Should you wear underwear with swim trunks? Pros and Cons List

As the summer comes closer and you get ready to go to the beach or the pool, you may wonder about an old question: Should you wear underwear with swim trunks?

Many people talk about this, and there are lots of views about it. Some feel it is odd to go without underwear. Others think wearing both is not a good idea. Here, we will talk about the good sides, bad sides, and things to think about for this issue.

This can help you choose the best option for you. So, should you wear underwear under swim trunks or not? Let’s see what we can find out.

Understanding Swim Trunks and Their Built-In Features

Swim trunks are a kind of shorts made for water activities. They are usually made from quick-drying materials like nylon or polyester. This makes them different from normal shorts. You can find longer board shorts or shorter swim briefs. These are made to feel good when you are in the water and also when you are out.

Many people ask if you should wear a pair of underwear or an extra layer under swim trunks. Most of the time, the answer is no. Most swim trunks already have features that give you the support and coverage you need. So, you do not need to wear a pair of underwear with them. Next, we will talk about these extra features.

Liner vs. No Liner: What’s Inside Most Swim Trunks?

Have you ever seen the mesh net inside swim trunks? That piece is the liner. It lets you skip putting on any type of underwear with your swim trunks. The liner helps keep everything in the right spot when you swim, run, or just sit around. It also puts a small layer between your skin and the outside of the swim trunks. This helps stop rubbing and discomfort.

The liner gives you support and full coverage, like what you get from briefs. For most men, this will be enough for a comfortable time at the pool or beach. With this liner, swim trunks are like having their own type of underwear, so you don’t have to wear extra fabric.

There are some swim trunks, though, that don’t have a liner. Some board shorts, for example, are just one layer. If you have these, adding another layer might be a good idea. For most swim trunks, the liner gives you what you need, so you don’t need anything else.

Are Swim Trunks Really Meant To Be Worn Without Underwear?

Yes, the short answer to this old question is that you do not have to wear underwear with swim trunks. Swim trunks are made to be worn alone for swimming. The fabric and mesh liner are picked to work well in water. They dry quickly and give support, so you do not need to add regular underwear under them.

When you wear underwear with your swim trunks, you bring in a kind of cloth that is not made for the swimming pool. Most regular underwear, like cotton, takes on lots of water and does not dry fast. This can make you feel wet, cold, or even make things worse for you. The people who design swim trunks want to stop those problems.

So when you pick up lined swim trunks, you can know that they are made for you to wear without anything under them. The design already thinks about giving you all the support and coverage you need. Putting on another piece of clothing under your swim trunks does not help and can actually make things uncomfortable.

Reasons People Choose to Wear Underwear with Swim Trunks

Swim trunks are made to be worn on their own. Still, some people like to wear underwear with swim trunks. The main reasons are comfort, modesty, and wanting extra support that might not come with the swim trunks’ mesh liner.

For people who wear underwear under swim trunks, it gives them a familiar feeling and peace of mind. They may feel better about it in a busy swimming pool. Sometimes they also want this extra support when relaxing on the sand. There are different reasons why they choose to wear a pair of underwear with swim trunks. Let’s look at what makes them do it.

Added Comfort and Familiarity

For many people, comfort is the main reason. The mesh liner in men’s swim trunks can be scratchy or bother your skin. If you add a pair of underwear, it gives you a soft layer that stops the mesh from rubbing on you. This can be a better option for anyone with skin that is sensitive.

Some people just like what they know. If you put on underwear every day, not wearing it when you wear swim trunks can feel odd. That extra layer can make you feel safe and normal. You can relax by the water and still feel like yourself.

Here’s why some people find this extra layer is more comfortable:

• Preventing Irritation: Wearing a soft pair of underwear can help stop your skin from being hurt by a rough mesh inside swim trunks.
• Familiar Support: You get more support from your own underwear than from the new mesh liner.
• Personal Habit: For many, having that extra layer feels like how they always dress.

Modesty, Coverage, and Support Considerations

Modesty is a big reason why people wear two layers at the swimming pool or beach. Some like to have a pair of underwear under their swim trunks for more full coverage. That extra layer helps people feel less worried if the trunks get wet and stick to the body.

It’s not just about modesty, though. Some people think the lining in swim trunks does not give enough extra support. This is true when people play active games like volleyball or go surfing. A snug pair of underwear can keep everything in place and help people feel more sure of themselves while moving around.

Key considerations include:

• Enhanced Modesty: An extra layer gives peace of mind and keeps people from being seen by accident.
• Increased Support: When doing tough activities, underwear can give more extra support than just the usual mesh liner.
• Better Fit: If the swim trunks are a bit loose, a pair of underwear helps keep them up.

The Pros and Cons of Wearing Underwear with Swim Trunks

Deciding if you should wear underwear with your swim trunks is a simple choice. You have to look at both the good and bad sides.

When you wear an extra layer, it can help you feel more sure of yourself. It may also keep you cleaner and stop chafing. Many people like these benefits and say it feels better to do this.

But, there are some things that may not be as good. This can lead to feeling uncomfortable. Underwear under your swim trunks also means it takes more time to dry. You might also have more laundry to do at home. It is smart to think about both sides before you decide what to wear for your day in the sun.

Let’s look closer at the main pros and cons of wearing underwear with your swim trunks and that extra layer.

Benefits: Hygiene, Prevention of Chafing, and Confidence

One of the perceived benefits of wearing underwear is improved hygiene. An extra layer can keep your swim trunks fresher for longer, especially if you plan to wear them all day. It also creates a barrier that can protect sensitive skin from chlorine or salt water.

Additionally, for activities outside the water, a snug layer can be key in the prevention of chafing. While this might seem counterintuitive, a good pair of underwear can reduce skin-on-skin or skin-on-fabric friction during a game of beach volleyball or a long walk. This added protection and support naturally boost your confidence.

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:

Benefit	Explanation
Hygiene	Creates a barrier that can keep swim trunks cleaner and protect skin from irritants like chlorine.
Chafe Prevention	A well-fitting under-layer can reduce friction during water sports and other beach activities.
Confidence	Provides extra support and coverage, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to move freely.

Drawbacks: Discomfort, Drying Time, and Laundry Issues

The biggest problem with wearing underwear under swim trunks is that it can be very uncomfortable. When you go in the water, cotton underwear soaks up and holds on to the water. This makes it heavy and soggy. It can also rub against your skin, which leads to chafing and irritation. If you stay in wet clothing for a long time, it’s not just uncomfortable; it can also give bacteria a good place to grow.

That extra fabric takes a lot more time to dry, too. Swim trunks are made to dry quickly, but your underwear is not. You will stay damp much longer after getting out of the water. This gets even worse if you want to keep your trunks on for the rest of the day.

There are also a few more things to keep in mind:

• Bacterial Growth: Trapped moisture from wet clothing can cause skin problems or even infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says to shower after swimming to wash off germs. [Source: cdc.gov]
• Increased Laundry: You have one more piece of wet, sandy, and possibly chlorine-damaged clothing you need to wash.
• Visible Bunching: The underwear bunches up under your wet swim trunks, making it look messy.

Picking the Right Option for Your Needs

In the end, you get to choose. The better option depends on your swim trunks and what you do. It’s also about if you feel comfortable. If your trunks do not have a liner or you want extra support for sports, it might be a good idea to wear underwear.

But if you want to add another layer, you can’t just use any underwear. The best kind is made from certain materials and styles. These help stop problems that could come up. Let’s talk about when it makes sense to wear both, and what kind you should pick.

When It Makes Sense to Wear Underwear Under Swim Trunks

There are some cases where putting on an extra layer is a good idea. The most clear time is when your swim trunks for men do not have a built-in liner. Some board shorts only have one layer of fabric. In this case, you need to wear a pair of underwear under them for support and full coverage.

Another reason is when you want to put on swim trunks like regular shorts. If you will not get into the water—for example, you are at a barbecue or playing sports on the sand—a pair of underwear gives you more support and helps stop chafing. You can wear them without worry, since there is no need to think about getting wet.

Some athletes, when doing water sports with high movement, also like to use an extra layer. Putting on a pair of underwear under your swim trunks or board shorts might help you feel more sure and safe, especially while surfing or wakeboarding.

If the extra layer makes you feel good, go for it. Just remember to put on a dry pair once you finish in the water.

Best Types of Underwear to Wear (If You Do)

If you want to wear a pair of underwear with your swim shorts, it’s very important to pick the right type of underwear. Do not use boxers or other loose styles, as the extra fabric will bunch up and soak in water. It’s better to go for a snug fit that stays close to your body.

The material matters a lot, too. Never pick regular cotton underwear. Cotton holds onto water and takes a long time to dry. Go for underwear made from synthetic materials like polyester or spandex. These will dry quickly. Hemp is a great option as well since it is good for the environment, dries fast, and lets your skin breathe.

Here are the best types of underwear to pick:

• Style: Pick swim briefs or underwear shaped like trunks. They stay tight against your skin and will not bunch up under your swim shorts.
• Fabric: Go for quick-dry materials like hemp, spandex, or polyester. This will help stop dampness and keep you feeling good.
• Plan Ahead: Always bring a dry pair of underwear to change into after swimming. This will help you stay clean and comfortable.

Conclusion

In the end, choosing whether to wear underwear with swim trunks is really up to you. It’s about what makes you comfortable. Some people like wearing underwear for extra support or to feel clean.

Others like to go without it, because they like how fast the swim trunks dry and how free they feel. When you know the good and bad sides of both options, you can make a choice that’s right for you. This is true if you are hanging out by the pool or swimming in the ocean.

There is not just one right answer. So, try out both ways to see which you like best. If you want to get a new look for the beach, take a look at our swim trunks and find your next favorite style!

Frequently Asked Questions