Men's Swimwear: Swim Briefs vs Swim Trunks — Which to Pack

Men's swimwear comes down to two cuts: the low-rise swim brief that stays put in the water, and the swim trunk that pulls double duty as a beach short. Both are here — from embroidered swim brief and low-rise swim brief (Desmiit's embroidered and low-rise briefs) to digital-print swim brief and colour-block swim brief (Seobean's quick-dry briefs and trunks).

Swim brief vs swim trunk

A swim brief rides on the hip and removes drag; a trunk covers more and walks off the beach. The Desmiit low-rise brief and 7-colour swim brief are slim low-rise briefs; the swim trunk and long swim short are longer trunk styles.

Fabric and features

• Nylon–spandex — low-rise swim brief and multicolour swim brief are quick-dry with UV protection.
• Removable pad — removable-pad swim brief and convex-pad swim brief add a shaped cup you can take out.
• Prints — solid swim trunk and digital-print swim trunk run from solid to digital and animal print.

Fit

Swimwear runs small wet, so size to the waist and up if unsure. A swim brief sits on the hip bone with a holding pouch; trunks break above or mid-thigh. Rinse in fresh water after the pool or sea to protect elastane.

Care

Rinse immediately after chlorine or salt, gentle wash, dry in shade — heat and sun break spandex fastest. Do not wring; roll in a towel.

FAQ

Are swim briefs better than trunks?

For swimming, yes — less drag and faster drying. For a beach day where you walk around, trunks are more versatile and cover more.

Do swim briefs have padding?

Some do. The removable-pad swim brief and convex-pad swim brief use a removable or convex pad you can take out for a flatter look.

How should a swim brief fit?

On the hip bone, not the waist, with a pouch that holds without spillage. If it digs in at the leg, size up.