How to Choose the Perfect Men's Swimwear for Your Body Type
By GODO Swimwear | Bold Men's Swimwear Designed in Belgium
Choosing the right swimwear shouldn't feel complicated. But for many men, standing in front of a rack of swim briefs, thongs and bikinis can feel overwhelming — especially when you're not sure what will actually look good on your body.
Here's the truth: there is no single "best" swimwear style. There's only what makes you feel confident. But understanding how different cuts, rises and styles interact with different body types can help you make a better choice — and walk onto that beach feeling like yourself.
This is GODO's guide to finding the swimwear that works for you.
First — Forget the Rules
Before we get into body types, let's address the elephant in the room: the idea that only certain men can wear certain swimwear.
You've probably heard it. "Only athletic guys can wear thongs." "Swim briefs are only for slim builds." "If you're not a model, wear shorts."
None of that is true. And at GODO, we actively reject it.
Body confidence isn't about having a specific body — it's about owning the one you have. The men who look best on the beach aren't always the ones with the most defined physiques. They're the ones who wear their swimwear with conviction.
With that said — understanding fit and proportion can genuinely help you find styles that flatter your specific shape. So let's get into it.
Athletic & Muscular Build
The challenge: Finding swimwear that fits well across the thighs and seat without being too tight at the waist.
What works best:
- Classic swim thong — the low-rise cut and minimal coverage highlight a muscular physique without restriction
- Latin thong — the form-fitting silhouette follows the body closely, perfect for a defined build
- Swim brief — a classic that never fails on an athletic frame, showcasing the physique cleanly
- Swim bikini — a slightly higher cut that elongates the torso and works beautifully on a V-shaped body
Avoid: Very high-rise styles that can feel restrictive across the thighs.
GODO picks: Latin Thong Mint, Classic Thong Black, Swimbrief Circus, Bodysuit Milo
Slim & Lean Build
The challenge: Finding styles that add visual presence and don't look lost on a slender frame.
What works best:
- Bold prints and colours — vibrant patterns like Circus, Sandia or Cyber Jungle add visual interest and body presence
- Swim bikini — the higher leg cut creates the illusion of wider hips and a fuller silhouette
- Classic thong — the low-rise waistband elongates the torso and creates a balanced proportion
- Sunga — the Brazilian-style mid-rise brief adds coverage and structure that works well on slimmer frames
Avoid: Very minimal styles in solid nude tones — they can wash out on a slim build.
GODO picks: Classic Bikini Cyber Jungle, Latin Bikini Rainbow, Sunga Barcelona, Classic Thong Stripes
Average & Medium Build
The challenge: Nothing specific — this is the most versatile build for swimwear.
What works best: Almost everything, which means the choice comes down to confidence level and personal style.
- Start with a swim brief if you're new to minimal swimwear — it's the most universally flattering cut
- Move to a classic thong once you're comfortable — the low-rise cut is flattering on a medium build
- Try bold prints to add personality and draw the eye to the overall look rather than any specific area
GODO picks: Classic Brief Romance, Classic Thong Nude, Latin Thong Lavender, Swimbrief Navy Blue
Fuller & Rounder Build
The challenge: Finding styles that feel comfortable and confident rather than restrictive or exposing.
What works best:
- Low-rise cuts — they sit below the natural waist, which is more comfortable and more flattering
- Classic thong — counterintuitively, a thong can work very well on a fuller build. The minimal back coverage draws the eye away from the midsection, while the bold front makes a confident statement
- Swim brief with a wider waistband — provides more support and sits comfortably without digging in
- Bold, dark colours — deep navy, black, forest green — create a clean, strong silhouette
Avoid: Very high-rise styles that sit at the natural waist — they can feel uncomfortable and unflattering.
The real advice: Wear what makes you feel good. Men of every size wear thongs on European beaches every summer. Confidence is always the best accessory.
GODO picks: Classic Thong Black, G-String Navy Blue, Swimbrief Navy Blue, Classic Brief Nude
Tall Build
The challenge: Standard swimwear can look proportionally small on a tall frame.
What works best:
- Swim bikini — the higher leg cut is proportionally balanced on a tall body and creates great visual harmony
- Sunga — the mid-rise Brazilian style adds visual weight and proportion across the hips
- Bold prints — larger, bolder patterns fill the visual space better than minimal solids on a tall frame
- Bodysuit — the full-length design works exceptionally well on tall builds, elongating the silhouette beautifully
GODO picks: Bodysuit Milo, Latin Bikini Shine, Sunga Milo, Classic Bikini Sandia
Short Build
The challenge: Finding styles that elongate rather than cut the body visually.
What works best:
- Low-rise thong or brief — sitting below the hip creates a longer leg line, making you appear taller
- Solid colours — a single colour from waist to thigh creates an unbroken vertical line that adds height
- Minimal waistbands — thick waistbands cut the body horizontally and reduce the appearance of height
Avoid: High-cut styles with very wide waistbands — they visually shorten the torso.
GODO picks: Classic Thong White, Latin Thong Mint, G-String Cobre, Swimbrief Nude
The Most Important Rule
At the end of every guide, we come back to the same point: the best swimwear is the one you wear with confidence.
Body type is a starting point. Proportion and fit can guide you. But ultimately, the man who walks onto the beach owning his look — regardless of what he's wearing or what his body looks like — is always the most compelling presence in the room.
GODO was built for that man. Whatever your build, whatever your style, we have something that will make you feel like yourself — just more confident.
Find Your Style at GODO
Browse our collections and find the swimwear that works for you:
- 👉 Men's Swim Thongs — Classic, Latin, G-String & more
- 👉 Men's Swim Briefs — Bold cuts for every build
- 👉 Men's Bodysuits — Full-length statement pieces
- 👉 Full Collection — Browse everything
GODO Swimwear — Designed in Belgium. Made in Colombia. Worn worldwide. Less fabric. More confidence.