“Unlike women, men don't really have to sweat through the annual bathing suit purchase.
Your choice is really about comfort and activity level. Here's the low-down on your swimwear options. So, dive in."
•Meet Tomima
Men's Swimwear Features
Boardshorts "boardies" or jams are a men�s swimwear style that has
long been associated with water sports requiring a board. Boardshorts
have a trunk style, but with legs that extend to the knee or slightly
above. The boardshort was first the uniform of surfers. Now, with
wake-boarding, surfboarding, boogie-boarding, knee-boarding, and
skim-boarding, the boardshort can be seen on just about anyone on
U.S. beaches and around swimming pools.
Recently, boardshorts have acquired a rapper silhouette � baggy
and low-riding. They often have wild vibrant colorful designs, Hawaiian
floral images, or have color blocking.
Looks best on: Taller men. Long baggy clothes always make
a man look a little shorter. If you�re under 6� choose a boardshort
with a 10" or shorter side seam. Guys over 6� can wear the 22" side
seams.
As underwear or as a swimsuit, a boxer is a safe swimsuit option
� not too long, not too short and not too tight. If this is your
swimsuit silhouette of choice, try to find one with a drawstring
waistband. Elastic waistbands don�t adjust and tend to ride up on
your hips. The waistband can also fold over if you have a belly,
thus accentuating your gut.
Looks best on: Average to husky built men.
Cabana Sets
Back in the 50�s men didn�t just buy a swimsuit. They bought a cabana
set. These sets were a matching boxer swimsuit and short sleeve
shirt. Available today, though rather hard to find. It�s a
very civilized approach around the swimming pool. You walk in wearing
a shirt and shorts. You take your shirt off if you want to swim
or sun bathe. When you�re ready to leave, you put your shirt back
on and walk out. No hairy back or exposed belly in constant view.
Looks best on: All men. However, it�s traditionally been
an older man�s choice. If your physique isn�t what it used to be,
this is a great covering solution.
The speedo or racing suit is a brief style swimsuit usually worn
by men in swimming related sports. Worn below the lower waist, they
are secured with a drawstring, have a 1 - 1/2" to 3"
side seam, and thin elastic banding around the legs. A speedo is
usually made of a nylon and lycra/spandex fabric, and is the preference
for water sports because of its drag reduction in the water. There
is usually a liner - at least in the front. The speedo is a very
revealing style.
Looks best on: Men in great shape. Though common in Europe, American men, (and women for that matter) find it too
revealing or aesthetically unfashionable on men who are not in good shape.
The trunk or square leg suit is a more conservative swimsuit style
than the speedo. The trunk is form fitting but has short legs with
about a 1" - 2" inseam. This gives a man coverage over his upper
leg section and more modesty. The sides are also wider than a speedo
(5" �7") and the waist can also have a drawstring. If a man wants
support in his swimsuit and doesn�t feel like he can wear a speedo,
the trunk style is the answer.
Looks best on: Men in okay shape or a little soft. Looks
good on men of all heights.
