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Details
- Price $90 at bather.com
- Material Shell: 100% recycled quick-dry nylon / Lining: 90% nylon, 10% spandex ultra fine mesh
- Made in Canada
Overview
Most would picture lazing on a beach chair with a book as the perfect beach holiday. But not me. Beaches are too hot and get easily bored with a book. I do like to go into the water to cool off, but I usually do it in hotel pools.
As a minimalist, I try to keep my packing light and the strategy is not to have anything that can be used for one thing. For example, a pair of speedos would be exclusively for water. As such, I usually just wear my gym shorts into the pool. It isn’t ideal weight or material, but then again, I am no olympic swimmer.
The idea is that what I wear into the pool, I should be able to wear out of the pool and look presentable doing so. Here’s where Bather comes in.
Bather’s mission is as clear as the waters their trunks are made for: redefining men’s swimwear with style, practicality, and a strong ethical backbone. Founded in 2013 in Toronto, Canada, Bather set out to solve a simple problem: swim trunks that work at the beach, by the pool, and in the streets. They’ve succeeded by blending streetwear-inspired designs with technical, quick-drying materials.
The trunks are made entirely in Canada, with a focus on sustainability and craftsmanship. Their ultra-soft liners tackle the dreaded chafing and discomfort of traditional mesh, while high-quality nylon ensures a fast-drying, lightweight fit. Bather’s commitment to ethical manufacturing and fair pricing is the cherry on top, making it a standout in the swimwear market.
For me, the appeal is obvious: a stylish solution that fits right into a minimalist wardrobe. Bather trunks promise to keep me looking sharp, whether I’m poolside or grabbing lunch afterward. The question is, do they live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
Style
Bather leans heavily on solid, minimalist designs, and comes in a whopping 21 color choices for everyone who is not as obsessed with black as me. All of them deliver a clean, contemporary vibe that stands out without being loud.
I noticed that some colors have drawstrings in white, while others match the color of the trunk. Namely, the ones with white drawstrings are marine, sea foam, olive, kiwi, sangria, and lavender. Thankfully, the black came with matching black drawstrings which I much prefer.
Unfortunately, the almost completely black garment is punctuated by metal drawstrings anglets. The drawstrings are designed to hang outside the waistband, so it might offend some purists who care about very little visual detail.
Branding is tastefully limited to a small woven tag—discreet enough for those who dislike visible logos. For those who mind, you can easily cleanly remove the tag without damaging the trunk.
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The stitching is clean, and the fit is modern, with a 5.5-inch inseam offering a balanced look between casual and tailored. The inseam is shorter than regular shorts, so people could suspect it is a pair of swim trunks you are rocking at the restaurant.
The reinforced pockets and snap-secured back pocket provide both style and function. With a nod to vintage cuts, the design manages to feel current and the timelessness will make it stay that way.
At 6 ft and about 198 lbs, I went for a size M. A pair of swim trunks should be fitted so it doesn't pull on you as you swim. The size M was a fitted size for me which makes it a little less versatile. A size L might work a little better if I am going to double it up as a pair of shorts.
Material
Bather’s use of 100% recycled quick-dry nylon showcases the brand’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing quality. Nylon, a pioneer synthetic fiber, is known for its quick-drying properties, softness, and durability. This particular recycled variant adds an eco-friendly edge, derived from repurposed PET bottles.
The lining, made from a nylon-spandex blend, adds stretch and comfort while maintaining a fine mesh construction to avoid the scratchiness common in cheaper swim trunks. The snap-enclosed back pocket feels robust, and the elastic waistband combined with the drawstring ensures a secure but adjustable fit.
These are nice, reasonable materials, but aren’t anything groundbreaking like what brands like Outlier has.
Usage
In practice, these swim trunks hold up well. The quick-dry fabric lives up to its name, making transitions from water to casual wear seamless. However, given the materials are pretty run-of-the-mill, the drying speed is similar to most swim trunks.
The reinforced pockets are surprisingly spacious, fitting small essentials like keys or a cardholder without issue.
I designed a thing.
I found a 100 year old company that would create these heirloom quality canisters for me. They are handmade and will keep your tea leaves, coffee beans or anything that you need dry for years to come.
or read review
The back pocket some with a button to secure its contents. It doesn't quite fit your phone but is a good size for a wallet or cardholder.
Recycled nylon fabric isn’t any kind of hardcore fabric so it won’t withstand abrasive surfaces like pool decks or rocky lakeshores without fraying. I’ll share pictures once I see any sign of wear.
The elastic waistband remains comfortable throughout the day, and the drawstring ensures no awkward slip-ups during more active swims.
Although I don’t enjoy the feeling of liners, I understand why it might be necessary for the pool. Not sure I want to traumatize little kids by exposing myself by mistake. The liner fits snugly for me, which means that anyone with thicker thighs might find it too snug.
Conclusion
Bather Swim Trunks offer a stylish, eco-conscious solution for anyone seeking versatile swimwear. While not groundbreaking, their quality materials, sharp aesthetics, and thoughtful design make them a worthy investment for a minimalist wardrobe.
Additional Images
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Tagged bather review short water-resistant