How to Choose a Men's Lap Swimming Suit

There are a surprising number of choices to make when it comes to purchasing a men's lap swimming suit — swim briefs, jammers, drag suits, square leg suits, and more. The right choice depends on your intended use (practice vs. racing), comfort preferences, body type, and the fabric's durability against chlorine and UV exposure. This guide from the SwimOutlet swim team explains the key differences between men's swimsuit styles, fabrics, and features so you can find the right suit for every session.

Men's Swimsuit Styles Compared

Men's lap swimming suits range from minimal coverage to knee-length. Here's how the main styles compare:

*Square leg suits can be used for racing at most levels, though briefs and jammers are more common in competition.

Suit Cuts & Styles: In Depth

Briefs (Racers / "Speedos")

Swim briefs are the traditional men's lap swimming suit and remain the most popular choice among competitive swimmers worldwide. Their minimalist cut allows a completely unrestricted range of motion across all four strokes, which is why breaststroke specialists particularly favor them — the frog kick demands full hip flexibility that jammers can slightly restrict.

Briefs produce the least drag of any swimsuit style (excluding tech suits), making them ideal for both practice and racing. They're also the easiest to get on and off — a practical advantage during multi-event swim meets. Note that while briefs are sometimes called "Speedos," Speedo is actually a brand that makes a full range of swimsuit styles, not just briefs.

Best for: Competitive swimmers of all levels, breaststrokers, technique-focused training, racing, water polo (where extra fabric gives opponents something to grab).

Jammers

Jammers are tight-fitting suits that extend from the waist to just above the knee, similar to bicycle shorts. They provide more coverage and thigh compression than briefs while maintaining a hydrodynamic, form-fitting profile. Modern training jammers use chlorine-resistant polyester or PBT fabrics that can last for years of regular use.

Jammers are an excellent choice for swimmers who want more modesty, need anti-chafing protection on the inner thighs during long sessions, or prefer the muscle-support sensation that compression provides. The only minor trade-off is a slight restriction of hip rotation compared to briefs — noticeable primarily in breaststroke — though most swimmers find this negligible.

Best for: Training, fitness swimming, swimmers who prefer more coverage, backstrokers (thigh coverage during extended time on the back), triathletes, and swimmers with thigh chafing issues.

Square Leg (Square-Cut)

Square leg suits sit between briefs and jammers in terms of coverage — slightly longer than a brief, ending at the upper thigh with a squared-off leg opening. They tend to be more fashion-forward and are popular for their versatile look that works for both pool training and casual swim settings.

Best for: Practice, casual lap swimming, swimmers who want slightly more coverage than briefs without the full length of jammers.

Drag Suits

Drag suits are baggy, loose-fitting mesh briefs designed to create intentional resistance in the water. They're a training aid, not a racing suit — the added drag forces your muscles to work harder, building strength and endurance that pays off when you switch to a streamlined suit on race day. Lined drag suits can be worn alone; unlined versions are typically worn over a regular brief.

Many coaches build drag suit training into periodized programs: swimmers train with increased resistance (drag suit) during the conditioning phase, then remove it during taper to experience a noticeable speed boost on race day — sometimes called the "taper effect."

Best for: Strength and endurance training, resistance work, conditioning phases.

Tech Suits (Racing Jammers)

For serious competition, tech suits represent the pinnacle of swimwear technology. These racing-specific jammers use advanced compression fabrics, bonded (rather than sewn) seams, and internal taping designed to reduce drag, improve body position, and enhance muscle efficiency. They provide measurable performance advantages — studies suggest tech suits can reduce active drag and improve race times by 1–3%.

Tech suits are designed to be worn only for competition, not daily practice. They're delicate, expensive ($100–$600+), and typically last only 10–15 wears before the compression degrades. For a detailed tech suit breakdown, see our tech suit guide.

Best for: Race day, championship meets, personal-best attempts. Size down from your training suit — tech suits should feel very tight on land.

Briefs vs. Jammers: Which Should You Choose?

This is the most common question male swimmers face. Here's a practical decision framework:

Pro tip: Many competitive swimmers use both — briefs for sprint work and racing (minimal drag), jammers for endurance training (muscle support and anti-chafing). There's no rule that says you have to pick one.

Swimsuit Fabric & Durability

The fabric of your swimsuit determines how long it lasts, how it fits over time, and how it performs in the water. Understanding materials helps you make a smarter investment:

• 100% polyester (or PBT) — The most chlorine-resistant and long-lasting option. Ideal for daily lap swimmers who are in the pool 3–5+ times per week. The trade-off is less stretch than spandex blends, which can make sizing trickier for some body types. Brands like Sporti Endurance and Speedo Endurance+ use this fabric.
• Polyester + spandex/LYCRA blends — Combine the durability of polyester with the comfortable stretch of spandex. These blends (typically 80% polyester / 20% LYCRA) offer a balance of longevity and flexibility, making them the most popular choice for training suits. They stretch to accommodate different body shapes while still resisting chlorine degradation.
• LYCRA/spandex-heavy fabrics — Maximum stretch and comfort, but fade and lose shape relatively quickly with regular chlorine exposure. Best for occasional swimmers or racing suits that are worn infrequently.
• Advanced racing fabrics — Tech suits use proprietary woven or bonded fabrics designed for compression and water repellency. These are engineered for performance, not durability — expect 10–15 wears maximum.

Additional features to look for:

• Full lining — Prevents fabric transparency and extends suit life by adding a protective inner layer.
• Drawstring waist — Essential for lap swimmers who push off walls or practice dive starts. Without a drawstring, the force of a push-off can pull the suit down.
• UPF rating — Important for outdoor swimmers. A UPF 50+ rating blocks over 98% of UV rays.

Sizing & Fit Guide

A well-fitting swimsuit is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. Here's how to get it right:

• Briefs — Should feel snug but not restrictive. The waistband should sit at or just below your natural waist without digging in. If you can slide more than one finger under the waistband, it's too loose.
• Jammers — Should feel tight on land (like compression shorts). The fabric should lay flat against your thighs with no bunching or wrinkling. In the water, they'll feel more comfortable as the water compresses the fabric against your body. You should be able to fit about two fingers under the waistband.
• Tech suits (racing jammers) — Size down one size from your training suit. They're meant to be very difficult to put on (consider using race suit gloves). The compression should be firm but not painful.
• Drag suits — Should be loose and baggy by design. Many swimmers simply choose their training brief size.

Tip: If you're between sizes, size down for racing and size up for training comfort. Swimsuits stretch slightly when wet.

Fit by Body Type

• Tall and lean — Jammers provide proportional coverage. Board shorts can overwhelm your frame; opt for mid-thigh length or shorter.
• Shorter and athletic — Briefs or square-cut suits visually lengthen your legs. Avoid knee-length jammers, which can make legs look shorter.
• Larger build — Look for suits with higher spandex/LYCRA content for a more accommodating fit. Polyester-blend jammers in sizes up to 38" or 40" waist are widely available from brands like Speedo and Sporti.

Training vs. Racing: A Strategy

Serious swimmers typically own multiple suits for different purposes:

• Daily training suit — A durable polyester brief or jammer. This is your workhorse — prioritize chlorine resistance and longevity over speed. Expect to replace every 6–12 months with heavy use.
• Drag suit — Worn over your training brief during conditioning phases to build strength. Removed during taper for a speed boost.
• Race suit — A tech suit jammer saved exclusively for competitions. The contrast between training in a drag suit and racing in a tech suit maximizes the perceived speed advantage.

This periodized approach — increasing resistance during training and removing it for competition — is one of the oldest and most effective strategies in competitive swimming.

How to Care for Your Swimsuit

Proper care can dramatically extend the life of your training suit:

• Rinse immediately — After every swim, rinse your suit thoroughly with cold, fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, and pool chemicals.
• Never machine wash or dry — The heat and agitation break down fibers faster than anything. Hand-wash with mild soap if needed.
• Air dry in the shade — Avoid direct sunlight, which degrades elastic fibers and fades colors. Lay flat or hang to dry.
• Don't wring or twist — Gently squeeze out excess water instead.
• Rotate suits — If you swim daily, having 2–3 training suits in rotation gives each one time to recover its shape between uses, significantly extending their lifespan.
• Avoid sitting on rough surfaces — Pool decks, concrete, and rough bench surfaces can snag and abrade suit fabric.

A Note for Water Polo Players

Water polo players should always choose swim briefs or specialized water polo suits over jammers. In water polo, any extra fabric gives opponents something to grab during physical play. Water polo suits are constructed with reinforced stitching and thicker, grab-resistant materials designed to withstand the constant pulling and wrestling. See our water polo swimwear collection for suits built for the demands of the sport.

Shop All Men's Competition & Training Swimwear →

FAQs

Should I wear briefs or jammers for lap swimming?

Both work well for lap swimming. Briefs offer maximum freedom of movement and the least drag, making them ideal for racing and technique work (especially breaststroke). Jammers provide more coverage, thigh compression, and eliminate inner-thigh chafing during long sessions. Many swimmers own both and alternate based on the workout — briefs for sprint sets, jammers for endurance days. Personal comfort and confidence should guide your choice.

What swimsuit material lasts longest in chlorine?

100% polyester (or PBT) fabrics are the most chlorine-resistant and long-lasting. Polyester-spandex blends (e.g., 80/20) offer a good balance of durability and stretch. Pure spandex/LYCRA suits have the most stretch but degrade fastest in chlorinated water. For swimmers training 3+ times per week, polyester or polyester-blend suits are strongly recommended.

What is a drag suit and why would I use one?

A drag suit is a baggy, mesh swimsuit worn over your regular suit during practice. It creates intentional water resistance, forcing your muscles to work harder. Think of it as swimming with weights — when you remove the drag suit for a race or test set, you feel noticeably faster. Drag suits are a training tool only and are never worn for competition.

Do I need a tech suit for racing?

It depends on your competitive level. For high school varsity, college, Masters, and championship-level meets, a tech suit provides a measurable advantage (estimated 1–3% time improvement). For beginners, recreational meets, or dual meets, a well-fitting training jammer or brief is perfectly adequate. Tech suits are expensive ($100–$600+) and only last 10–15 wears, so reserve them for meets that matter most. See our tech suit guide for details.

How tight should men's swim jammers fit?

Jammers should feel snug and compressive on land — like tight cycling shorts. There should be no loose fabric or bunching on the thighs. You should be able to fit about two fingers under the waistband. In the water, the hydrostatic pressure makes them feel more comfortable. Don't size up for comfort; a looser jammer creates more drag and defeats the purpose. For racing jammers (tech suits), go one size smaller than your training jammer.

Should I wear anything under swim jammers or briefs?

No. Both jammers and briefs are designed to be worn directly against the skin. Jammers include a built-in liner that provides support. Wearing underwear or other clothing underneath traps water, creates drag, causes chafing, and can damage the suit's inner lining.

What should men wear for water polo?

Always swim briefs or specialized water polo suits — never jammers. Water polo involves constant physical contact and wrestling, and the extra fabric of jammers gives opponents a handhold. Water polo suits are built with reinforced stitching and grab-resistant materials specifically for this purpose.

~

This guide is written and maintained by the SwimOutlet swim team. For more men's swimwear resources, explore our aqua shorts vs. jammers guide, tech suit guide, and competitive swimming rules.