The Best Swimsuits For Men By Body Type

Picking out swim trunks comes down to two things: how into fashion you are and how much you work out. Luckily for us, Men’s Journal gives us some pretty good options for wherever we fall on the spectrum.

The Dad Bod – You look like: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jason Segel, Chris Pratt (pre-Guardians)

If you’re more on the soft side, it’s best to avoid super fitted suits. Look for shorts with relaxed waistbands or drawstrings, or if you can find them, shorts with half-elastic in the back and zip or button in the front.

Best buy: Everest Isles Jaktar Mid-Length [$210; mrporter.com]

The Lean Athlete – You look like: Brad Pitt, Channing Tatum, Chris Pratt (post-Guardians)

If you’re incredibly lean and toned look, you honestly can’t really go wrong. If you are on the tall side, go for a 6-to-7-inch inseam. If you stand 5-foot-10 or shorter, aim for a 4-to-5-inch inseam. But no matter how long or short you choose, don’t be afraid to go for bold colors, stripes, or patterns.

Best buy: Orlebar Brown Bulldog Mid-Length [$345; mrporter.com]

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Tall and Thin – You look like: Adrien Brody, Benedict Cumberbatch

Men’s Journal’s recommendation for the tall, thin guy is to use that height and go with shorter shorts that accentuate your legs and torso. A 6-inch inseam and a design with a drawstring will add some contrast against the leanness of your build. If you are thin and on the shorter side, just accommodate with a shorter inseam, such as a 4-inch cut.

Best buy: Pangea Hemingway [$130; pangeaswim.com]

The Beer Gut – You look like: Homer Simpson, Seth Rogan, Kevin James

Go for a mid-length or longer short that is fit loose to match the width of your hips. Drawstrings are good here for sizing and comfort, and won’t pinch in the wrong places. Make sure to look for a style that isn’t labeled as “tailored” or tapered.

Best buy: Vilebrequin Okoa Fit [$190; bloomingdales.com]

The Strongman – You look like: Hugh Jackman, Joe Manganiello, any NFL linebacker

Make sure you look for a swim short that is cut wide all the way down the leg to leave enough room to keep your quads comfortable. Drawstrings or elastic will add to a more relaxed look so you don’t look uncomfortable—a nd don’t be afraid of a 6-inch inseam.

Best buy: Boardies “Strokes” Mid-length [$70; boardiesapparel.com]

Short and Stocky – You look like: Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, Floyd Mayweather

Avoid long drawstrings and stay with a short-to-mid length fitted shorts that adds height to your torso. Stay away from anything longer than a 6-inch inseam to avoid cutting the length of your legs in half and taking away from your strong build.

Best buy: Parke & Ronen Catalonia Trunk [$58; parkeandronan.com]

Curated Article and Photo Credit from Men’s Journal

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