Men’s Swim Briefs

Whether you call them "racers," "competition suits," or by the popular trademark "Speedos," the swim brief remains the gold standard for serious aquatic athletes. By eliminating the excess fabric found in jammers or trunks, swim briefs offer unmatched freedom of movement for your legs and hips, making them essential for lap swimming, water polo, and diving. SwimOutlet stocks the largest variety of cuts and prints from industry giants like Speedo, Arena, TYR, Sporti, and Turbo.

Choosing Your Cut: Side Seam Width

Not all briefs are created equal. The most important specification to look for is the "Side Seam" measurement, which dictates coverage.

• The Racer / Diver Cut (1" - 2" Side): The most minimal coverage. Popularized by brands like Arena and Nike, these sit low on the hips and offer maximum leg mobility. Ideal for elite racing and diving.

• The Classic Brief (3" Side): The standard "Speedo" silhouette. This offers a balanced fit—secure enough for flip turns but free enough for kicking. This is the most popular choice for daily practice.

• The Euro / Water Polo Cut: Often features a slightly thicker fabric and a fuller seat. Brands like Turbo and Q-Swimwear are famous for these durable, double-layered suits that can withstand grappling and rough play.

Fabric Guide: Training vs. Leisure

• For the Daily Swimmer (Polyester): If you are swimming laps for fitness or competition, filter your search for "100% Polyester" or "PBT."

  • Why? Chlorine eats spandex. A polyester brief (like the Speedo Endurance+ or TYR Durafast) has no stretch to lose. It will maintain its shape and tight fit for months or even years of daily use.

• For the Beach & Sun (Lycra/Spandex): If you are shopping for vacation or tanning, choose a Nylon/Spandex blend.

  • Why? These offer a softer feel, a glossier finish, and brighter, more intricate prints. They are stretchier and more comfortable for all-day wear but less resistant to pool chemicals.

Fit & Sizing: How to Buy Online

• The Waist Rule: Swimwear sizing generally correlates to your pant waist size (e.g., Size 32 = 32-inch waist). However, competitive swim briefs are designed to fit tight to prevent water drag.

• The "Dry" Test: When you first try on a brief, it should feel very snug—almost too tight. Swimwear expands slightly when wet. If it is easy to put on dry, it may slide down during a dive or push off the wall.

• Drawstrings: Almost all of our performance briefs feature an internal drawstring. This is critical for security during dives and turns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these briefs have lining?

Yes. Virtually every men's brief we sell includes a front privacy lining. Some water polo and specialized training suits are fully lined (front and back) for extra durability and opacity.

Why should I wear a brief instead of jammers?

Freedom. Jammers (tight shorts) cover the thigh muscles, which can sometimes feel restrictive during breaststroke kick or water treading. Briefs provide zero resistance against your leg movements.

What is a "Drag Suit"?

You might see loose-fitting mesh briefs in this category. These are "Drag Suits" designed to be worn over your regular brief during practice to create resistance, acting like a weight vest for swimming to build power.