Men's Swimsuit Help

outbound2017
outbound2017 Posts: 5 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,

I'm frustrated by swimwear. I keep trying to find a suit for fitness swimming (at a gym) that isn't giant and baggy, like most board shorts are, but that also isn't super unforgiving of a bit of belly fat (I'm about 10 lbs "overweight," and looking to lose about 35 to put me at an ideal weight). Unfortunately, I missed swimsuit season so buying a suit in stores is almost impossible now. I tried ordering online as well, but even when I follow the size charts, I still manage to miss the mark.

Does anyone have recommendations for trim, gym-appropriate swim trunks that run true to sizes listed on the size charts? Honestly, I don't care if I order a M or a L as long as I know what I'm getting in terms of actual measurements.

Thanks.

Replies

  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    Try a pair of compression shorts like these sold by UA:

    https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/mens-heatgear-armour-long-compression-shorts/pid1289568-410

    UA doesn't make them as "tight" as they use to (which is a source of complaint among long time users, like me) but that makes them more "forgiving" in the belly area.

    They are made w/spandex, dry quickly and are still tight enough that they can be used for swimming.

    I don't swim but I wear these when working out and when I use the whirlpool in the pool area of my gym and they are fine for these purposes.
  • albertaro
    albertaro Posts: 9 Member
    edited October 2017
    SwimOutlet.com is where I get my swimwear for fitness swimming. Most men wear Jammers. They come close to the knee and are snug. I know nothing about sizing for men but this online store is very good about returns. I have had to order several different styles and sizes to find the right combo. Very easy to return what doesn't work. Good luck and keep swimming!
    Oh, and don't worry about the belly. Once you are in the pool no one sees anything. It's your comfort that is most important.
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
    SwimOutlet has all sorts of men's swim jammers. The Sporti brand is inexpensive($20-25) and not too snug. The downside is that the colors fade somewhat quickly, since I swim 3x's/week in the winter. I've also had great luck with the TYR brand. Higher priced, but also higher quality and the colors don't fade nearly as quickly.
  • MilesAddie
    MilesAddie Posts: 166 Member
    edited October 2017
    I'm a little confused...

    Are you looking for a sort of 80's Lifeguard type suit. Comes to 3/4 thighs, drawstring and elastic waistband? "Modern Hasselhoff" if you will. I know where to snag those.

    Or more of a fitness, spandex type thing?

    Edit: Hasselhoff is autocorrected on IPhone. Impressive.
  • jjpptt2
    jjpptt2 Posts: 5,650 Member
    I 2nd TYR swim gear - I'm a big fan of their stuff. Their jammers aren't exactly flattering, but that's not what I'm looking for when swimming laps.
  • DX2JX2
    DX2JX2 Posts: 1,921 Member
    You're in luck since trimmer fitting shorts have been in for a while now. I can't recommend any particular brand, but you should be able to find plenty of options with a little searching.

    The key for swimsuits for slightly heavier guys is to avoid any waistband that leans heavily on elastic. You want something with a 'fly' that opens and that uses drawstrings as a closure to avoid the dreaded muffin top.

    You're on the right track with boardshorts and just need to find one in an appropriate fit. Check out J.Crew as their current rotation of shorts are all on the trimmer side.
  • caseytoole
    caseytoole Posts: 6 Member
    Target has some "swim trunks" which are shorter in length (better for swimming), stretchy in the waist and look more like traditional swimwear rather than surfing board shorts or swim team style tighties. Look online as I don't think they have them in stores.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Swallow your pride & get a Tyr Jammer. It took my coach a little cajoling to get me to wear one (you'll never see me in one of those tiny speedos) but if you're swimming for fitness those are your only real choices other than the baggier swimsuits.
  • MikeinNOLA
    MikeinNOLA Posts: 91 Member



    Amazon for speedo trunks....size wise, can't help you other than I wear a 34 in most jeans and got the larges.












    amaz
  • Out_of_Bubblegum
    Out_of_Bubblegum Posts: 2,220 Member
    Some good answers here... so I'll just add:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kOKDdocGyc
  • goodkoalie
    goodkoalie Posts: 84 Member
    BrianSharpe wrote: »
    Swallow your pride & get a Tyr Jammer. It took my coach a little cajoling to get me to wear one (you'll never see me in one of those tiny speedos) but if you're swimming for fitness those are your only real choices other than the baggier swimsuits.

    10 weeks ago I felt the same way about a speedo. But it took trying waterpolo to get me into a Speedo and honestly they are so much better than the jammers are. So much more leg movement
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,522 Member
    I have become so comfortable in my TYR "jammer" (bike-shorts for swimmers) that I don't even think about it. Purchased via Amazon.

    I purchased one that equals my actual waist size, which is two "sizes" larger than most pants I buy. (I wear a 34, but I purchased a 36. My waist is, in fact, 36 inches. Not sure why pants manufactures feel the need to downsize from actual.) The fit was tighter than I expected at first, but I soon forgot all about it.

    I also have a TYR "brief" to wear under my wetsuit for open water swims. It makes for perfect "wetsuit underwear."
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I wear jammers for fitness swimming and Hurley boardshorts for casual swimming...though I've done laps in them as well. My boardshorts aren't super baggy.
  • BradyPug
    BradyPug Posts: 26 Member
    Am starting lane swimming as a activity for the winter and am struggling with same issues. Am short so board shorts look stupid on me with their longer legs and low hanging crotch LOL. That and the idea of dragging all that garment along doesn’t seem to make sense. Am somewhat undecided on what style of lap suit to get but leaning towards swim briefs for comfort and ease of movement. Do I want to parade around the pool in a Speedo ..... not sure but everything I read tells me to swallow my pride and go for it and think about the exercise I’m getting rather than trying to make (or not make) a fashion statement. Any others facing the same dilemnna?
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