Heading to the beach and staring at the drawer? There are three main options for men's swimwear: swim briefs, swim trunks and boardshorts. Each has its place. Here's how they compare, and how to pick the one that suits the day you've got planned.
Swim briefs
The classic. Swim briefs (also known as speedos or budgie smugglers) are close-fitting, brief-cut swimwear with no leg.
Best for: actually swimming, beach days, pool parties, tanning with minimal lines, and travel (they pack down to almost nothing).
Pros: no drag in the water, dry fast, stay put when you dive or catch a wave, and look sharp.
Cons: they take a bit of confidence the first time. (It passes quickly.)
Swim trunks
Trunks sit somewhere in the middle: a short, fitted leg, usually finishing mid-thigh or higher.
Best for: guys who want a little more coverage but still want something fitted.
Pros: more coverage than briefs, less bulk than boardshorts.
Cons: more fabric means more drag and slower drying than a brief.
Boardshorts
The longest and loosest option, usually knee-length with a tie or velcro fly.
Best for: surfing over long sessions, or when you're spending more time out of the water than in it.
Pros: maximum coverage, double as regular shorts.
Cons: heavy when wet, slow to dry, and they balloon when you dive in. Sitting in the car afterwards is never fun.
Quick comparison
| Swim briefs | Trunks | Boardshorts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Minimal | Medium | Maximum |
| Drag in the water | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
| Packs small for travel | Yes | Mostly | No |
| Support | High (with a shaped pouch) | Medium | Low (unless lined) |
The smart move: own both
Plenty of guys wear a swim brief under their boardshorts, then drop the shorts when it's time to actually swim. You get coverage for the walk to the beach and a proper swim fit in the water. A supportive brief also beats a scratchy mesh liner every time.
Our pick
If you're trying swim briefs for the first time, start with the Classic Black. It's low-rise with a supportive front pouch and goes with everything. Want something louder? The Utility adds rugged side clips, and the Camo makes sure you're seen. Or grab all three colours in the Speedo Summer 3-Pack.
FAQ
Are swim briefs better for swimming than boardshorts?
For time spent actually in the water, yes. Briefs have far less drag and won't fill with water when you dive in.
Can I wear swim briefs under boardshorts?
Yes. It's a common combo: shorts for the walk, briefs for the swim.
What size swim brief should I get?
DINGO fits true to size. Check the size guide. If you're between sizes, size down for a firmer fit or up for a relaxed fit.
Make the switch this summer. Shop DINGO swimwear →