Three Fabrics to Look Out For When Choosing Men's Swimwear
When you’re shopping for men's swimsuits, it helps to understand the types of fabric you’ll see. Each has advantages, and all are designed for pool and beachwear. Keep reading to learn about the best men’s swimwear fabrics, along with top swim trunk and rash-guard styles.
Polyester Swim Trunks
Many men’s and boys' swim trunks are made from 100% polyester. Usually, this fabric is made from a synthetic material called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and can be used for everything from swimwear to men's polo shirts. Polyester is a good material for swim trunks because it’s soft, sturdy, and wrinkle-resistant. It dries quickly and retains its shape even after repeated exposure to chlorine and UV rays.
Many polyester swim trunks offer UPF 50 for covered areas. Although sunscreen is still a must, sun protection clothing can provide additional protection.
Nylon Swim Trunks
Another top fabric for men’s swim trunks is nylon. Although nylon is crafted from a synthetic material like polyester, it’s a little different. Nylon absorbs more water than polyester, so it dries a little more slowly. However, it’s slightly stretchier—making it an excellent option for water sports. When it comes to the look, polyester is more matte, while nylon has a shiny finish. Both polyester and nylon are soft, durable, and easy to clean. Most nylon trunks also offer UPF 50 sun protection for covered areas, just like polyester.
When it comes to which fabric is better—nylon or polyester—it’s a matter of personal preference. Both are excellent for men’s swimwear and come in an array of trunk styles to fit every body.
A Look at Blended Fabrics
In addition to polyester and nylon swim trunks, some are made from blended fabrics. The most common fabric blends for men’s swimwear are polyester/spandex and nylon/spandex. As you might have guessed, the addition of spandex to any fabric imparts more stretch. If you want swim trunks or a swim tee that offers maximum wear, look for pieces made with Lycra® XtraLife™ spandex. It lasts an average of 10 times longer than traditional spandex—even after a summer’s worth of swimming and sun exposure.
Features of Swim Trunks
Now that you know more about men’s swimwear fabrics, let’s talk a little about styles and features. If you want a swim trunk with classic appeal, go for a pair of polyester volley swim trunks. They have a full elastic waist with a drawcord for a comfortable custom fit, and they come in a classic eight-inch length. A three-piece mesh liner keeps these trunks super-comfortable, while a rip-grip back pocket lets you carry your most important essentials.
Quick-dry nylon cargo swim shorts are another option. They have multiple pockets with hook-and-loop closures, and they’re equipped with a coin pocket and hidden cell phone pocket. Although they look like regular men’s cargo shorts, they’re made for swimming. The nylon fabric has a durable water-repellant (DWR) finish, so it dries quickly. These trunks have a functional zipper fly and elastic in the back for all-day comfort.
Board shorts are another option for any man seeking a sporty pair of swim trunks. You’ll find regular board shorts made from 100% polyester, along with packable board shorts crafted from a polyester/spandex blend. The lightweight material is soft and fast-drying, and the waistband has back elastic and a front drawstring for a customizable fit. Two on-seam pockets let you carry small items, while the three-piece lining provides comfortable coverage.
Rash Guard Swim Tees
Another summer essential that’s made from polyester and spandex is the rash guard swim shirt. Men's rash guards come in an array of styles. There are short-sleeved and long-sleeved men’s rash guards and some are hooded to protect your head from UV rays. These shirts provide the same level of protection as polyester and nylon trunks—UPF 50, to be exact. They’re stretchy and soft, and they dry quickly.
Caring for Swim Trunks and Tees
Polyester and nylon swimwear—including styles infused with spandex—can be easily washed by hand to preserve the fabric’s structural integrity for the longest period of time. Swim trunks and rash guard tees can be rinsed with cool water. If needed, you can use a mild detergent and scrub with gentle circular motions. Rinse all the soap out of the item, then squeeze it to remove excess water.
To complete the drying process, lay the swimwear flat on a towel, then roll the towel up. Squeeze the towel to remove any remaining water, and then unroll. The swimwear can be placed in a shady outdoor area to dry—keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
Water Shoes and Other Accessories
Now that you know what to look for when choosing men’s swimwear, you might also want to look into summer accessories. Men's water shoes are good for locker rooms and walks along the beach. You might also want some flip-flops to slip into when walking on hot sand. Beach towels and a beach tote are two more summer items that you can shop for when buying swimwear.
Explore the men’s swimwear to discover the styles that work for you. Swim trunks come in sizes to fit every body—including big and tall—so you can find one or more pairs to wear for all your summer fun.