Too tight, too loose, too short, too long… Choosing the right swimwear as a man often feels like flipping a coin. But what if the real question wasn’t about color or brand, but rather: which swimwear suits which body type?
Because no, not all bodies are the same (and that’s actually great news). Even better, there are cuts that flatter, fabrics that follow your shape — and even options that are kind to the ocean. Yes, the ocean.
So, ready to dive in? Which swimwear suits which body type? Follow the guide.
Understanding your body type: the key to a great fit
The most common male body types
Not sure where you fit? Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the world of male silhouettes:
- V shape: broad shoulders, narrow hips
- H shape: shoulders and hips aligned
- A shape: wider hips than shoulders
- O shape: round belly
Why body type matters when choosing swimwear
The wrong swimsuit can throw off your proportions… or look like you borrowed someone else’s. Cut, length, stretch — it all makes a difference. And the fabric? We’ll get to that too.
Since your swimsuit now often takes you beyond the beach — think aperitifs, strolls, restaurants, even heading back to town — you’ll want a fit that actually flatters your body type.
Which swimsuit for which body type? A practical guide
V shape: balance your silhouette from the bottom
Strong, broad shoulders? Nice. But watch out for the “inverted triangle” look. The key is not to taper off too much on the bottom.
Best picks:
- Mid-length or short swim trunks with a straight cut
- Side details like pockets, stripes, or horizontal prints
To avoid:
- Ultra-skinny swim briefs
A well-tailored trunk brings balance to your body, without drawing attention to any imbalance.
H shape: almost anything goes
You can pull off most styles — as long as you don’t disappear completely.
Best matches:
- Fitted swim briefs to define the waist
- Trunks: snug but not tight
- Short trunks in bold colors or prints
To avoid:
- The bland combo: pale color + straight cut + floppy fabric = dull and shapeless
Play with patterns, textures, and contrast. Have fun with it.
A shape: draw the eye upward
Wider hips? No stress — it’s all about visual balance. Keep it minimal below, add interest up top.
Ideally:
- Simple, solid-colored swim briefs with a mid-rise
- Straight-cut trunks — never oversized
- Darker shades on the bottom, prints or colors on top (with a tee, for example)
To avoid:
- Baggy surfer shorts from 2006
- Massive prints on the thighs
A well-cut swimsuit helps balance your frame — without screaming “I’m hiding my hips.” Because let’s be honest, they’re great as they are.
O shape: comfort and support come first
Here, the goal isn’t to hide — it’s to feel good. No tight waistbands, no chopped-up silhouette.
Go for:
- Mid-length trunks (just above the knee) with an adjustable waistband
- Lightweight fabric with a soft lining
- Subtle colors or fine patterns
To avoid:
- Briefs that are too narrow or sit low on the waist
- Non-adjustable elastics (nobody likes a squeezed belly)
The three Bluebuck swimsuits: a fit for every body type
Ever wondered which swimsuit suits which body type? At Bluebuck, we’ve made things simple. Three styles, three smart cuts, three ways to respect your body (and the ocean while we’re at it).
The Bluebuck swim brief: precise, no compromise
Looking for a snug fit that holds everything in place without squeezing? The Bluebuck swim brief is the 2.0 version of the minimalist swimsuit:
- Anatomical cut with no front seam = 0 friction, 100% support
- Internal drawstring for easy adjustment
- Soft, stretchable fabric that’s chlorine- and UV-resistant
- Perfect for V and H body types
No flashy logos or gimmicks — just a clean silhouette and surprisingly great comfort.
The Bluebuck swim trunk: the perfect middle ground
Not too much, not too little. The Bluebuck swim trunk is a modern choice for those who want more coverage than a brief — without going full short.
- Breathable fabric, quick-drying, resistant to chlorine and sunscreen, with UV protection
- Supportive fit that doesn’t feel tight
- Internal drawstring for easy waist adjustment
- Ideal for A, O, and H-shaped bodies seeking comfort
Made with 78% ECONYL® recycled nylon and 22% elastane — a swimsuit that’s good for your skin and the planet.
The Bluebuck swim short: for freedom of movement
Need a swimsuit that feels like freedom? The Bluebuck swim short is your comfort zone:
- Relaxed fit — not too tight, not too loose
- SEAQUAL™ fabric made from recycled marine plastic
Perfect for V-shaped bodies (adds balance), O-shaped bodies (covers without clinging), and anyone who wants to move freely without feeling overdressed.
~~~
We could talk about body types all day, but let’s be real — there are no hard rules carved in the sand. What really matters is feeling good in your swimsuit. One that supports you all day long — in the water and when you’re grabbing a coffee with wet feet.
Brief, trunk, short… doesn’t matter. If you’re comfortable, you’ve already won. Everything else is secondary.