Swimsuits do not have a very long history, as they appeared after a long period of nude swimming. Yes, from old times to the Middle Ages, people used to swim naked. It was the late 1600s and early 1700 when people started wearing swimsuits.

In the 18th century women used to wear “bathing gowns” in the water; these were long dresses of fabrics that wouldn’t become transparent when entering the water, and they had weights sewn into the hems so that they would not rise up in the water. Men used to wear a form-fitting wool garment with long sleeves and legs that was similar to long underwear.

Don’t you think it’s funny how they went from nude swimming to covering themselves totally?

It was the 20th century that brought drastic change. With all that, it didn’t start well, as an Australian swimmer, Annette Kellerman was arrested in the US for being indecent after wearing at a competition a suit that showed her arms, legs and the neck. She was released, of course, and became a pioneer to the democratization of swimwear.

Then, later, swimwear continued to become smaller, until it reached it’s current form. Men’s swimwear developed in parallel to women’s, even though as women’s swimwear became smaller, in the 1990s a longer version of men’s swimwear was introduced in parallel to the small ones.

There are many types of professional swimsuits, for those who participate in competitions or do professional sports. But today we want to write about casual swimwear for men. Which types there are and which types go best with which body types.

Why is it useful to know which type fits your body the best? Well, you know how we always speak about wearing clothes that fit you; in this case it’s best to know which type of swimwear is most likely to fit you. Men come in all shapes and sizes and before you buy a swimsuit, you should definitely try on several pieces. Make sure to buy swimwear that fits you. Buying too large swimsuits will make you look bigger if you are  a big guy and smaller if you are a thin guy. Buying swimsuits that are smaller will make you look funny and can pop on you, so make sure you get one in your size.  Also, make sure you find them in a color that flatters your skin color. For this, we invite you to read our article “How to choose your clothes according to your skin tone“. Here you will find all the information you need.

Swim briefs

Also known as speedos, this type was launched at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Speedos are now made out of spandex and nylon composite or polyester. Briefs go best with athletic body types. This body type usually looks good in anything. If you wear briefs though, make sure they are not to small or too tight: they won’t make your package look bigger, they will make you look like a bodybuilder at a pageant contest.

 

 

Swim trunks

One of the most popular swimwear types today are the swim trunks. Swim trunks are shorter than boardshorts and longer than boxer shorts. Swim trunks became popular with the help of the series “Baywatch”. This type goes best for stocky body types. Make sure though, that in the UK, trunks are referred to what we just presented as briefs. These are best for men who are not very young, but still want to go for a youthful look.

 

 

 

Square leg swimsuits

This type of swimwear is cut similar to boxer-brief underwear. If you don’t like speedos, but like the fitted look, these swimsuits are the best option for you. Because they are such  a mix between more types of swimwear, they are versatile and go with many body types, from think to stocky, so we highly recommend these.

 

 

 

Boardshorts

Boardshorts are most popular among young men. They are worn for swimming, sunbathing and skating. As you can tell by the name, these were originally created for surfing, but now have spread their use and are used for swimming in general. This type goes best for very tall men. However, you need to make sure they fit you and are not too loose.

 

 

As usual, if you are skinny you can choose brighter colors and more patterns on your swimwear,as they will add bulk, and if you are bigger, you should go for darker, deeper more subtle colors or patterns.

Shorter guys usually look better in shorter swimsuits, while taller guys can usually look well in all types.

Also, if you travel, find out first what the customs of swimwear are in the country you will go, in order to not get into trouble.

The beach is not a place to show off: unless you want to show off. The beach does not imply getting a tan, or swimming in the sea or doing whatever everybody does. You can have a nice lunch at the beach, play a game or simply enjoy the place. There’s nothing wrong to wear your linen shirt or a nice t-shirt.

Now you know all you need to know about choosing swimwear according to your body type. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments below!

 

Fraquoh and Franchomme

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. What type of swimwear is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!