lowest weight possible, meaning that sometimes the chlorine water in pools can fade the coloring, and accidentally make these more revealing. After some use, they can also begin to sag a bit at times, reducing their effectiveness for speed. Although considered the best to shave those milliseconds off in a competition, these might need additional thought before adding to your swimwear repertoire, and you might need to consider what their usage would be.
Pineapple Matching Couples Swimwear
$77Turtle Palm Swim Shorts
$65Pink Striped Swimsuit
$49Tropical 2-Pack Swim Shorts
$77Wetsuit
A wetsuit is a very specific type of swimwear for those that are spending several hours in the water at one time, and are in constant motion. A wetsuit is used when diving, surfing or any other activity when you are in the water for a period of time. The wetsuit helps you keep the temperature up in colder water. The suit covers most of your body and has a tight fit. Usually, it ends by the elbows and knees or wrists and ankles. The wetsuit can even have a hood to offer your head maximum protection in the water. Wetsuits also tend to range towards the higher end in terms of cost and should be considered specialized swimwear.
As with any type of swimwear, and especially for wetsuits, there are a variety of options for different settings. For those that are going to constantly be surfing, a long sleeve spring suit is an excellent option. This is due to the fact that it covers less of the legs to allow for better mobility and balance on the board. For areas that can get quite warm (especially when waiting for your turn in a competition), look for the sleeve’s wetsuit, which offers maximum protection and warmth, but reveals the top portion to reduce the chance of overheating. They’re also a great option for the extreme adventurous type that likes to go underwater cave climbing.
These options above can come in separate top and bottom choices for flexibility. Sometimes one might prefer a wetsuit jacket and swim briefs for casual surfing for example.
Then we get to our full covering option, which is best for those that are scuba diving, or Navy Seals. These offer a slightly minimal compression when diving deep, but are primarily used for temperature control. What most people need to remember is that when you are going down only a few feet the water can get really cold really fast. This is due to the sun no longer being able to penetrate through. There are multiple thickness choices, depending on how deep the dive will be, and it is an important piece of information to know before going scuba diving.
Pineapple Matching Couples Swimwear
$77Turtle Palm Swim Shorts
$65Pink Striped Swimsuit
$49Tropical 2-Pack Swim Shorts
$77Different types of swim trunks and body types
All the different types of swim trunks doesn’t fit everyone. You might not prefer some types, but your body type might also work better in some type. We’ve created a full guide on what kind of swim trunks works best for each body type. You might also want to check out our size guide for further guidance when buying swim trunks.
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Best swim trunks for swimming laps
Are you a competitive lap swimmer? If yes, you must pay special attention to the swimwear you are wearing on the competition day or when practicing. It is because your swim trunks can play a key role in either making you win or lose the competition by merely a millisecond. You must be wondering; how …
Can swim trunks go in the dryer?
It’s time to wash your swim trunks and you wonder if your swim trunks can go in the dryer? The fact that you are searching for the answer before trying to throw your swim trunks in the dryer is a good thing. Because most swim trunks do not go in the dryer. Swim trunks are …
Can you wear swim trunks in France?
So you are going on vacation to France. That sounds great! Just pack your bag, throw in your favorite swim trunks and hop on the plane, right? Unfortunately, no. As it turns out, you do not need to pack your regular swim trunks or board shorts when going to France. Instead, it would be best …