EXTRA,  GEAR,  July 2023,  Product Reviews

Best jammers, briefs and shorts for outdoor swimmers

Whether you’re after a flexible fit for training, thermal fabric for core warmth or a lightweight hybrid short for impromptu dips, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best jammers, briefs and shorts for outdoor swimmers.


Zoggs Pixel Print Mid Jammer

£35

They say: The Pixel Print Jammer is a discreet homage to Zoggs. With a pixelated Zoggs logo down the left side. Triangle front lined for extra modesty and a drawstring for the perfect fit – you can’t go wrong!

We say: If these are anything like the previous pair of Zoggs jammers we owned, they will hold their shape and last for years. Comfortable, ideal for pool training, recreational outdoor swimming or wearing under a wetsuit – exactly as jammers should be, really.


Zone 3 Yulex Jammer

£72

They say: The Men’s Yulex Natural Rubber Jammer is made for all your open water adventures. Featuring 1.5mm thickness throughout and an adjustable drawstring they provide core warmth and protection from the elements while allowing great freedom of movement, whatever the activity. They are eco-friendly too; by using natural rubber, the jammers CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 80%.

We say: While lacking the lift of neoprene buoyancy jammers, we noticed these Yulex jammers held our legs slightly higher in the water than a standard costume. The warmth gain is negligible unless combined with something like the Zone 3 Yulex Long Sleeve Top. Being more robust than regular jammers, we felt these are best suited to days on the beach, wild swims and watersports adventures.


Finisterre Walker Hybrid Shorts

£75

They say: Just as comfortable in the water as they are out of it, we’ve designed the Walker Shorts to be your go to companion for adventure and exploration. Built with a recycled nylon blend, they’re super lightweight and incredibly quick drying, making that mid-hike dip even more irresistible.

We say: These are simply brilliant. Other hybrids are not as light and comfortable as these. This style short is ideal for a day out dipping, walking and play on or near water. They don’t absorb loads of water or stick to your legs; they dry quick and even when a little damp didn’t rub or cause issue when walking.


Speedo 7cm Logo Brief Blue/Lilac

£24.50

They say: Stylish in blue with a multi-coloured waistband trim, our 7cm Logo Brief has a laidback vibe and includes a retro-style plastisol Speedo logo to the rear. Our Eco EnduraBrite fabric offers higher chlorine resistance than standard swimwear fabrics, delivers superb colour performance and fits like new for longer with CREORA HighClo. Made in part from recycled plastic bottles – the polyester yarn in the fabric is made from 100% post-consumer waste.

We say: You can’t go wrong with a pair of classic Speedos. Offering slightly more coverage than their 5cm brief, these are a well-fitting pair of trunks – once you get the right size! We recommend going up a size (or two) than your usual (I wear a 32” trouser, 34” in most other trunks, but a size 36” in Speedos). The tie-dye waistband and matching lilac front and back logos and drawstring give these a retro vibe. I can see these being a staple of my summer swim wardrobe. Plus, points for eco fabrics.


Aquasphere Essential Boxer

£36

They say: The Essential Boxer has been designed to guarantee long lasting comfort during swim training. Crafted with X-Play sustainable fabric, it allows high flexible fit guaranteeing greater range of motion. This training suit is made of 3 plastic bottles! 100% chlorine resistant, fully lined: long-lasting comfort and high flexibility.

We say: These have a lovely soft feel, yet still offer slick support. A great mid-way point between a jammer and brief they are excellent for pool swims, or outdoors. Aquasphere swimwear has always been a firm fav, they wear well over time and are a simple design. Largely used for pool swimming for the test but coped well in saltwater with no chaffing or discomfort. Great value and come in a range of seasonable colours.


Usual Objections Navy Blue Swim Briefs

£55

They say: Launched in 2020, Usual Objections was started with a belief that everyone is capable of great things. Built from the ground up to be as sustainable and ethical as possible, everything is handmade using recycled fabrics and ethically and sustainably sourced materials in Hackney, East London – an area with a rich heritage of garment production.

We say: The quality of these briefs is outstanding. Fully lined and with a 7cm waistband they feel like a modern classic – a timeless brief with cool design features like the hot pink drawstring, discreet logo on the back and contrast internal seam stitching. They come with a matching drawstring bag that will also fit goggles, hat etc.


This is an extract from the July issue of Outdoor Swimmer. If you buy a product through a link on this page we may receive a commission.

Outdoor Swimmer is the magazine for outdoor swimmers by outdoor swimmers. We write about fabulous wild swimming locations, amazing swim challenges, swim training advice and swimming gear reviews.