The best swimwear for beach volleyball is a snug swim brief or a short square-leg trunk with a drawstring waist and a stretchy, quick-drying fabric. Loose board shorts trap sand, flap when you dive and stay heavy once they are wet, while a close cut moves with every jump and dries between sets.
Here is how to choose a pair that survives a full afternoon of digging, blocking and diving on hot sand, plus what to throw on between games.
Why beach volleyball is tough on swimwear
Few beach activities ask as much of a swimsuit. In a single rally you might sprint sideways, drop into a low ready stance, jump to block and land in a dive. Sand gets everywhere, sweat and sea water soak the fabric, and you rarely have time to adjust anything between points.
- Constant lunging and jumping pulls on the waistband and leg openings.
- Sand collects in loose folds and long pockets.
- Wet weight drags baggy styles down after a swim break.
- Sun and heat make heavy fabrics feel clammy fast.
So the questions are simple: will it stay in place, will it let you move, and will it dry quickly?
Swim briefs vs square-leg trunks vs board shorts on the court
Each cut has a place on the beach, but they behave very differently once the game starts.
| Cut | Movement | Sand and water | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swim brief | Completely free legs for lunges and jumps | Little fabric, so it sheds sand and dries fast | Competitive games, hot days, players who dive a lot |
| Square-leg trunk | Short leg moves with you, no riding up when it fits well | Close fit leaves no space for sand to gather | Players who want a bit more coverage without bulk |
| Board shorts | Long, loose legs can catch on knees in a squat | Hold sand and water, heavier when wet | Casual knock-arounds and walking between bars |
If you are still deciding between the three shapes in general, our guide to swim trunks vs swim briefs vs board shorts goes deeper into everyday use. For volleyball specifically, the closer the cut, the less you will think about it mid-rally.
Fabric: look for stretch and quick-drying blends
Swimwear built for sport usually mixes a synthetic base with a good share of elastane (also called spandex). The synthetic fibres dry quickly and hold their shape, and the elastane lets the suit stretch into a deep squat and spring back.
- The Square Leg Quick-Dry Swim Trunks are 82% polyamide and 18% spandex with 4-way stretch.
- The Beach Sport Swim Briefs are 80% polyamide and 20% elastane, a lightweight, quick-drying mix.
Both blends feel light against the skin and do not turn heavy after you cool off in the sea, which matters when you head straight back onto the sand.
Fit details that keep you game-ready
A swimsuit that fits well in the mirror can still slip once you start diving. Check these details before game day:
- Drawstring waist: an adjustable drawstring over an elastic waistband lets you tighten the fit so nothing shifts when you land. The square-leg trunks have an external drawstring you can retie quickly between points.
- Front lining: the Colour Block Swim Briefs have a dual-layered front panel with a ventilating mesh lining for extra structure while you move.
- Tagless finish: no label to scratch when sand and sweat mix. The solid and printed swim briefs are both tagless.
- Snug, not tight: you should be able to drop into a deep squat without the leg openings digging in or the waistband rolling.
Tip: try the squat test at home. If the suit moves in your living room, it will move a lot more on sand.
Colour and style: from tournament to beach bar
Beach volleyball is as social as it is sporty, so most players want swimwear that also looks good afterwards. Bold colour blocks are easy to spot on court, and many players like matching colours with their partner.
- The square-leg trunks come in Black, Navy Blue, Sky Blue, Blue, Rose, Pink, Green and Deep Blue.
- The Solid Colour Swim Briefs cover the classics, from Black and White to Royal Blue, Yellow, Green and Red.
- The Printed Swim Briefs add a pattern and a low-rise cut with a pouch for support.
Have a look at all styles in our men's swimwear collection.
Between games: what to pull on over your swimwear
You will spend a good part of the day waiting for the next match, grabbing a drink or walking along the beach. A light layer saves you from sitting on hot sand in just a swim brief.
- Light shorts with a liner: the Split-Side Lined Shorts are silky and lightweight, with an elastic waistband, a built-in liner and deep side splits for freedom of movement.
- A loose shirt or tank for shade on your shoulders.
- A second swimsuit in your bag, so you can change into a dry pair for the trip home.
Find more light layers in our sportswear and shorts collections.
After the game: rinse out the sand
Sand, salt and sunscreen are hard on stretch fabrics. Rinse your swimwear in cool fresh water as soon as you can, shake the sand out of the lining and let it dry flat in the shade. Our men's swimwear care guide explains how to keep colours and elasticity looking fresh all season.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play beach volleyball in board shorts?
Yes, for a casual game. For longer or more competitive play, most men prefer a swim brief or short square-leg trunk, because board shorts hold sand and water and can catch on your knees when you squat.
Should I size up or down for sport swimwear?
Choose your usual size using the size information on the product page. Swimwear should feel snug when dry, since a loose fit tends to slip once it is wet. If you have muscular thighs, check the leg measurements before picking a square-leg style.
Do I need to wear underwear under swim briefs?
No. Swim briefs and trunks are made to be worn on their own. Underwear underneath would only trap water and sand.
Which swimwear is best if I also want to swim between games?
Any quick-drying swim brief or square-leg trunk works for both. Look for a drawstring waist so the suit stays put whether you are diving for the ball or into the waves.
Ready for the next match
A close-fitting, stretchy, quick-drying swimsuit with a drawstring lets you focus on the ball instead of your shorts. Browse the full men's swimwear collection to find your pair for the next beach day. Every order ships in discreet packaging.
