Why do guys wear swim shirts?

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Not wearing a shirt to the pool or beach is considered the norm for most men, but there are occasional instances when you might see a guy wearing a shirt in or by the water.

Wearing a shirt while in the pool is not weird for men, or anyone for that matter. However, men may choose to wear a shirt in the pool because they feel insecure about their body in some way, or they could be particularly susceptible to burning from the sun’s UV rays.

Keep reading to learn more about why some men might decide to wear a shirt while they swim or relax by the water.

Why Do Some Guys Wear a Shirt in the Pool?

If you’ve ever seen a guy wearing a shirt in the water, they are probably doing it for one of two main reasons:

• They have some deep-seated insecurities about their body

• They are concerned about UV exposure and burning their skin

By wearing a shirt while swimming, men can feel more confident in their appearance and safety, so don’t scrutinize or mock them for their choices.

It is also possible that some men wear a shirt while they swim in an attempt to keep themselves warm in cool waters.

Do Guys Who Wear a Shirt in the Pool Have Self-Esteem Issues?

Not every guy who wears a shirt in the pool has self-esteem issues, although that is a common reason. 

Women suffer more than their fair share of body insecurities thanks to media portrayals and gossip from others. Men also experience these issues and receive far less attention for it.

Men with self-esteem issues might feel they have to wear a shirt to hide:

• Hairy chests or backs

• Over- or underweight appearances

• Any kind of scarring, including from severe acne

• Birthmarks or other marks

A swim shirt is a simple solution to most of these insecurities and boosts men’s confidence for a more enjoyable time at the pool.

Do Some Guys Wear Shirts in the Pool Because of Medical Reasons?

Some guys wear shirts in the pool for medical reasons instead of having self-esteem issues about their bodies.

If someone knows that they are at a higher risk of burning because of their skin type, that guy might wear a swim shirt in addition to wearing a water-resistant sunscreen to help prevent burning and excess UV exposure. This reduces their risk for skin cancers.

There could be other medical reasons for wearing a shirt in the pool that a man might not want to discuss, like a fear of water, so it’s polite not to pry.

Do Some Guys Wear a Shirt in the Pool Because They Think it’s Cool

The consensus of men that wear shirts in the pool agree that they are either insecure about their bodies or they want to prevent burning from being in the sun.

A small subset of men might wear a shirt in the pool because they think it is cool, but this is not the opinion of most men.

If a man thinks that they are being cool by wearing a shirt in the pool, it could be a way for him to show off his hobby as a surfer or diver. In cases like these, the man could be wearing a full wetsuit instead of just a shirt and swim shorts.

Do Guys Who Wear Shirts in the Pool Swim Faster?

No, wearing a shirt in the pool will make you swim slower than if you didn’t wear one. There are two main reasons why a shirt will make you a slower swimmer:

• Shirts can become waterlogged and weigh you down

• Shirts, especially loose-fitting ones, increase the surface area that water resistance can affect

Wearing a regular shirt into the pool is ill-advised because it can contaminate the pool with germs from an outside environment, loose fibers, and extra weight when it becomes soaked with water.

Swim shirts will eliminate these problems by being lightweight even when wet and are only worn when swimming. If a swim shirt isn’t form-fitting, the water resistance you experience while swimming is increased, which can make you swim slower.

Final Thoughts on Why do Guys Wear Shirts in the Pool

Although there could be a multitude of reasons why guys choose to wear a shirt in the pool, most men agree that they wear a shirt because they are insecure about their bodies or don’t want to get sunburn.

No matter the reason, men should not be criticized or shamed for wearing a shirt in the pool for any reason. However, an everyday shirt worn elsewhere can spread disease to other swimmers, and that should be pointed out politely if possible.

You'll never catch me swimming without a t-shirt on, and I'm a firm believer that more men should follow my lead. Why? Let me explain:

Men should leave more to the imagination!

Has anyone noticed that men seem to be tossing off their shirts and pullovers at an alarming rate these days? From Justin Bieber to the lads from Magic Mike, it seems that modern men are more eager than ever to bare their midsections to the world. Am I alone in thinking it's FAR more attractive for men to leave something to the imagination? I feel quite alluring in a large t-shirt during one of my dips in my local community pool. Give it a try, men. You might be surprised by the flirty looks you receive.

It will improve your swimming

Not only is swimming with a t-shirt more attractive, it also improves one's ability to swim (through aerodynamics possibly?). I don't have 'proof' to back this up in any way, but from experience, I can tell you that a waterlogged t-shirt cuts through the waves in a way bare skin never could. Much like a leopard gliding through the African savanna, a man in a t-shirt simply streaks through a pool. I imagine it's only a matter of time before we start seeing Olympic swimmers in t-shirts at the 100m final!

Taking longer to dry has its benefits!

Swimming with a t-shirt will mean that you will take longer to dry off. This might sound like a negative, but there are some positive aspects! That extra drying time can give you a chance to contemplate your life choices, plot out that book you've always wanted to write, or horse around with your chums in the locker room! (In the event you are not with any chums, horsing around by yourself is also an option.)

The expression 'saucer nipples' has nothing to do with it

One thing that does NOT factor into my swimming with a t-shirt is the expression 'saucer nipples', often heard whispered back and forth among other pool patrons as they steal quick glances. Don't these fools realize that I'm perfectly happy with the size and shape of my nipples? In fact, having an unusually large nipple circumference is a sign of intelligence and virility in some cultures. I'm proud of them, to be frank. My impressive nipples have nothing to do with my t-shirt choice. Nothing. Nothing at all.

You don't need to go with the fashion trends to look cool:

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