You sometimes see them walking around: men wearing underwear under their swim shorts. Usually it sticks out above the waistband or gets half stuck in the butt crack after a dive. But really: do you need to wear underwear under your swim shorts?
Short answer: no, usually not.
Long(er) answer: sometimes, for extra support, it can be useful - if you do it right.
Why do men do this?
1. Extra support
This may well be the best reason. Not every pair of swim shorts fits tightly or securely. Some models (especially without an inner liner) leave everything rather exposed. You may feel a bit “loose” down there. A tight-fitting, quick-drying sports underwear or swim brief under your swim shorts can provide just the extra support you’re missing.
⚠️ Please note: We’re not talking about your everyday cotton boxer shorts here. They absorb water, cause chafing and dry slowly. So don’t do it.
2. You feel too exposed otherwise
Especially with thin or light-coloured swim shorts, we get it. An extra layer can feel more secure. The same applies here: do it properly, or don’t do it at all. Choose a base layer designed to get wet and dry quickly.
3. Your swim shorts are see-through
Oops. Time for a different pair of swim shorts - Hans has plenty of models with sturdier fabric or a lining. That solves more than bunching up a pair of underwear underneath.
Why you shouldn’t wear regular underwear
- Cotton = sponge. Your underwear absorbs water and takes forever to dry.
- Risk of chafing. Wet fabric + movement = skin irritation. Especially between your legs.
- It doesn’t look great. Let’s be honest: a corduroy-like underwear waistband sticking out above your swim shorts is no fashion statement.
When is it okay?
- Your swim shorts have no inner liner and you need extra support.
- You’re doing something sporty, such as beach volleyball or surfing, and want everything to stay in place.
- You’re wearing board shorts - they’re often specifically designed to be worn with a base layer.
@goedkopezwembroeken
Hans’s tip: Then choose:
- a swim brief (like competitive swimmers wear)
- tight-fitting sports underwear made from quick-drying material or jammer swim shorts
- no cotton. Seriously, no cotton!
In summary
Underwear under your swim shorts?
✅ Yes, if it’s sports underwear, jammer swim shorts or swim briefs.
❌ No, if it’s regular cotton underwear.
🤔 Not sure? Choose swim shorts with an inner liner - then you’ll be fine either way.
And if you’re trying it for the first time: simply test it at home under the shower or in the bath. Then you’ll immediately know whether it works for you.
