From Swim Briefs to Board Shorts: Swimsuit Types for Men

When it comes to swimwear, women have seemingly limitless options compared to men. However, this doesn’t mean we’re completely left out of the fun. We still have a few different options beyond just the color of our trunks! Don’t know what those are? Read on to learn about everything from swim briefs to board shorts and which men’s swimsuit type might better fit your needs.

Swim Briefs

Aren’t all that interested in following the crowd? Prefer to show a bit more skin than other guys or just want to be more comfortable out in the hot summer sun? Then you might want to try swim briefs on for size.

One of the more body-hugging options, these swim bottoms fit very similarly to brief-style underwear. They form a V at the front, exposing the upper thighs, and typically feature elastic waistbands for a secure fit — especially important since they tend to sit low on the hips. It’s a bold look, to be sure, but one that’s great for minimizing visible tan lines and improving maneuverability in the water.

Now, if this sounds familiar, you’d be correct. Speedos fall under this swimsuit category and are probably the most well-known brand of swim briefs available. They’re extremely popular, too, at least in Europe and South America. Meanwhile, in the US? They’re fairly niche, so you may receive a few looks when wearing them. Although, they’re still a solid option for any guy with the confidence to pull them off!

Jammers

Where most folks are at least vaguely aware of swim briefs due to the fame (or perhaps just as often, infamy) of the Speedo, jammers are generally an unknown. This is due to the fact that jammers are specifically tailored for competitive swimming and athletics rather than casual swimwear.

But not to worry if you aren’t your city’s local Michael Phelps! Though made for hardcore swimmers, jammers are ideal for anyone needing better performance in the water as they reduce drag and improve hydrodynamics overall.

With a similar look and construction to cycling shorts, jammers prove good for comfort as well. They’re stretchy, form-fitting, and hit close above the knee, thus giving far more coverage than swim briefs but also more freedom of movement than trunks or board shorts. Of course, they’re not quite as bold as the former but they do come in a wide array of colors and patterns, so you don’t need to sacrifice style for function.

Trunks

We’ll be honest, guys. There’s not a whole lot to say about trunks. They’re kind of the default and are the most common men’s swimwear on this side of the pond.

As you’d expect, they’re essentially slim-fit shorts, just ones made out of swim-friendly materials. And like other shorts, they’re available in several rises, low to high, as well as closures and inseam lengths. The average pair will come with an inseam around 5-7 inches, although measurements of 1-2 upwards of 10 can be readily found.

The majority of people will stick with what they know and, naturally, opt for the basic pair. Yet, if you find yourself in a daring mood? We’d recommend taking the riskier route and going with the former end of the spectrum. Lower rises and short, revealing inseams definitely make for more fashionable trunks!

Board Shorts

Take your basic trunks, give them a more conservative fit, and what do you get? Well, that would be board shorts.

Board shorts, otherwise simply known as swim shorts, are the ultimate swimsuit option for those who just want something easy-going and easy to wear. Though extremely similar to trunks, they’re a good deal longer — seriously, inseams of 18-22 inches aren’t unheard of —  and are often way looser.

That’s an awful lot of fabric for a men’s swimwear option with athletic origins. Luckily, board shorts are often made from nylon or polyester and spandex, which dramatically improves their flexibility and helps ease movement in swimming, surfing, and other water sports. This also makes them quick to dry but can also lend to durability issues in the long term.

Rashguards

Speedo swimsuits, jammers, swim shorts, trunks: they are all fine and everything. But what if you’re looking for more than swimwear bottoms? Let us introduce you to rashguards, then.

You see, rashguards are one of the few dedicated swim-tops for men. They’re tight-fitting, meant to protect from chafing, rashes caused by abrasion, and sunburns, and are typically comprised of polyester or nylon. They’re like the top equivalent of board shorts, although rashguards tend to be made of far stretchier stuff.

Intended for those who do water sports plus any others who spend long hours in the ocean, this swimsuit separate is highly recommended if you’re trying to stay safe from the sun’s harmful rays. Although, truly anybody can wear a rashguard, regardless of concerns over light sensitivity.

Uncomfortable swimming shirtless? Quickly get cold in the water? They’re for you all the same. Though long-sleeve rashguards can feel a little uncomfortable for just basic swimming, thus you might want to stick to short-sleeve/sleeveless varieties if sun or rash protection isn’t your primary concern.

It may appear at first glance that men’s swimwear is restricted purely to slightly longer or shorter trunks. Yet, the reality is that we have several options up for grabs, from swim briefs to board shorts to jammers, and more. Not all are meant for everyone, but everyone can certainly find their best swimsuit fit  among them.

What about you? What kind of swimsuit do you prefer to wear? Would you be open to trying a pair of swim briefs, or are board shorts more your style? Drop us a comment below, and be sure to catch up with the other articles in our Shoplito swimwear hub today!