Lining or No Lining? The Ultimate Men's Swimwear Questions Answered
When shopping for men’s swim trunks, guys have a lot to consider. There are obviously important factors, like fit, length, structure, and silhouette. There are cosmetic details, like colors and patterns. Should you go classic and understated or bright and vibrant? And then there’s the ever-important question about the customary lining usually found in swim trunks: is it necessary?
It’s helpful to keep in mind that the lining has a purpose. It’s not just an added layer to make things more confusing for you. The mesh liner is designed with your comfort in mind. But do you need it? Will a suit without lining impact your productivity in the water or completely mess with your beach vacation or a trip to the neighborhood pool? It helps to understand its importance to make a more informed decision based on your unique needs. Here are a few factors to keep in mind.
It Adds Soft Texture
Not all men’s swimsuits are soft and comfortable. Of course, a great quality suit is always designed with your comfort in mind, and you’ll usually find that those materials feel as wonderful as they look. In that case, you might feel the fabric and determine that you don’t need a liner to be comfortable.
But for a rougher suit that makes your skin feel a little itchy, a liner, typically made with polyester, adds a layer of comfort that would otherwise be impossible to attain. The fabric creates a barrier between your skin and the material, allowing you to swim, relax, and enjoy your day without thinking about how uncomfortable your trunks might be.
It Protects Your Skin
There’s far more to mesh lining than its texture, although that’s a big bonus that could serve as the key selling point for many men. But the material is also exceptionally lightweight so that it won’t add any unnecessary bulk or volume to your swimsuit. Designed with holes, it promotes efficient drainage while you’re splashing around and swimming. That also promotes superior airflow and circulation for constant comfort when you aren’t in the water.
The lining even helps your skin. More than just preventing contact with the fabric, it also safeguards you from developing rashes when exposed to moist materials. So whether you’re inside the water or outside drying off, you never have to worry about experiencing itchiness or discomfort. Breathability is a key factor in the process, as it allows your skin to feel as cool as possible.
It Offers Enhanced Coverage
The primary purpose of the mesh lining is to enhance the coverage factor. That’s key whether you’re wearing men’s big and tall swim trunks or a pair in a shorter length. In any situation, that coverage protects your modesty so you can focus on playing comfortably with the kids by the shore, swimming with ease, or enjoying a good time with your friends by the water’s edge.
The coverage helps in another way, too. Without the lining, the shorts could easily cling to your skin. That’s both uncomfortable and difficult to overcome when the fabric is soaking wet. The liner provides an optimal layer of protection that promotes quicker drying time. From a practical perspective, nothing beats the addition of quick-dry swimwear. If you want to make the transition from the beach to the boardwalk, for example, you don’t have to wait for your shorts to de-soak. That, coupled with the freedom to move without any danger of awkwardly revealing yourself, makes the mesh lining a key element.
But It Isn’t Universal
Not all men’s swimwear has lining. Board shorts, in particular, are designed for surfers. While these are often worn casually, dedicated surfers treat them as their exclusive uniform of choice in the water. Like rash guards for men, they’re worn while in close contact with the surfboard.
There’s no mesh lining included in these types of shorts, largely for aerodynamic purposes. The more bulk or volume introduced to the body, the more difficult it is to move comfortably while on the board. Safety is key during this activity, so it’s best to be as unencumbered as possible while surfing. The sport calls for regular movements, some of which are sudden, so the less weighed down you are, the better it is for your safety—and your success.
Ultimately, wearing shorts with or without liners all comes down to your preferences. There are many reasons, however, to consider shorts with lining. From enhanced comfort and increased modesty to quicker drying time and everyday skin protection while you’re in saltwater or chlorinated water, lined shorts help you stay as comfortable as possible in any environment.