When it comes to shopping for swimwear, you’d think women were the only ones facing a challenge. Not so! While most men stick to simple swim trunks, finding the right swimsuit for men can be mind boggling. If you’re in the market for a new swimsuit this summer, there are a few buying tips you’ll want to memorize so that you step out onto the beach fully confident and looking your best.

No one says you have to wear a speedo to be sexy! As with female swimwear, men’s swimwear is all about what makes you feel sexy. There is a variety of men’s swimwear to choose from so the good news is that you’ll more than likely find the one that is meant just for you.

Depending on how often you actually plan on swimming or being at the beach or pool, you should aim to have between 2-3 bathing suits. While shopping for swimwear, keep in mind that you want a design and style that works best for your body type. If you’re not that concerned about trends and styles, then you can opt for classic shorts. This style of men’s swimwear doesn’t show off too much so you can be comfortable instead of insecure. Many are now also made with special fabrics, some that even dry as soon as you step out of the water. Most classic shorts come with mesh liners that offer support without feeling too restrictive.

Are you a skater dude? Then you’ll want to sport your style at the beach this summer with swimwear that is tailored for the skater or surfer in you. These types of shorts tend to be longer in length than the classic version. Others come with cool and intricate tribal designs or Asian themed prints and patterns. Some come with numerous pockets, in shades of gray, cream and light blue. The patterns are usually white or lighter in tone.

Tired of dealing with swim trunks that have draw cords? While they can be pretty stylish and serve well to keep your trunks up, draw cords are often one of the first parts of the shorts to suffer from wear and tear. They tend to break or get caught in the lining of your shorts, so you can’t pull them back out. To avoid dealing with this design flaw, choose shorts that offer Velcro or buttons.

One of the latest styles in men’s swimwear that’s gaining popularity is life guard shorts. Life guards have long been associated with the beach and the image of male perfection. To capture this youthful look, choose a cool pair of life guard shorts that reach just a few inches above the knees and offer a comfortable combination of a tight yet baggy fit. Not quite a beefcake? Then you can opt for Bermuda shorts to conceal skin you don’t want to show off.

Take your time while shopping for swimwear and be sure to know your size and measurements. Also account for the type of material and how it will react to shrinkage. If you take a cold dip, you may not want to be clothed in shorts that cling too tightly to your body.

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