When heading off to the beach or the pool for the holidays, choosing the right swimwear is essential to feeling comfortable and looking your best all summer long. Each year brings new designs, offering just as many opportunities to refresh your summer wardrobe. Choosing the right pair can easily become a puzzle. So, how do you choose the right men's swimwear? What are the different styles available? How should you care for your swimwear to keep it looking great from one summer to the next? Here are our answers!
Choosing men's swimwear: the cut
When it comes to choosing swimwear, there is plenty of choice. The first thing to consider is the cut. There are four main categories of men's swimwear: boardshorts, swim shorts, swim trunks and swim briefs.
Boardshorts are long shorts that can reach down to knee level. They are generally worn by surfers. Loose and comfortable, they are designed for those who prefer not to reveal too much leg. Boardshorts offer a rather sporty look and feature a drawstring and velcro fastening. Some prefer to wear underwear beneath their boardshorts rather than wearing them directly against the skin.
Swim shorts are without doubt the most versatile swimwear option for men.
Cut with enough room to ensure comfort and ease of movement, they are available in various lengths, revealing more or less of the thigh and reaching just above the knee. They feature an elasticated waistband for effortless dressing, or a drawstring to serve as a belt. At Hast, as you know, this is our cut of choice, as we believe it best meets the expectations of the modern man as we envision him. We have therefore developed a seersucker model—a fabric that is both durable and breathable, with the added benefit of drying exceptionally quickly.
Swim trunks are styled like classic boxer briefs—close to the body—with the difference that they are crafted from a fabric suitable for swimming. Form-fitting, they are very easy to wear and are mandatory in certain swimming facilities, unlike shorts and boardshorts which are not always permitted. Owning a pair of swim trunks is therefore always a sensible choice to ensure you have swimwear suitable for every occasion.
Swim briefs look just like classic briefs, except they are designed for swimming. While they fell somewhat out of favour for a few years, they are now back in style. Close-fitting and offering minimal coverage, they are ideal for those who prefer to swim with as little fabric as possible and avoid tan lines on the thighs. Choosing the right size for this type of swimwear is essential to wearing it well—take our word for it!
Colours and patterns
Choosing men's swimwear also means selecting colours and patterns to suit your personal style.
The summer season is the perfect time for bolder choices, with light colours and classic or more original patterns.
Stripes, floral prints, or more abstract patterns can easily be embraced to bring a touch of character to your wardrobe. As for colours, you can always opt for an understated plain style in black or navy blue, or choose brighter shades that will enhance a well-earned tan.
When choosing men's swimwear, you quickly realise that while the number of cuts is limited, the possibilities in terms of style are far broader.
Caring for your swimwear
Beyond choosing the right swimwear, it is equally important to care for it properly. A pair of swim shorts will easily last from one summer to the next, provided you clean them properly between swims. Chlorine, salt, and sun can all take a toll on fabrics, so rinsing with clean water after each swim is essential to prevent premature wear. When it comes to drying, avoid wringing and simply line-dry your swimwear in the open air (the fabric is specifically designed to dry quickly). Finally, when machine washing is required, opt for a gentle lukewarm cycle without spin or tumble drying, and always let it air-dry.
