The Best Swimsuits for Actually Swimming Laps

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Let's talk swimwear for men. There's a big difference between the trunks a man throws on to wear to the beach or, say, to their seasonal retreat in East Hampton, but what does a man buy when he wants to just comfortably and ergonomically swim laps in a swimming pool? Your brain might automatically shift to thoughts about tiny Speedos, but that's not really ideal here in America. We took it upon ourselves to go on a shopping mission for the best performance swimsuits for men—ones you actually won't hate wearing, all while benefitting your water workout session.

We found that these swimsuit options come in a variety of styles, ranging in coverage from minimal to full. Briefs and Speedos will allow you a full range of motion for all strokes (just ask the pros) and have a decreased drag, whereas Jammers—a longer version of briefs—hit mid-thigh and provide more coverage. Square Suits are only slightly longer than Briefs and tend to be a more fashion-forward option. So, as you jump into the nearest Olympic-size pool (or kiddie pool, whatever works), Esquire is here to guide you through the top choices that will have you swimming comfortably and looking sharp.

Shoreline Square Leg

Swim laps in style with Speedo's Square Leg suit. Designed for optimal comfort and coverage, it's made with a special stretch fabric that guarantees a perfect fit every time. It also has block-the-burn (why does that sound like the name of a CrossFit class?) UV50+ protection that shields you from the sun's harsh rays.

Swim Jammer Swimsuit

Made to last swim after swim, this jammer features an interior drawcord, flat seams to reduce chafing, and the classic Nike logo. So, in other words, you should never swim without a lifeguard or the Swoosh.

Barton Performance Lined Swim Trunk

This Wellen option redefines the swimsuit. These trunks combine the best aspects of a performance short and swimwear so you can have all-day adventures in and out of the water. Supportive and stretchy, they'll help power everything from free-diving missions to beach-side workouts.

Durafast Elite Jammer

This jammer feels as good as it performs. Made to outlast the competition, this suit is chlorine-proof, has UPF50+ protection, and prevents the growth of bacteria during water workouts.

Swim Jammer

These do-it-all jammers are sleek, comfortable, and functional—basically every swimmer's dream. And while we can't guarantee they'll make you feel like Phelps (unless you can swim six miles per hour), we can guarantee that you'll love the way the quick-drying nylon fabric makes you look.

Kikko Jammer

Arena is known for creating high-tech competitive swimwear, and their Kikko Jammer is no exception. Available in a form-fitting silhouette, this option is designed for optimal speed and hydrodynamics. Put these bad boys on, and you'll be ready to leave your mark in no time.

Why You Should Trust Us

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great.

Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams. When it comes to performance swimwear, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear.

We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these performance swimsuits are the ones that are simply the best. Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

You Might Also Like

• Kid Cudi Is All Right

• 16 Best Shoe Organizers For Storing and Displaying Your Kicks