Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Swimming Shorts For Training | 9″ vs 5″ for Training

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The Speedo Guard Volley is purpose-built for the toughest training environment: all-day wear in sun, chlorine, and saltwater. Lifeguards and coaches put this suit through continuous use and report minimal fading and no fraying after entire seasons. The fabric is lightweight at just 6.7 ounces, yet it resists the degradation that destroys cheaper trunks within weeks. The shorter mid-thigh cut reduces drag during active swimming and diving, while the internal drawstring keeps the waistband locked in place through rapid movements.

This is a true volley-style suit — no netting, no compression liner, just a clean, supportive front lining that dries almost instantly. The minimal design means less material to trap water, so you transition from wet to dry faster than with baggy alternatives. It runs slightly snug and short, so anyone between sizes should consider moving up one. The elastic waist and stretch fabric accommodate a range of body types, but the intended fit is form-fitting for active performance.

After a full summer of daily guarding, one reviewer noted their Speedo Guard barely faded while a coworker’s six-year-old suit was still intact with no fraying. That level of durability makes this a long-term investment for anyone who trains or works in the water daily. The clean Speedo logo and classic color options keep it professional enough for guard rotations and stylish enough for casual swim sessions.

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Arena built the Feel Dynamo around their Waterfeel Eco fabric, a blend of 80% polyamide and 20% elastane that delivers four-way stretch and serious chlorine resistance. This is a dedicated fitness short — not a casual beach trunk. The fitted cut reduces water resistance while you’re pulling through laps, and the supportive front lining provides light compression without a full bike liner. It’s sold as a swim brief but fits more like a snug, mid-length short, making it a strong option for pool workouts and aquatic fitness classes.

The 4-way stretch material moves naturally through every stroke, from freestyle to butterfly, without binding at the thighs. It also includes UPF 50+ sun protection, which is a meaningful addition for outdoor lap swimming or open-water training. The internal drawstring ensures the short stays secure during dives and explosive starts. Some users note it runs slightly small, so ordering one size up is a safe bet for most body shapes.

Most feedback is overwhelmingly positive — club swimmers and coaches praise the precise fit and the way the material holds its shape through frequent use. A minority of reviews mention less durable outer fabric after heavy use, though this seems isolated. At 85 grams, the shorts are nearly weightless when dry and shed water in seconds. For anyone prioritizing a streamlined, sport-specific fit for indoor or outdoor training, the Arena Feel Dynamo is a serious contender.

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Maamgic’s 5-inch swim trunks bridge the gap between a traditional jammer and a casual short by delivering a fitted profile with a real compression liner. The shorter inseam reduces drag and gives you full freedom of motion for a powerful kick. The internal compression liner is soft, stretchy, and grippy enough to prevent ride-up without squeezing — a feature that earns consistent praise from swimmers who hate the loose, saggy feel of board shorts. The outer shell is lightweight and dries quickly, making these appropriate for back-to-back training sessions or a quick dip followed by errands.

The side zipper pockets are a practical bonus for holding a key card or phone during trips to the pool deck or river banks — they lie flat and don’t create drag when empty. The elastic drawstring waist offers a customizable fit, though the drawstring color sometimes differs from product photos. The fabric is soft and breathable, with enough stretch to accommodate different body types without feeling restrictive. Reviewers consistently note the flattering fit and vibrant color accuracy.

One reviewer put these through river trips and rocky terrain and reported the material held up without snags or tears. Another non-binary buyer praised the internal liner for preventing chafing and staying secure above the hips. The 5-inch inseam will feel short if you’re used to 9-inch trunks, but the trade-off is superior mobility and faster drying. For lap swimming, open-water training, or any athletic water activity, this is a strong, comfortable choice.

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TYR has been a staple in competitive swimming for decades, and the Sport Short reflects that pedigree. It’s built like a drag suit but with more coverage and a comfortable brief liner inside. The outer shell is thin, lightweight, and almost papery — which sounds fragile but is actually intentional. That thin nylon structure creates low water resistance while providing modesty over a racing brief or jammer. Many former competitive swimmers use these as a transition piece when they want more coverage in the water without the bulk of board shorts.

This short uses a standard nylon construction, not a high-stretch polyamide-elastane blend. Expect average durability — one reviewer reported the navy pair faded with pink seams after a year of regular use, while a black pair looked like new after four months. The legs are roomy, the drawstring is secure, and the brief liner offers light support. It’s not as compression-focused as modern training shorts, but it excels as a low-profile, low-drag cover-up for lap swimming. The key pocket is a thoughtful touch for storing a locker key.

Size accuracy is a strong point — a 34-inch waist matches the size L comfortably, and the fit is true to the brand’s sizing chart. The material floats, which makes body positioning slightly easier for drills and kick sets. It’s a niche pick: not ideal for open-water or high-intensity training, but perfect for recreational lap swimming and anyone transitioning from briefs to shorts. For the price, you get TYR’s reliable construction and a classic design that won’t go out of style.

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The KANAV 3-pack offers budget-friendly entry into swim jammers without compromising on the essentials: compression fit, square-leg cut, and decent chlorine resistance. Each pair is form-fitting and lightweight, making them ideal for indoor lap swimming and pool workouts. The compression provides muscle support and reduces water drag, while the square-leg design offers slightly more coverage than a traditional brief. For beginners transitioning from board shorts, these are a comfortable step toward more performance-oriented swimwear.

Durability is the main trade-off at this price point. One experienced swimmer reported going through a pair every three to four months while swimming 2,500 yards three to four times per week. The material can stretch out, threads may pull, and seams can weaken over time. However, getting three pairs for the price of a single premium short makes this an excellent rotation system — swap them out and keep the chlorine damage spread across multiple suits. The fit runs true to size for most, with larger swimmers (6’3”, 210 lbs) needing the X-large for a secure feel.

User feedback is overwhelmingly positive for the value proposition. Reviewers note the suits feel safe and secure in the water, with no bunching or sagging. The black color is more modest than lighter options, and the overall design is simple and functional. If you’re a regular lap swimmer on a tight budget, this pack lets you throw a fresh pair into your bag every week without worrying about wear and tear. For the price per suit, it’s hard to beat.

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HODOSPORTS built these 9-inch trunks specifically for swimmers who need extra length. The longer inseam provides full thigh coverage without excess bagginess, making them an excellent choice for tall men or anyone who prefers a modest cut. The built-in compression liner is a bike short style — not mesh — which prevents chafing and provides soft support through long sessions. The outer fabric is lightweight and quick-drying, and reviewers note it doesn’t cling or balloon when wet, a common complaint with looser board shorts.

The material holds its shape and color after multiple washes, a testament to the quality of the polyester-spandex blend. The trunks feature two side pockets and a back zipper pocket, though the side pockets are mesh-lined for drainage. The waistband uses a flat drawstring that lies smooth against the skin, preventing irritation under a wetsuit or rash guard. Some users report the fit is slightly relaxed compared to compression-focused shorts, which is ideal for casual swimming, beach days, or walking around the pool deck.

Reviewers consistently highlight the lack of ride-up — the bike liner and longer inseam keep everything in place, even during active movement. One taller swimmer (205 lbs, size L) said the trunks fit perfectly with no awkward bunching. The availability of matching boys’ trunks is a thoughtful addition for parents who want to match with their kids. These are less performance-oriented than a jammer but deliver excellent all-day comfort for training sessions, coaching, or family swims.

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The SILKWORLD trunks offer a straightforward entry point into quick-dry swimwear without any frills. With a 9-inch inseam, built-in compression liner, and zippered pockets, they check the essential boxes for training and casual swimming. The liner is a spandex short — not mesh — which is a welcome feature at this price point. Reviewers report the fit runs true to size, the material dries fast, and the color options are accurate to the listing. For someone looking for a functional, low-investment pair of trunks, this gets the job done.

The fabric quality is adequate for occasional use but may wear faster under daily chlorine exposure. One reviewer described the fabric as “not high quality, but ok,” which matches the expectations for an entry-level short. The zippered back pocket is a practical addition for securing a phone or key card while walking the boardwalk or pool deck. The lack of a net lining is a major plus — the built-in liner provides support without the uncomfortable mesh that chafes during repetitive movement.

Most buyers are satisfied with the value, especially given the competitive price. A few swimmers wished for a longer inseam (10 or 11 inches), suggesting that the 9-inch length may feel short for very tall users. Perfect for a vacation pool or occasional lap sessions, but not designed for the rigors of daily competitive training. If you’re budget-conscious and need a pair of trunks that dries fast and fits well, this is a solid choice.