Swimwear

How to choose the right men´s swimwear

Choosing the right swimwear can make a world of difference to your comfort, confidence, and performance in the water. The technology and design of modern swimwear are highly specialized, with different styles engineered for specific purposes. Whether you´re a competitive athlete chasing records, a fitness swimmer doing laps, or just enjoying a day at the beach, this guide will break down the styles to help you find your ideal fit.

For performance: Competition and racing

When every second counts, you need swimwear designed with a single purpose: to reduce drag and maximize your efficiency in the water. These styles are defined by their form-fitting, compressive nature and their use of advanced, hydrophobic materials.

Swimming briefs

The classic choice for competitive swimmers, swimming briefs (often called Speedos) are engineered for maximum freedom of movement. By offering minimal coverage, they create the least amount of drag and ensure an unrestricted range of motion for your legs and hips. Made from high-performance, chlorine-resistant fabrics like PBT blends, they maintain a second-skin fit and won´t degrade after hours in the pool. Their secure, supportive design makes them the top choice for competitive swimming, diving, and water polo.

Swimming jammers

The modern standard for both racing and training, jammers are form-fitting, knee-length shorts that offer a significant performance advantage. Their primary benefit is muscle compression, which helps reduce muscle oscillation, staving off fatigue and improving blood flow. The streamlined, hydrodynamic profile covers a larger surface area of the body, smoothing out contours to reduce drag even further. Look for features like four-way stretch fabric and flatlock seams to ensure total freedom of movement without any chafing.

Trisuits

A trisuit is the essential all-in-one garment for triathlons, a highly specialized piece of gear designed to be worn for the swim, bike, and run without changing. They are constructed from hydrophobic, quick-drying fabric that sheds water almost instantly upon exiting the swim. The integrated chamois (pad) is minimalist and quick-drying, providing crucial comfort on the bike without feeling like a bulky diaper during the run. A quality trisuit from elite brands like Zone3, 2XU, or Orca is a non-negotiable for any serious triathlete.

For fitness and training

For regular lap swimming, the ideal swimwear finds a perfect balance between performance, comfort, and, most importantly, durability.

Aquashorts (square-leg suits)

This popular hybrid style is the perfect middle ground for the fitness swimmer. It offers significantly more coverage and modesty than a brief but is far more streamlined and functional than baggy shorts. Aquashorts provide excellent support and freedom of movement, making them a top choice for regular training. When choosing, the most important feature to look for is chlorine-resistant fabric. Standard Lycra/spandex will quickly degrade in chlorinated pools, causing the suit to become loose and transparent. A proper chlorine-resistant suit will maintain its shape, color, and fit for hundreds of hours.

For leisure: Beach and holiday

When you´re relaxing by the water, the focus shifts to comfort, style, and practicality.

Swim shorts (trunks)

The most popular and versatile choice for casual wear, swim shorts come in a huge variety of styles. They consist of a quick-drying polyester or nylon outer shell and a comfortable inner mesh lining that provides support. The lengths can vary, from shorter, athletic "volley" styles to longer, knee-length board shorts. With features like an adjustable drawstring waist and pockets, they are the perfect, practical choice for transitioning seamlessly from a swim in the ocean to a walk on the boardwalk.

Long swim pants (swim leggings)

Offering full-length coverage from the waist to the ankles, long swim pants are all about protection. Their primary benefit is providing maximum UPF 50+ sun protection, blocking over 98% of the sun´s harmful UV rays on the skin they cover. This makes them an ideal choice for long days in the sun or for engaging in water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, where they also protect your skin from abrasions, jellyfish stings, and rough surfaces.