Swimwear for men: tips for finding the perfect style
Planning a trip to the beach this summer? Don’t forget to pack your swimming trunks! You may be wondering what type of swimwear suits you. Perhaps you are unsure of your size or maybe you are searching for men’s plus size swimwear. In our guide to men’s swimwear, you will find the answers to these questions and more. Follow our tips and get inspired by our range of swimwear for men to find the perfect men’s swimwear for you.
What type of swimwear for men would suit me? Types of swimwear for men
Men have a wide range of swimwear to choose from, from swimming trunks to knee length Bermuda shorts. You can also decide on the length and fit of swimwear to make sure you find something that really suits you. Below we will show you the different types of swimwear and give you some tips to help you find the right fit for your body type.
Men’s swimming briefs
Great for swimmers
Men’s swimming briefs are short, close-fitting and have a high-cut leg. This type of swimwear is perfect if you enjoy swimming or sunbathing without having your thighs covered. They are comfortable and not restrictive, especially if you enjoy playing beach volleyball. The high cut visually elongates the legs, which can make shorter men look taller.
Bathing boxer shorts
An all-rounder for every body type
Bathing boxer shorts are a true all-rounder that suit any body shape. This type of men’s swimwear reaches down mid-thigh (or slightly below). They are comfortable and do not restrict your movement. A loose waistband on the outside of the bathing boxer shorts is also perfect for larger sized men.
Swimming shorts
Great for shorter men as they have a wide cut.
Men’s swim shorts have a wide cut and are made out of a material that does not stretch. They cover about the upper third of your thigh. This length is perfect for men who prefer wearing looser fitting swimwear but would still like to look taller. The drawstring can even be used to conceal the lower part of your stomach.
Swimming trunks
A sporty model for slim men
These swimming shorts are similar to retro trunks. They sit on the hip and have a tight fit. The short legs give these swimming shorts their unmistakable look. Just like swimming briefs, Lycra shorts are ideal if you enjoy sporty swimming as they have a low water resistance. They also give you a sporty look and make your legs look longer.
Bermuda shorts
Great for larger men
Bermuda shorts are the longest type of swimwear. They reach down to your knees. The amount of fabric will make your legs look shorter, which is great for tall men. Despite their length, Bermuda shorts are airy and comfortable to wear, especially for swimming or surfing.
What size men’s bathing suit do I need?
When you are buying swimwear, it is a good idea to get it in the same size as your underwear. If you are not sure, you can always try different types of swimwear on to make sure you get the right size.
What type of swimwear for men would suit me the best?
You can choose your fit based on your personal preferences. A tight-fitting cut may be the right choice if you want to show off your figure. They are also a good choice if your goal is performance swimming, as they have a lower water resistance. Wide-cut swimming trunks, on the other hand, look more casual, can conceal problem areas and are perfect for laid-back days at the beach.
If you have a pair of underwear that is very comfortable, you can look for swimwear with a similar fit and style. This is a great way to get started to give you an idea about what type of swimwear is best suited to you.
FAQ: What type of men’s swimwear suits me? The most important questions around men’s swimwear
What type of swimwear is most suitable for larger men?
When wearing swimwear, you should feel comfortable and confident. So, make sure to choose a style and fit that you like and looks good on you. However, if you would like to conceal your midriff a little, you can choose a fit that suits your figure. Swimwear such as bathing boxer shorts suit larger men because they have a wide cut, which will give you a great casual look. Make sure you choose a style that has a loose waistband. This way, they will have a good fit and will not feel too tight. It is best to choose plain or dark coloured swimwear if you don’t want to draw attention to your stomach area.
What type of men’s swimwear would suit me the best?
In addition to the different styles and cuts that are available, there are also other things you should look out for when choosing swimwear:
Striking patterns and large prints suit tall and slim men quite well. These types of prints will attract attention and make you appear taller.
Swimming trunks with small prints, stripes or in plain colours are always in and they suit any body shape.
Go for dark colours if you have fair skin. If you have darker or olive skin, then light and pastel colours are a great choice. Bright colours also look great on darker skin.
Why do swimming trunks have netting in them?
There are a couple of reasons why swimming trunks have netting in them. On the one hand, it ensures comfort and protection and that everything stays in its place whilst swimming or playing sports. Secondly, the netting acts as a breathable barrier and it ensures that the wet fabric does not stick to your skin after swimming. It also helps to transport moisture away from your body.
Do you need to wear underwear under your swimwear?
Wearing underwear under your swimwear gives lots of men more protection, especially if they are wearing swimming trunks with a wide cut. In addition, some types of swimwear can become transparent when they get wet. Therefore, it is a good idea to wear a pair of underwear under your swimwear.
However, you don’t have to wear a pair of underwear if you buy a piece of swimwear that has a great fit. For swimwear with a wide cut, make sure it has a sewn-in net for extra comfort.
What is the best material for swimwear?
Swimwear should not soak up too much water and it should also dry quickly so that you don't have to sit around in wet swimwear for a long time after swimming. The best materials to go for are polyester, polyamide (nylon) and spandex (Lycra, stretch, spandex). In addition, all three materials are crease resistant, keep their shape and are durable. Polyamide and spandex are also stretchy, whereby spandex can even look like a second skin.
Finding the perfect swimwear
Look through the different styles and fits to find out which type of swimwear would suit you the best. Swimwear that has a wide cut will look more casual and it can be worn to conceal your stomach area, whereas close-fitting swimwear looks sporty and will accentuate your figure. It's important that you feel comfortable and confident so that you can really enjoy your day at the beach or pool. You are sure to find the perfect men’s swimming shorts in our range of swimwear for this summer.
