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Aug 14, 2023
Whether you’ve recently realized that you’re transgender or if you’ve been out for decades, one thing we all have in common is the endless pursuit for the best types of trans swimsuits that actually fit our bodies. News flash! Trans people love to swim just as much as everyone else. However, it can be challenging to go swimming as a trans person in a cis world.
Summer means fewer clothes, meaning more of your body is on display. Trans and gender non-conforming bodies are always under more scrutiny in public spaces, especially at swimming pools, beaches, and other swim spots. Not to mention the fact that most bathing suits are not designed with trans bodies in mind (7” inseams, who?) These factors can make something as simple as swimming a stressful and anxiety-producing activity for trans people, especially if you experience gender dysphoria.
The good news is that there are many different types of trans swimsuits out there for trans men, trans women, non-binary, and everyone else on the gender non-conforming spectrum. We are going to highlight some of the best trans and queer-owned brands out there making swimwear for trans and gender-nonconforming bodies!
While trans folks can buy any swimsuit out there on the market, not every type of bathing suit is going to work for trans bodies. Trans people can have a harder time shopping for clothes in general, as most clothes are designed for cisgender bodies.
This means that we have to go to extra lengths to find clothes in the right size, with the right shape and length for our bodies. Or you can always just take a Masterclass on sewing and become your own personal tailor (NGL, this is part of my five-year plan).
Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and safe (and look hot) while swimming! A few companies are making a splash in gender-neutral swimwear, and designing many different types of trans swimsuits for trans femmes, trans mascs, and everyone in between.
Some of our favorite brands are:
Transguy Supply is one of the leading marketplaces for gender-affirming products for trans men, trans masculine people, and non-binary folks.
They make three different types of ftm swimwear: swim shorts, swim trunks, and a swim jock. All of these swim bottoms come with a packing pouch to keep your packer in place while swimming.
Source: Both& Apparel
Both& Apparel is a newer brand on the trans masculine swimsuit scene. They recently launched a swim set—trunks and a tank—made from a polyester elastane blend. The swim set is currently on sale, given some customer feedback of minor pillage through use. If you don’t mind a little wear and tear, grab yourself one of the final trans masculine swim sets in stock!
Source: GC2B
While GC2B is not technically a swim brand, they do make one hell of a binder. You can either swim in a binder on its own or layer it underneath a swim shirt, rash guard, or wetsuit. It is totally safe to swim in a binder. However, remember to let your binder dry out completely before its next use and take breaks if you start feeling constricted in your breathing or movements.
Source: Chromat
Chromat is leading the way for trans femme swimwear. If you are looking for stylish, well-made, and sexy swimsuits, check out Chromat’s collection of swim tops, swim bottoms, bikinis, and one-piece swimsuits. Their newest swimsuit collection was made specifically for girls, themes, and non-binary femmes who don’t tuck. They have feminine swimsuits and gender-neutral swimwear, allowing more fluidity than binary swimsuit brands.
Source: Origami Customs
Origami Customs is another brand that believes that everybody deserves gender-affirming swimwear. They believe everyone should have a swimsuit that fits perfectly, so they offer custom sizing for free. They make all different types of mtf trans swimsuits for trans women and trans femmes, including swim gaffs and swim thongs.
BTW, a gaff is an undergarment designed to compress or flatten the genital area to create a smoother appearance. Origami Customs have recently expanded their collection to include a swim-safe packing harness and a series of lycra binder swim sets for the trans masculine community as well.
Source: Tomboy X
Tomboy X has made a name for themselves, creating underwear and compression tops across the gender spectrum. They also offer a wide array of gender-neutral swimwear, including swim tanks, swim shorts, sports bras, rash guards, uni-suits, scoop tops, and high-waisted compression bottoms. No matter what type of gender you have, you’ll likely find something in their swim lineup for you!
Source: Beefcake Swimwear
Beefcake Swimwear makes iconic 1920s style one-piece swimsuits for all gender expressions made with high-performing fabric that range in size from XS-5X. Some of the other types of trans swimsuits can be a bit boring in color, but these stylish prints and colors will make you stand out in the best way possible.
Source: Humankind
Last but not least, Humankind is an LA-based brand that makes gender-inclusive swimwear and apparel for every body. They make swim tops, tanks, and shirts and have some of the most comfortable swim trunks I’ve ever worn. If you are looking for high-quality swimsuits that are built to last, Humankind is where it’s at.
I know that swimming while trans can be stressful, especially if you are early in your transition or are a gender non-conforming hottie.
Sometimes we can get in our heads that we are in the spotlight, and everyone will stare at us or analyze our bodies for anomalies. And while this can certainly happen, people are mostly just doing their own thing, vibing, and enjoying the surf & swim. Or (believe it or not) they are just as worried about how they look as you are.
If you are anxious about swimming, make sure that you go with trusted friends, allies, or other trans people who will have your back if anything goes down. After all, you deserve to swim and be in public spaces the same as everyone else. Safety in numbers!
The answer is yes! You absolutely love a swimsuit, but it just doesn’t fit in all the right places. The good news is that you can take it to a tailor who can help adjust it to fit your body better.
Remember that alterations can be pricey (especially for swimwear), so just make sure you’re happy to invest in this one. And remember that it’s much easier to alter a swimsuit that is too big rather than one that is too tight.
Tucking while swimming can be challenging, given the addition of water and sand (if you are at the beach). Unclockable also makes an incredible Tuck Kit that is waterproof and can be worn while swimming. If tucking isn’t your vibe, you can always buy a swim gaff or a gaff thong to layer under your bathing suit for a more comfortable tuck while in the water.
You can also buy specific compression or lycra swim bottoms to help keep everything in place or consider wearing a pair of swim bottoms with ruffles or a skirt if you are going for a more discreet look. Or you can always just rock your bulge in your bikini on the beach if that’s more your vibe!
If you haven’t had top surgery, a great alternative to binding while swimming is a little thing called Trans Tape. Trans tape is made from cotton and spandex and allows you to tape down your chest to flatten and compress everything. It can be worn daily and is waterproof, meaning you can run, hike, sweat, shower, and even swim with it!
Regardless of where you are at in your gender journey, there is a swimsuit out there for you! Clothes and swimwear can be so intertwined with our self-esteem and how we feel in our bodies. You deserve gender-affirming bathing suits that will make you feel as free as everyone else does in the water.
Dusty Brandt Howard is a writer & a fighter. He is a trans masculine cultural narrator who builds worlds with words. You can follow his thirst traps on Instagram, his writing on Substack, or find him at your local queer bar in northeast LA.
