Men’s swimwear

Men’s swimwear: swim boxers, swim shorts and briefs – how to choose

Men’s swimwear is one of the items men most often get wrong when shopping. Too long, too short, the wrong fabric, the crotch sticking after 20 minutes in the water: these mistakes are predictable and avoidable. This page presents the available styles and the criteria that really matter for making the right choice depending on how you’ll be using them.

The three types of men’s swimwear and their actual uses

The swim boxer shorts are now the most common style on European beaches. Their standard inseam length is between 17 and 22 cm, which corresponds to a cut that stops just above the knee. They offer the right balance between freedom of movement and support. They are equally suitable for swimming and beach activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding or beach volleyball. Styles with a built-in mesh gusset are more comfortable over time: they prevent chafing and stay in place better whilst swimming.

The swim shorts or board shorts are longer, often measuring 35–40 cm in total length, and generally do not have an inner mesh lining. They are designed for surfing and board sports: their loose fit allows for maximum range of movement out of the water, but they slow you down slightly whilst swimming and take longer to dry. For a relaxing day at the beach or mixed dry/wet use (terrace, walking, water), this is the most practical style.

The swimming briefs remain the choice of regular swimmers and pool-goers. They offer better resistance to chlorine than standard polyester boxer shorts, and the absence of excess fabric reduces hydrodynamic drag. Models made from polyamide (Lycra) retain their shape after several seasons of intensive use, unlike cotton, which loses its shape after the very first time it is dried.

Fabrics and quick-drying: what really happens in the water

The majority of men’s swimwear on the market is made from recycled polyester (often labelled REPREVE or ECONYL) with an elastane content of between 8% and 20%. The higher the percentage of elastane, the better the support and the fabric’s ability to regain its shape after being stretched. A pair of swim shorts with 15% elastane will retain their shape after 100 washes, whereas a model with 5% will start to lose its shape around the waist from the very first season.

Quick-drying properties depend directly on the fabric’s density and its surface treatment. Good-quality men’s swimwear dries in 20 to 40 minutes in the open air, depending on conditions. Cotton or cotton-blend styles take 2 to 3 hours and remain damp against the skin: these should be avoided for any beach holiday lasting more than a day.

UPF 50+ UV protection is a key feature to check if you’ll be spending more than two hours in the sun without sunscreen. It blocks over 98 per cent of UVA and UVB rays, whereas standard fabric lets through 30 to 60 per cent, depending on its colour and density. This isn’t just a generic marketing claim: UPF certification is laboratory-tested in accordance with the AS/NZS 4399 standard.

Which swimwear length suits which body shape

The inseam length visually alters the body’s proportions. For men under 1m75, boxer shorts with an inseam of between 17 and 19 cm elongate the silhouette. For taller men, long boardshorts (38–40 cm) work well. For fuller figures, a straight-cut style without tight elastic around the thighs is more comfortable than a fitted cut: some brands offer specific cuts for sizes 3XL and above, with an adjustable drawstring waistband and no side compression.

The waistband also deserves special attention. Elasticated waistbands without a drawstring tend to lose their stretch after several seasons. Those with internal and external drawstrings allow for precise adjustment and provide better support whilst swimming. Some models include a Velcro fastening or a clip to secure the opening: useful for water sports, but unnecessary for a quiet day at the beach.

Care and lifespan of a men’s swimming trunks

Always rinse your swimwear in cold water after every use, whether in a swimming pool (chlorine) or the sea (salt). Salt and chlorine break down the elastane fibres within a few weeks if the swimwear is not rinsed. Wash by hand or in the washing machine at a maximum of 30°C, without a spin cycle. Never tumble dry: the heat breaks down the elastomers and halves the swimwear’s lifespan.

A good-quality men’s swimwear made from polyamide or polyester, if well looked after, will last 3 to 5 seasons. A cheap, low-grade polyester model without anti-chlorine treatment will fade and lose its elasticity in just one intensive summer.

• Swim boxers: 17–22 cm inside leg, inner mesh lining recommended, for beach and swimming use
• Boardshorts: 35–40 cm, loose fit without mesh lining, for surfing and land-based activities
• Swimming briefs: polyamide/Lycra, maximum chlorine resistance, for the pool and regular swimming
• Ideal fabric: recycled polyester + 10–20% elastane, quick-dry treatment

Frequently asked questions about men’s swimwear

What is the difference between swim boxers and ordinary swim shorts? Swim boxers are made from a fabric treated to withstand water, salt and chlorine, with an inner mesh lining for support. Ordinary shorts made from untreated cotton or nylon absorb water, become heavy and take hours to dry. For swimming pools, only swimwear specifically designed for this purpose is permitted in most French facilities.

How do I choose the right size for men’s swimwear? Measure your waist circumference in centimetres at navel level, not at the hips. European brands’ size charts generally correspond to: S = 78–82 cm, M = 86–90 cm, L = 94–98 cm, XL = 102–106 cm. If you’re unsure between two sizes, go for the larger one: a swimsuit that’s too tight around the waist becomes uncomfortable after just two hours.

Does a men’s UPF 50+ swimwear provide sufficient protection without sun cream? UPF 50+ protection only covers the areas covered by the fabric. The chest, shoulders and face still require suitable sun protection. For complete protection, wear a UPF swimsuit with a UV-protective T-shirt or apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to exposed areas.