MEN’S SWIMWEAR GUIDE

Summer has arrived and it’s time to strip down to cope with the heat and take a plunge in the pool or sea. There’s a vast array of choices for men’s swimwear but aside from going for this year’s men’s designer swimwear trends, there are a number of factors to consider when selecting the right swimwear. VOCLA is a UK retailer of male swimwear, with over 250 styles of designer men’s swimwear. We’ve put together this men’s swimwear guide, to give you some help and advice.

MEN’S SWIMWEAR STYLES GUIDE

Let’s start this men’s swimwear guide by looking at the different styles, which we’ve split into three types:

• Swimming Briefs – often referred to as ‘speedos’ in the USA, given that it evolved from the original Speedo. Basically, an underwear brief made for swimming: short legs, low waist, and a body sculpting fit. They tend to be more popular in Europe. There are also some hybrid versions, known as men’s micro swimwear:
  • A bikini swimming brief – a skimpy style with a super low rise waist and high cut legs. Therefore, a great style to help achieve a fantastic tan!
  • Tanga swimwear – this has no side material, therefore removing the chance of any chafing. Furthermore, it’s a great style for those with larger quads.
  • Swimming Thong – increasing in popularity, thong swimwear is the sexiest style, with very little fabric to the rear, if any. 
• Swimming Trunks – similar to the swimming brief, trunks are body sculpting with a low-rise waist. But they have longer legs, helping provide more cover. Although swimming trunks can vary in length, most have a length that gives a square cut shape. A ‘sunga‘ is a slightly shorter-legged version of a traditional swimming trunk. A swimming boxer is a longer leg. And a ‘jammer’ is a longer swimming trunk with a length closer to the knees.
• Swim Shorts – these vary from those with very short legs, or ‘short shorts’, to those with longer legs, or ‘board shorts’. You tend to find that short shorts and mid-length shorts are more popular in Europe and longer board shorts are more popular in the USA and Australia. But there are also different cuts. A Bermuda short has straight leg openings, with small side slits to aid leg movement. A Jogging cut is a looser fit, with rounded legs.

Did you know? ‘Speedo’ is really the name of the Australian swimwear brand that developed the first swimming brief in 1960.

BODY SHAPE AND TYPE HELP

So, we have three main swimwear styles to choose from, but which is best? We would recommend that your choice is determined by your body shape and body type:

• Larger Guys: Go for longer lengths (boardies) as these help cover up a little more. Solid colours are better than patterns and stripes which can accentuate your size.
• Slimmer Guys: Go for baggy swim shorts that will help increase the appearance of your size and swim briefs that help show off your slender shape.
• Stocky but Buff Guys: As your body shape tends to be more square, go for the square-cut swimming trunks to match. 
• Taller Guys: longer leg swimwear will help reduce the leg length appearance so opt for longer board shorts rather than shortie shorts and opt for swimming boxers over swimming briefs. Horizontal striped swimwear patterns will help reduce the appearance of your height.
• Shorter Guys: shorter leg swimwear will help increase the leg length appearance so opt for short shorts and mini swimwear.

MEN’S SWIMWEAR MATERIALS GUIDE

Many years ago, male swimwear was manufactured with cotton. But cotton helps to retain water for longer, becomes heavy in the water, wrinkles and the colours fade. Man-made materials such as nylon, polyamide, and polyester are much better. They are quick drying, durable, hold their colour for longer, and feel smoother against the skin.

• Polyamide – Polyamide is a very popular material used for swimming briefs and trunks. It is super smooth and feels more comfortable in these fitted styles. The smooth nature also helps water to pass over the swimwear more easily, therefore providing better swimming performance. Most swimming briefs and trunks are made with a combination of polyamide and elastane/spandex/lycra, to provide quick drying and smooth-touch properties with stretch for a sculpting fit.
• Nylon – Nylon is used on some swimwear. It has less stretch compared to polyester and this gives a more fitted look.
• Polyester – Polyester is a very popular material used in swimming shorts. It is lightweight which is ideal as they have more material, making it harder to swim in them compared to swim briefs and trunks. Some swimwear for men is made with a polyester mesh material that has tiny holes in it, ventilating you, and perfect on a hot beach day.

MEN’S SWIMWEAR FEATURES ADVICE

No men’s swimwear guide would be complete if it didn’t look at some of the features that can help with your swimwear. Our men’s swimwear advice is to focus on the following.

Lining

Swim shorts need to have an internal lining to help keep everything in place whilst swimming. Most have an internal mesh lining that is cut to be shaped like a brief.

Swimming briefs and trunks have an optional lining in the pouch area. Unlined swimwear, like many Andrew Christian swim briefs, shows more exposure to what’s inside the pouch area!

Pockets

Many swim shorts have pockets to the side, front, back or even inside the mesh lining. Some pockets have a zip fastening to help keep waterproof items whilst swimming. Whereas other pockets are either open or have a button fastening, which lacks practicality when you are actually in the water. Pocket shorts are always handy and stylish.

Drawstrings

Drawstrings are sewn into the waistband and help hold everything securely in place when swimming. Additionally, they provide a flexible fit around the waist. Drawstrings can be internal or external, simply a fashion choice. One piece of advice to consider is the drawstring ends. Metal toggles will stop the drawstrings fraying, therefore better quality.

Enhancement

A popular trend at VOCLA, is the increase in enhancing men’s swimwear. There are three types of enhancement:

1. Padded men’s swimwear – a front pad in the pouch gives a rounder and fuller appearance. 
2. Men’s pouch swimwear – a larger pouch is created for extra comfort
3. Men’s bum enhancing swimwear – seams at the rear help to contour your butt cheeks

CODE22 Power Shape is a great example of a range of padded men’s swimwear with removable front pouch pads. 

Hopefully, this men’s swimwear guide has given you some help and advice. We have over 250 styles of men’s designer swimwear at VOCLA. Available all year round. Therefore, one of the UK’s best ranges. If you need any further help selecting the best swimwear, just get in contact. 

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