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Why Do Men's Swim Trunks Have Netting?

Swim trunk netting might seem like a small detail, but it plays a key role in comfort, support, and performance. In this article, we examine its purpose, benefits, alternatives, and how you can customize swim trunks to suit your needs—even down to the mesh or lack thereof.

Table of Contents


Why Do Swim Trunks Have Netting?

Historical Purpose

Mesh lining has been used in men's swim trunks since the mid-20th century. Originally, it served to eliminate the need for underwear under wet clothing and allowed for quick drying in warm climates.

Physical Support

The netting functions similarly to built-in briefs, helping to support the genitals and prevent uncomfortable shifting during physical activity or swimming.

Moisture Control

Netting promotes airflow and reduces direct skin contact with wet fabric, which lowers the risk of chafing and fungal infections[1].

Purpose How Netting Helps
Support Provides light hold like briefs
Quick Drying Increases ventilation and airflow
Comfort Prevents skin-on-fabric friction
Hygiene Reduces chances of bacterial buildup
A side-view close-up of men’s swim trunks featuring visible mesh lining—highlighting internal structure, breathability, and anatomical support in clean detail.
Athletic Swim Trunks with Mesh Lining Support

What Are the Benefits of Mesh Lining?

Improved Breathability

Compared to swim shorts without lining, netted trunks stay cooler and more breathable, especially when out of the water under the sun.

Lightweight Support

Netting is made of polyester or nylon mesh, designed to be minimal in weight while still offering containment and coverage.

Cost-Effective Construction

It is cheaper to produce trunks with netting than to use more complex inner short designs, keeping prices accessible for mass-market consumers.

Feature Swim Trunks With Netting Swim Trunks Without Netting
Support Medium Depends on underwear or liner
Drying Time Fast Varies by material
Cost Lower Often Higher
Breathability High Varies

A detailed close-up of polyester mesh inside swim trunks—gently stretched to reveal its lightweight flexibility and breathable texture under soft studio lighting.
Close-Up of Flexible Mesh in Swim Trunks

What Alternatives Exist to Traditional Netting?

Compression Liners

Brands today offer trunks with compression shorts instead of mesh. These are snug-fitting, soft, and wick away moisture efficiently.

Brief Linings

Some trunks come with brief-style linings made from stretchable fabrics for those who dislike netting texture but still want support.

Liner-Free Designs

A growing segment of consumers prefers trunks with no inner lining at all. These styles rely on the wearer to use separate undergarments.

Alternative Material Main Benefit Drawback
Compression Liner Spandex/Nylon Blend Superior comfort and fit Higher cost
Brief Liner Polyester Knit Less abrasive than mesh Limited availability
No Liner Freedom of choice

A sporty post-swim look featuring trunks with built-in black compression liner—visible at the hem, offering support and a snug fit in sunlit, clean style.
Swim Trunks with Compression Liner for Support

How Can Swim Trunks Be Customized?

No-Netting Custom Requests

For brands or customers who dislike netting, custom swim trunks can be made entirely liner-free, or include alternative linings such as mesh-free briefs or compression inserts.

Fabric and Cut Options

Custom trunks can be manufactured in various inseam lengths, stretch properties, and fabrics including recycled polyesters, bamboo, and quick-dry tech materials.

Low-MOQ and Private Labeling

For designers or small batch brands, custom swimwear production can be done without minimum order quantity, including services like custom logos, tags, and retail packaging.

Customization Option Available? MOQ
No Netting Yes 1 Piece
Compression Lining Yes Flexible
Custom Prints Yes None
Retail Packaging Yes Included

A bright studio display of swim trunks in various lengths and fabrics—featuring bamboo, recycled polyester, and stretch blends with tagged details on a rack.
Swim Trunks Line-Up: Styles & Sustainable Fabrics

Conclusion

Men’s swim trunks with netting offer convenience and function, but they’re not for everyone. As swimwear evolves, more people seek comfort-first designs with alternative linings or custom tailoring. Whether you’re buying for personal use or creating a swimwear line, modern solutions now allow full freedom in design, comfort, and detail.


Footnotes:

  1. Netting can reduce friction and moisture accumulation, both of which contribute to athlete’s foot and groin rash. Source: Dermatology Research Journal, 2021.

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