10 Best Underwear for Swimming For Men

Ever tried swimming in a pair of regular underwear? Those cotton underwear turn into a diaper seconds into the water.

They sag and take on water faster than a sinking ship. As if that isn’t bad enough, they offer zero support.

Plus, you have to hold onto them for dear life when you get out of the water toounless you’re a fan of providing peep shows. After you’re done at the pool or beach you have to wait an eternity for your undies to dry.

For these reasons, you need underwear that is designed for swimming. Quick-drying and supportive underwear that offers the right amount of compression is what you need.

Fortunately, there are plenty of breathable and extremely comfortable options for you to try. You don’t even have to scour the internet searching for underwear to wear under swimming trunks.

This guide lists the best underwear for swimming so you can feel confident at any pool party.

Top 10 Best Underwear for Swimming

TSLA Athletic Cool Dry Compression Shorts - best underwear for swimming

Pro: Wicks moisture.
Con: May snug leg hair.

Excellent elasticity: Looking to avoid chafed bits and a flaming crotch? TSLA has you covered. These well-made compression shorts hold things in snugly and prevent chafing.

Also, the mix of polyester and spandex allows this underwear to stretch very well. It isn’t confining or constricting at all.

On the contrary, it’s quite comfortable to wear and fits just like a second skin. The material is thin and leaves little to the imagination, so it’s not for the shy guys.

The seams are on the delicate side. Prevent this from being an issue by hand washing it. Roll the undy in a towel to collect excess water and hang it to dry.

Roadbox’s Cool Dry Athletic Compression Shorts - best underwear for swimming

Pro: Flatlock seams.
Con: May not be durable.

4-way stretch: Roadbox’s light and breathable compression shorts are made of 88% polyester and 12% spandex. This underwear is quick drying.

Plus, the material is super stretchy and ultra-soft. The smooth fabric provides extreme comfort. It effectively supports the inside of the thigh during your workouts and reduces friction between the skin and shorts.

Another perk is that it perfectly fits the waist. The secure waistband stays in place. Although it isn’t seamless, the seams are so low-profile that they don't cause chafing.

The downside is that it doesn’t provide a lot of undercarriage support. Avoid any drama by not wearing this underwear to the gym. Save it for lazy days at the beach.

CompressionZ’s Athletic Compression Shorts - best underwear for swimming

Pro: Plus-size friendly.
Con: Sits rather low.

Excellent quality: CompressionZ’s sports underwear features a nylon-spandex blend for maximum mobility. The cut, seams, and fit are excellent.

You don’t have to deal with binding or chafing. Forget about it creeping up after extended wear or vigorous activity. This bad boy stays in place.

The breathability is exceptional. Moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat away from you so it doesn’t pour off your body. Also, this underwear does a good job of keeping your package in place and smoothed out.

On the other hand, the compression it offers may not suit your needs. Stop this from being an issue by adjusting the size.

If you want maximum compression, select your normal size. However, if you only want a hint of compression, select one size larger.

Neleus Men's Compression Shorts - best underwear for swimming

Pro: Lightweight fabric.
Con: Hand wash only.

Fits like a glove: Neleus created a moisture-wicking, quick-dry compression short that offers wonderful breathability with two-way air circulation. The fabric is fantastic and are even great under board shorts.

It’s lightweight and cool. Plus, the shorts won’t fall so there’s no sagging to struggle with. The fit is excellent.

It has room where it's needed, and none where it's not. The flat seams are strong and reliable while being virtually undetectable to the wearer.

But, the size chart provided by Amazon doesn’t match the fit of the shorts. Remedy this issue by ignoring the size chart. Go by the manufacturer’s size chart (third picture) to select the appropriate size.

Under Armour's Compression Shorts - best underwear for swimming

Pro: Stretch-mesh gusset.
Con: May rise.

Ergonomic design: Under Armour’s compression shorts feature inseam panels that deliver strategic ventilation. Its updated ergonomic design keeps seams off high abrasion areas and increases durability.

This underwear is comfortable, functional, and well-built. The material wicks sweat and dries super fast. Unlike with other compression shorts, there’s no awkward stitching in the middle. 

However, the tags may be irritating. But this doesn’t have to be a big deal. Just remove them.

Adidas Men's Sport Performance Underwear - best underwear for swimming

Pro: Super soft.
Con: Band may curl after washing.

Stretchy material: Adidas delivered performance underwear with a no ride-up leg construction that prevents bunching. Its double-lined pouch provides support where it’s sorely needed.

The breathability is right on point. A plush, tagless waistband and super smooth stitching offer superior comfort. The moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool in summer.

Your nether region will stay dry which means no irritation. You can officially kiss sweaty cajones goodbye. The fit is a little on the snug side but not to the point that it’s uncomfortable or restricting.

 On the other hand, this underwear doesn’t hold up well in the dryer. Prevent this from being an issue by only air drying it.
Champion's All Day Comfort Boxer Briefs - best underwear for swimming

Pro: No ride up.
Con: Back seam is noticeable.

Double dry x-temp: This underwear is durable, breathable, and comfortable. The fit and fabric are perfect. The waistband doesn't roll.

It’s snug enough to hold everything securely. Also, the spandex doesn’t allow the underwear to stretch and get droopy during the day.

It won’t ride up on the legs. Everything stays in place as it should. Plus, it isn’t restrictive. It won’t pinch like briefs or bikinis do.

On the other hand, this underwear shrinks after being washed. Avoid issues with this by going a size up.

David Archy's Quick Dry Sports Underwear - best underwear for swimming

Pro: Ultra soft mesh.
Con: Narrow waistband.

Breathable: David Archy’s quick-dry sports underwear does an excellent job of wicking sweat away. Plus, it stays put on your legs and waist.

You won’t have to worry about it stretching out. This breathable undy leaves a roomier area for your package, so there’s no binding. You’ll appreciate how super soft this lightweight underwear is.

But unless you specify the type of construction when you place an order, you can end up with the wrong pair. Make sure that you detail whether you want the mesh-no fly, solid-no fly, or mesh-with fly construction.

Devops Men's Compression Shorts Underwear - best underwear for swimming

Pro: UV sun protection.
Con: Small pocket.

Longer legs: This underwear offers a snug fit. It hugs the nether regions nicely without being constrictive. You won’t have to struggle with it sticking to your leg or any part of your body.

The crotch area is given just the right amount of room. The waistband is secure. It’s neither too tight nor too loose. This undy is super comfy.

It offers just the right amount of support. However, it runs large. Keep this from being a problem by going down a size.

1994Fashion's Compression Athletic Base Layer Underwear - best underwear for swimming

Pro: Non-abrasion fabric.
Con: Compression not strong.

Anti-chafing flat seams: This comfy undy is well-made and doesn’t cause chafing. The construction prevents the inside legs from rubbing against your skin.

Its four-sided elastic stretch material provides muscle support and reduces lactic acid accumulation. If you like to keep your phone on you, you’ll like that it has a pocket on the side just for that purpose.

It will keep your phone nicely tucked away. It won’t go anywhere unless your leg falls off.

On the flip side, it does run small so go up a size to prevent issues with this underwear.

Best Swimming Underwear: Buying Guide

A day at the beach should be as fun and stress-free as possible. But if you’re sporting the wrong gear, you’ll turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.

Keep everything running smoothly by wearing underwear that’s comfortable, supportive, and form-fitting. Here are the key features to look for when choosing the best underwear for swimming.

Best Fitting Swimming Underwear

You want to have the peace of mind of knowing that when you get out of the water your bottoms will still be attached to your body. Opt for underwear that has a compression fit.

Choose options that are made of synthetic and stretchy fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and spandex.

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Strongest Waistband for Swimming Underwear

It should be secure enough to keep your undy in place while sitting comfortably around your waist. You don’t want it to be so tight that it digs into your skin.

But it should not be so loose that it rolls down. Opt for underwear that has a firm, yet stretchy elastic waistband.

Top Choice for Secure Waistband: Roadbox’s Cool Dry Athletic Compression Shorts
  • 【Light and Comfortable】Quick drying, super stretch. Smooth and ultra-soft fabric provides extreme...
  • 【Give You All-round Enjoy】Wearing our spandex shorts to enjoy every moment. 4-way stretch fabric...
  • 【Soft Seamless】Unique flatlock and outer seam design. Effectively supports the inside of the thigh...

Best Anti-Chafing Swimming Underwear

Swimming shorts are known for causing chafing. So you need underwear that is chafe-free.

Whether you’re playing volleyball or splashing in the waves, you want to feel as comfortable as possible. To avoid chafing, opt for underwear that has flatlock seams.

Top Choice for Chafe-Free: Compressionz’s Athletic Compression Shorts
  • HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPRESSION - Our men's spandex shorts are the perfect mix of support & comfort. Sports...
  • GREAT AS BASE LAYER - Gym compression shorts men are ideal athletic underwear in hot or cold weather....
  • 4 WAY STRETCH FABRIC - Our compression shorts men feature breathable fabric for max comfort. Muscle...

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About the author

Idara Hampton

Idara Hampton is a freelance writer at Undywear.com. She also creates valuable content in the legal, health and wellness, and home improvement spaces. When she's not writing, you can find Idara getting lost in a good book or tickling the ivories.