Are Swim Briefs Back in Fashion?
Updated October 2026
The short version
- Yes. Men's swimwear has been getting shorter for years, and the swim brief is the natural end point of that trend.
- In much of Europe, Australia and South America, briefs never went out of style. The US is catching up.
- The easiest way in: a black brief, a good fit, and a shirt or towel for the walk to the bar.
For a long time, American men treated swim briefs as something only competitive swimmers or very confident tourists wore. That's changing. Shorter swimwear is everywhere now, and more men are asking the obvious next question: are swim briefs back in fashion? We think the answer is yes, and here's why.
Why swim briefs are coming back
Shorter swimwear went mainstream first. Knee-length board shorts ruled for decades. Then swim shorts started creeping up the thigh, and mid-thigh became the new normal. Once short shorts felt ordinary, the brief stopped looking like a leap and started looking like the next step.
Fitness culture made men more comfortable showing their legs. Gym culture, running and social media all normalized men caring how they look in fitted clothes. A swim brief is the most fitted swimwear there is.
Travel changed what "normal" looks like. Anyone who has spent a summer on the Mediterranean has seen men of every age and build in briefs without a second thought. More Americans travel abroad, see it, and bring the idea home. Our post on whether men wear speedos in Europe goes deeper.
Briefs got better looking. The modern swim brief isn't the shiny racing suit from your high school swim team. Lifestyle briefs have a lower rise, a shaped front and colors chosen for the pool deck, not the lane line. If you think of "speedo" as a racing word, our guide to speedo alternatives explains the difference.
Where swim briefs never left
In a lot of the world, the question "are swim briefs back?" sounds strange, because they never left. Briefs are an everyday choice on beaches across southern Europe, in Australia and in Brazil, and at public pools in many European countries they're the standard. The US is the outlier, and that gap is closing.
How to start wearing swim briefs
If you've never worn one, start gradually. You don't need to show up at a crowded beach on day one.
| Step | Where | What to wear | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Home pool or a quiet hotel pool | Black brief, plain towel | Low stakes while you get used to the cut |
| 2 | Vacation abroad | Black or red brief, open shirt | Briefs are normal in many beach destinations |
| 3 | Pool party or beach club | Red brief, linen shirt, sandals | You're comfortable, so let the color do the work |
| 4 | Anywhere | Whatever you like | By now it's just your swimwear |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Sizing: swim brief size guide.
Get the fit right. A brief that fits well looks intentional. One that's too big sags and one that's too small digs in, and both make you feel self-conscious. The waistband should sit flat, the leg openings should lie smooth, and the front should feel secure. Our guide to how men's swim briefs should fit has the full checklist, and the swim brief size guide has measurements in cm and inches.
Start with black. It's the quietest color and goes with everything. Once you're comfortable, red swim briefs are the obvious next pick.
Bring a cover-up. An open linen shirt or a towel over the shoulder makes the walk from the pool to lunch easy, wherever you are.
The Mandate Swim Brief
We started Mandate because we wanted a swim brief that looks good off the pool deck as well as on it. The Mandate Swim Brief is a low-rise men's swim brief with a contoured pouch and a flat waistband, in red or black, sizes S, M and L, for $39.99. Get two in a Duo for $69.98 or three in a Trio for $99.97. Unworn items can be returned within 30 days, and orders ship from California.
FAQ
Are swim briefs back in fashion in 2026?
Yes. Men's swimwear has been getting shorter for years, and in our view the swim brief is the natural next step after short swim shorts. Briefs never went out of style in much of Europe, Australia and Brazil, and they're increasingly common in the US.
Are swim briefs the same as speedos?
Speedo is a brand name that many people use for any swim brief. Racing briefs are built for laps, while lifestyle briefs usually have a lower rise and a more shaped front for wearing at the pool or beach.
Can any man wear swim briefs?
Yes. Fit matters far more than body type. A brief in the right size, with a flat waistband and smooth leg openings, looks good on most men.
What color swim brief should I start with?
Black. It's the most low-key option while you get used to the cut. Red is a great second brief once you're comfortable.
Where are swim briefs most common?
Swim briefs are an everyday choice on beaches in southern Europe, Australia and Brazil, and are the norm at many European public pools.