Whether you are packing for a beach getaway, heading to a resort pool, or hitting the local pool for training, finding the right pair of swimwear is essential. Over the years, men's swimwear has evolved from basic pool gear into versatile, high-performance, and stylish resort wear.
Here is a breakdown of the top 10 best-selling men’s swimwear styles (not for water polo), along with who they suit best and why they continue to dominate beachwear trends, we have included some great examples you may find fit your brief *excuse the pun!
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1. Classic Mid-Length Swim Trunks
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* Best For: Everyday beachgoers, pool days, and all body types.
The Classic Swim Trunk remains the undisputed king of men's swimwear. Hitting right around mid-thigh, this style offers a balanced proportion that is neither too long nor too short. Constructed with quick-dry polyester or nylon fabrics, comfortable mesh or tech liners, and an elastic drawstring waist, it strikes the ultimate balance between comfort and casual style.
2. Tailored / Resort Swim Shorts
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* Best For: Resort vacations, poolside dining, and beach-to-bar transitions.
Popularised by luxury resort brands, tailored swim shorts feature a flat front waistband and a structured fit resembling standard dress shorts. They are specifically designed for versatility.....you can step straight out of the water, throw on a linen shirt, and walk into a restaurant without missing a beat.
3. Short Inseam / Retro Swim Shorts
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* Best For: Slim to average builds, leg day enthusiasts, and sunbathing.
Driven by modern street style and vintage aesthetics, shorter swim trunks have seen a massive resurgence. With a high-cut leg opening and structured silhouette, retro shorts visually elongate the legs and offer maximum mobility. They are ideal for showing off quad definition while keeping a classic short look.
4. Classic Boardshorts
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* Best For: Surfers, water sports enthusiasts, and taller men.
Originally designed for surfing, boardshorts are usually made from durable, 4-way stretch, friction-resistant materials, they provide full thigh protection against board chafing and sun exposure.
5. Square-Leg Swim Shorts (Trunks)
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* Best For: Athletic builds, swimmers who want a body-hugging fit with modest coverage.
Square-leg trunks (or box-cut trunks) offer a close-fitting, streamlined silhouette similar to boxer briefs. They provide more coverage than a traditional swim brief while reducing fabric drag compared to loose shorts, making them a favourite among fitness enthusiasts.
6. Hybrid Swim Shorts
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* Best For: Travelers, active outdoor enthusiasts, and minimalists.
Hybrid swim shorts are engineered to function as both casual walkshorts and fully functional swimwear. Featuring belt loops, zip-fly closures, and drainage-friendly pockets, they look like regular chino shorts but are crafted from quick-dry hydrophobic stretch fabrics.
7. Performance Jammers
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* Best For: Competitive swimmers, triathlon training, and lap swimming.
Designed specifically for serious pool training and racing, jammers extend from the waist down to just above the knees with a compression-style fit. Built from high-tech, chlorine-resistant fabrics, they minimise water resistance, support key muscle groups, and maximise hydrodynamics in the pool.
8. Classic Swim Briefs ("Speedos")
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* Best For: Sunbathing, competitive swimming, and confident athletic builds.
The classic swim brief provides minimal coverage and maximum freedom of movement. Highly popular in Europe, as well as among competitive swimmers worldwide, briefs eliminate fabric drag in the water and maximize sun exposure for an even tan.
9. Textured Swim Trunks
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* Best For: Fashion-forward vacation wear and elevated beach style.
Texture has become one of the biggest trends in modern men's swimwear. Textured woven swim trunks add tactile depth and visual interest to solid-colored shorts. Beyond aesthetics, puckered fabrics naturally sit slightly off the skin, encouraging airflow and drying quickly.
10. Long / Modest Swim Shorts
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* Best For: Extra sun protection, modesty, and relaxed lounge days.
For men who prefer extra thigh coverage or enhanced UV protection, long swim shorts provide a roomy, relaxed silhouette. They offer all-day comfort for casual beach lounge sessions.
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