We make one swim brief, and you can buy it three ways: on its own, as a Duo or as a Trio. They're the same brief: the same low rise, the same contoured pouch, the same flat waistband and the same sizes. The difference is how many you get, which colors you can combine, and how much you save per brief.
Here's a straight comparison, with real prices, to help you choose.
The comparison at a glance
| Mandate Swim Brief | Swim Brief Duo | Swim Brief Trio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briefs | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Price | $39.99 | $69.98 | $99.97 |
| Price per brief | $39.99 | $34.99 | about $33.32 |
| You save | n/a | $10 vs. 2 singles | $20 vs. 3 singles |
| Colors | Red or black | Red + black, 2 red or 2 black | 2 red + 1 black, 1 red + 2 black, 3 red or 3 black |
| Sizes | S, M, L | One size for both (S, M or L) | One size for all three (S, M or L) |
| Free shipping (over $99, no discount code) | Add more to your order | Add more to your order | Qualifies on its own at full price |
| Best for | Trying the cut, or a gift | A long weekend away | A week away, a cruise or rotating daily |
The single Mandate Swim Brief: $39.99
The Mandate Swim Brief is where most people start. It's a low-rise men's swim brief with a contoured pouch and a flat waistband, in bold red or classic black, sizes S to L.
Choose a single if:
- It's your first swim brief and you want to try the cut
- You already own one color and want the other
- You're buying a gift under $50
- You need two different sizes (for example, for a couple). Sets use one size, so buy singles instead.
The Swim Brief Duo: $69.98 for two
The Swim Brief Duo is two Mandate Swim Briefs for $69.98. That's $34.99 per brief and $10 less than buying two singles.
Choose the Duo if:
- You're going away for a long weekend and want one to wear and one to rotate
- You want both colors: red for the statement, black for everything else
- You want two of your favorite color, so one is always ready
Color options: red + black, two red, or two black. One size covers both briefs.
The Swim Brief Trio: $99.97 for three
The Swim Brief Trio is three Mandate Swim Briefs for $99.97, about $33.32 per brief and $20 less than buying three singles. It's our best value per brief, and at its full price of $99.97, with no discount code, it qualifies for free shipping on its own.
Choose the Trio if:
- You're taking a week-long trip or a cruise
- You swim often and like to rotate
- You want one brief for the pool, one for the beach and one for whatever comes after
Color options: two red and one black, one red and two black, three red, or three black. One size covers all three briefs.
How many swim briefs do you actually need?
A simple rule: one swim brief for every two beach or pool days, with a minimum of two for any trip.
| Your plans | How many | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Trying swim briefs for the first time | 1 | Single |
| Local pool or gym, a few times a week | 2 | Duo |
| Long weekend away | 2 | Duo |
| One-week vacation | 3 | Trio |
| Cruise or 10+ days | 3–4 | Trio, plus a single if you like |
| Gift under $50 | 1 | Single |
Why at least two? Because nobody enjoys pulling on yesterday's damp swimsuit for an early swim. With two or three, there's always one ready. For a full packing list, see swim briefs vs trunks for your vacation.
Mixing colors: which combination?
- Red + black (Duo): the classic way to cover both moods.
- 2 black + 1 red (Trio): mostly classic, with one statement day.
- 2 red + 1 black (Trio): for the man who loves red and wants a black backup.
- All one color: if you know exactly what you like.
Sizing for sets
Every brief in a Duo or Trio is the same size. Measure a brief you already own, laid flat across the waistband, and compare it with the size guide. If you're between sizes, size down. Our 30-second fit test helps you check once it arrives.
Buying for two people with different sizes? Add single briefs to your cart instead of a set.
Getting to free shipping
Without a discount code, orders over $99 ship free, and orders to Israel ship free over $60. Some easy ways to get there:
- The Trio, $99.97, on its own
- The Duo plus a Signature Boxer Brief, $69.98 + $29.99 = $99.97
- The Duo plus a single swim brief, $69.98 + $39.99 = $109.97
The Signature Boxer Brief is our everyday underwear, $29.99 in black, sizes S to XL.
Common questions before you choose
Is the brief in a set any different from the single? No. The Duo and Trio contain the same Mandate Swim Brief you'd buy on its own, with the same cut, the same contoured pouch and the same flat logo waistband. Only the quantity and the price per brief change.
Can I add a single to a set later? Yes. Each one is a standard Mandate Swim Brief, so a single bought later matches the briefs in your set in the same size.
What if I'm not sure about the cut yet? Start with one black brief. Wear it for a few swims, check the fit against the size guide, then move up to a set once you know your size and your favorite color.
Buying a set as a gift
Sets make generous gifts for a man with a trip coming up:
- A long weekend away: the red-and-black Duo
- A cruise or a week away: the Trio
- A stocking: a single swim brief
See our swimwear gifts for men, including two gifts under $50.
The short version
- Single, $39.99: try the cut, add a color, or give a gift.
- Duo, $69.98: two briefs, $10 saved, perfect for a long weekend.
- Trio, $99.97: three briefs, $20 saved, best value per brief, and free shipping on its own at full price.
- Same brief, same sizes. Sets use one size for every brief.
Shop the brief
Mandate Swim Brief
$39.99
A low-rise brief with a contoured pouch and a flat logo waistband, in red or black, sizes S to L.
Shop the swim brief
Swim Brief Duo
$69.98 for 2
$10 less than two singles. Red and black, or two of one color, in one size.
Shop the Duo
Swim Brief Trio
$99.97 for 3
$20 less than three singles, and over $99, so it ships free without a discount code.
Shop the TrioShips from California. Without a discount code, orders over $99 ship free, and orders to Israel ship free over $60.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Duo and the Trio?
The Duo is two Mandate Swim Briefs for $69.98, saving $10. The Trio is three for $99.97, saving $20. They're the same brief; the Trio gives you one more and a lower price per brief.
Can I choose different sizes in a set?
No. The Duo and Trio use one size for every brief. If you need different sizes, add single swim briefs to your cart instead.
Which colors can I choose?
The Duo comes as red and black, two red or two black. The Trio comes as two red and one black, one red and two black, three red or three black.
Which option is the best value?
The Trio, at about $33.32 per brief. At full price it also qualifies for free shipping on its own, since orders over $99 with no discount code ship free.
How many swim briefs do I need for a week away?
Three. That gives you one for the pool, one for the beach and one spare, so there's always one ready.