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Whether you are born amphibian or just like to wet your feet in summer to release that heat, owning a good swimsuit is among the most important seasonal essentials.
However, you cannot just pick “any” swimsuit and rush for the beach or your rooftop swimming pool. A crappy swimsuit is all you need to turn your swimming session into a never-ending wet nightmare.
That said, here we will discuss different types of men’s swimsuits with all their pros and cons and provide you with some of the best recommendations for each category.
So let’s jump in without any ado!
Types of Men’s Swimsuits- With pros and cons
Following are the different types of men’s swimsuits you would like to try, along with their advantages and disadvantages in certain conditions:
1. Swimming Trunks
An unfamiliar eye can easily confuse them with board shorts. However, there’s a significant difference between both. Until you buy a crappy pair of swimming trunks, they are usually made from quick-drying materials, typically shorter than the board shorts. There are also varieties with a drawstring waist and back pockets.
Swimming trunks are highly versatile and can be used for various water and beach activities, including surfing and volleyball. Even more, if you choose a swimming trunks with a reasonably minimalistic color, you can simply transform it from a swimming attire to a fine “dinner by the beach” one by merely putting on a nice shirt!
Pros
- Light and comfy to wear
- Makes swimming more enjoyable
- Protective
- Popular choice
Cons
- Not for professional swimming
2. Boardshorts
Boardshorts are relatively longer and looser than swimming trunks and have no lining. However, they too are made of quick-drying materials like nylon or polyester. Boardshorts are more popular as casual or surfing wear among folks than swimming. Moreover, due to the baggy overall design, it’s way less restrictive as well.
Moreover, they also don’t feature an elastic waist like swimming trunks. Instead, there’s a waistband that you tie at the front. The main reason for keeping the design a little baggy and longer was to protect the legs of surfers from the board wax, as it would rip hairs off their legs when they maneuvered in a sitting position.
Right now, it has become a staple wear for relaxation on a casual day out.
Pros
- Great for surfers
- Nice fit
- Highly durable
- More relaxed
Cons
- Expensive
- A fitted waistband isn’t for everyone
3. Square Leg Swimsuits
The first thing you would like to know about square-leg swimsuits? They’re sexy! But let us warn you! If you’re not one of those individuals who would like to show off their assets publicly, they might not be for you!
That being said, square-leg swimsuits resemble boxers for the most part. However, they are usually a little shorter and fit much snuggly. Plus, they are tighter, but the extra flexibility fills up for it and makes them highly efficient for individuals who love swimming.
They are available in various sizes, including short, medium, large, and extra-large. But hey, if you are a bit above-healthy in terms of weight, you would like to go for something less tight. Displaying those big glutes sure won’t be a pleasant sight for spectators.
Pros
- Snug fit
- Efficient swimming
- Stylish
- Quick-drying and durable
Cons
- Not for every body type
4. Aquashorts
Aquashorts are something that sits between swim briefs and jammers when it comes to length. If you are in competitive sports and like more coverage but less drag, aquashorts are definitely for you.
However, as popular as they are, they don’t have much size variety. Thus, where they can be highly convenient for average-sized wearers, they aren’t for huge dudes with buffed builds.
The material used in these is quite common as any other swimsuit, with more flexibility, less constriction, and high durability along with quick-drying ability.
Unlike board shorts and swimming trunks that you can use as casual wear, the wearing of aquashorts is strongly restricted for sporty environments. It cannot be worn with any clothes whatsoever.
Pros
- Flexible
- Minimum drag
- Best for swimming
Cons
- Not versatile
Swim jammers
Swim jammer is a swimsuit worn by male competitive swimmers due to its convenient design and utility in keeping the speed consistent.
Usually made of nylon, they have a length that extends to a length just above the knees. They have a very snug fit. However, that doesn’t restrict the wearer’s movement and provides enough flexibility to swim as fast as possible. Adding to that, they also dry fairly quickly, no matter how long you swim.
However, with all the advantages swim jammers have, they are in no way something you would wear at the beach due to their rather sporty design. As they won’t let any or minimum water or air get to your skin, they somehow ruin the whole experience of being at a beach.
Pros
- Great for professional sports
- Highly flexible
- Extremely less drag
- More covering
Cons
- Not versatile
5. Swim briefs
The swimming briefs are just like a bikini that only covers the crotch and bum. Most professional swimmers usually wear this because of all the freedom it provides when swimming. Moreover, less fabric and an exceptionally snug fit ensure that there’s as little drag as possible.
The fabric used in these is also quite soft. Thus, it is also often used as an undergarment with a wetsuit in sports like scuba diving, surfing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. You can also put them on in desperate times like any other underwear.
All in all, they’re an excellent choice for both swimming or just taking some sun on the beach.
Pros
- Non-restrictive
- Zero drag
- Versatile use
Cons
- Not for everyone
6. Wetsuit
Wetsuits are special garments designed for divers, surfers, and canoeists to provide them protection against cold water, abrasion, ultraviolet rays, and any sort of stings from sea organisms. Unlike any options mentioned above, a wetsuit covers the whole body instead of just some parts.
There’s another variant based on the same design known as the dry suit that absolutely repels water rather than just providing thermal protection. Although not for casuals, a wetsuit is an excellent option if you’re interested in deep diving or other sports where you are exposed to cold water for a prolonged duration.
Pros
- Ultra protective
- Best quality material
- Great insulation
Cons
- Only suited for cold weather
FAQs
What do you call men’s swimwear?
The most common name for men’s swimwear is “swim trunks,” with over 40% of the US population using the term when referring to men’s swimwear. Board shorts remain in second place, with 30% of the population using the name while referring to men’s swimwear.
What are the different types of swim trunks?
Although swim trunks have a category of their own, some other types of men’s swimwear are also incorporated under the category. Those include jammers, aquashorts, briefs, and watershorts.
What do you call a man’s skimpy bathing suit?
A man’s skimpy bathing suit is also known as a banana hammock, which is a revealing and tight-fitting bathing suit. The word is also used for men’s briefs.
How do men choose swimsuits?
The first thing men should look for in any swimsuit is its functionality and purpose. Once you have that figured out, look for other bells and whistles like a nice fit, quality, etc. If you are a man with short stature but a chiseled body, always go for swimsuits with a shorter inseam. It will make you look significantly taller.
