Nothing is more annoying than soaking-wet swim shorts that just won't dry. You lie down comfortably, and suddenly it feels like you're sitting on a sponge. Sound familiar? Then it's time for quick-drying swim shorts. Men who don't like wet backsides: take note.
Whether you want to dry off quickly after a dip or simply don't want to end up with a wet patch in your beach chair - this is what to look for when buying quick-drying swim shorts for men.
Why quick-drying swim shorts for men are so useful
Comfort, convenience and no embarrassing wet patches. As a man, you simply want swim shorts that do their job: swim, dry off, done. No sticking, no chafing and certainly no fabric clinging to your thighs when you take a stroll along the promenade.
A pair of quick-drying swim shorts is therefore no unnecessary luxury. It's the difference between "a great day at the beach" and "I'm never wearing these again."
Which materials dry quickly - and which don't?
Not every pair of swim shorts is designed to dry quickly. It mainly depends on the material. Here's the short summary:
Quick-drying materials:
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Polyester
Lightweight, strong and dries incredibly quickly. Also highly resistant to sun and chlorine. A great choice. -
Polyamide (also known as nylon)
Just as lightweight as polyester, perhaps even a little quicker to dry. Often feels a little softer, too. Also a great choice. -
Elastane (spandex)
Often blended with the fabrics above for stretch. It doesn't dry super quickly on its own, but in small amounts it's perfectly fine.
Less quick-drying materials:
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Cotton
Nice and soft, but it soaks up water like a sponge. Dries slowly, stays heavy and feels clammy. Sounds romantic, but it isn't. Leave it. -
Linen
Used less often, but if you come across it: same story as cotton. Great for a shirt, not for the swimming pool.
How quickly is "quick-drying"?
On average, truly quick-drying swim shorts dry within 30 to 60 minutes when you take them off and hang or lay them in the sun. Still wearing them? Then expect about an hour to an hour and a half before your shorts actually feel dry. And yes, naturally, that happens faster at 30 degrees in Spain than on a windy beach in Zeeland.
@goedkopezwembroeken
Hans's tip: hang your swim shorts up with some air around them. So not on a heaped-up towel or in a wet bag. That gives them a helping hand.
One more thing: care matters too
Even the best quick-drying swim shorts dry less quickly when they're covered in sand, sunscreen and old sweat. So always rinse your swim shorts after use. Really, it helps. I've written an in-depth article about it: How to keep your swim shorts looking good for longer.
Summary for quick readers
- Choose polyester or polyamide.
- Avoid cotton; that's for socks.
- Quick-drying usually means dry within 30-60 minutes.
- Proper care helps too: rinse them after use.
- Wet bottoms are a thing of the past. You're welcome.
View our collection of quick-drying swim shorts here and choose one that feels comfortable and dries quickly too. Less hassle.
