What to look for in men’s training swimwear

Streamlining is key to efficient swimming, so it makes sense to wear a costume that supports that – unless you feel uncomfortable doing so, says Simon Griffiths

When choosing swimwear for training, my first question is usually: “Will I feel comfortable in this?” And I don’t mean physical comfort. Swimming can feel exposing. I want to feel comfortable walking out on poolside in what I’m wearing.

But this isn’t always a simple question. Context matters. Doing a club training session is different to swimming in a public session – although it shouldn’t be.

I’ll give an example. One time, on a trip, I went for a swim in a hotel spa pool. All the other men were wearing baggy shorts and clearly went to the gym. As I strolled out in my regular training briefs, I felt under-bulked and under-dressed. Mind you, I was the only person there who did any actual swimming.

Anyway, comfort is personal. It’s better to choose swimwear you are happy to wear than to be put off swimming by thinking you need to wear something you don’t want to.

Sleek or shorts?

That said, for training purposes, sleek, tight-fitting swimwear is objectively better for your swimming. Baggy shorts create a lot of drag and slow you down. You have to work a lot harder to hold the same speed.

Does that matter? In short doses, swimming with extra drag can help build strength, which is good. But swimming with baggy shorts will tire you out more quickly and possibly affect your body position by sinking your hips. Streamlining is key to efficient swimming. It makes sense to wear a costume that supports that – unless you feel uncomfortable doing so.

Brief vs jammers

Your next decision is the length. Essentially, there are four cuts:

• Briefs – such as traditional “Speedos”
• Wide-sided briefs – like briefs but wider at the sides
• Trunks – fabric extends to mid-thigh
• Jammers – fabric extends to the just above the knee

In terms of performance, there’s little to distinguish between these, although note that racing costumes are jammer style for the compression benefit.

Ideally, you would want to choose a costume that will last, so look out for chlorine and UV resistant material. 

Finally, look for a colour and patten that suits your personality – or have a range so you change depending on your mood.

A few of our favourite styles for for pool training…

---

---

All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Read more Outdoor Swimmer gear reviews.