The Dad’s Guide to Picking the Perfect Swim Shorts
When the climate agrees, it’s always a good time to hit the beach or the pool! But before you dive into those waters, you have an important decision: which swim shorts to wear? Read on as we walk you through the process in this short but comprehensive guide.
The Importance of the Right Fit
The fit of your swim shorts can make or break your swimming experience. Too tight, and you’ll feel restricted. Too loose, however, and they might drift away with the current. Here’s what you need to consider when getting the perfect fit for your designer swim shorts:
- Length: Typically, swim shorts come in three lengths: short, mid-length, and long. Your choice depends on personal preference. But if you want a safe bet, go for mid-length. This usually ends above the knee.
- Waist: Look for swim shorts with an adjustable drawstring. This allows you to tighten or loosen your shorts as needed, ensuring maximum comfort.
Material Matters
While cotton might be king for t-shirts, it’s not ideal for swimwear. Instead, choose materials like nylon or polyester. These fabrics are lightweight, dry quickly, and are less likely to cling to the body when wet.
Style and Functionality
Functionality doesn’t mean that you must sacrifice style. In fact, many modern swim shorts are designed to give you the best of both worlds. They come equipped with pockets, both zippered and non-zippered, making it easy for you to store the essentials. And when it comes to design, there’s something out there for everyone, whether you prefer plain colors, bold patterns, or stripes.
Consider the Activity
Are you planning to lounge by the pool, or do you have some exciting, rigorous water sports lined up? The type of activity you’re planning to do in your swim shorts can influence your choice.
- Laid-back lounging: If you’re just chilling out in the sun and perhaps going for a leisurely dip in the pool or sea now and then, almost any swim short will do. Focus on picking a pair that feels comfortable and stylish when you wear them.
- Active adventures: For activities like surfing or beach volleyball, choose swim shorts that offer more flexibility and are made of durable materials.
Sun Protection
Swim shorts aren’t just for swimming – they can offer sun protection, too! When you are out in the sun, the danger isn’t just from sunburn on exposed skin. The clothing you’re wearing can also let harmful UV rays through. Consider swim shorts with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings. A UPF of 50 means the fabric only allows 1/50th of the sun’s UV rays to pass through, providing excellent protection.
Maintenance and Longevity
Your swim shorts deserve care. After all, salt, chlorine, and continuous sun exposure can wear them out. Choose shorts that are easy to wash and are known for retaining their color. Turn them inside out before washing to prevent fading and always air dry. This will ensure longevity and keep them looking fresh.
With these tips in mind, we hope you find a pair of swim shorts that feel good, look great, and last for many summers to come.
Feature Image by Jan Kopřiva | Unsplash
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