A black suit may disappear on poolside. Funky Trunks does the opposite. Built for swimmers who train often and want kit with real personality, the range brings loud prints, athletic cuts and chlorine-resistant fabrics to the lanes where it matters most.
For club swimmers, regular fitness swimmers and parents buying for young athletes, the appeal is not just the colour. A good training suit needs to stay comfortable through long sets, retain its shape after repeated washing and cope with the realities of a heavily chlorinated pool. Funky Trunks has earned its place in squad bags because it combines that practical brief with designs that make showing up for another early session feel a little less ordinary.
Why Funky Trunks works for serious training
Training swimwear has a tougher job than holiday swimwear. It is worn repeatedly, exposed to chlorine, stretched during starts and turns, then packed wet into a mesh bag or kit bag. Ordinary fashion swimwear can fade, sag or lose recovery quickly when used for several sessions each week.
Funky Trunks is designed around the needs of frequent pool use. Many styles use chlorine-resistant fabric designed to hold colour and fit for longer than standard swim fabrics. That makes it particularly suited to swimmers in lessons, club squads and masters sessions, where one suit may be in rotation week after week.
The bold prints are a genuine bonus for busy training environments. A distinctive suit is easy to spot on poolside, useful when junior swimmers are changing around a crowded gala or when a parent is sorting kit after a session. For swimmers, it is also a chance to choose something that feels individual without compromising on a performance-focused fit.
It is worth being realistic about the trade-off. Funky Trunks training suits are made for regular swimming, but no fabric is immune to poor care. Leaving a suit damp in a closed bag, rinsing it poorly or drying it on a radiator will shorten its life. Rotation between two suits is often the sensible choice for swimmers who train three or more times a week.
Choosing the right Funky Trunks fit
The best cut depends on the swimmer, the session and personal preference. A close fit is essential for training, but the most streamlined option is not automatically the most comfortable option for every athlete.
Briefs for freedom of movement
Funky Trunks briefs are a familiar choice for male club swimmers who want minimum coverage and unrestricted movement through the hips. They are compact in a kit bag, dry quickly and are popular for daily training, particularly with swimmers who do plenty of kick work.
The key is getting the waist right. A brief should feel secure without digging in or requiring constant adjustment. For junior swimmers moving from recreational shorts into squad training, a brief can take a little getting used to, so checking the brand size guidance and considering the swimmer's confidence level is worthwhile.
Trunks for a balanced training option
Trunks offer more leg coverage than briefs while retaining a close, low-drag profile. They are a practical middle ground for swimmers who want an athletic fit but prefer a little more coverage for lessons, public sessions or mixed training groups.
This style works well for a broad range of ages and is often an easy first step into performance-oriented swimwear. It is also a strong option for swimmers who find longer jammers restrictive but do not want the minimal feel of a brief.
Jammers for coverage and comfort
Jammers extend down the thigh and are a regular sight in club lanes. They can feel reassuring for swimmers who prefer extra coverage, and their close fit makes them far more suitable for structured training than loose swim shorts.
For race day, rules and event requirements may influence what is appropriate, especially at higher levels of competition. A training jammer is not the same as a technical racing suit. Training swimwear is built for durability and repeat use, while race suits prioritise compression, water-repellent finishes and a very specific competition fit. Keeping the two roles separate can help protect your race kit and make daily training more comfortable.
Getting sizing right before the first session
Swimwear sizing can feel different from everyday clothing. A suit should sit close to the body because it will relax slightly in water, but it should never limit breathing, cause sharp pressure at the waist or pull excessively across the hips.
Start with the swimmer's actual measurements rather than assuming their usual trouser or underwear size will translate directly. If they fall between sizes, think about how they intend to use the suit. A competitive swimmer who likes a close fit may be happy with the firmer option, while a growing junior or a swimmer attending occasional lessons may value a little more comfort and room.
When trying a new suit at home, look for a smooth fit across the seat and a secure waistband. There should be no gaping and no need to continually reposition the suit when squatting or raising the knees. Do not remove hygiene labels or wear it in the pool until the fit has been checked carefully.
For parents, buying slightly oversized to allow for growth is tempting, but it usually creates more problems in the water. A loose suit can drag, shift during dives and lose its shape sooner. A correctly fitted training suit is safer, more comfortable and less distracting during technique work.
Building a practical squad swimwear rotation
One Funky Trunks suit can become a favourite, but a rotation makes more sense for regular swimmers. Ideally, keep two training suits available so that one can dry fully between sessions. This helps preserve fabric elasticity and prevents the unpleasant smell that develops when wet kit stays trapped in a bag.
A simple squad set-up usually includes training swimwear, goggles, a spare pair of goggles, a swim hat, a large towel and a mesh gear bag for floats, paddles or a kickboard. The exact kit will vary by age group and coach, but having a consistent system reduces the chance of arriving without something essential.
For gala weekends and intensive camps, pack an extra suit. A fresh dry option between warm-up and later sessions can make a notable difference, especially for younger swimmers spending long hours at the pool. Bright prints also make it easier to identify the right suit among a pile of similar team kit.
All4Swim caters for this practical side of swimming, with Funky Trunks alongside goggles, bags, towels and training equipment for swimmers building out a dependable kit bag.
Looking after chlorine-resistant swimwear
Chlorine-resistant fabric gives a suit a stronger starting point, not a free pass on aftercare. The routine is straightforward: rinse the suit in cool, clean water as soon as possible after swimming, gently press out excess water and allow it to air dry away from direct heat and sunlight.
Avoid fabric conditioner, bleach and hot washing. These can affect fibres and elastic, even on durable training fabric. Do not twist the suit hard to remove water, and do not leave it rolled inside a wet towel or sealed in a plastic bag. A small mesh bag is useful for carrying wet kit home, but it is still best to take the suit out immediately once you are back.
Pool chemicals are only one cause of wear. Rough pool surrounds, sitting on abrasive surfaces and repeated contact with lane-rope hardware can all damage fabric. Keeping the suit on for the swim and changing afterwards is a sensible habit, particularly for junior swimmers.
Funky Trunks for juniors, teens and adults
Funky Trunks has broad appeal because it does not treat performance swimwear as something that has to look serious. A young swimmer may choose a print because it is fun, while a seasoned masters swimmer may choose it because they know the fabric will stand up to a demanding schedule. Both are valid reasons.
For juniors, the priority is usually a secure fit, durability and a style they are genuinely happy to wear. A suit they like is far more likely to make it into the bag for an early-morning session. For teens, distinctive designs can offer a bit of confidence during a period when poolside kit matters more than adults may realise.
Adult swimmers should choose according to training frequency and preferred coverage rather than age. A brief, trunk or jammer can all be the right option. What matters is that the suit stays put through turns, feels comfortable for the full session and is made to withstand the pool time you actually do.
Choose the print that makes you want to get in the water, then give it the care it deserves. The best training suit is the one that still feels secure, looks sharp and is ready when the next session starts.