Trunks vs jammers
A body hugging streamlined fit or more modest comfort beside the pool – a round up of the latest men’s swimwear
ZONE3 Pro Brief Shorts
£28
I’ve been using these Zone3 Pro Brief Shorts regularly in training for the past month. They’re comfortable, sleek, and provide a touch more coverage than swimming briefs without feeling restrictive. They’ve held their shape well and still look and feel as good as new despite frequent use. I like the solid black colour and low-key branding; nothing flashy here, just a dependable pair of swim shorts you can wear session after session. Plus, they’re made from recycled fabric, which is a nice bonus.
ORCA Core Jammer
£34.95
At this price point, it’s hard to see why anyone would choose high-street swimwear over these entry-level performance jammers. They have an exceptionally comfortable fit; the fabric is soft yet maintains that solid, quality feel for which Orca are so well known, and they’re lined with flat locked stitching to eliminate chafing. The material is also 100% chlorine-resistant, ensuring it maintains its compressive fit over repeated pool seasons.
SUMARPO Wave Jammer
£34
“Are those racing jammers?” No, I explained to the person who asked me, the first time I tested the Sumarpo Wave Swim Jammer. However, while these are regular training jammers, I did feel sleek and fast through the water. The fit is firm and streamlined, but not compressive. I also liked the generous length drawstring, the elasticated waist band and the double layered fabric front panel.
TRI FIT Propel Jammer
£60
Can’t decide between a plain or patterned swim costume? Tri-Fit has the solution with their Propel Jammer: one leg is black, the other is coloured. It works. Beyond the aesthetics, this is a sound costume for training: sleek in the water, yet robust. One feature that stands out is the reinforced waist band with silicon grips; it feels secure without having to over-tighten the drawstring. We also liked the gripper strips around the legs, which prevent the fabric from riding up.
ZOGGS Cottesloe Hip Racer
£22
My first impression was that these trunks would be too small, but they stretched nicely to provide a sleek, body-hugging fit. Although described as a Hip Racer, these are not high-performance racing jammers. However, they are comfortable for training and recreational swimming. Having previously used Zoggs Ecolast swimwear, I’m confident these will last. The cut gives them the appearance of tight-fitting boxer shorts, providing a little more leg coverage than traditional briefs.
REEBOK Swim Short Abbott
£25
A budget-friendly pair of shorts for holidays and casual pool wear, these Reebok shorts focus on comfort rather than high-performance swimming. While the loose fit and soft mesh lining create too much drag for competitive training or serious lap swimming, they’re lightweight and quick drying so ideal for casual dips.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
