Can You Wear Compression Shorts Under Swim Trunks?

man in compression shorts is running through landscape terrain 

Finding the right swim trunks can sometimes be a hassle, as some swim trunks are long, some short, some with mesh lining, some without. Therefore, if you find a pair of swim trunks you like but feel they don’t have the best support, wearing something under them is best. However, can you wear compression shorts under swim trunks?

You can wear compression shorts under swim trunks. While most swim trunks have built-in mesh—so you don’t have to wear anything underneath—many still choose to wear something underneath. Compression shorts are an excellent option because they offer great support and protection.

The rest of this article will discuss why compression shorts are great to wear under swim trunks, other options to wear under swim trunks, and how to choose the right option for you.

It’s Okay To Wear Compression Shorts Under Swim Trunks

There are many different options to choose from when it comes to wearing something under your swim trunks. While everyone will have different likes and dislikes regarding the fit and feel of the clothing under the swim trunks, many will agree that compression shorts are a better choice than others.

man wearing shorts

Compression shorts are great to wear under swim trunks because they offer better support than the mesh lining most swim trunks come with and better protection from possible chafing.

However, not every pair of compression shorts will be ideal for wearing under swim trunks. Therefore, you need to ensure you buy a pair that’s made with suitable materials, such as polyester or nylon.

An excellent compression shorts option that works wonderfully under swim trunks is the Dry Dudz Compression Short. These compression shorts are made with a poly/lycra blend and a dry-thru technology. They’re perfect to wear in water and won’t cause any irritation.

How Do Compression Shorts Help With Chafing?

Chafing is caused by skin friction, meaning when skin rubs together, it can cause irritation. It’s a common problem with many athletes and those who are overweight. However, there are many ways to prevent chafing.

Compression shorts help with chafing by preventing skin friction. They act as a barrier between the skin. Therefore, there’s less chance of skin friction. Compression shorts made with breathable materials (polyester/nylon) and high inseams are best for preventing chafing.

Although chafing is more common with wet skin, wearing compression shorts under swim trunks will still help prevent the legs from rubbing together because of the tightness of the shorts.

Other Options To Wear Under Swim Trunks

While compression shorts are an excellent option, there are various choices. Everyone has different likes and dislikes regarding clothing and how it fits or feels, so choosing the right option for you might take some trial and error.

Some popular options you can consider are as follows:

  • Cotton boxers
  • Boxers made from polyester

Or, you can choose to wear nothing with your swimming trunks.

Cotton Boxers Are Okay But Not the Best Option

If you don’t have a lot of time to figure out what to put on under your swim trunks and wearing nothing under them doesn’t appeal to you, you can wear your regular boxers. However, it’s not the best choice, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

Most boxers are made out of cotton. Therefore, they don’t hold up very well when they get wet. They get heavy, won’t dry very fast on their own, and can also cause chafing. However, it’s still an option, and many people do it.

Polyester Boxers Might Be Less Restricting Than Compression Shorts

You can find boxers of all kinds, and they’re not all made with cotton. Boxer briefs made from breathable materials such as polyester, nylon, and spandex will work just as well as compression shorts but might not be as tight. Therefore, if the tightness of compression shorts isn’t for you, boxers made from polyester might be.

I recommend checking out the BN3TH Boxer Briefs. These boxers come in various attractive patterns. The fabric is made to be breathable and durable to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Swim Trunks Often Have a Mesh Lining That Acts As Underwear

Most swim trunks are specifically made to allow you not to wear anything underneath them. However, some will be less protective or supportive than others, so sometimes it just takes some research to find the right pair for you. Swim trunks often contain a mesh lining that acts as underwear, which is convenient, albeit less comfortable.

Final Thoughts

You can wear compression shorts under swim trunks. Compression shorts are an excellent choice to wear under swim trunks if you often deal with chafing because compression shorts are a barrier between the skin. Therefore, it reduces the amount of skin friction, leading to less chafing.

However, compression shorts may not be for everyone. There are a few options of different clothing to wear under swim trunks if wearing nothing is uncomfortable for you. Cotton boxers and boxers made from polyester are both options, with the latter being the most durable, and therefore, the most recommended.

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