For a cold-water swim or winter dip, most men do best with a snug, drawstring swim brief or a close-fitting square-leg trunk, plus a warm, easy-to-pull-on layer for afterwards. Tight swimwear stays put when you wade in, sheds water fast and is quick to peel off on a windy beach, which matters far more in December than it does in July.
Why winter swimwear needs a different plan
In summer you can get away with almost anything: baggy shorts dry in the sun and nobody rushes out of the water. A winter dip flips that. You spend a few minutes in the sea, lake or lido and most of your time changing on a cold shoreline. So the question is less "what looks good in the water" and more "what stays secure, holds little water and comes off quickly".
- Little fabric, little water: a brief or short trunk holds far less water than long, loose shorts, so there is less cold, wet material against you once you climb out.
- Drawstring, always: cold hands and wind-chilled fingers make fiddly fastenings annoying. A drawstring you tie before you go in keeps everything in place when you step over rocks or duck under a wave.
- Close fit: loose suits balloon and drag as you wade. A snug cut moves with you.
Swim briefs or square-leg trunks?
Both work for winter dips. The choice mostly comes down to how much coverage you want on a shared beach or at a busy lido.
| What matters | Swim briefs | Square-leg trunks |
|---|---|---|
| Water held after you get out | Least | Slightly more |
| Coverage on the upper thigh | Minimal | Short leg, more covered |
| Changing under a towel or robe | Very quick | Quick |
| Best for | Short dips, lap swimmers, minimalists | Group swims, families, first-timers |
If you are still deciding between cuts in general, our comparison of swim trunks, swim briefs and board shorts goes through each style in more detail.
Swimwear picks for cold-water dips
These styles from our men's swimwear collection suit the in-and-out rhythm of a winter swim:
- Quick Dry Swim Briefs: an elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring plus a zippered pocket for a key or locker token, handy when you leave your bag on the shore. Green, black, red, navy blue and light blue, sizes S to XXL.
- Colour Block Square Leg Trunks: 82% polyamide and 18% spandex with four-way stretch and an external drawstring over the elastic waistband. The high-contrast colour panels are easier to spot in open water, which helps when a friend is watching from the shore.
- Slim Fit Square Leg Trunks: the same 82/18 polyamide-spandex blend with colour-block accents on the waistband and thigh panels and a drawstring closure. Deep blue, black, green and sky blue.
- Printed Drawstring Swim Briefs: a low-rise brief cut in 90% polyester and 10% spandex, quick-drying, with an adjustable tie drawstring. A good option if your swim group likes a bit of colour on grey mornings.
What to wear before and after the swim
The swimwear is only half the outfit. A smooth winter dip is really about the ten minutes on either side of it.
Arriving
- Wear your swimwear under your clothes so you only have to take layers off, not change twice.
- Pick trousers and tops that open or pull off easily: joggers, a zip hoodie, slip-on shoes.
- Lay out your dry kit in the order you will put it on, top layer at the bottom of the pile.
Getting dressed again
- Dry off quickly, top half first, then get a warm layer on straight away.
- A close-fitting base layer is easy to pull over slightly damp skin and sits neatly under a jumper and coat.
- Bring a second dry pair of underwear; going home in damp swimwear is the most common winter-dip mistake.
Our Thermal Top and Long Johns Set is made for this moment: a long-sleeve top and long johns that sit close to the body and pull on easily. The fleece-lined colours are 92% polyester and 8% spandex with a soft lining that holds body heat, while the black and grey versions are lighter (80% rayon, 14% acrylic, 6% spandex). For more ideas on layering for cold days, see our guide to winter running base layers.
A simple winter-dip kit list
- Swim briefs or square-leg trunks, drawstring tied
- Large towel or changing robe
- Thermal top and long johns, or another close-fitting base layer
- Dry underwear for the trip home
- Warm hat, gloves and easy shoes
- A bag or wet pouch for your swimwear
- A flask of something warm
Beyond clothing, swim with others, check local conditions and lifeguard or club guidance, and keep early dips short until you know how you feel in the cold.
Caring for swimwear used in the sea and lakes
Winter swimming is hard on fabric in different ways from summer: salt, cold fresh water and wet bags. Rinse your swimwear in cool fresh water as soon as you get home, gently press out the water rather than wringing it, and let it dry flat away from radiators. Direct heat can stress the stretch fibres. Our swimwear care guide has the full routine.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wear swim briefs or shorts for cold-water swimming?
Close-fitting swim briefs or square-leg trunks usually work better than loose shorts. They hold less water, stay put when you wade in and are faster to change out of on a cold beach.
Can I wear normal underwear for a winter dip?
It is better not to. Everyday underwear is not made for swimming, tends to hold water and can lose its shape. Wear swimwear in the water and keep your underwear dry for afterwards.
What should I wear after a cold-water swim?
Dry off, then put on a close-fitting warm layer such as a thermal top and long johns, followed by a jumper, coat, hat and gloves. Bring a dry pair of underwear for the journey home.
How do I pick the right swimwear size?
Check the waist measurements on each product page. A snug fit is what you want in the water, and the drawstring lets you fine-tune it. If you have muscular legs and prefer a looser feel, sizing up can help.
Ready for your next winter dip?
Browse the full men's swimwear collection for briefs and square-leg trunks, and find warm layers for afterwards among our new arrivals.
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