Men's Swimwear - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026 - 2031)

According to Mordor Intelligence, the men's swimwear market size is projected to expand from USD 6.70 billion in 2025 and USD 7.14 billion in 2026 to USD 9.80 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 6.55% between 2026 and 2031.

This report is Segmented by Product Type (Swim Trunks, Board Shorts, Briefs, and More), Fabric (Polyester, Nylon, Spandex, Others), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Retail Stores, Other Distribution Channels), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, South America). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Global Men's Swimwear Market Trends and Insights

Surge in men's athleisure-inspired swim lines

The expansion of men's athleisure-inspired swimwear is driven by the increasing adoption of athleisure and active lifestyle trends, as consumers prioritize versatile clothing that transitions seamlessly from workouts to social or beach settings. This growth is supported by rising global health awareness, increased participation in water sports, and a preference for performance-oriented designs incorporating quick-drying, stretchy, and chlorine-resistant fabrics. For example, the Ten Thousand Set Short, an ultra-lightweight hybrid swim short, is engineered for both intense training and pool use, featuring four-way stretch, quick-drying material, and resistance to chlorine and saltwater, effectively bridging gym and ocean functionality. This trend reflects the global men's swimwear market's shift toward performance-driven, sustainable, and multifunctional designs, moving away from traditional board shorts to versatile resort wear that supports active lifestyles. Social media and celebrity endorsements further accelerate the adoption of stylish and functional swimwear, with European and North American markets leading the transformation through eco-conscious materials and technical innovation. Athleisure-inspired swimwear addresses modern men's demand for comfort, performance, and style in a single garment.

Eco-friendly, recycled fabrics gaining premium shelf space

Sustainability is now a fundamental expectation in the global men's swimwear market, particularly in premium and direct-to-consumer segments dominated by eco-conscious consumers. Leading brands such as Arena, Ecoalf, Rip Curl, and Billabong are incorporating materials like recycled nylon (ECONYL) and LYCRA EcoMade spandex, derived from discarded fishing nets and plastic waste, to produce high-performance swimwear. The use of ECONYL, for instance, saves 70,000 barrels of crude oil per 10,000 tonnes and significantly reduces carbon emissions, aligning with the market's shift toward circular economy principles. Certifications such as the Global Recycled Standard and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 provide third-party validation, influencing purchasing decisions among environmentally conscious male consumers. Europe and North America are leading this transition, with textile innovations focusing on combining sustainability with performance features such as chlorine resistance and durability. However, higher costs and increased minimum order quantities for recycled fibers present challenges for smaller brands and compress profit margins for mid-tier players, driving consolidation toward larger brands capable of absorbing sustainability investments while maintaining competitive pricing. Sustainability has evolved from being a niche differentiator to a baseline requirement for market relevance, with the integration of environmental responsibility, performance, and style defining the next growth phase of the global men's swimwear industry.

Volatile raw-material prices

Volatility in raw material prices, primarily driven by caprolactam fluctuations linked to petrochemical feedstocks such as benzene and crude oil, presents a significant challenge to the global men's swimwear market by compressing profit margins and disrupting fixed-price retail agreements. As caprolactam constitutes the highest variable cost in Nylon 6 production, the primary material for swim trunks, linings, and performance gear, price increases are quickly transmitted to manufacturers, often before retail prices can be adjusted. For example, the Speedo LZR Racer X, a high-performance jammer made with Nylon 6 and elastane, faces rising production costs during caprolactam price surges, forcing brands to either absorb the additional costs or risk losing price-sensitive customers. Smaller swimwear brands, lacking the procurement scale or hedging mechanisms of larger competitors, are particularly vulnerable to these cost increases, which cannot easily be passed on to consumers. This volatility complicates inventory management, scenario planning, and long-term pricing strategies. While some brands mitigate risks by monitoring caprolactam trends and using feedstock-indexed contracts, mid-tier players continue to face sustained margin pressures. Additionally, oil price surges, with petrochemical costs rising over 50% during recent geopolitical tensions, further exacerbate the economic challenges for performance-oriented swimwear reliant on Nylon 6.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

1. Rising coastal and cruise tourism
2. Growing participation in triathlon and open-water sports
3. Counterfeit and low-priced unbranded imports

For complete list of drivers and restraints, kindly check the Table Of Contents.

Segment Analysis

Swim trunks accounted for 31.21% of the market in 2025, driven by their versatility across resort, casual, and light athletic use. However, they face commoditization pressures from fast-fashion entrants and counterfeit imports. In contrast, swim shirts are projected to grow at a 7.09% CAGR through 2031, outpacing the broader market as rising UV-protection awareness and dermatological endorsements drive adoption beyond traditional surf and triathlon niches. Board shorts continue to dominate in surf and beach-culture markets, with brands like Billabong, Rip Curl, and Volcom focusing on recycled polyester, durable water-repellent finishes, and quick-dry technologies to stand out.

Jammers and briefs cater to competitive swimmers and triathletes who prioritize drag reduction and muscle compression. Innovations such as Arena's Hyperforce fabric and Speedo's Lamoral coating have positioned tech suits in the premium price range of USD 200-400. The "other" category includes hybrid styles, such as Hurley's 2.5-inch ultra-short boardshorts, targeting bold, beach-to-bar consumers seeking freedom of movement and fashion-forward aesthetics. Product segmentation is intensifying as brands introduce activity-specific lines, such as sprint versus distance tech suits, surf versus pool boardshorts, and lifestyle versus performance trunks. This approach enables brands to capture margins in niches where functional differentiation justifies premium pricing and minimizes direct competition with commodity alternatives.

Geography Analysis

North America is anticipated to lead the global men's swimwear market, contributing 32.28% of revenue in 2025, driven by high pool ownership, a robust swim club culture, and established sportswear brands ensuring consistent demand. Tariff adjustments have prompted American brands to shift manufacturing from China to Mexico and Vietnam, diversifying supply chains while maintaining cost efficiency. Although the market is mature, innovations in UV-protective fabrics and sustainable materials are encouraging premium product upgrades among environmentally and health-conscious consumers, reinforcing North America's role as a trendsetter where performance features and sustainability drive value growth in the global men's swimwear market.

The Asia-Pacific region is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.49%, the fastest among all regions, supported by rising incomes, coastal urbanization, and the increasing popularity of triathlon and open-water events in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Australia's stringent AS/NZS 4399:2020 UV standards are boosting demand for certified UPF 50+ garments, enabling brands to command higher prices. Additionally, government funding for aquatic facilities in India is expanding distribution opportunities, although local price sensitivity continues to favor value-tier products.

Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and South America exhibit mixed growth trajectories. Europe's microplastic regulations are driving investments in low-shed yarns, benefiting early adopters with compliant fabrics. The expansion of luxury resorts in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia is increasing demand for premium swimwear, while Brazil's strong beach culture supports steady mid-market board-short sales despite economic volatility. Currency fluctuations across South America are prompting international brands to adjust pricing strategies to maintain margins, though local production helps mitigate exchange-rate risks.

1. Speedo International Ltd.
2. Adidas AG
3. Nike Inc.
4. Arena S.p.A.
5. Authentic Brands Group
6. TYR Sport Inc.
7. PVH Corp. (Tommy Hilfiger Swim)
8. Billabong International Ltd.
9. Rip Curl Group Pty Ltd.
10. Hurley LLC
11. Lululemon Athletica Inc.
12. Decathlon S.A.
13. Under Armour Inc.
14. Patagonia Inc.
15. Phelps Brand (Aqua Sphere)
16. Orlebar Brown Ltd.
17. Vuori Inc.
18. Tom & Teddy Pty Ltd.
19. Ecoalf S.A.
20. Volcom LLC

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support