I have been out of triathlons for 3 years and need to get back in shape for next summer. Lycra and spandex is not an option for me (out of courtesy for others) as they are too tight and downright inappropriate for my size. Board shorts are just too long and restrict movement. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Jay
Well, if not board shorts and not Lycra/spandex => polyester jammers!!! They will last forever! I mean, if you’re going to wear cycling shorts in public, that’s practically the same thing (without the pad).
Probably not the response you were looking for, but if you don’t want to wear elastic trunks, and you don’t want to wear loose trunks, then that kind of only leaves nudity?
you could try swimming in the running shorts that have a compression-type liner and then somewhat looser shorts over. I don’t think this would be an improvement on board shorts, though.
I wouldn’t worry about what others think. I’m certainly a larger swimmer right now, but I still wear jammers. And thank God we don’t still wear those little speedos we use to wear 20 years ago.
Running shorts are a good idea I never would have considered. They have the shorter inseam that should help me out. Thanks!
I wear the De Soto Speedtube trunks.
http://www.desotosport.com/products/product.asp?Category=speed&ProdID=ST
You will look like the guy in the picture.
you could also wear a speedo with a drag suit over it.
forget what other people think! Do your thing, be as comfortable as possible, and forget the rest
Try some roomy tri shorts. They tend not to be as snug as jammers and certainly stretchier.
Sumo uniform.
Cheeks are always better on fat people. Especially when hairy.
Birdwells! They are loose, come in VERY LARGE sizes, multiple colors AND lengths, so the shorter ones aren’t restrictive. And they dry fast!
http://www.birdwellbeachbritches.com
Good luck!
Unfortunately I think that company is out of business based on the website. I will check again to see if they have restructured.
I think I could probably pull of that look and the extra hair could act as my drag shorts. Kind of a win win.
I’m a giant fat mess and I wear jammers.
Let it all hang out, it’s a pool.
Just use some running shorts–the shorter ones.
I am a clydesdale and wear these:
http://www.speedousa.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3107141&cp=3124322.3124332.3124359.3608462&cid=1062141
you’re there to swim, not chat fashion or get a date. screw what everyone else thinks.
I say go against the grain and wear grape-smugglers! 
Holy crap! I just checked, and you’re right! They’ve been around since 1961 and make outstanding surf trunks! I own 4 pair and they last forever! Hope they can restructure and make trunks once again.
x2 for Jammers.
I love my Orca ones, or my Orca Tri Shorts
Dont worry about other swimmers, we all accept that 99% of us don’t look great in speedo’s so swallow your pride and wear what you want. I’m 20kg overweight and if I hadn’t been given a pair of jammers to try, I’d still be in “budgie smugglers” to this day.
.
speedo and poly mesh trainer (baggie).