What should Muslim men wear when swimming?

The rule behind the choice

The Prophet ﷺ said to a man whose thigh was showing, "Cover your thigh, for indeed it is awrah" (Jami at-Tirmidhi 2798). The majority of scholars therefore say a man must cover the area from the navel to the knee in front of others. The Hanafis include the knee itself. A minority treat the thigh as a lighter matter, but covering it is the safer and more widely held position.

The rule applies in front of men too, since the Prophet ﷺ said, "A man should not see the private parts of another man" (Sahih Muslim 338). So it matters at the men's pool and in the changing room, not only at a mixed beach.

The Quran also tells believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity:

What works well

• Board shorts or long swim trunks: choose ones that reach the knee or just below. Thicker fabric and darker colors are less see-through when wet.
• Jammers or swim tights: knee-length, opaque and snug. They suit lane swimming, and many clubs allow them. Pulling board shorts over the top is the easy fix if tight fabric outlines too much.
• Swim shirt or rash vest: optional. It gives sun protection and extra modesty, but it is not required.

Speedos and briefs

Briefs and Speedo-style trunks are not suitable. They leave the thighs bare and cling to the shape of the private parts, which most scholars say is not acceptable in front of others. If you compete, ask your coach whether knee-length suits are allowed. Many competitions and clubs accept them. See What is the awrah for men in sports?

Changing rooms and showers

• Change under a towel or in a cubicle, and avoid walking around uncovered.
• Rinse in your swim shorts if the showers are communal.
• Lower your gaze and give others the same privacy.
• Bring dry shorts and a T-shirt for prayer afterwards, since you should cover the navel-to-knee area and the shoulders in salah.

Public pools bring their own practical questions. See Can I still go swimming at a public pool as a Muslim?

School swimming lessons are another common situation. See Can I take part in swimming lessons at school as a Muslim?