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What Swimming Gear Do Men Need?

Swimming demands specialized gear that regular athletic apparel cannot replace. Water-specific fabrics, construction, and fit all differ from standard workout clothing.

Swimwear fabrics must resist chlorine degradation. Pool water contains chlorine that rapidly breaks down standard athletic fabrics, causing color fading, elasticity loss, and material deterioration. Swim-specific fabrics use chlorine-resistant materials that maintain their shape, color, and stretch properties through months of pool use.

Fit affects performance in the water. Loose clothing creates drag that slows swimmers down and makes every stroke harder. Competitive swimmers wear jammers or briefs that reduce drag by fitting close to the body. Recreational swimmers may prefer board shorts or looser trunks for comfort.

Compression swimwear reduces muscle vibration during swimming, which can improve endurance and reduce fatigue during longer sessions. Competitive swimmers rely on compression suits for both performance and recovery benefits.

Rash guards and swim shirts provide UV protection during outdoor pool and open-water swimming. They also reduce chafing during extended swimming sessions where repetitive arm movements cause friction.

Swimming gear essentials: - Chlorine-resistant swimwear (jammers, briefs, or trunks) - Goggles (not covered here, but essential) - Rash guard or swim shirt for UV protection - Swim cap for hair protection and reduced drag - Quick-dry shorts and tee for pool deck and transitions

adidas Men's Swimming Technologies

adidas swimming gear uses performance fabrics designed for the unique demands of pool training and competition.

Key technologies:

  • Infinitex fabric: Chlorine-resistant swimwear material that maintains shape and color through extended pool use. Infinitex resists the degradation that ruins standard fabrics in chlorinated water. Available in jammers and briefs.
  • AEROREADY (pool deck apparel): Moisture-wicking fabric for warm-up clothing, pool deck covers, and transition wear. AEROREADY keeps athletes dry during warm-up before entering the water and comfortable during cool-down after swimming.
  • Primegreen/Primeblue: Recycled material construction used in select swimwear. Made from recycled ocean plastic and polyester without compromising performance or durability.
  • Fitted construction: Swim jammers and briefs use body-mapping construction that reduces drag in the water. The close fit minimizes water resistance during strokes.
  • Quick-dry materials: Pool deck apparel and cover-ups use fabrics that shed water and dry rapidly, keeping athletes comfortable during transitions between the pool and other activities.

For competitive swimming: Infinitex jammers or briefs. For recreational laps: Board shorts or mid-length trunks. For pool deck and warm-up: AEROREADY apparel.

Browse alongside [men's training gear](/collections/mens-training-gear) for dry-land workout apparel.

How to Choose Men's Swimwear

Selecting the right swimwear:

  • Lap swimming/competitive: Jammers (knee-length compression) or briefs for minimum drag. Chlorine-resistant Infinitex fabric.
  • Recreational swimming: Board shorts or trunks for comfort and coverage. Look for quick-dry fabrics.
  • Water fitness: Jammers or fitted trunks that stay in place during movement.
  • Beach/outdoor: Board shorts with UV protection and quick-dry fabric.

Fit: - Competitive swimwear should fit snug with no excess fabric - Board shorts should be comfortable but not overly baggy - Drawstring or tie waist for secure fit during activity - Try on and simulate swimming motions

Fabric: - Chlorine-resistant (Infinitex) for pool use - Quick-dry for recreational and travel - UV-protective for outdoor swimming

Care: - Rinse immediately after pool use to remove chlorine - Hand wash or gentle cycle - Never wring out stretch swimwear - Air dry, never machine dry

Under Armour Men's Water-Ready Gear

Under Armour provides water-adjacent training apparel and swimwear options for men.

Key technologies:

  • UA Tech (quick-dry): Lightweight, fast-drying fabric for pool deck wear and beach training. UA Tech dries faster than cotton after water exposure, making it practical for transition between water and land activities.
  • HeatGear compression: While not swimwear, HeatGear base layers are used by many athletes for water-adjacent training. Quick-drying and moisture-wicking for post-swim warm-ups.
  • Storm water-repellent: Outerwear and jackets that repel water. Useful for pool deck warm-ups in outdoor facilities where splashing and weather are factors.
  • Board shorts: Quick-dry construction with secure waistband for recreational swimming and water activities. Stretch fabric allows unrestricted movement.
  • Rash guards: UV-protective swim shirts for outdoor pool and ocean swimming. Reduce chafing during extended swimming and provide sun coverage for long outdoor sessions.

For pool training: Chlorine-resistant swimwear (adidas Infinitex) for in-water use. UA quick-dry apparel for pool deck transitions.

For outdoor water activities: UA rash guard + board shorts for UV protection and comfort.

See [men's slides](/collections/mens-slides) for post-swim recovery footwear.

Swimming Gear Care

Pool chemicals and saltwater demand specific care:

After every swim: - Rinse swimwear immediately in cold fresh water - Remove chlorine before it degrades fabric - Do not leave wet swimwear in a bag

Washing: - Hand wash or gentle machine cycle - Cold water only - Mild detergent (no bleach) - Never wring out stretch swimwear (roll in towel)

Drying: - Air dry flat or on a line - Never machine dry (heat destroys elasticity) - Keep out of direct sunlight for extended periods

Storage: - Dry completely before storing - Avoid folding wet swimwear - Store in a ventilated area

Lifespan: - Chlorine-resistant suits: 6-12 months of regular use - Standard suits: 3-6 months of regular pool use - Board shorts: 1-2 seasons of recreational use

Replacement signs: Loss of stretch, color fading, fabric thinning, waistband losing grip.

Swim Gear Care Summary

Protect swimming gear from chlorine damage:

  • Rinse in cold fresh water immediately after every swim
  • Hand wash or gentle cycle with mild detergent
  • Never machine dry or wring out
  • Air dry flat, away from direct sun
  • Replace when elasticity or fabric integrity is lost

Dive In

Browse the full men's swimming gear collection for jammers, trunks, rash guards, and pool-ready apparel from adidas and Under Armour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mens Swimming Gear

What swimwear is best for lap swimming?

Jammers (knee-length compression suits) or swim briefs made with chlorine-resistant fabric like adidas Infinitex. These reduce drag in the water and maintain their fit through extended pool use. Loose board shorts create significant drag that slows swimmers and increases effort. For regular lap swimmers, chlorine-resistant fabric is essential for swimwear longevity.

How do I make swimwear last longer?

Rinse in cold fresh water immediately after every swim to remove chlorine before it degrades the fabric. Hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle with mild detergent. Never machine dry. Air dry flat or on a line. Chlorine-resistant fabrics like Infinitex last 6-12 months with proper care. Standard fabrics last 3-6 months. Leaving wet swimwear in a bag accelerates degradation.

Do I need a rash guard for swimming?

For outdoor swimming, yes. Rash guards provide UV protection during extended time in the sun, which is valuable for outdoor pool sessions and open-water swimming. They also reduce chafing from repetitive arm movements during long swims. For indoor pool lap swimming, rash guards are optional but helpful for swimmers who experience friction irritation.

Jammers vs. board shorts for pool swimming: Which is better?

Jammers are better for lap swimming and water fitness. They fit close to the body, reducing drag that makes swimming harder. Board shorts create significant water resistance due to loose fabric. For competitive or fitness-focused swimming, jammers provide a meaningful performance advantage. For casual recreational swimming, board shorts are fine if drag is not a concern.

Can I use regular athletic shorts for swimming?

Not recommended for regular pool use. Standard athletic fabrics are not chlorine-resistant and will degrade quickly in pool water, losing color, stretch, and integrity. Regular shorts also create more drag than swim-specific designs. For occasional recreational swimming, they will function temporarily, but for regular pool use, invest in swim-specific gear with chlorine-resistant fabric.