For a winter sun holiday, pack two or three pairs of quick-drying swim briefs or square-leg trunks, one light pair of shorts to throw over them, and at least one pair you would happily wear to a hotel pool party in the evening. Swimwear you bought for the summer usually works, but December trips reward quick-drying fabric and a drawstring more than ever, because you will swim often and dry off in a cooler breeze.
Why winter sun trips need their own swim plan
A week in the Canary Islands, Egypt, Thailand or the Caribbean in December feels like summer by day, but evenings are cooler and hotel rooms are often air-conditioned. That changes how you use your swimwear:
- You swim more than once a day. Morning pool, afternoon sea, maybe a hotel spa. A wet pair rarely dries completely between sessions.
- Breezes are cooler. Sitting around in soaked fabric is less pleasant than in August, so fast-drying swimwear matters.
- Your suitcase is fuller. You still need a jacket for the airport at home, so small, light swimwear wins.
- Photos happen. It is the one sunny week of your winter, and most people take more pictures than on a summer trip.
The three-pair rule
For most trips of 7 to 10 nights, three pairs of swimwear is the sweet spot. One is on, one is drying, and one is clean and ready for the evening or the next morning. Pick them so they cover different jobs instead of buying three copies of the same thing.
| Pair | Job on holiday | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| The workhorse | Sea swims, snorkelling, beach walks | Quick-dry fabric, adjustable drawstring, a pocket if you carry a key card |
| The pool pair | Hotel pool and spa, lounging | Chlorine-resistant fabric, lined pouch, tag-free comfort on a sun lounger |
| The statement pair | Pool parties, sunset drinks, photos | A bold print or metallic finish you would not wear at your local pool |
Pair one: the quick-drying workhorse
This is the pair you will wear most. Our Quick Dry Swim Briefs have a zippered pocket for a room key card or a few coins, an elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring and quick-dry swim fabric. They come in green, black, red, navy blue and light blue, sizes S to XXL. If you prefer a lighter, airier feel, the Mesh Swim Briefs use a fine, breathable mesh fabric with a double-layer contoured pouch and come in 8 colours.
Pair two: the pool and spa pair
Resort pools are chlorinated, and you will probably spend hours on a lounger. The Pattern Swim Briefs are made from 82% polyamide and 18% spandex, described as quick-dry and chlorine-resistant, with a 3D contour pouch with double-layer fabric at the front and a tag-free build. Available in black, sky blue and deep blue, S to XXL.
A practical habit: rinse this pair in fresh water after every pool session and hang it in the shade on your balcony, not in direct sun. For more on keeping colours bright, see our men's swimwear care guide.
Pair three: something for the evening
Many winter sun hotels run pool parties, foam parties or sunset sessions, especially around Christmas and New Year. This is where a statement pair earns its place:
- Metallic. The Metallic Swim Briefs use a reflective fabric that catches the light, with quick-drying fabric, an elastic waistband and a drawstring. Colours: rose, golden, royal blue, silvery and black.
- Playful print. The Printed Swim Briefs with Drawstring are 84% polyester and 16% spandex, low rise, and stay opaque when wet. You can wear the drawstring outside or tuck it in. Blue, green, orange or pink.
Don't forget a cover-up
Walking from the pool to the buffet or the beach bar in just swim briefs is not allowed everywhere. One pair of light shorts solves it. The Split-Side Lounge Shorts are silky and lightweight, with deep side splits and a built-in liner, so they double as beach shorts, gym shorts on the hotel treadmill and something comfortable to sleep in. Six colours, S to XL. Browse more options in our shorts collection.
Packing tips for a winter sun trip
- Wear your warm layers on the plane and pack the swimwear in your hand luggage, so you can swim on day one even if your suitcase is late.
- Pack a small zip bag for wet swimwear on the last day, when you check out before your evening flight.
- Check the size chart before you go. If you are between sizes and have muscular thighs, sizing up is usually the more comfortable choice.
- Bring a mix of colours. Dark pairs for the sea, brighter or printed pairs for the pool and photos.
Heading for a longer beach trip? Our beach holiday packing guide covers underwear for the rest of your suitcase too.
Frequently asked questions
How many swimsuits should a man pack for a one-week beach holiday?
Three is ideal: one to wear, one drying and one clean for the evening. Two works for a short trip if both dry quickly.
Swim briefs or trunks for a winter sun holiday?
Both work. Swim briefs dry fastest and pack smallest; square-leg trunks give a little more coverage for hotel restaurants and beach bars. Many men pack one of each.
Can I wear my summer swimwear in December?
Yes. Just check that the elastic and drawstring are still in good shape after a summer of chlorine and salt, and replace any pair that has gone thin or baggy.
How do I dry swimwear in an air-conditioned hotel room?
Rinse it, roll it in a towel to press out water, then hang it on the balcony in the shade. Indoors, hang it near the air-conditioning outlet rather than in the bathroom.
Build your winter sun swim kit
Choose one workhorse, one pool pair and one statement pair, add a pair of light shorts, and you are ready for a week of sun while everyone at home is scraping ice off their cars. See the full range in our men's swimwear collection.
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