Most blokes buy the same swimwear they've always bought and never think about it again. Which is fine — until you're actually swimming in it and wondering why you're dragging half the ocean behind you.
The three main options are briefs, trunks and jammers. They all do the job differently, so the best choice depends on what you're actually doing in the water.
Briefs
Briefs are the most minimal option and one of the most practical cuts for swimming. There's less loose fabric in the water, they dry quickly, and a good pair provides close support while you move.
That makes them well suited to lap swimming, surf, training and long days where you're constantly in and out of the water.
Briefs suit you if: you swim regularly, train in the water, prefer a close athletic fit, want less fabric dragging through the water, or simply like the look.
They may not suit you if: you prefer more coverage. Comfort and confidence matter — the best swimwear is the pair you're happy wearing.
Trunks
Trunks give you more coverage than briefs while still sitting relatively close to the body. Depending on the style, they may be fitted like a short boxer or looser like traditional swim shorts.
They're a good middle ground for beach days, holidays, pools and situations where you want something that works both in and out of the water.
Compared with briefs, looser styles can hold more water and create more drag while swimming, but they offer extra coverage and a familiar everyday fit.
Trunks suit you if: you want more coverage, spend as much time around the water as you do in it, or want one versatile style for casual swimming and beach wear.
Jammers
Jammers are tight, knee-length swimwear designed primarily for lap swimming and training. They're commonly used by competitive and squad swimmers because they provide coverage without the loose fabric of traditional swim shorts.
They also provide a compressive feel through the thighs, making them a strong option if you want performance-oriented swimwear with more coverage than briefs.
Jammers suit you if: you're doing structured pool sessions, swim training or want thigh coverage with a close performance fit.
So which one should you choose?
Think about what you genuinely do when you go swimming.
- Lap swimming and training: briefs or jammers.
- Beach days with plenty of swimming: briefs or fitted trunks.
- Casual beach and pool days: trunks.
- Performance swimming with more coverage: jammers.
There's no reason to own only one style. Plenty of swimmers use different cuts depending on where they're going and what they're doing.
What to look for in men's swimwear
Fabric. Look for swimwear fabric with good stretch, shape retention and quick-drying properties. Nylon, polyester and elastane blends are all commonly used, with the exact blend affecting feel, stretch and durability.
Lining. A properly lined swimsuit can improve comfort, support and coverage, particularly with lighter colours.
The waistband. It should feel secure without digging in. A drawcord gives you extra adjustment and helps keep the suit in place when swimming or diving.
Fit at the leg. Too tight and the opening can dig in; too loose and the suit can move around. Getting the correct size makes a bigger difference than almost any other feature.
Getting the size right
Swimwear sizing isn't identical across every brand, so don't rely entirely on the size letter you usually buy.
One of the easiest checks is to take a pair of swim briefs you already like, lay them flat and measure straight across the waistband. You can then compare that measurement with the garment measurements provided by the brand.
JWS Swimwear is designed with a close athletic Australian fit. Check the JWS size guide for garment measurements and fit guidance. If you're between sizes or prefer a slightly more relaxed fit, sizing up may be the better option.
Making your swimwear last
Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, heat and rough surfaces can all shorten the life of swimwear over time.
Rinse your swimwear in cool fresh water after swimming, wash it gently in cold water, avoid fabric softener and allow it to air dry in the shade. Avoid tumble drying and storing it while damp.
See the full JWS care guide for more detailed care instructions.
JWS men's swim briefs
If briefs are the right fit for you, explore the JWS men's swim brief collection. The range is fully lined, made with an 85% nylon and 15% spandex blend, and designed with a close athletic fit for swimming, training and beach wear.
Swimwear is where Journey With Shannon started — and it remains a core part of JWS Clothing.