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When it comes to swimwear, there are a few general dos and don'ts. For example, do rock your swim trunks to the beach, pool, around the house and even to the gym, but maybe leave them at home for nicer events and occasions. Do pair your swim trunks with sandals or casual loafers and a t-shirt or polo for summer vibes, but give them a break during the winter months unless you’re on vacation or live somewhere super warm. Still, you might have some lingering questions about wearing men’s swim trunks that seem to go unanswered — like whether or not you should wear underwear under your swim trunks or not. The short answer is no, and here’s why. 

The Swimwear and Underwear Myth

Even if you grew up wearing underwear beneath your swimwear, there’s no convincing reason to continue doing so. There seems to be a lasting myth that keeps some swim-trunk-wearers believing they should maybe be wearing an extra layer down there, but experts (read: the Reddit community) have debunked this one with conviction. 

Some convincing arguments against wearing underwear with swim trunks explain that it’s simply not practical because it creates extra laundry, the underwear soaks up a lot of water and elongates drying time, the saltwater and chlorine can damage underwear over time and more. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? Hence, let this be a new general rule: from boys’ swim trunks to the adult version, you’re good sans underwear as long as everything is covered up down there. 

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A Few Exceptions

As we all know, there’s usually one exception (or more) to the rule. With this one in particular, there are a few unique circumstances that might warrant that extra layer underneath a pair of swim trunks. For example, if you’re wearing swim trunks as regular shorts with a casual outfit while out walking around or eating at a restaurant, you might feel more comfortable wearing a pair of underwear as long as you don’t plan on taking a dip in the water. 

Though the board shorts vs. swim trunks conversation is an entirely different beast, there are a few key ideas to keep in mind with that comparison, too. Board shorts are made of different materials than swim trunks. They were created for surfers and therefore have different features than traditional swim trunks, including a longer length and more relaxed fit that usually falls lower on the waistline towards the hips. Board shorts typically do not include an inner layer or mesh lining, which is why some people prefer to wear underwear with them. Again, this decision varies depending on personal preference and setting, but it’s good to know before buying a pair yourself. 

Le Club Level Protection

At Le Club Original, we’re all about swim trunks that give you a great fit for comfortable coverage and all-day wear. Every pair of swim trunks we offer includes a fine inner mesh lining, which keeps everything in place and eliminates any need for underwear or an added layer. You can play volleyball on the beach, swim a few laps, chill at the house or even sweat it out at the gym knowing our swim trunks will keep you covered, collected and comfortable. In a variety of sizes, lengths, colors and prints, you’re sure to find your perfect pair at Le Club.