Swimwear Guide for Men: Choosing Between Swim Briefs and Swim Thongs

Many men are rethinking traditional board shorts and exploring more streamlined options for swimming and sunbathing. Swim briefs and swim thongs both offer minimal coverage and reduced drag in the water, yet the experience of wearing them can feel very different. The right choice depends on how much skin you want to show, how you move in the water, and where you plan to wear your suit.

Beyond appearance, it helps to consider how each style supports your body, how comfortable it stays during a full day, and whether it suits the expectations of beaches and pools in your area. The more you understand fit, fabric, and local rules, the easier it becomes to choose confidently.

Swim Briefs vs Thongs: Fit and Coverage

Swim briefs sit close to the body, usually with a mid-rise waistband and a V-shaped front, offering full coverage in the front and most or all of the buttocks. The leg openings are high enough to give good freedom of movement for lap swimming while still feeling secure. For many men, this balance of modesty and performance makes briefs feel like a natural step away from longer trunks.

Swim thongs, by contrast, keep a similar front shape but reduce back coverage to a narrow strip of fabric or string. This leaves the cheeks largely or fully exposed. That minimal design can reduce tan lines and create a very open, unrestrictive feeling, but it also draws attention and may feel revealing at first. When deciding between the two, think about both the activities you plan—serious swimming, casual wading, tanning—and how comfortable you are with that level of exposure around other people.

Comfort in and out of the water

Comfort is not just about softness; it involves support, security, and how the suit feels over time. In both briefs and thongs, the pouch area should be snug but not compressed. If the front panel is too tight, you may experience chafing or numbness, while too loose a fit can lead to constant adjusting. A well-designed brief often feels more forgiving, especially for men new to skimpier swimwear, because the wider back panel spreads pressure more evenly across the hips.

In a thong, the back strap is critical. If it is too tight or poorly shaped, it can dig into the skin or ride up uncomfortably during walking, volleyball, or swimming. Softer, wider straps usually feel better than thin, rigid strings. Trying on different cuts at home, moving, squatting, and mimicking swim strokes can help you assess whether the suit will remain comfortable during a full beach or pool day.

Fabric and performance for US beaches

Most men’s swim briefs and thongs are made from blends of nylon or polyester with elastane (spandex). Nylon blends tend to feel soft and stretchy, with a sleek surface that glides smoothly in the water. Polyester blends can be slightly firmer and are often more resistant to chlorine and UV fading, which is useful if you swim frequently in pools or spend long hours in the sun.

For active use on US beaches, look for suits labeled as chlorine-resistant or with higher polyester content if you divide your time between pool lanes and ocean waves. A double-lined front provides modesty when fabric gets wet and can help the suit hold its shape, especially in thongs where security is more noticeable. Darker colors and prints usually conceal water spots and sand better than very light fabrics, which some men find more practical for crowded public settings.

Cost, brands, and basic comparisons

Price can also influence whether you choose a brief or a thong. In the US, basic branded swim briefs often start in the lower double digits, while specialty or designer thongs with unique cuts or prints can cost more. Performance-focused training briefs may sit in the middle of that range. Looking at a few well-known brands can give a sense of typical price levels and product types.

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

Legalities and pool rules across US states

Legal and social norms matter as much as personal taste. In the United States, indecent exposure laws are set at the state and local level, and many focus on whether the buttocks and genitals are covered. Some states and municipalities treat a bare backside as acceptable on certain beaches, while others consider it a violation of public decency laws. This means that a thong that is fine on one beach could be a problem on another, even within the same state.

Public pools, community centers, and many hotel pools often have their own dress codes, which may require “full coverage” swimwear and explicitly forbid thongs for all genders. Private resorts, adult-only venues, or clothing-optional clubs may have more relaxed rules, but they still set expectations that guests are expected to follow. Before wearing a thong, it is wise to read posted rules, check official websites, or contact facility staff to avoid misunderstandings or having to change on the spot.

Matching your choice to setting and comfort

Once you understand the differences in fit, comfort, fabric, and local rules, the decision between a swim brief and a swim thong becomes more practical. For lap swimming, public pools, and family-oriented beaches, a classic brief in a durable fabric is usually the most straightforward option. It offers performance benefits over board shorts while staying within what many people in the United States consider typical men’s swimwear.

A thong can be suitable for private pools, adults-only areas, or specific beaches where minimal swimwear is socially and legally accepted. Whatever style you choose, a good fit and quality fabric will make a bigger difference to your experience than any specific brand name. Paying attention to how secure you feel in motion—and whether your choice suits the environment—helps ensure your time in the water is relaxed and enjoyable.

Choosing between these two styles is ultimately about aligning your comfort level, body confidence, and budget with the expectations of the places you visit. When all of these elements line up, either a well-fitting brief or a thoughtfully chosen thong can serve as functional, streamlined swimwear for US beaches and pools.