Swimwear guide for men
Don‘t forget to pack your swimming trunks this summer if you are planning on going to the beach. What type of swimwear would suit me the best? What size do I need? What type of swimwear is most suitable for plus sized men? In this useful men’s swimwear guide you will find all the answers to these questions and more. You can follow our tips and get inspired by our range of swimwear for men to find the perfect swimwear for you.
What type of swimwear would suit me the most?
Men have a wide range of swimwear to choose 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 helpful tips on fit so that you can find the right one for you.
Swim briefs
Great for swimmers
Men’s swim briefs are short, close-fitting and have a high leg cut. This type of swimwear is perfect if you enjoy swimming or sunbathing without having the upper parts of your legs covered. They are comfortable and not restricting especially if you enjoy playing beach volleyball. The high leg cut visually stretches the legs, which can make short men look taller.
Swimming trunks
Great for sporty or slim men
Men’s swimming trunks are close-fitting and they sit on your 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 reduce water resistance. Visually swimming trunks will make you look sporty. The short length on the legs will make your legs appear longer.
Swim shorts
Great for smaller 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.
Bathing boxer shorts
These are great for any body shape.
Bathing boxer shorts are a real all-rounder because they simply fit any body shape. As can be seen by the model in the picture they also go up to the upper parts of your thighs (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 plus sized men.
Bermuda shorts
Great for plus sized men.
Bermuda shorts are the longest when it comes to swimwear. They go 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 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 would suit me the best?
Here is a small helpful tip: the taller you are the longer your swimwear should be. Swimwear that is close-fitting is recommended for going swimming. Swimwear with a wide cut looks more casual and can help conceal your midriff.
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.
What type of swimwear is most suitable for plus sized 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 plus sized men because they have a wide cut, which will give you a great casual look. Make sure you to 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 would not like to draw attention to your stomach area.
What type of swimwear would suit me the best?
In addition to the different styles and fit as mentioned above, 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 stay 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 in this regard.
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 that the net is sewn in for more safety.
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, shape keeping and durable. Polyamide and spandex are also stretchy, whereby spandex can even create a second-skin effect in tight fits.
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. Have a look at our wide range of swimwear to find your perfect swimwear style and fit for this summer.