Men’s Lifeguard Shorts & Swimsuit Sizes: Find the perfect fit.
When it comes to Men’s Lifeguard Shorts & Swimsuit sizes, not all styles and brands fit the same. Each pair of shorts, trunks, or boardshorts on the market, is usually manufactured with different fabric, varying lengths, and styles. However, we are here to guide you through the Watermen Brand sizing for Men’s Lifeguard Shorts. As a general rule of thumb, there are two classifications: Elastic Waist Shorts & Fixed Waist Shorts. Elastic waist allows for a slight margin of error when choosing your size, due to the ability of the waistline to expand or contract to fit your waist size, whereas the ‘Fixed Waist’ shorts are less forgiving, and require accurate measurements to provide a snug fit, especially in the water. So, we begin with the most important measurement; your waist size.
Use this ‘Sizing Measurements’ guide to ensure an accurate fit:
Men’s Lifeguard Trunks aka ‘Elastic Waist’ Shorts
To find the perfect fit for our Watermen Brand Lifeguard trunks, we recommend consulting our Sizing Chart. All of our elastic waist Lifeguard Trunks are true to size, offering an ability to size down for a more streamlined, tight fit, or size up for larger legs or a more relaxed, looser fit. Each pair of trunks has a different inseam length, offering multiple styles for all. The elastic waistband allows a secure and comfortable fit and drawcord allows cinching to provide the ultimate snug fit. Sizes on select models run from Youth Sizes (Small through Large) to Adult (XS through 4XL). You can shop our Men’s Lifeguard Trunks here
Bottom Line: Overall true fit, so aim true to size. Size up for larger legs or looser desired fit.
Watermen Brand Lifeguard boardshorts are designed to endure the elements, and last through the seasons. We specifically manufacture our boardshorts with extremely durable fabric, because we know what it takes to claim ‘Quality over everything else’. This enhanced durability allows for the boardshorts to fit perfect from the day you by them, to the day you retire them. Although the fabric may stretch to allow an increased range of mobility, the waistband should never stretch out. We cannot emphasize our slogan enough: Made for Lifeguards, by Lifeguards. Our business was built on this, and after 3 decades in the game, we are still striving to create an even more durable, flexible, and functional pair of lifeguard shorts. Truth be told, it’s getting hard and harder to ‘one-up’ ourselves.
Regarding boardshorts, we recommend taking a look at our sizing chart to ensure your waist measurement is accurate. All boardshort sizes are based on waist measurements and run true to size. Our waistband fabric allows a secure and snug fit. Drawcord enables cinching to provide an even tighter fit for swimming, running, and water sports. You can shop Men’s Lifeguard Boardshorts here.
Bottom Line: Overall true fit, so aim true to size.
The chafing must stop. It has to! BUT, do ‘rash free’ boardshorts and trunks exist? Has someone addressed this issue and designed a pair of shorts that are meant to be worn all day, and reduce or eliminate the chafe and rash?
The average swimsuit is comfortable for a swim or two, but after repeated use, the chafing can be unbearable. Especially in salt water. Add any running to your routine, and you have yourself a disaster. Ask any lifeguard or aquatic sports enthusiast who spends day after day in the water. The rash and chafing can be so irritating, you become desperate for a solution.
We can’t tell you all the secrets, but we can tell you about our Watermen boardshorts and trunks with built in liners. When you take a high quality pair of trunks or boardshorts and add a high quality liner, the outcome is very comfortable. Not to mention, these shorts have been tested and redesigned over decades to perfect every aspect, from seams to pocket placement. If you cant tell, we obviously have some passion behind creating the best possible pair of shorts. We love doing this!
Rash Free Boardshorts and Trunks for Lifeguards and Aquatic Sports
For daily use and especially aquatic sports, the shorts must provide flexibility, and avoid friction at all costs. At Watermen, this is our specialty. Over the decades, we have worked with lifeguards, medics, and watermen of all types to create trunks and boardshorts that are virtually rash-free. For an occupation like lifeguarding, the quality is unparalleled. After running up and down the beach all day, in and out of the water, the average pair of swim trunks or board shorts will have you doubled over in pain or taking wide steps to avoid any more chafing. Thankfully, this can be avoided.
We combine premium quality shorts with liners of the highest quality fabric to produce the perfect pair of shorts. The ‘Cool-Plus’ liner in our Rincon Stretch short provides superior comfort and support.
It is all about a high quality, no chafe liner:
The Watermen rash free boardshorts and trunks have a moisture wicking, antimicrobial liner which is designed to reduce any friction or chafing and provide extra support and comfort. Both the trunks and liner are made from ‘top of the line’ rapid drying, lightweight materials.
Have you ever wanted a pair of shorts you can swim in, sleep in, run in, and workout in? Well, we have for decades! The whole idea that started this brand in the first place, was to build a pair of trunks capable of 50 hour work weeks, wet or dry, always comfortable – and most importantly, no chafe.
People of all ages and from all walks of life are lifeguards. Lifeguards are needed at pools, lakes, rivers, summer camps and at the beach. Reasons for becoming a lifeguard vary from person to person. Some want to be a guard because it’s great pay in great locations or they consider Lifeguarding a career builder, or others like the prestige. Many believe lifeguarding looks great on college applications. Whatever your reason, there are things you need to know. There’s a lot more to being a lifeguard than soaking up the sun. Lifeguarding requires you be fit, to know how to swim and do it well, you must be able to take command in emergencies situations and provide life-saving first aid and resuscitation. Life saving is not for the meek and mild. That said, read on before committing to taking your lifeguard test.
Training
Physical strength and endurance are required to rescue a struggling victim in the water. Beach Lifeguards compete for their job by completing one or two competitive Open Water swim-run tests. To start training you need the right gear, apparel and lifeguarding equipment, which should always come from a lifeguard store. You must master your swim strokes and train in cold choppy water. Note: Learning to body surf will give you a favorable advantage, helping you beating your opponents to the beach. To get ready for the runs practice sprinting and running long distances. As well, arm and leg strength is important, so lift weights to tone up.
Apparel
The correct apparel can help you complete your trainings and certifications in style and comfort. The Original Waterman lifeguard store was started by lifeguards for lifeguards. Having run the gauntlet themselves they know what you need to be the best.
Compression Shorts
In our lifeguard store we offer compression shorts for lifeguard men and women, and have sizes for those in the junior lifeguard program too. Compression shorts can be worn as jammers for your workouts or underneath as support layers. Compression shorts keep you warmer, give you support and prevent rashes. Compression shorts are streamlined for ultimate water efficiency, shaving time off rescues and your race events. The compression shorts in our lifeguard store also have a double lined front that makes them non-revealing. Because of constant use and the closeness to the body, purchase compression shorts which are made from antimicrobial fabric, it helps eliminate body odor.
Board Shorts
While training for your competitive runs don’t wear those heavy workout shorts instead try wearing lightweight board shorts. In our lifeguard store we sell board shorts with special ultra-durable four-way Flex material. This special material prevents drag on the legs when wet. They also have a soft Lycra fly that prevents rashes. Their brushed waistband won’t stretch out and provides a comfortable streamline fit. Our lifeguard board shorts have an oversized pocket sealed with a Velcro locking Loop closure. The pocket holds most phones so you can listen to music during training sessions.
Rash guards and Surf Shirts
Rash guards are tight fitting, similar to a second skin, providing extra warmth in and out of the water. In our lifeguard store we off lifeguard rash guards that fit snug around the body, using a new compression technology which keeps the muscles fresh and engaged. The tight-fitting Rash guard also provides extra support for female lifeguards while running or swimming to a rescue.
Rash guards fit easily under a wetsuit without bunching up and prevent chafing. To stay rash free and comfortable under the arms look for rash guards with Flatlock seams.
Rash guards provide SPF protection. Ours carry a UPF rating of 50+.
One of the best features is the Aqua Plus fabric. It helps with water repellency causing the water to bead up and roll off the surface giving you the ultimate in quick-dry comfort.
In our lifeguard store, we also have the looser fitting surf shirt is perfect for figures needing a bit more room.
Women Lifeguard Swimming Suits
The first choice you must make is whether you prefer a one piece or two-piece lifeguard swimsuit. With either option the straps must stay snug through the surf and not slip onto your shoulders hindering the full use of your arms. The worst-case scenario would be to have your suit ripped off in big surf. Lifeguard swimsuits should be made of state-of-the-art material. The fabric should be moisture wicking, chlorine proof, durable and able to stand up under extreme conditions. Original Watermen’s women’s lifeguard swimsuits were voted number one for “best fit” back design for staying on through the surf.
Lifeguard apparel, mainly their boardshorts have come a long way since the 1970s. In the seventies, their boardshorts were shorter, bulkier and rough to the touch. Needless to say, the rough material causing rashes, was the norm. Another issue with board shorts, that could potentially be detrimental, and hinder even the best lifeguard’s ability to save lives, was that they tended to fall down. And sometimes even fall all the way off, in the waves, due to the one-size fits all drawstring. Finally, the all-important, and distinct red color of lifeguard’s board shorts tended to fade quickly in the sun, and in highly chlorinated pools.
Boardshort Material
Now almost 50 years later, Original Watermen, a company owned and operated by ex-lifeguards knows all too well about the pain and rashes causes by the old rough, coarse materials, and are now making a better boardshort. Their lifeguard boardshorts are made from a sanded polyester microfiber, offering a more silky, smooth feel. The microfiber is not only comfortable, but it also creates a fast-drying suit, resulting in a rash free environment in those personal areas. As well, there are no more one size fits all drawstrings. Original Watermen has added Spandex to the boardshorts, creating clean lines with a 4-way stretch which offers all day comfort.
Lifeguard Boardshorts: Smells and Color Retention
Being from Southern California my kids spent months at the beach without ever washing their suits. “Aww, mom they get washed everyday”, they’d say. But as a mother you could smell them. Original Watermen now uses a material made with odorless, antibacterial, technology and can withstand weeks of continuous use. Lifeguard boardshorts in the past faded quickly, due to the wear and tear commonplace in their everyday work environment. Boardshorts now are chosen for their color fastness. The material selected by Original Watermen is resistant to sun, chlorine and abrasion.
Water Resistance
Boogie boarding became popular in the 1980s and 90s. My kids loved the boogie boards but the problem we had was the pockets would fill with water from the waves and rip their boardshorts off exposing their bare buns. Original Watermen, while trying to create a more arrow dynamic lifeguard boardshort, used their patented technology and craftsmanship to develop a self-draining pocket. The large cargo pockets are not only useful to a lifeguard, but they appeal to anyone that needs a safe place to stash their wax, keys and even money. These pockets are very secure with microshield Velcro closures. Original Watermen also solved that bare buns dilemma, as their boardshorts contain drainage grommets.
Boardshorts No Longer Just for Boys
Being a surfer girl from the seventies, I spent a lot of my time pulling up or hunting down my bathing suit bottoms after waves crushed over the top of me. I tried shorts only to have them yanked off me. If only I had a pair of girl boardshorts. Not ones that went to my knees but form-fitting, with side vents for easy maneuverability. I wanted a boardshort soft to the touch, quick drying, and stretchy. Now almost fifty years later, Original Watermen not only created the perfect lifeguard boardshort for women, but also a fantastic boardshort for everyday water lovers like me.
Original Waterman, a lifeguard company, strives to continue improving the quality of lifeguard and swimming apparel for all types of water sports and activities.
As an ocean lifeguard of ten plus years I have learned a thing or two about finding the perfect lifeguard trunks. Finding good lifeguard boardshorts and lifeguard swimsuits for women is not as easy as it sounds; and it’s quite a good nugget of knowledge to have, because you are going to be wearing those lifeguard trunks more than your favorite pair of undies.
Simply put, some lifeguard bathing suits work great for the job and some do not.
The following is a list of the most crucial items to look for when picking out your uniform for the summer season.
Durability
Having lifeguard swim trunks that are durable is crucial to the job. You need to find a suit that can withstand constant abuse from the sun, salt, and or chlorine. Lifeguard swimsuits need to be durable enough that you never even think twice on the possibly of failure. When duty calls you to perform at your highest level, you need a suit that will not fail you when you need it most. Look for quality stitching on all seams and a fabric that feels tough when you give it a firm stretch and pull. Higher price is not always better in this case. I have used top of the line lifeguard swimsuits from the “premier” surf companies that only last a few weeks in the summer season because they are made for the person that visits the beach or pool once a week or so… not for the professional rescuer.
Comfort
Having a suit that is comfortable is crucial to enjoying the best job in the world. There is nothing worse in my experience than sitting around in an itchy and scratchy suit all day. Remember, you are going to be in them for at least eight hours a day, so make sure your lifeguard bathing suits fit you well and feel nice both wet and dry. I have found that the best lifeguard suits are those that feel like they are almost non-existent when you first put them on. Go with your gut feeling on this.
Quick Drying
Every professional lifeguard needs his or her suit to dry as quickly as possible after entering the water. There are many lifeguards I know that refuse to experiment with newer fabrics and stick to the same heavy sail cloth-style lifeguard bathing suits they could have bought from a World War II surplus store. Don’t be like those guys and gals. Do your research. There is nothing worse than sitting in slightly damp lifeguard swim trunks that feel like wet cardboard all day. I have found that the materials used by Original Watermen are not only comfortable and durable, but very quick drying.
Fit
This is very important and it’s key to making a long day in the tower an enjoyable one. Find a lifeguard bathing suit that fits perfect. It is as simple as that. Keep an eye out for stretch fabrics on the waistband and make sure they are double layered as these new age fabrics can sometimes grow a few sizes bigger after some regular use. Lighter lifeguard trunks are not always better in this case. Some fabrics expand and cling to your skin when wet, so again… do your research.
They don’t call it a pair of trunks for nothing! Ask any seasoned lifeguard and they will tell you they have more than one swimsuit in their go-bag at all times. Why? Because it is much better slipping into a pair of dry shorts on a busy day than sitting around waiting for them to dry on your body. Sometimes you cannot avoid being in the water all day, but it is rarely “going off” all day, so save a nice dry lifeguard swimsuit for when it starts to calm down. Your salty buns will thank you!
Original Watermen have mastered the art of making lifeguard swimsuits over the last few decades and are the best in the business. Browse their Lifeguard Lounge for the right lifeguard suits just for you and any other lifeguard gear you might need this summer.
