There’s a moment in every Irish summer when the sun finally shows up and you realise you still need a decent pair of swim shorts. Whether you’re heading to a Dublin beach or a pool in Cork, the choice between a quick-dry pair from Elverys and a designer pair from Calvin Klein can feel surprisingly loaded.
Average price range: €20 – €150 ·
Most common fabric: Polyester / Elastane blend ·
Popular brands featured in SERP: Calvin Klein, Nike, Speedo, Superdry, River Island ·
Typical inseam length: 5–7 inches (13–18 cm) ·
Number of major retailers in Ireland: 5+ (Flannels, Calvin Klein, Superdry, Elverys, River Island, Dunnes Stores)
Quick snapshot
- Higher cut legs, shorter inseams (Roxy Ireland women’s swimwear specialist)
- Brands: Speedo, Nike, River Island (Roxy Ireland women’s swimwear specialist)
- Available at Elverys, Superdry, Dunnes (Roxy Ireland women’s swimwear specialist)
- Variety of lengths (5-9 inch inseam) (Calvin Klein Ireland official brand store)
- Quick-dry polyester blends (Calvin Klein Ireland official brand store)
- Designer options from Calvin Klein, Stone Island (Calvin Klein Ireland official brand store)
- Elastic waistbands, fun prints (Nike size chart for boys)
- Sizes for toddlers to teens (Nike size chart for boys)
- Nike, Speedo, Superdry collections (Nike size chart for boys)
- Dri-FIT technology (Intersport Elverys Irish sports retailer)
- Available in men’s, women’s and boys’ (Intersport Elverys Irish sports retailer)
- Price range €30–€60 at Elverys (Intersport Elverys Irish sports retailer)
Five quick facts that define the Irish swim shorts market:
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Average price range | €20 – €150 |
| Most common fabric | Polyester / Elastane blend |
| Popular brands | Calvin Klein, Nike, Speedo, Superdry, River Island, Stone Island |
| Typical inseam length | 5–7 inches (13–18 cm) |
| Number of major retailers in Ireland | 5+ (Flannels, Calvin Klein, Superdry, Elverys, River Island, Dunnes Stores) |
What are the best swim shorts for women?
Top women’s swim short brands
- Speedo, Nike, and River Island are widely available in Ireland (Roxy Ireland women’s swimwear specialist)
- Roxy Ireland offers board shorts alongside bikinis and swimsuits
- H&M Ireland stocks cotton swim shorts from €14.99 (H&M Ireland fast-fashion retailer)
Key features to look for in women’s swim shorts
- Higher cut legs and shorter inseams for a flattering fit
- Quick-dry fabric and elastic waistbands for comfort
- Pockets and drawstrings add convenience
Where to buy women’s swim shorts in Ireland
- Elverys and Superdry carry women’s options (Intersport Elverys Irish sports retailer)
- Very Ireland offers free returns and next-day delivery (Very Ireland online department store)
- Dunnes Stores and Michael Guineys provide budget-friendly choices
Women’s swim shorts from brands like Roxy and River Island offer style and fit, but cheaper options from H&M may lack the same quick-dry performance. The catch: if you plan to swim frequently, investing in a dedicated swim brand pays off in durability.
The implication: women’s swim shorts in Ireland are no longer just a niche – major retailers now stock them, but the style and fabrication vary sharply. For day-long beach use, a polyester-elastane blend from a sportswear brand beats a cotton short every time.
What are the best swim shorts for men?
Men’s swim shorts vs. board shorts
- Board shorts are designed for swimming and water activities, according to Calvin Klein Ireland official brand store
- Swim shorts typically have a shorter inseam (5–7 inches) and a built-in mesh liner
- Board shorts are longer, looser, and often lack a liner
Best men’s swim shorts for swimming and lounging
- Quick-dry polyester blends are standard (Calvin Klein Ireland official brand store)
- Inseam options range from 5 to 9 inches – choose 5-inch for a modern look, 9-inch for more coverage
- Elverys stocks a wide selection of men’s swim shorts (Intersport Elverys Irish sports retailer)
Designer men’s swim shorts from Calvin Klein and Stone Island
- Calvin Klein Ireland sells swim trunks from €29.00 to €74.90 (Calvin Klein Ireland official brand store)
- Superdry offers varied prints and lengths
- Flannels Ireland carries designer swimwear including Stone Island (Flannels Ireland luxury fashion retailer)
Men’s swim shorts are not all the same: a 5-inch inseam from Calvin Klein will look sleek on a Dublin rooftop pool, but a 9-inch board short from Superdry is better for a day of surfing in Lahinch. The trade-off is style versus utility.
The pattern: men’s swim shorts in Ireland split into two camps – functional sportswear (Nike, Speedo) and fashion-forward design (Calvin Klein, Stone Island). The choice depends on whether you prioritise performance or aesthetics.
Where can I buy men’s swim shorts in Ireland?
Online retailers with Irish delivery
- Calvin Klein Ireland offers free delivery on orders over €50 (Calvin Klein Ireland official brand store)
- Superdry and River Island have online stores with Irish delivery
- Very Ireland provides next-day delivery and free returns (Very Ireland online department store)
Physical stores in Ireland (Dunnes Stores, Elverys)
- Dunnes Stores carries men’s swim shorts in multiple locations
- Intersport Elverys has dedicated swimming sections (Intersport Elverys Irish sports retailer)
- Michael Guineys offers value-priced men’s swim shorts with free delivery over €50 (Michael Guineys Irish discount retailer)
Price comparison across Irish retailers
- Calvin Klein: €29–€75
- Nike: €30–€60
- Superdry: €20–€50
- Michael Guineys: from €10
For men in Ireland, the best value swim shorts come from Michael Guineys or Dunnes Stores, but if you want durability and style, Calvin Klein or Nike are worth the extra spend. The catch: check return policies before buying online, as fit can vary between brands.
The implication: Ireland’s retail landscape for men’s swim shorts is fragmented – you can buy online from UK-based retailers with Irish delivery, or walk into a Dunnes Stores in Cork. The choice comes down to budget and how quickly you need them.
What are the best swim shorts for boys?
Boys’ swim shorts sizes and age groups
- Nike’s boys’ swimwear size chart maps numeric sizes 6-7 to age 6-7, and 18-20 to age 14+ (Nike size chart for boys)
- Most brands use elastic waistbands to accommodate growth
- Speedo and Nike offer sizes from toddler to teen
Durable and fun designs for boys
- Bright prints and licensed characters (e.g., Marvel, dinosaurs) are common
- Polyester-elastane blends resist chlorine and fading
- Drawstrings and elastic waistbands ensure a secure fit
Where to buy boys’ swim shorts in Ireland
- Elverys stocks Nike and Speedo boys’ swimwear (Intersport Elverys Irish sports retailer)
- Superdry has boys’ collections
- Michael Guineys offers affordable options (Michael Guineys Irish discount retailer)
Boys’ swim shorts are often cheaper than adults’ but need to withstand more abuse – sand, chlorine, and constant pulling. The catch: a €10 pair from Guineys may not last a season, while a Nike pair from Elverys will hold up through multiple summers.
The trade-off: for boys who grow quickly, budget-friendly options from Dunnes or Superdry make sense, but for frequent swimming, invest in a durable brand like Speedo or Nike.
Are Nike swim shorts worth buying?
Nike swim shorts features and pricing
- Nike uses Dri-FIT quick-dry technology (Intersport Elverys Irish sports retailer)
- Price range at Elverys: €30–€60
- Available in men’s, women’s, and boys’ sizes
Nike vs. other brands (Calvin Klein, Speedo)
- Nike focuses on athletic performance; Calvin Klein on style; Speedo on competitive swimming
- Nike swim shorts are often shorter (5-inch inseam) and lighter
- Calvin Klein offers more colour and pattern variety (Calvin Klein Ireland official brand store)
Customer reviews and durability
- Nike swim shorts generally receive positive reviews for durability and fit
- Users report that Dri-FIT fabric dries in minutes
- Some reviewers note that the mesh liner can be uncomfortable for long wear
Nike swim shorts are a solid mid-range choice for Ireland’s casual swimmers. They outperform fashion brands like Superdry in drying speed, but fall short of Speedo’s chlorine resistance for lap swimmers. The trade-off: you get a good all-rounder, not a specialist.
The pattern: Nike swim shorts sit in the middle of the market – not as cheap as Dunnes, not as premium as Calvin Klein, but reliable for most Irish beach and pool days.
Swim Shorts Comparison: Key Features
Three popular brands, one clear pattern: the choice between performance, style, and price.
| Brand | Price Range | Key Technology | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nike | €30–€60 | Dri-FIT quick-dry | Casual swimming and lounging |
| Calvin Klein | €29–€75 | Quick-dry polyester | Stylish beachwear |
| Speedo | €25–€55 | Chlorine-resistant fabric | Lap swimming and pool training |
The implication: if you only swim once a year on holiday, Calvin Klein’s style win. If you’re in the pool weekly, Speedo’s durability saves money in the long run.
Swim Shorts Specifications: Materials and Fit
Six specs that separate a good pair from a great one.
| Specification | Typical Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Polyester / Elastane blend | Quick-drying and stretchy |
| Inseam length | 5–7 inches (13–18 cm) | Affects coverage and look |
| Waistband | Elastic with drawstring | Adjustable fit for comfort |
| Liner | Mesh (built-in) | Provides support, no need for underwear |
| Pockets | Side pockets, often with mesh lining | Drain water quickly |
| UV protection | UPF 50+ (some models) | Protects skin from sun |
The catch: no single pair excels in all areas. A mesh liner adds comfort but can chafe, while pockets are handy but may trap air when swimming.
Pros and Cons of Different Swim Shorts
Upsides
- Quick-dry fabrics keep you comfortable after swimming
- Elastic waistbands with drawstrings offer a secure fit
- Wide variety of lengths and styles for all body types
- Many options available in Irish stores and online
Downsides
- Cheaper pairs may fade or lose shape after a few washes
- Mesh liners can be uncomfortable for prolonged wear
- Designer brands are expensive for occasional use
- Sizing varies significantly between brands
The trade-off: paying more upfront often means better durability, but for the occasional swimmer, a budget pair from Dunnes Stores may be perfectly adequate.
What’s Confirmed and What’s Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Swim shorts are designed for water activities and quick drying
- Common materials include polyester and elastane
- Major brands are available in Ireland through online and physical stores
What’s unclear
- Exact stock levels of specific brands at Dunnes Stores
- Whether all retailers offer the same return policies
- Precise number of swim short styles available for women in Ireland
What the Retailers Say
“Our men’s swim shorts collection features a variety of signature designs, with prices up to €50.”
“We offer a wide range of men’s swim trunks starting from €29.00 to €74.90.”
Calvin Klein Ireland official brand store
Summary
Buying swim shorts in Ireland isn’t about one brand or one store – it’s about matching your needs to the right fit, fabric, and price point. For the casual swimmer, a €20 pair from Michael Guineys will do the job. For the style-conscious shopper, Calvin Klein or Stone Island at Flannels offer a premium look. For the active swimmer, Nike’s Dri-FIT technology at Elverys balances performance and cost. The implication: the best swim shorts for you depend on where you’ll wear them and how often. The Irish shopper who values value should spend a little more on a mid-range brand and avoid the disappointment of a cheap pair that fades after one season.
Related reading: Bar Stools Ireland: Buying Guide & Best Places to Buy · Bar Barstools: Height Guide & Best Irish Sets
d1314cmsbd81ch.cloudfront.net, blackrockbeachwear.ie, asos.com, flannels.ie, goldenpages.ie, vietnampressroom.net
For a more detailed breakdown of local prices and fabric types, see this comprehensive swim shorts guide.
Frequently asked questions
How should swim shorts fit?
Swim shorts should fit snugly at the waist without being too tight. The inseam should sit comfortably on your thigh – typically 5 to 7 inches for men. Women’s shorts often have a shorter inseam and a higher cut.
Can swim shorts be used for swimming laps?
Yes, but they are not ideal for lap swimming. Swim shorts with a loose fit create drag. For serious lap swimming, consider a pair of Speedo or Nike jammers or briefs.
Are swim shorts machine washable?
Most swim shorts are machine washable. Use cold water and a gentle cycle, and avoid fabric softeners. Air dry them to prolong the elastic and quick-dry fabric.
What is the difference between swim shorts and board shorts?
Swim shorts are typically shorter (5–7 inches) with a built-in mesh liner, while board shorts are longer (9–12 inches) and looser, often without a liner. Board shorts are designed for surfing and board sports.
Do swim shorts have pockets?
Many swim shorts include side pockets, often with mesh lining to drain water. Some have a small back pocket with a Velcro or zip closure for keys or coins.
How to measure your waist for swim shorts?
Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, just above the belly button. Use that measurement to find your size on the brand’s size chart. For example, Nike’s size chart uses body measurements.
Are there swim shorts with UV protection?
Yes, some swim shorts offer UPF 50+ protection. Brands like Speedo and Nike include UV-blocking fabrics in certain models. Check the product label for the UPF rating.
What is the best fabric for swim shorts?
Polyester and elastane blends are the most common. They dry quickly, resist chlorine, and stretch for comfort. Nylon is also durable but dries more slowly. Avoid cotton for swimming – it becomes heavy and stays wet.
Henry William Bennett Murray is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, covering UK public affairs, policy and civic life. He works under Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Langford, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.