I stood in front of my closet last spring, holding three pairs of swim shorts I’d never worn again past summer one. It struck me then: the wrong swimsuit doesn’t just look off — it makes you feel invisible by the pool.
The right fit changes everything. Here’s what I tell my clients and their partners when they ask me which men’s swimwear brands are actually worth investing in.
16 Swimwear Brands Worth Your Time
1. Addicted (Spain)
Bold prints, vibrant colours, and materials that feel as good as they look. Their range goes from briefs to trunks, and some pieces even include clever details like a built-in cock ring. If you want to make a statement at the pool, this is it.
Price: $50–$100
2. 2xist (USA)
Clean lines and minimalist designs that read modern without trying too hard. The logo alone tells a story — you spot it poolside and instantly know who designed for whom. Some styles add subtle flair: strings, attachments, little touches that feel intentional.
Price: $30–$100
3. Modus Vivendi (Greece)
This is the luxury pick. Intricate details, premium fabrics, styles ranging from classic briefs to jockstraps. It costs it — and it looks it.
Price: $50–$120
4. Charlie by Matthew Zink (Brazil)
Solid bright colours with a distinctly Brazilian energy. I first discovered them on Instagram and haven’t stopped thinking about them since. You’ll see this brand in gay magazines everywhere — for good reason.
Price: $30–$80
5. Speedo (Australia)
The classic. A simple black Speedo with that swish logo is about as effortless as it gets. Performance-oriented, yes — but there’s nothing sexier than a well-fitted swim brief when you’re actually in the water.
Price: $30–$80
6. H&M (Sweden)
Affordable and on-trend. Whether it’s geometric shapes, neon colours, or floral patterns, H&M nails the summer look without a high price tag. Perfect for trying out styles before you commit to something more expensive.
Price: $10–$30
7. Violet Los Angeles (USA)
Queer-owned, designed and made in LA. The aesthetic draws from queer nightlife and alt zine culture, but the pieces are surprisingly wearable — not costume-y at all. The Adjustable One Piece is a standout: square neckline, elastic straps, bungee cords at the side so you can adjust from classic to French cut. Poolside or party, it works.
The Trad Brief is more understated — available in 4am (black) and Sucker Punch (hot pink). A great option for a family beach that turns into a pool party.
Price: $80–$109. Shop Violet Los Angeles
8. JJ Malibu (Canada)
Fun, playful, and unapologetically bold. Unique prints and colours that let personality shine through. Their range includes briefs and jockstraps — swimwear with a sense of humour.
Price: $25–$50
9. Garçon Official (UK)
Elegant and understated. Known for underwear that appears in high-fashion magazines, their swimwear carries the same sophistication. Simple colours — black, gold — with styles from briefs to trunks.
Price: $60–$100
10. Calzedonia (Italy)
Trendy and well-cut, often in two-toned complementary colours — think green and yellow trunks that look far more considered than they should. The brand sits alongside Intimissimi, though I find Calzedonia’s swim line more varied.
Price: $30–$80
11. Henre (France)
Classic designs with a modern twist. I first found them in a gay gift shop while travelling, and what drew me in was practical: each Speedo-style brief comes with a matching shorts option, so you can switch between briefs and trunks depending on the day.
Price: $50–$100
12. Elia Beachwear (Greece)
I discovered this brand in a Palm Springs shop — one of the gayest cities in America, if you ask me. The swimwear is on the pricier side but worth it. Some Speedo-like styles include a privacy cup insert, so you don’t have to worry about an unexpected imprint.
Price: $50–$100. Available online through retailers such as DailyJocks.com.
13. HUNK
Bold colours, unique patterns, and fabric that feels soft with just the right stretch. The briefs stay comfortably in place whether you’re swimming laps or playing beach volleyball. They also make excellent underwear, which is worth noting if cost-per-wear matters to you.
Price: $30 for swim thongs, up to $60 for briefs and shorts.
14. Adidas (Germany)
Their bike shorts are a versatile alternative when you need something that works in the water and beyond. I’ve worn them travelling between city and beach — places like Tel Aviv, where you dry off quickly and head straight back into town. The classic black pair is my favourite.
Price: varies by style and design. Shop Adidas online
15. Cin2 (USA)
Technically underwear, not swimwear — but a fun and flirty alternative for warm days by the pool. Not designed specifically for swimming, yet many of my clients’ partners wear them poolside without a second thought.
Price: $25–$50
16. Skull & Bones (USA)
An Instagram discovery. Trendy swimwear with unique prints, plus mesh styles that bridge underwear and swimwear. The one thing to know: sizes run small. I usually wear small or medium but had to go up a large for the right fit.
Price: $40–$80
The Confidence Formula
Fit + Intention = Effortless poolside confidence. You don’t need more options — you need the right cut for your body and your day.
A note from Isabelle: Style isn’t about becoming someone else by the water’s edge. It’s about choosing something that lets you feel like yourself — only a little brighter. The best swimsuit is the one you forget you’re wearing because it just works.
You might also enjoy:
- Building a Summer Capsule Wardrobe That Actually Works
- How the Right Fit Changes How You Walk Into a Room