About Choosing Swim Trunks

Choosing the right pair of swim trunks is very important. If you are not comfortable in your swimwear, you won't be able to have fun on the beach or at the pool. There are a wide variety of factors to consider when you are choosing swimwear in order to make sure you pick the perfect pair of trunks.

History

Men's swimwear has often closely followed women's swimsuit fashions. While men have always been able to show more of the torso and upper body, early suits actually looked like real clothes, with a belted, knee-length short and a tight-fitting tank top. Over the years as women's suits became skimpier and more flamboyant, men's fashions followed suit. Trunks became shorter, most men lost the top, and the bikini-cut bottom, or "Speedo," gained popularity. While most men prefer something in between a scrap of cloth and a full outfit, there are advantages to every type of swimwear.

Function

Generally, swimwear is worn in order to enjoy the outdoors and in the proximity of water, even if the wearer does not actually intend to get wet. It can show off the body or camouflage flaws. Swimwear is also important in bodybuilding competitions when the contestants need to wear as little as is decently possible in order to show off their physical achievements. Finally, competition swimwear is not cosmetic at all but purely functional and designed for speed.

Types

Men's swimwear comes in several distinct varieties. Swim trunks and board shorts tend to be loose and long, with pleasant patterns on them. Generally, these are designed for leisure wear and can become quite heavy in the water. Workout trunks are tighter and smaller but still cover the entire bottom and upper thigh area. These can be used for training or worn recreationally if you are going to be active in the water. Finally, the bikini-cut bottom is designed to literally "show it all off." This bottom is worn in competition to minimize drag, in bodybuilding contests to minimize coverage, and by confident men who want to make a serious statement about their assets.

Considerations

When you select swim trunks, you should consider several things. If you are comfortable with and proud of your body, you might want a tighter fit and less leg in your trunks. If you do not feel quite so confident about your looks, you might prefer a longer, looser leg. Also consider how active you are, as running and jumping will necessitate either a tight lining in looser trunks or a tighter-fitting swimsuit. If you really want to stand out or if you will need to swim at high speeds, a thong or bikini bottom may be the way to go.

Misconceptions

It is an extremely common perception that there is little variety available in men's swimwear. Fortunately, this is far from true. While women's swimsuits get most of the fashion attention, men's swimwear can be purchased and tailored to suit any need. You have a vast array of options when it comes to selecting length, fit and pattern, and you are definitely not limited to balloon pants or a thong. There are many choices.

Warning

Should you elect to wear an extremely small, tight swimsuit, you should be aware of the health ramifications of extended wear. Extremely tight suits can lead to pain and cramping in the genital area, and you should not wear these suits for more than a few hours. However, going to the other extreme can also end up being a literal "pain," as unlined, loose trunks can allow too much movement and jeopardize your tender areas.