It happened slowly, then all at once. For decades, the standard "dad" look at the beach involved heavy, knee-length board shorts that held enough water to fill a small aquarium. They were baggy. They were cumbersome. They were basically underwater cargo pants. But walk onto any beach in 2026 and you’ll notice something has shifted—literally—up the thigh. Men in swimming suits are opting for less fabric and more freedom, and honestly, it’s about time we talk about why the "short-short" won the war for the male silhouette.
This isn't just about fashion cycles or some weird nostalgia for the 1970s, though that's part of it. It’s a mix of textile engineering, a massive shift in body positivity for guys, and the simple reality that nobody likes sitting in a soggy, knee-length sponge for four hours after a dip.
The Death of the Board Short (As We Knew It)
Let’s be real. The long board short was a product of surf culture—specifically, the need to protect thighs from wax comb irritation on a surfboard. It served a functional purpose for a very specific group of people. But for the average guy just trying to get a tan or play some frisbee, they were always a bit of a disaster.
Then came the "TikTok effect." Brands like Chubbies and Bearbottom leaned hard into the 5-inch inseam. They marketed it with a wink and a nod, making it okay for guys to show some skin without it feeling like a "statement." It became the norm. Now, if you’re wearing shorts that hit below the kneecap, you look like you’re stuck in a 2004 pop-punk music video.
Fabric technology changed the game too. Old-school nylon was stiff. It didn't move. If you wore tight trunks, you risked a wardrobe malfunction every time you dove into a wave. Modern men in swimming suits are now wearing blends of recycled polyester and high-percentage spandex. Brands like Fair Harbor use plastic bottles to create fibers that stretch four ways. It’s soft. It dries in twenty minutes. It actually feels like clothing rather than a plastic tarp wrapped around your waist.
Performance vs. Aesthetics: The Great Liner Debate
You’ve got two camps here. You have the traditionalists who swear by the mesh basket. You know the one—the itchy, cheese-grater material that seems designed to cause maximum discomfort by midday.
On the other side, you have the new guard. They’ve moved toward the "compression liner." This is basically a built-in pair of boxer briefs made from athletic performance fabric. It’s a revelation. No more "beach rash." No more awkward adjustments while trying to walk back to the car.
Experts in textile design, like those at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), have noted that this shift toward "hybrid" wear is the biggest trend in menswear right now. People want one garment that can handle a swim, a 3-mile run, and a casual lunch at a pier-side taco stand. The line between "swimwear" and "activewear" has almost completely evaporated.
Understanding the Briefs and Trunks Spectrum
- The Classic Trunk: Usually a 5 to 7-inch inseam. It's the safe bet. It fits most body types and doesn't feel too "out there."
- The Square-Cut: Think Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. It’s a bold choice. It requires a certain level of confidence because it leaves very little to the imagination. It’s popular in Europe and gaining traction in US coastal cities.
- The Brief: Often called "Speedos," though that's a brand name. In the US, it’s still mostly reserved for competitive swimmers or the exceptionally brave. However, in Brazil and Australia, it’s just... what men wear to the beach. There’s zero stigma.
- The Hybrid Short: These look like regular chino shorts. They have a button and a zipper. You can wear them with a linen shirt to a wedding and then jump in the pool.
Why the "Short" Look Is Actually More Flattering
There is a common misconception that you need to be a gym rat to pull off shorter swimming suits. That is fundamentally wrong. Short shorts actually make your legs look longer. If you’re a shorter guy, wearing long board shorts cuts your silhouette in half and makes you look like you’re sinking into the sand.
By exposing the lower thigh, you create a continuous vertical line. It’s a visual trick. It works for almost everyone. Even for guys who aren't "leg day" enthusiasts, the 5-inch cut provides a more tailored, intentional look. It says you actually thought about what you put on this morning.
The Sustainability Factor in Modern Swimwear
We have to talk about the ocean. It’s where these suits live, and it’s also where a lot of textile waste ends up. The industry is currently obsessed with Econyl.
Econyl is a regenerated nylon made from abandoned fishing nets and other nylon waste. It’s identical to virgin nylon but has a much lower carbon footprint. Brands like Outerknown, founded by pro-surfer Kelly Slater, have built their entire reputation on this. They aren't just selling a look; they’re selling a solution to the "ghost net" problem in our oceans.
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When you’re looking at men in swimming suits today, you’re often looking at recycled trash turned into high-end fashion. It’s a cool story to tell when someone asks about your gear. But it also means the suits are more durable. They resist chlorine and salt water better than the cheap stuff you’d find in a bargain bin.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Body Type
Don't just buy what's on the mannequin. Think about your actual anatomy and how you move.
If you have "hockey thighs," look for suits with a scalloped hem. That little notch on the side of the leg opening allows for more movement without the fabric pulling tight against your quads. If you’re on the leaner side, avoid super wide leg openings. You don't want it to look like you’re wearing a bell-bottom skirt around your hips.
And for the love of everything, check the waistband. A "fixed waistband" (the kind with a fly and a lace) looks cleaner but offers zero forgiveness if you have a big lunch. An "elastic waistband" with a drawstring is the gold standard for comfort. It stays put when you dive, but it breathes with you.
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How to Care for Your Suit (Because You’re Doing It Wrong)
Most guys get home from the beach, toss their suit in the washer with some heavy detergent, and then blast it in the dryer. Stop. Please.
The heat from a dryer is the absolute nemesis of spandex and elastic. It cooks the fibers. It’s why your favorite suit starts to get those weird "crunchy" spots or loses its stretch after one season.
- Rinse immediately. Even if you didn't get in the water, salt air and sweat degrade the fabric. Use cold, fresh water.
- Hand wash if possible. Use a tiny bit of mild soap.
- Lay flat in the shade. Direct sunlight can bleach the vibrant colors and patterns that are so popular right now.
- Never wring it out. You’re just snapping the internal elastic fibers. Roll it in a towel and press down.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Purchase
If you're looking to upgrade your beach game, don't overthink it. Start with a 5.5 or 7-inch inseam in a solid, versatile color like navy, olive, or slate. These colors transition perfectly from the water to the bar.
Next, check the liner. If it feels like a cheap hairnet, put it back. Look for a "cloud-feel" or compression-style liner. Your skin will thank you after a long day in the sun. Finally, look at the pockets. A zippered back pocket is a lifesaver for keeping a hotel key or a credit card safe while you’re wading in the shallows.
The era of the "unfiltered" man in swimming suits is here. It’s more comfortable, it looks better, and it’s significantly more functional than the baggy relics of the past. Embrace the thigh. It’s liberating.