Swim shorts pockets

In this guide we will go through the different kinds of pockets for swim shorts and the usage of them all.

It’s summer time! Swimming season is our favorite time of year because we get to show off the swim shorts that are fun, bright and beautiful. We spend more hours in these shorts than any other clothing item throughout the entire twelve months! That’s why it’s important for us to have a great fit but also all the functionality you need.

The first mistake people do when buying swim shorts is to only go with a pair they think look good in the store and not a pair that fits well. To know what swim shorts is right for your body type see this guide.

The second mistake people do is to not make sure that the swim shorts they buy have the right functionality. People usually forget to make sure that the swim shorts they buy have pockets that are in line with their needs. And while this might should like a small issue we know first hand that so many people are irritated with their swim shorts because they don’t like the pockets. But how many different pockets can there be with swim shorts? Are they not all the same? Absolutely not. In this guide we will go through the different kinds of pockets for swim shorts and the usage of them all.

Side pockets

Side pockets are very common and could be found on most swim shorts or trunks. They are usually made from the same inner mesh that’s used for the netting. These pockets are great for when you are not actually swimming or doing any other activity. They are usually the same size as any other side pockets in regular pants or shorts.

Therefore you can usually expect to fit the same items. For example your wallet or phone. However, since they are made from netting you should avoid using them for keys since they easily tear holes in the pocket. 

Most side pockets are open and therefore won’t hold any items when you are swimming. Some swim shorts have side pockets with a zipper where you can secure your thing even while swimming. However, most things you keep in your pocket you don’t want to get wet. Therefore most people don’t usually use these pockets while swimming. 

While the side pockets most likely will still hold your items if you are doing sports or running this is still not optimal since heavy items in a soft netting pocket will usually swing around like crazy. If the pockets are open and made from inner mesh you probably should avoid having your stuff there while doing most activities.

In conclusion, the side pockets are great for keeping your everyday carry items if you are walking, relaxing or having lunch. If you are doing any form of activity, especially swimming, you probably should keep your stuff elsewhere. 

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Don’t know what swim shorts is right for you body type? Let our guide help you!

Swim shorts waterproof pocket

When carrying things in your swim shorts pockets you quickly run into 1 or both of the following issues; the thing in your pocket can’t be in water or the thing you have in your pocket will likely fall out of your pocket if you get in the water. 

Swim shorts are off curse primarily made for swimming and not being optimal at carrying things like your phone or wallet. But you will most likely still bring these items to the beach or pool with you. Some shorts have pockets that you close with a zip lock or velcro but that doesn’t stop the water from getting in. 

However, in the last couple of years there have been a new type of swimwear designed to specifically battle these two problems. They have developed swim shorts with waterproof pockets! 

These pockets are made from a different material than the rest of the shorts keeping water out of the pockets. They are then closed in a way that doesn’t let in water. There are different techniques this is done. Usually it’s done with some form of zip lock or magnets in addition to a rubber lining that seals perfectly. 

Swim shorts with waterproof pockets are a major improvement in the swim shorts design enabling you to bring things like your phone, wallet or other belongings in the water and not having to leave it behind at the beach or pool side. 

If you are looking for a pair of swim shorts with waterproof pockets we’d recommend taking a look at Randy Cow (https://www.randycow.com) they offer the best waterproof swim shorts in our opinion. You can also check out our complete guide of the best swim shorts with waterproof pockets.

Back pocket

It’s not uncommon for swim shorts to have back pockets. Both the surfer style swim trunks as well as designer swim shorts usually have back pockets. It’s most common that your shorts have one back pocket, however some shorts have two back pockets. 

Back pockets on all swim shorts have either one or two drain holes. It’s a small hole at the bottom of the pocket. This is for water to drain so that you don’t fill your pockets with water every time you swim. While it might sound strange to fill pockets with water it’s actually a problem and anyone that have swiped in a pair of shorts with back pockets without drain holes knows exactly what we are talking about.  Pockets with drain holes can be easily distinguished in that they usually have one or two small lines running down the pocket parallel to the rest of the stitching. Pockets without drain holes instead looks almost as if they sewed it on top of the shorts, and are never stitched.

Most back pockets on swim shorts have either a velcro flap or a zip lock to keep your belongings in place. 

Zip pocket

Zip pockets are not the most common with swim shorts. Naturaly you only carry things temporarily in your swim shorts pockets and if you are running or swimming it’s not very practical to have things in your pockets anyway. Therefore zip pockets is most common with performance swim shorts, like Nike or adidas but could also be found on sur shorts and board shorts.

A zip pocket could be a side, back or leg pocket that closes with a zip. This guarantees that whether you have in your pockets says there. While the zip keeps the pocket closed it doesn’t prevent water or sand from entering the pocket. Therefore, assuming zip pockets are great for keeping your phone or belonging away from harm would be a mistake. For this you’d need a water proof pocket. 

If you don’t have a direct need for a zip pocket it’s advised to buy a pair of shorts without zip lock. This is because the zip is known to be uncomfortable both when being on the back pocket if you are sitting down as well as with side pockets when you put your hand in your pockets. 

Velcro pockets

Velcro pockets are most common on back pockets. It’s something between a zip pocket and an open pocket. It’s usually a small velcro piece in the middle of the pocket keeping it closed. 

The velcro pocket offers some security since larger objects will stay in place while coins and other smaller items still easily could fall out. On the other hand it’s a much more discreet less bulky option than having a zip lock pocket. 

Velcro pockets could also be found on side pockets on longer swim trunks and surfer shorts. 

Leg pockets

Leg pocket is almost exclusively available for longer swim trunks and surfer shorts. It’s usually a pocket on the side of either one or both of the legs. These side pockets often have a velcro flap to close the pocket. 

Why is there hole in swim shorts pockets?

If you were to jump in the pool with a pair of regular shorts you’ll quickly notice that the pockets will be filled with air. That’s because it’s not as easy is it might seem for the air bubbles to get out of the pocket. 

To avoid this swim shorts usually have holes in the pockets to enable the air to easily leave the pockets.

This works the other way then you get up from the water. Your pockets are now filled with water. If there were no holes the water would stay in your pockets longer than you might think. But with the help of these holes the water can ger drained from your pockets. 

These holes are also referred to as drain holes. 

Swim shorts without pockets

While most swim shorts do have pockets, it’s not uncommon for swim shorts not to have pockets.  This can be either a design choice if the designer prefer a cleaner look. Or it can be a matter of functionality. Maybe it’s a pair of Speedos where friction in the water is more important than carrying your phone. 

Best swim shorts with pockets

Decisive swim shorts offers plenty of pockets and smart solutions. With a pair of Decisive swim shorts you get 4 pockets for different use. They offer 2 open side pockets for your every day carry. In addition there is a velcro secured back pocket on the right back side. And lastly they have an inside pocket for your hotel key or credit card. 

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