Are you ready for your next water-filled summer trip? Whether your plans include a poolside weekend getaway, a lake vacation, or another aquatic adventure, take a look at what you need to know about swimming trunk selection.
What Length Is the Right Choice?
Men's swim trunks come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. This means you can buy anything from a short-short to a long board-style trunk. With the plentiful possibilities available, how can you decide which option is right for you?
Before you buy, consider:
- Your height. Are you a tall man? The taller you are, the shorter the trunk will look. You may need to choose a slightly longer style to accommodate for your longer legs or overall heights. But if you're on the shorter side, a long style may hit lower than you anticipated.
- The material. A tight trunk or one made from a material that rides up when wet may appear shorter than it really is.
- The activity. If you plan to lounge next to the pool, almost any length will do. But if your getaway includes outdoor activities (such as swimming or kayaking), you need a length that's comfortable to move in.
- Your personal preference. For some men, the shorter the better. Other men may prefer a longer or more modest fit. Whatever your preference is, you can find a style and length to fit your needs.
While length is a key part of the selection process, it isn't the only option to choose from. Along with the length, you also need to look at the overall fit.
What Is the Right Fit?
Now that you've chosen a length that meets your needs, it's time to focus on the fit. As you try different trunks, you need to look at:
- The waist. Even though you don't want trunks loose enough to fall off during a swim, you also don't want to feel the pinch of the material or elastic. The waist should fit snugly without feeling tight.
- The legs. Length isn't the only leg issue you face with fit. Steer clear of trunks with too-tight legs or leg openings. These will pinch, ride up, or make it almost impossible to swim, run, or do any other physical activity.
- The amount of fabric. Does the fabric billow around your body? You need a fit that's somewhere between skin-tight and circus tent. Too much fabric can drape oddly or make your body look smaller than it is. Too little fabric may seem skimpy or may show off more than you want.
After you've found the just-right length and fit, you can move on to the next step in the selection process — style.
What Is the Right Style of Trunk?
Your trunk style is a personal reflection of who you are. Like the rest of your wardrobe, swim trunks can match your personality. When you choose your trunks, think about:
- The color. Do you want to go bold or would you feel more comfortable with a subdued or neutral hue?
- The pattern. From camouflage to playful pups, patterns can take a plain swim trunk up a notch. Set your style apart from everyone else at the pool or on the beach with the perfect pattern pick.
- The accessories. Along with color and pattern, you also need to decide what types of accessories meet your swim trunk style needs. These may include a drawstring, belt loops, or pockets.
If you're not sure which type of trunk matches your personal style, try a few different options. You may need a more refined pair of trunks for your weekend with your wife's parents and a bold, wild pattern for a camping getaway with friends.
Do you need a new pair of swim trunks? Contact Over Under Clothing for more information.
