15 Types of Swimsuits for Men

Do you often find it challenging to choose the right swimsuit from the wide range of styles available? The swimwear you pick plays a key role in shaping your beach outing, pool day, or even a competitive swim. Men's swimsuits come in numerous cuts and designs, each tailored for different preferences, activities, and comfort levels.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 different types of men’s swimsuits — from classic swim trunks to performance-focused jammers — helping you find the perfect option that matches your style, needs, and lifestyle. Whether you're seeking maximum comfort, sleek design, or practical functionality, there’s a swimsuit made just for you.

For those looking to make a splash as a family, CARPENTER’s family matching swimsuits offer stylish coordinated sets that let your whole crew enjoy the water together — and turn heads while doing it.

Let’s dive into the 15 popular types of men’s swimsuits and find the one that fits you best!

1. Swim Trunks
Swim trunks are the most popular and versatile choice in men’s swimwear. They typically feature a relaxed fit, elastic waistband, and built-in mesh lining for added support. With a mid-thigh length and lightweight design, they allow for easy movement, making them ideal for lounging by the pool, hitting the beach, or enjoying a casual swim.

Crafted from quick-drying fabrics, swim trunks ensure all-day comfort whether you’re in the water or out. Available in a wide range of colors, prints, and patterns, they suit both minimalist tastes and bold, fashion-forward styles.

Best suited for: Everyday pool use, beach outings, and laid-back swimming sessions.

2. Board Shorts
Board shorts are a longer alternative to swim trunks, typically extending to the knee. Originally designed for surfers, they’re crafted from lightweight, quick-drying fabrics and feature a non-elastic waistband with a secure drawstring closure for a snug, adjustable fit. Their longer length and relaxed cut provide added protection against surfboard wax irritation and enhance comfort during active beach sports.

Unlike traditional swim trunks, many board shorts come without a mesh liner, offering a more casual and unrestrictive feel. Their sleek design also makes them a stylish choice for transitioning from the beach to the boardwalk.

Best suited for: Surfing, paddleboarding, beach sports, and relaxed summer wear.

3. Swim Briefs (Speedos)
Swim briefs — often referred to by the brand name Speedos — are tight-fitting, low-coverage swimsuits favored by competitive swimmers and confident beach enthusiasts. Made from stretchy, fast-drying materials, they provide maximum freedom of movement and minimal drag in the water, making them ideal for high-performance swimming.

With their sleek, body-hugging design, swim briefs are also a popular choice for sunbathing, as they expose more skin for an even tan. While their bold look isn’t for everyone, they remain a staple in professional swim meets and beach destinations where style meets sport.

Best suited for: Competitive swimming, diving, and sunbathing.

4. Square-Cut Swim Shorts
Square-cut swim shorts offer a snug fit similar to swim briefs but with added coverage. Featuring a boxy shape and mid-thigh length, they strike a perfect balance between performance-focused design and modest styling. Their streamlined silhouette provides support and flexibility, making them a great choice for lap swimming, aquatic workouts, and stylish beachwear.

Typically made from quick-drying, chlorine-resistant materials, square-cut shorts appeal to swimmers who want both functionality and a modern, athletic look.

Best suited for: Lap swimming, water aerobics, and fashionable beachwear.

5. Jammers
Jammers are performance-driven swimwear designed primarily for competitive swimmers and endurance training. Extending from the waist to the knee, they offer a tight, compressive fit that enhances hydrodynamics, reduces water resistance, and supports muscle efficiency during intense swimming sessions.

Made from durable, chlorine-resistant fabrics, jammers are built to withstand long hours in the pool. They provide more coverage than swim briefs while maintaining a sleek, athletic appearance, making them a top pick for professional swimmers, triathletes, and serious fitness swimmers.

Best suited for: Competitive swimming, endurance training, and water-based sports.

6. Rash Guards
Rash guards are close-fitting swim shirts designed to protect the skin from sunburn, irritation, and chafing caused by saltwater, sand, or surfboards. Made from lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying materials, they are a favorite among surfers, snorkelers, and anyone spending extended time in the sun or water.

Available in both short- and long-sleeve styles, rash guards often feature built-in UPF protection to guard against harmful UV rays. Worn over swimwear, they can be paired with swim shorts for added coverage and comfort during high-movement water activities.

Best suited for: Surfing, snorkeling, and sun protection.

7. Swim Leggings (Swim Tights)
Swim leggings, also known as swim tights, provide full-length coverage while remaining lightweight, flexible, and fast-drying. Designed with built-in UV protection, they’re an excellent choice for long hours under the sun. These leggings are favored by water athletes, surfers, and swimmers who need practical, performance-focused swimwear.

Often featuring compression technology, swim tights help reduce muscle fatigue and enhance endurance during high-intensity activities. Their breathable, form-fitting design ensures all-day comfort in and out of the water.

Best suited for: Sun protection, active water sports, and essential performance swimwear.

8. Wetsuits
Wetsuits are insulating, form-fitting suits made from neoprene, designed to retain body heat and keep swimmers warm in cold water conditions. Available in full-length and short-sleeve styles, they are essential gear for activities like scuba diving, surfing, and open-water swimming.

The thickness of the wetsuit determines its thermal insulation—thicker suits offer better warmth for colder environments. Their snug fit minimizes water entry and provides natural buoyancy, helping athletes maintain core temperature and stay comfortable during prolonged exposure to chilly waters.

Best suited for: Cold-water sports such as surfing, diving, and open-sea swimming.

9. Drysuits
Drysuits are specialized waterproof suits designed for extreme cold-water environments. Unlike wetsuits, which allow a thin layer of water inside to be warmed by body heat, drysuits completely seal off all openings to keep the wearer entirely dry. They are commonly used by deep-sea divers, rescue personnel, and cold-water adventurers.

Constructed from durable, waterproof, and breathable materials, drysuits allow room for thermal layering underneath, offering superior insulation and protection in freezing conditions. They are essential for safety and comfort in harsh aquatic environments.

Best suited for: Cold-weather diving, rescue operations, and extreme water sports.

10. Hybrid Swim Shorts
Hybrid swim shorts are versatile bottoms designed to function both as swimwear and casual everyday shorts. Made from lightweight, quick-drying fabrics, they often resemble stylish chino shorts, making them perfect for seamless transitions from land to water.

Ideal for relaxed beach outings, pool parties, or travel, hybrid shorts combine modern design with practical features. They appeal to those who want a polished look without sacrificing comfort and functionality.

Best suited for: Travel, leisure swimming, and beach vacations.

11. Swim Singlets
Swim singlets feature a streamlined, one-piece design with a compressive fit similar to wrestling singlets. Crafted from quick-drying, stretchy fabrics, they enhance flexibility and reduce drag in the water. Their snug fit supports muscles, making them an excellent choice for endurance training and fitness swimming.

Popular in aquatic sports where full-body mobility and muscle compression are key, swim singlets help minimize fatigue and boost performance with their minimalist, performance-focused design.

Best suited for: Aquatic sports, endurance training, and fitness swimming.

12. Compression Swim Shorts
Compression swim shorts are form-fitting, performance-oriented swimwear designed to boost blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue. Made from advanced, quick-drying fabrics, they apply gentle pressure to key muscle groups, enhancing endurance and speeding up recovery.

Favored by competitive swimmers and athletes seeking extra support, these shorts can be worn alone or layered under regular swimwear for added compression. They help improve efficiency and performance during intense training sessions.

Best suited for: Endurance sports, muscle recovery, and competitive swimming.

13. Vintage-Style Swimwear
Vintage-style swimwear draws inspiration from mid-century designs, featuring shorter legs, bold prints, and hip-hugging trunks. Ideal for those who appreciate retro beach fashion, these swimsuits blend timeless elegance with modern comfort and functionality.

Made from high-quality, quick-drying fabrics, vintage swimwear maintains both shape and performance, adding a touch of classic charm to any summer wardrobe—perfect for beach days or stylish poolside photos.

Best suited for: Classic looks, beach outings, and retro fashion enthusiasts.

14. Swim Thongs
Swim thongs are ultra-minimalist swimwear designed for maximum freedom of movement and optimal tanning. Favored by bodybuilders, models, and sunbathers, they provide a close, barely-there fit with minimal fabric coverage.

Commonly worn at tropical beaches, luxury resorts, and fitness competitions where showcasing muscle definition is key, swim thongs combine revealing style with comfort and performance thanks to soft, quick-drying materials.

Best suited for: Tanning, bodybuilding, tropical beachwear, and athletic contests.

15. Modest Swimwear (Full-Coverage Options)
Modest swimwear is designed for those seeking greater coverage and protection while swimming. This category includes swim leggings, long-sleeve rash guards, and full-body suits that provide excellent sun and water defense without compromising comfort or flexibility.

Ideal for outdoor swimmers, surfers, and individuals observing cultural or religious dress preferences, these swimsuits offer superior UV protection made from breathable, quick-drying fabrics to keep you comfortable during extended water activities.

Best suited for: Modesty, sun protection, and cultural or religious requirements.

Choosing the Right Swimsuit for You

After looking over 15 different kinds of men’s swimsuits, how would you choose one for yourself? Here are some important considerations:

Activity Level: Are you looking for swimwear that fits competitive swimming, high-performance water sports, or poolside lounging? Sports benefit much from jammers and wetsuits; casual wear calls for swim trunks and board shorts.

Comfort & Coverage: Would you like to fit snugly, like swim briefs, or loosely, like board shorts? Modest swimwear or rash guards could be great for more coverage.

Materials & Fit: For the best comfort, use flexible, breathable, and quick-drying fabrics.