“How long should swim trunks be?” is a question that we get a lot. There is no right or wrong answer, it is simply a matter of preference.
Some men prefer their swim trunks to be shorter, while others prefer them to be longer. It really varies from person to person. There are, however, some general guidelines that you can follow when choosing the length of your swim trunks.
If you are taller, you may want to go with longer swim trunks. This will help to create a more proportional look. If you are on the shorter side, you may want to go with shorter swim trunks. This will help to make your legs look longer.
It is also important to consider the style of swim trunks that you will use.
There is a wide range of different types of men’s swimwear. We’ve dedicated a separate post to the different types of men’s swim trunks. In this post we will talk less about the different types and focus more on pure length. We will therefore group swim trunks together based on their length.
Understanding swim trunks length
Before diving into the different lengths for swim trunks we need to make sure that we speak the same language. We need to make sure that we measure our swim trunks the same way.
The most common way, and how we will do it moving forward, is to measure the inseam of the trunks. This is the measurement we refer to when saying 5″ swim trunks or 7-inch swim trunks.
Men’s swim trunks can be grouped into 4 categories:
Briefs
Short swim trunks
Medium-length swim trunks
Long swim trunks
Briefs
Length: 0 inches
Recommended for: Competitive swimmers, bodybuilders or when tanning.
As the name suggests, briefs are swim trunks that cover just the essentials. They are tight-fitting and provide little coverage. Briefs are the most minimal and shortest swim trunks there are. They have no legs and leave very little to the imagination. Briefs are a very special kind of swim trunks that only really should be used if needed.
Due to the very short nature of swim briefs, they are great for when you are swimming laps or competing in swimming.
Briefs are also used by bodybuilders since they want to show off as much of their bodies as possible. If you’re looking for a pair of swim trunks that will show off your physique, briefs are a good option
A final use case when you want your swim trunks to be as short as possible is when tanning. This way you can get an all-over tan without any lines.
Short swim trunks sit well above the knee. The inseam is usually between 3 and 5 inches.
Short swim trunks are shorter than regular shorts but they are still much longer than swim briefs. They provide good coverage and are therefore suitable for most activities.
One of the main reasons why people choose short swim trunks is because they are comfortable.
If you’re looking for a pair of swim trunks that is shorter than average but not too short, then short swim trunks are just for you.
Short length swim trunks
Medium-length swim trunks
Length: 6-8″
Recommended for: Most people
Medium swim trunks or mid-length swim trunks sit just over the knee. The inseam is usually between 6 and 8 inches.
Medium swim trunks provide more coverage than short swim trunks but they are still shorter than long swim trunks. Medium swim trunks strike a good balance between coverage and style. That’s why they are the most common among men.
If you want a pair of swim trunks that is not too long or too short, then medium swim trunks are for you. Also, if you are uncertain about your length we recommend going with mid-length swim trunks.
Mid-length swim trunks
Long swim trunks
Length: 9″+
Recommended for: Surfers
Long swim trunks sit below the knee. The inseam is usually 9 inches or more.
Because of their length, long swim trunks provide more coverage than any other type.
The most common use for long swim trunks is as board shorts for when surfing. Surfers want swim trunks that are longer and covers the knee since they are jumping up and down on the board using their knee.
We also believe that surfing is the only legit reason for using longer swim trunks. If you are not surfing and need swim trunks that cover your knees we highly recommend going with shorter swim trunks.
Long swim trunks are never a good fashion decision and you should have a very good reason for going with a pair of long swim trunks. If you can’t find a reason, then don’t get them!
Long swim trunks
Your own length
How long you are as a man will affect how long swim trunks you should wear. Generally, the longer you are the longer swim trunks you can wear.
Many guys do missinterperate the above statement so I’d like to clarify. The swim trunks should still sit in the same place on your leg for you as a long guy as they do for shorter men. Say you are looking for trunks that end just over the knee. Since you have longer legs you can naturally wear longer swim trunks.
So being a taller guy doesn’t mean your swim trunks should end below your knees. It simply means that you have longer legs and therefore need longer swim trunks to have the fit the same as a shorter guy.
Tall guys often choose swim trunks that are too long which makes them look silly. It’s important to remember that the swim trunks should end in the same place on your leg as a shorter man, it’s just that you need longer swim trunks to achieve this.
Confidence and trunks length
Not all guys are a fan of showing their legs and thighs. This is very individual but needs to be considered when choosing the length of your swim trunks.
If you are shy about your legs then we highly recommend staying away from any type of short swim trunks. Instead, you should go with swim trunks that sit just over the knee.
The main reason why I’m recommending this is because it will make you feel more comfortable. If you don’t feel comfortable in your swim trunks then it will show and affect your confidence.
So if you are shy about your legs, don’t force it. Wear something that ends just above the knee.
However, as we’ve discussed before, going over the knee is generally a big no. Even if you are shy about your legs we don’t recommend going over or below the knee. This doesn’t look good and might just bring more attention to your legs because people will wonder what made you go with such long swim trunks.
Consider the “audience”
I’m not saying you should really care about other people’s opinions when choosing the length of your swim trunks. It’s all up to you!
However, it can be good to know that different locations and settings favor different styles.
Shorter swim trunks are definitely a more European style. Whereas longer swim trunks are more popular in the US. Longer board shorts are also more common in Australia because of the surfing.
Not being prepared for different trends around the world can make you end up in some strange situations. Especially if you travel a lot.
For example, in Europe, it’s not really common to see guys wearing swim trunks that go below the knee. So if you travel to Europe and pack your long swim trunks then you might feel a bit out of place.
If you know you are going to travel it can be good to consider this so you don’t feel out of place. But again, it all comes down to what YOU feel comfortable in!
When in doubt – go for mid-length.
Final verdict – How long should swim trunks be?
So, what’s the verdict? What length swim trunk should you choose for your next beach vacation or pool party? The answer is – it depends. If you feel comfortable and confident in short swim trunks, go for it! But if you want to err on the side of caution, we recommend choosing a standard mid-length. And remember, long swim trunks are only necessary when surfing. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and your personal comfort level. Do you prefer shorter or longer swim trunks? Let us know in the comments below!
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There is a variety of men’s swimwear that is available, depending on the type of holiday they are looking for, or for those that are looking for something professional for water sports. We are firm believers that multiple pieces of swimwear should be owned by the modern man so that they are always ready for …
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Isn’t it great to be able to go to the water park, pool, or even some local beach with the kids during that well-deserved holiday? It’s a time of fun, sun, and sometimes sand that should not be a time of lotions crying, and pain. That can happen, and be especially frustrating for younger people …
How long should swim trunks be?
How long should men’s swim trunks be? This
“How long should swim trunks be?” is a question that we get a lot. There is no right or wrong answer, it is simply a matter of preference.
Some men prefer their swim trunks to be shorter, while others prefer them to be longer. It really varies from person to person. There are, however, some general guidelines that you can follow when choosing the length of your swim trunks.
If you are taller, you may want to go with longer swim trunks. This will help to create a more proportional look. If you are on the shorter side, you may want to go with shorter swim trunks. This will help to make your legs look longer.
It is also important to consider the style of swim trunks that you will use.
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The different lengths of men’s swim trunks
There is a wide range of different types of men’s swimwear. We’ve dedicated a separate post to the different types of men’s swim trunks. In this post we will talk less about the different types and focus more on pure length. We will therefore group swim trunks together based on their length.
Understanding swim trunks length
Before diving into the different lengths for swim trunks we need to make sure that we speak the same language. We need to make sure that we measure our swim trunks the same way.
The most common way, and how we will do it moving forward, is to measure the inseam of the trunks. This is the measurement we refer to when saying 5″ swim trunks or 7-inch swim trunks.
If want to learn more about how to measure swim trunks check out our full guide here.
Men’s swim trunks can be grouped into 4 categories:
Briefs
Length: 0 inches
Recommended for: Competitive swimmers, bodybuilders or when tanning.
As the name suggests, briefs are swim trunks that cover just the essentials. They are tight-fitting and provide little coverage. Briefs are the most minimal and shortest swim trunks there are. They have no legs and leave very little to the imagination. Briefs are a very special kind of swim trunks that only really should be used if needed.
Due to the very short nature of swim briefs, they are great for when you are swimming laps or competing in swimming.
Briefs are also used by bodybuilders since they want to show off as much of their bodies as possible. If you’re looking for a pair of swim trunks that will show off your physique, briefs are a good option
A final use case when you want your swim trunks to be as short as possible is when tanning. This way you can get an all-over tan without any lines.
Did you know: Swim briefs are called budgie smugglers in Australia. The term refers to one hiding a small parrot in their swim trunks.
Short swim trunks
Length: 3-5″
Recommended for: Trendy guys
Short swim trunks sit well above the knee. The inseam is usually between 3 and 5 inches.
Short swim trunks are shorter than regular shorts but they are still much longer than swim briefs. They provide good coverage and are therefore suitable for most activities.
One of the main reasons why people choose short swim trunks is because they are comfortable.
If you’re looking for a pair of swim trunks that is shorter than average but not too short, then short swim trunks are just for you.
Medium-length swim trunks
Length: 6-8″
Recommended for: Most people
Medium swim trunks or mid-length swim trunks sit just over the knee. The inseam is usually between 6 and 8 inches.
Medium swim trunks provide more coverage than short swim trunks but they are still shorter than long swim trunks. Medium swim trunks strike a good balance between coverage and style. That’s why they are the most common among men.
If you want a pair of swim trunks that is not too long or too short, then medium swim trunks are for you. Also, if you are uncertain about your length we recommend going with mid-length swim trunks.
Long swim trunks
Length: 9″+
Recommended for: Surfers
Long swim trunks sit below the knee. The inseam is usually 9 inches or more.
Because of their length, long swim trunks provide more coverage than any other type.
The most common use for long swim trunks is as board shorts for when surfing. Surfers want swim trunks that are longer and covers the knee since they are jumping up and down on the board using their knee.
We also believe that surfing is the only legit reason for using longer swim trunks. If you are not surfing and need swim trunks that cover your knees we highly recommend going with shorter swim trunks.
Long swim trunks are never a good fashion decision and you should have a very good reason for going with a pair of long swim trunks. If you can’t find a reason, then don’t get them!
Your own length
How long you are as a man will affect how long swim trunks you should wear. Generally, the longer you are the longer swim trunks you can wear.
Many guys do missinterperate the above statement so I’d like to clarify. The swim trunks should still sit in the same place on your leg for you as a long guy as they do for shorter men. Say you are looking for trunks that end just over the knee. Since you have longer legs you can naturally wear longer swim trunks.
So being a taller guy doesn’t mean your swim trunks should end below your knees. It simply means that you have longer legs and therefore need longer swim trunks to have the fit the same as a shorter guy.
Tall guys often choose swim trunks that are too long which makes them look silly. It’s important to remember that the swim trunks should end in the same place on your leg as a shorter man, it’s just that you need longer swim trunks to achieve this.
Confidence and trunks length
Not all guys are a fan of showing their legs and thighs. This is very individual but needs to be considered when choosing the length of your swim trunks.
If you are shy about your legs then we highly recommend staying away from any type of short swim trunks. Instead, you should go with swim trunks that sit just over the knee.
The main reason why I’m recommending this is because it will make you feel more comfortable. If you don’t feel comfortable in your swim trunks then it will show and affect your confidence.
So if you are shy about your legs, don’t force it. Wear something that ends just above the knee.
However, as we’ve discussed before, going over the knee is generally a big no. Even if you are shy about your legs we don’t recommend going over or below the knee. This doesn’t look good and might just bring more attention to your legs because people will wonder what made you go with such long swim trunks.
Consider the “audience”
I’m not saying you should really care about other people’s opinions when choosing the length of your swim trunks. It’s all up to you!
However, it can be good to know that different locations and settings favor different styles.
Shorter swim trunks are definitely a more European style. Whereas longer swim trunks are more popular in the US. Longer board shorts are also more common in Australia because of the surfing.
Not being prepared for different trends around the world can make you end up in some strange situations. Especially if you travel a lot.
For example, in Europe, it’s not really common to see guys wearing swim trunks that go below the knee. So if you travel to Europe and pack your long swim trunks then you might feel a bit out of place.
If you know you are going to travel it can be good to consider this so you don’t feel out of place. But again, it all comes down to what YOU feel comfortable in!
When in doubt – go for mid-length.
Final verdict – How long should swim trunks be?
So, what’s the verdict? What length swim trunk should you choose for your next beach vacation or pool party? The answer is – it depends. If you feel comfortable and confident in short swim trunks, go for it! But if you want to err on the side of caution, we recommend choosing a standard mid-length. And remember, long swim trunks are only necessary when surfing. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and your personal comfort level. Do you prefer shorter or longer swim trunks? Let us know in the comments below!
I’ll write about anything and everything related to swimwear!
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There is a variety of men’s swimwear that is available, depending on the type of holiday they are looking for, or for those that are looking for something professional for water sports. We are firm believers that multiple pieces of swimwear should be owned by the modern man so that they are always ready for …
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