Not all minimal swimwear is the same. Here's how to choose the right one for your body, your confidence level, and your destination.
If you're new to minimal men's swimwear — or just looking to expand your collection — the options can feel overwhelming. Swim thong, G-string, swim brief, bikini, sunga... what's the difference? And more importantly, which one is right for you?
This guide breaks it all down.
The Swim Brief — The Classic Starting Point
The swim brief is the most classic form of minimal men's swimwear. Think of it as the men's equivalent of a bikini bottom — low-rise, body-fitting, and offering moderate coverage.
Coverage: Moderate — front and back covered
Best for: First-timers, everyday beach wear, all body types
Vibe: Classic, clean, confident
GODO swim briefs to try:
Swimbrief Circus Teal
Swimbrief Icon Pink
Swimbrief Teal
The Swimbrief Unlined — The Next Level
Ready to go further? The unlined swimbrief has the same silhouette as a classic brief — but without the lining. This gives a lighter, more natural feel against the skin and a slightly more revealing look. Perfect for men who love the brief cut but want to push it a little further.
Coverage: Moderate — same as a brief but lighter
Best for: Men comfortable with their body, sunbathing, pool parties, gay beaches
Vibe: Sensual, daring, confident
GODO unlined options to try:
Santorini Bikini Celeste
Santorini Bikini Pink
Santorini Bikini Selva
The Swim Bikini — The Latin Cut
The swim bikini sits between a brief and a thong. It has a slightly smaller cut than a standard brief — less coverage at the back and sides, but more than a thong.
Coverage: Low front, moderate-to-minimal back
Best for: Men who want more than a brief but aren't ready for a thong
Vibe: Sensual, modern, body-forward
GODO bikinis to try:
Bikini Monaco Thor
Bikini Hook Frequency
Bikini Monaco Mint
The Swim Thong — The Bold Choice
The swim thong takes everything the brief does and strips it back further. The front is similar to a brief — fitted and supportive — but the back is a thin strip of fabric that leaves the buttocks exposed.
Coverage: Low front, minimal back
Best for: Men comfortable with their body, beach clubs, gay beaches, tan line elimination
Vibe: Bold, sensual, confident
There are two main styles: Lined thong (better for everyday wear and first-timers) and Unlined thong (more sensual, more daring).
GODO thongs to try:
Thong Mermaid
Thong Cyber Jungle
Latin Thong Lavender
The G-String — The Most Minimal of All
If the thong is bold, the G-string is fearless. The G-string has minimal coverage both front and back — a small pouch at the front connected by thin strings, with virtually no back coverage at all.
Coverage: Minimal front, virtually nothing at the back
Best for: Experienced minimal swimwear wearers, naturist beaches, Gran Canaria dunes, maximum tan
Vibe: Daring, ultra-minimal, unapologetic
GODO G-strings feature a larger front cup than standard thongs, giving more room and comfort while maintaining the ultra-minimal back.
GODO G-strings to try:
G-String Fucsia
G-String Shine
G-String Navy Blue
Quick Comparison Guide
Swim Brief — Moderate coverage. Confidence level needed: low to medium.
Swimbrief Unlined — Moderate coverage, lighter feel. Confidence level needed: medium.
Swim Bikini — Low-to-moderate coverage. Confidence level needed: medium.
Swim Thong — Low front, minimal back. Confidence level needed: medium to high.
G-String — Ultra minimal. Confidence level needed: high.
How to Choose Based on Your Destination
- Resort hotel pool — Swim brief or bikini.
- Mykonos or Saint-Tropez — Swim brief, bikini, or thong.
- Ibiza or Sitges — Thong or bikini.
- Gran Canaria dunes or Es Cavallet — Thong or G-string.
- First time at a gay beach — Start with a thong.
Fit Is Everything
GODO tip: if you're between sizes, size up for briefs and bikinis, and size down for thongs and G-strings for a closer, more supportive fit.
The GODO Range
At GODO, we offer all styles — swim briefs, unlined briefs, bikinis, thongs, and G-strings — each crafted in Colombia from premium quick-dry fabric.
Explore the full range at godoswimwear.com and find the style that's right for you.
The Bottom Line
There's no wrong answer — only the choice that matches your confidence, your destination, and how you want to feel on the beach.
Start where you're comfortable. Then go a little further.
Your body. Your rules. Your GODO.