Category: Pánske plavky – materiály, strihy a technológie
Do you choose swimwear by colour, or by how it actually performs in the water? Most men do not consciously answer this question in the shop — and that is precisely why, after two seasons, they look at stretched, faded and deformed swimwear and try to figure out where it all went wrong. It started with the choice of cut type.
Briefs, boxer briefs, swim shorts, thongs, boardshorts, jammers — each type was created in response to a different need. They differ in water resistance, coverage, anatomical support and also in how they react to chlorine, salt and UV radiation. From 19 years of experience of DESSUE experts we know that the same man can swim twice as fast in briefs as in long shorts — and in those same shorts will feel more comfortable during all-day wear on holiday.
This article is a complete overview of all the main types of mens swimwear. We base it on concrete observations from real-world testing at DESSUE — how each type behaves after dozens of swims, on different body shapes and in different environments (pool, sea, thermal baths). The aim is to give you clear criteria for choosing a model that will actually work for your needs.
Swimwear is not a universal product. Each type was created in response to a different need — from minimising water resistance in competition through universal pool wear to long-term comfort on the beach and on the evening promenade.
Practical tests at DESSUE confirm that the type of cut fundamentally changes how swimwear behaves in the water and out of it. Briefs minimise water resistance, boxers offer a balanced compromise, shorts prioritise comfort and coverage, jammers solve performance. If you wear shorts during intensive swimming, you slow yourself down unnecessarily. If you wear briefs only for all-day lounging by the pool, you lose their main advantage.
In the 2025 season we observed at DESSUE a noticeable shift in customer behaviour — men increasingly buy two or three different types of swimwear instead of a single universal model. This approach makes sense: each type works best in a different situation, and a combination of two or three cuts covers practically all scenarios that a holiday, a pool or wellness can bring.
The second decisive factor is the material. Even the best cut loses its meaning if the swimwear fabric is cheap polyester that loses shape and colour after a few swims. Hi-Tech materials in the DESSUE offer resist chlorine, salt water and UV radiation and last 2–3 seasons in regular use. We cover material differences in detail in the article What chlorine does to swimwear.
Before the detailed analysis of individual types, we offer you a quick overview that summarises the key properties of each cut. The table helps with rapid decision making — a detailed description of each type follows.
| Swimwear type | Main use | Water resistance | Coverage | Versatility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Briefs | Swimming, wellness, sauna, thermal baths | Lowest | Minimal | Medium |
| Boxers | Universal use — pool, sea, sport | Low | Medium | Highest |
| Swim shorts | Beach, holiday, all-day wear | Medium to higher | Highest | High (except swimming) |
| Boardshorts | Surfing, water sports | Higher | High | Low (specialised) |
| Thongs | Sunbathing, southern beaches, specific occasions | Lowest | None | Low (specialised) |
| Jammers | Training, competitive swimming | Lowest (compression) | Medium to high | Low (sport) |
Mens brief swimwear is, from the perspective of movement in the water, the most efficient type. Its construction is based on minimising drag — minimum material means minimum friction with water. The combination of a snug fit, anatomically shaped front and the absence of a leg piece creates swimwear that does not slow you down at swimming pace and does not create pressure during movement.
For swimmers who train or actually swim in the pool, briefs are the obvious choice. They are at the same time the most practical choice for wellness, saunas and thermal baths — in many facilities across Europe briefs are even mandatory, because looser cuts catch more dirt and complicate water filtration.
For DESSUE”s English-speaking customers, briefs together with thongs and short cuts represent a strong category preference — historically stronger than shorts. Quality briefs are a piece that pays for itself in real-world use through hydrodynamic performance, comfort during swimming and resistance of the material to chlorine and salt water.
However, in cheap models the weak spot becomes apparent very quickly. The material loses elasticity, the waistband ripples, the anatomically shaped front loses firmness. After 10–20 swims, cheap briefs start to sag, slip and lose their original shape. At DESSUE we have repeatedly seen the same pattern in returns — cheap briefs that are no longer in shape after a single summer week at an aqua park.
Quality brief swimwear, by contrast, uses 100 % Hi-Tech polyester specifically prepared to the requirements of Roberto LUCCA. As a result, they retain their shape, elasticity and anatomical support even after 40–50 swims. The anatomically shaped front also includes an opening for the Push-Up Pack, which adds another layer of comfort and support.
The biggest mistake is choosing on lowest price. With briefs, lack of quality shows up extremely quickly because the small amount of material means every loss of elasticity is visible. With quality briefs in the DESSUE offer, the difference is felt from the first wear — the material is full, the waistband holds without pressure and the cut sits naturally. The second common mistake is omitting the Push-Up Pack, which fundamentally changes comfort and appearance with quality briefs — especially in lighter colours.
Mens boxer swimwear is the most versatile swimwear type. They combine a close-fitting cut with a short leg, providing a balanced ratio between performance and comfort. With boxers, the leg cut and the quality of the waistband make the difference.
Shorter boxers (approximately 4 to 7 inches in length) have lower water resistance and are more suitable for active swimmers; longer models offer more coverage and are closer to the comfort of shorts. In the DESSUE offer, the lengths of individual models are described relatively — short, medium, long — because each cut has its own proportions and exact figures in inches would not be representative across models.
In practical tests at DESSUE, cheap boxers repeatedly showed a problem with the waistband. The cheap elastic starts to ripple after a few uses, lifts away from the body and loses support. Quality boxers have a flat elastic integrated by stitching — the waistband stays smooth, does not scratch and retains its original elasticity even after dozens of swims.
The second point is the inner lining. Cheap boxers often have a mesh that is see-through, scratches and loses shape over time. Quality boxers in the DESSUE offer have a full inner lining made from Hi-Tech material, which secures cut stability, full coverage and no see-through.
When choosing length, we recommend considering the intended use. Shorter boxers look more sporty, visually lengthen the leg and are more suitable for active swimming. Longer boxers offer more coverage and comfort during all-day wear. If you are looking for a model that handles everything, mid-length boxers are usually the best compromise.
Mens swim shorts are the most popular swimwear type in continental Europe. Their popularity is growing each year. The main reason is versatility — shorts work in the water, on the beach, at lunch in a beach restaurant and on the evening walk. On the English-speaking market the picture is slightly different: customers more often combine shorts with briefs and thongs, and the category share is more balanced.
With shorts, the difference between cheap and quality models is probably the largest of any swimwear type. Cheap shorts often use material that absorbs water — after entering the sea or the pool they become heavy, slow and uncomfortable. With larger shorts air also gets into the legs, creating drag and a balloon effect.
Quality swim shorts take a different approach. 100 % Hi-Tech polyester from the DESSUE premium offer repels water from the very first contact — you can literally see water running down the surface of the material, a property you simply do not get with cheap models. When you step out of the pool, the bulk of the water leaves the shorts in seconds; complete drying happens through airing and movement over a few minutes. Details on how quick-drying materials really work are covered in a separate article.
Shorts come in three basic lengths: short, medium and long. Short shorts look more modern, visually lengthen the leg and are popular in trend cuts. Mid-length shorts are the most versatile and account for the bulk of sales. Long shorts offer maximum coverage and suit stockier body shapes. A complete overview is available in the article How to choose the right shorts cut.
Boardshorts are a specialised swimwear type, primarily designed for surfing and other water sports. Their construction is adapted to mechanical stress — sturdier cut, longer leg, reinforced seams and often a special waistband without a drawstring so it does not injure the skin in case of a fall from the board.
However, this robustness comes with a compromise. Boardshorts have higher water resistance and are not ideal for classic swimming or wellness. It is a specialised product for specific use — surf, kitesurf, wakeboard. In ordinary situations quality swim shorts work better and look more modern.
Mens thong swimwear represents the extreme of minimalism. The material is reduced to the absolute minimum, which means maximum tan without white lines and a specific aesthetic effect. On the English-speaking market, thongs are a strong category — together with briefs they form the preferred direction for a significant part of DESSUE customers, especially in regions with a more developed beach and tan culture.
From a functional point of view, thongs are not universal. They are particularly suitable for beaches where such a cut is not a problem, for sunbathing and for specific situations where the wearer wants to accentuate the figure. In wellness centres and public pools in continental Europe, thongs are usually not accepted; in coastal regions of the south, in Latin America and at exotic destinations they are entirely standard.
For men who travel to those regions and want to fit in with the local style, thongs are a relevant choice. A special category is String Mania — thongs with interchangeable coloured cords that turn one piece of swimwear into a different look every day.
Jammers are a technical swimwear type intended for training and competitive swimming. Their elongated cut reaches approximately to the knees and the compression effect reduces water resistance, supports muscle stability and improves performance.
From a design point of view, jammers look like extremely tight shorts. For ordinary wear by the water they are impractical, and in the DESSUE offer they are a minority category — used mainly by a narrow group of active swimmers and training-oriented customers.
In 19 years of testing and comparing swimwear at DESSUE we have identified six concrete signs that distinguish a quality product from a cheap one. All 6 signs can be checked by visual inspection of swimwear in the shop and at home — you do not need any special tools, just attention to detail.
1. Material weight when squeezed in the palm. Quality swimwear feels full and dense. Cheap swimwear is see-through, light and disappears in the palm when squeezed.
2. Waistband with flat elastic and integrated stitching. A quality waistband is smooth and retains its original shape even after dozens of swims. A cheap waistband only has the elastic glued in — after a few uses it begins to ripple.
3. Cord with firm endings and quality braid. A quality cord is textile, the endings often carry a brand logo. A cheap cord is made of nylon, the endings break and the cord shortens.
4. Inner satin label. Quality swimwear has a delicate satin label sewn in flat. Cheap swimwear has a print directly on the material or a hard label that scratches.
5. Anatomically shaped front. Quality swimwear has a front shaped by stitching and an opening for the Push-Up Pack. Cheap swimwear has a flat front without shaping.
6. Full inner lining instead of mesh. Quality swimwear has a full inner lining that secures no see-through, full coverage, no scratching and cut stability. Cheap swimwear has only mesh.
Swimwear that meets all 6 signs belongs to the premium segment. Swimwear with 4 signs is above-average mid segment. Swimwear with fewer than 3 signs is a cheap product where quality flaws appear after the first uses. A detailed overview of brands that meet 6/6 signs as standard is available in the article Top 10 Best Swimwear Brands 2026.
Tests at DESSUE clearly show that the material decides about the lifespan of swimwear more than any other factor. Quality swimwear made of 100 % Hi-Tech polyester has a lifespan of 40–50 swims per season without significant change in properties and 2–3 seasons in regular use.
Cheap polyester swimwear loses an essential part of its properties already after 10–20 swims. After 30–50 swims, cheap polyester practically has no original elasticity, colour stability or shape stability left.
A special case is thermal baths (36–40 °C / 97–104 °F). Higher temperature and mineral content degrade swimwear 2–3 times faster than ordinary water. For wellness and pool use, choosing a quality material is therefore even more important.
Polyester is more advantageous for swimwear than the 80/20 polyamide/elastane blend used for underwear. Polyester resists chlorine, UV radiation and salt water better while preserving colour stability. The blend with polyamide is more pleasant on the skin, but in swimwear it degrades faster. We cover designer mens swimwear and its material properties in detail in a separate article.
Body shape is an important factor when choosing the cut. Slim and proportionate body shapes can handle practically any type — briefs, boxers and shorts. Stockier body shapes benefit from longer shorts or longer boxers, which visually balance proportions. Tall bodies can also wear shorter cuts that visually lengthen the leg. Shorter bodies should avoid long shorts, which visually shorten proportions. A detailed guide is available in the article How to choose mens swimwear by body shape.
Intended use decides at least as much as body shape. For regular swimming in the pool, mens brief swimwear or short boxers are best. For wellness, saunas and thermal baths, briefs are often mandatory and at the same time the most practical choice. For ordinary wear at the pool, on the beach and during a holiday, mens swim shorts are ideal. For water sports such as surfing, boardshorts are suitable. For training and performance swimming, jammers.
The universal compromise that works in all scenarios is mens boxer swimwear — that is the reason why most men who want one model for everything choose them.
In long-term tests at DESSUE we track how swimwear behaves after dozens of swims. The results are consistent: quality swimwear from the DESSUE premium offer retains the bulk of its properties even after 40–50 swims and lasts 2–3 seasons of regular use.
Cheap swimwear shows the first changes after 10–20 swims — loss of waistband elasticity, fading of colour, deformation of the cut. After 30–50 swims, cheap polyester loses the bulk of its original properties and the swimwear becomes practically unusable.
Thermal baths (36–40 °C / 97–104 °F) accelerate degradation 2–3 times. For pool use and wellness, the choice of a quality brand is therefore critical.
Choosing the type of swimwear is not an aesthetic detail, but a functional decision. Briefs minimise water resistance and are ideal for swimming and wellness. Boxers are for most men the most versatile type. Swim shorts solve comfort and all-day wear. Thongs, boardshorts and jammers are specialised solutions for specific situations.
After choosing the type, the material decides. Hi-Tech polyester from the DESSUE premium offer withstands 40–50 swims per season and lasts 2–3 seasons of regular use. Cheap polyester starts to break down after 10–20 swims. The investment in a quality brand pays back in lifespan and comfort throughout the entire wear period.
If you are looking for quality mens swimwear that meets all 6 quality signs, take a look at our Roberto LUCCA collection. All models are made of premium Hi-Tech materials, anatomically shaped and designed precisely for the conditions a pool, the sea and wellness bring. For practical tips before the summer holiday we also recommend the article Mens swimwear for a beach holiday, which solves the optimal number of pairs and the combination of cuts.
The content of this article was prepared by practising experts from DESSUE based on more than 19 years of experience with the selection, testing and sale of mens swimwear. Products from the DESSUE premium offer are tested in real-world conditions: the sea, pool and thermal baths.
Mens boxer swimwear is the most versatile type — they work in the pool, on the beach and during sport. For most men who want one model for everything, they are the ideal choice. Mid-length boxers cover most situations, from a morning swim to an afternoon at the beach.
Yes, brief swimwear is not limited by age. Their efficiency in swimming and their comfort in wellness do not depend on the age of the wearer. In developed swimming cultures (Germany, Nordic countries) most men wear briefs regardless of age, and in thermal baths they are often the mandatory choice.
Boxers are a close-fitting cut with minimal contact with water; short shorts are a looser cut with more material. Boxers are more suitable for swimming and active movement in water, shorts for comfort during all-day wear and universal use also out of the water.
With regular use of 40–50 swims per season, quality swimwear lasts 2–3 seasons. With cheap models, replacement is recommended already after one season, because cheap polyester loses the bulk of its original properties after 30–50 swims.
In most public pools in continental Europe and in the UK, mens thongs are not accepted — house rules generally require a cut providing minimum coverage. In countries of southern Europe, in Latin America and at exotic destinations, thongs are commonly accepted and there is no problem with them.
The Push-Up Pack is a standalone anatomical accessory (model 9554, ONE SIZE) inserted into the opening in the anatomically shaped front of selected swimwear models from DESSUE. It adds comfort and support, especially in brief swimwear. It is a standalone product that the customer purchases independently of the swimwear.
For thermal baths (36–40 °C / 97–104 °F), quality brief swimwear or boxers made of Hi-Tech polyester are most suitable. Higher temperatures and minerals in thermal water degrade swimwear 2–3 times faster, so quality material and thorough rinsing with fresh water after each use are recommended.
Briefs and short boxers copy the body the most and accentuate the figure. Thongs in turn highlight the entire silhouette through maximum tan without white lines. Shorts rather conceal the figure and are more suitable for those who prefer a looser cut.
For a 7-day holiday, 2–3 pairs of mens swimwear made of Hi-Tech polyester that dry in 1–2 hours are enough. For a 14-day holiday, we recommend 4 pairs, ideally in a combination of different cuts — one shorts model for the beach, one boxer or brief model for active swimming and one exceptional piece for evening occasions. A detailed guide is available in the article Mens swimwear for a beach holiday.
For the first spring swim we recommend mid-length boxers or swim shorts made of Hi-Tech polyester — they are sufficiently universal for the pool and for a cooler morning dip in the sea. When choosing colour, prefer more expressive tones (lime, coral, blue) that visually fit the summer look. Dark colours are suitable for thermal and indoor facilities where there is no pronounced sunlight.
At the e-shop Dessue.com you will find mens swimwear made of Hi-Tech materials in all main types — including a wide selection of swim shorts, brief swimwear, boxer swimwear and thongs. Worldwide delivery.
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