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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.

Find the perfect swimming shorts

Stylish swim shorts in plus sizes

Swimming shorts

A versatile style for every body type

Swim shorts have a comfortable fit and usually cover the upper third of the thighs. This length is perfect for men who prefer a looser-fitting pair of swim shorts and want plenty of freedom of movement. Swim shorts are truly versatile, as they suit every body type. Thanks to the drawstring waistband, they can even conceal a slight tummy.

Bermuda shorts

Swim shorts for tall men

Bermuda shorts are the longest style of swimwear. They reach down to the knees, covering the entire thigh. This makes them particularly flattering for tall men. Despite their length, Bermuda swim shorts are breathable and offer the freedom of movement needed for swimming or surfing.

Men’s swimming briefs

Sporty swimwear for swimmers

Men’s swimming briefs are short, close-fitting and have a high leg cut. This style is perfect for men who enjoy competitive swimming or want to sunbathe without their thighs being covered. Swim shorts offer plenty of freedom of movement for all kinds of beach activities, such as beach volleyball. The high leg cut also makes the legs look longer.

Swimming trunks

Form-fitting swim shorts

Men’s swimming trunks are close-fitting and designed to sit on the hips. The short leg gives them a quite distinctive look. Just like swim briefs, swimming trunks are ideal if you regularly go swimming, as they have low water resistance. The short length on the legs will make your legs appear longer.

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.

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.

Tip

What type of men’s swimwear would suit me best?

As a general rule, longer swim trunks suit taller men particularly well, whilst shorter swim shorts flatter every man. When it comes to fit, you can go by your personal preferences: a close-fitting style may be the right choice if you want to show off your figure. What’s more, due to their lower water resistance, they’re also best suited if you want to swim competitively. Loose-fitting swim shorts, on the other hand, look more casual and are perfect for relaxed days at the beach.

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?

You should feel comfortable in your swimwear. So choose a design that you like and that really flatters your figure. Models with an elasticated waistband and a drawstring are particularly recommended, as they fit comfortably without slipping down or digging into your stomach. Loose-fitting swimming shorts look particularly casual and are therefore a good choice for men with a slight paunch. To avoid drawing attention to the midriff, plain, dark-coloured swimming trunks are best.

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 type.

  • Dark-coloured swimming trunks look good on fair skin. Pastel colours, on the other hand, look particularly good on tanned skin. Bold colours, however, look great on darker skin.

Why do swimming trunks have netting in them?

The net in swimming trunks serves various purposes and offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it ensures that the trunks stay in place whilst swimming and during other sporting activities. Furthermore, the net prevents the wet fabric from clinging to the skin after swimming, thereby providing privacy.

Do you need to wear underwear under your swimwear?

Many men feel more confident wearing underpants under their swimwear. However, if you buy a well-fitting pair of swimming trunks, there is no need to wear underpants underneath. The special cut and features such as a drawstring ensure an optimal fit. Loose-fitting models often have a net inner brief sewn in, which should provide a similar sense of security. The special functional materials also remain opaque when wet, so no additional layer of clothing is needed.

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, while spandex can even feel like a second skin.

Tip

Tip: Don’t forget to pack a T-shirt or a shirt in case you would like to go for a walk, or it becomes chilly. Make sure to choose a plain T-shirt or shirt that will match your swimwear.

Finding the perfect swimwear

Look through the different styles and fits to find out which type of swimwear would suit you best. Loose-fitting swimwear 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 summer swimwear range.

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Image sources in order of appearance:

Cover photo: Drobot Dean – stock.adobe.com 
1st & 2nd image: C&A 
3rd image: Drobot Dean – stock.adobe.com