Men’s Guide to Swimwear Styles
You might think men’s swimsuits are pretty basic, and that all swim shorts are made equal. But the truth is, men’s swimwear has about as many variations as women’s does, and it’s important to consider the different styles and functions of each before you hit the beach. Whether you’re into long shorts, short shorts, sun protection, or mesh lining, there are loads of ways to customize your swimwear to fit your needs and your own personal style so that you can enjoy your time in the sun to the fullest, staying comfortable, sun-smart and looking good at the same time. So slap on some sunscreen, grab your flip-flops, and let’s get going: here is your guide to men’s swimwear styles.
The Volley: Classic and Comfortable
The men’s swim trunk is a classic, popular choice for men on the beach. Cut slightly shorter than your average board short, the volley is meant to move with you and conform to your particular body, making for the ultimate in comfortable swimwear. When you’re on the beach, you want to look and feel your best, and the volley swim trunk is engineered to do just that. With an average inseam ranging from six to eight inches, the men’s volley swim trunks hit above the knee. Their shorter length generally makes your legs look a little longer, in turn making you look a little taller, which can be a nice added benefit. The men’s volley swim trunk is also fitted with an elastic waist and front ties for adjustable comfort, making it more flexible than the traditional men’s board shorts. Most men’s volley swim trunks usually come with mesh lining to keep you comfortable and secure. This is a great choice for an active man who’s in search of swim trunks that allow for a wide range of motion.
The volley short comes in a variety of colors and prints. Some prefer a more neutral or solid swim trunk for a subtle, classic beach look. Meanwhile, many like to go bold on the beach, choosing bright colors and wild prints that show off their personality in a big way. Whichever way you go, you can’t go wrong with the men’s volley swim trunk.
The Board Short: Surf Style
For those who are into a more classic men’s swimwear style, the men’s board short is the traditional look for surfers everywhere. Of course, you don’t have to like to hang ten to wear them. You can enjoy some of the benefits of the board short, no matter if you’re a surfer or just a beach aficionado. The board short is cut longer than the men’s volley swim trunk, with an average length of around nine inches, which was initially meant to keep surfers’ legs and leg hair from chafing against the wax on their surfboards. They offer more sun protection and are super comfortable in and out of the water. Their waistline doesn’t usually have elastic, which is meant to keep them secure when you’re being tossed around by the water.
The Cargo Short: A Functional Fit
Another variation on the board short is the cargo short swim trunk, which offers a super versatile look that’s big on functionality. The cargo swim trunk can go with you wherever you go, from the beach to your backyard, along with that family hike. Particularly useful for their trove of pockets, the cargo swim short is a great option for those looking for a comfortable and practical swim look.
The Rash Guard: Stay Sun-Safe
We’ve about covered the bottoms when it comes to swimwear, but what about the top? For guys who want to be smart about the sun, a men's rash guard is a must, on or off the beach. This lightweight top is made with UPF protection, which acts like another layer of sunscreen to keep your skin extra safe. It comes in a wide variety of fits and colors as well, so you can choose the one that’s right for you. A short-sleeve rash guard is a great choice for those super hot days when you want to stay cool and deflect the heat, while a long-sleeve rash guard offers even more protection from the elements. A hooded rash guard is also a great transitional piece to add to your beach look. You may opt to wear one if you have errands to run on the way to the beach or at the end of the day when the sun has set, and the temperature drops a bit.
Complement these looks with your favorite pair of flip-flops and your favorite baseball hat, and you’re ready to take in the sun with your friends and family. Check out the links below for more tips and tricks from Lands’ End!