Swim briefs are the most honest cut in swimwear — nothing to hide behind, nothing dragging in the water. If you've been thinking about making the switch from boardshorts, or you've bought briefs before and the fit was never quite right, this guide covers the three things that actually matter: size, fit and care.
How swim briefs should fit
A good swim brief should feel snug without digging in. The waistband sits flat against your hips — low enough to be comfortable, high enough that it doesn't roll when you move. The leg openings should hug the top of your thigh without leaving deep marks when you take them off.
Two signs the fit is wrong: if the fabric wrinkles or bunches at the front, the brief is too big; if the waistband folds over or the leg elastic cuts in, it's too small. Between sizes? For swimming laps, size down for less drag. For the beach or poolside, size up for comfort.
Picking your size
Ignore the size you wear in jeans — swimwear runs on waist measurement, not denim vanity sizing. Measure around your natural waistline (where the waistband will actually sit, usually just below the navel) with a soft tape, and match that number to the size chart on the product page. Every JWS brief lists its measurements on the product page, and if you land right between two sizes, the drawstring waist gives you real adjustment range either way.
Briefs vs boardshorts vs trunks
There's no wrong answer, but there are honest trade-offs. Boardshorts give coverage but hold water and cling when wet. Trunks are the middle ground. Briefs dry fastest, move with you rather than against you, and give you an actual tan line instead of a mid-thigh stripe. If you swim for fitness, briefs or trunks are the practical choice — boardshorts add noticeable drag over a session.
Making them last
Chlorine and salt are what kill swimwear, not wear. Three habits double the life of a swim brief:
- Rinse in cold fresh water after every swim — pool or ocean, same rule. Don't leave them balled up wet in a bag.
- Hand wash, no machine — a quick rinse with a drop of mild soap is all the fabric needs. Machine agitation and detergent break down elastane.
- Dry flat in the shade — direct sun fades colour and cooks the elastic. Never tumble dry, never wring.
The JWS approach
JWS Swimwear is designed in Australia around one idea: a premium brief you'd actually wear — quality fabric, a proper drawstring, embroidered rather than printed branding, in colours that hold up in real sun. Browse the current range here, and if you're unsure on sizing, the measurements on each product page are the ones to trust.
Questions about fit or sizing? Ask in the community chat — I answer there directly.