How should swim shorts fit? Choosing a 5 or 7 inch inseam
Swim shorts should sit securely at the waist without digging in, with room to move through the seat and thighs. The liner should feel comfortable without pulling or riding up. Choose your size from the measurements, then choose your preferred coverage: a 5 inch inseam is about 12.7 cm and a 7 inch inseam is about 17.8 cm.
What do 5 and 7 inch inseams mean?
The inseam runs from the crotch seam to the hem along the inside of the leg. It is not the full length from the waistband or the length of the inner liner. Two pairs with the same inseam can finish at different points on the thigh if the rise and cut differ.
| Design | Inseam | Cut | Choose if you prefer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haget Swim Trunks | 5 inches, about 12.7 cm | The shorter design. | More thigh showing and less leg length. |
| Haget Swim Shorts | 7 inches, about 17.8 cm | The longer of the two designs. | More coverage over the thigh. |
The difference is 2 inches, or 5.08 cm. The centimetre figures here are conversions of the inch labels; use the current size guide for garment measurements. Both Haget designs have an AquaFlex™ liner and the same type of stretch fabric. Trunks also have slightly shallower pockets to suit the shorter cut.
Check the fit in four places
1. Waist
The shorts should stay in place without needing to pull the drawstring very tight. The elastic should allow movement and feel comfortable when sitting. Shorts that are too large may still have excess room at the seat and thighs even after you tighten the waist.
2. Seat and thighs
Sit down, bend your legs and take a longer step. The outer fabric should not pull tightly across your seat or restrict movement. If the legs catch on your thighs, you may need another size or a different cut.
3. Liner
Check the lining too. It should not pull at the crotch, pinch at the leg openings or ride up when you walk. A good fit in the outer shorts does not automatically mean the liner fits equally well.
4. Leg length
Look at where the hem sits when standing and sitting. A 5 inch inseam gives a shorter look and 7 inches provides more coverage, but no length is right for every person of a particular height. Thigh proportions, waistband position and personal preference matter too.
Measure a pair you already like
- Lay the garment flat. Smooth it out without stretching the fabric.
- Measure the inseam. Follow the inside leg from the crotch seam to the hem.
- Measure the outseam separately. Measure from the top of the waistband to the hem along the side.
- Check what the waist measurement means. Flat width, garment circumference and body measurements are different. Compare like with like.
- Use the guide for the right design. Check Trunks for the 5 inch option and Shorts for the 7 inch option.
What if you are between sizes?
Haget's size guide recommends the larger size if you are unsure between two. Still check the complete fit. The waist figure in the guide refers to the garment's waistband without stretching the elastic, not a recommended body measurement. Do not choose by height or weight alone.
Avoid sizing up just to get longer legs. Size and length serve different purposes: compare 5 inch Swim Trunks with 7 inch Swim Shorts and open the size guide on each product page.
Frequently asked questions
Are 5 or 7 inch shorts better for shorter or taller people?
There is no fixed rule. Compare the inseam with a pair you already like and choose where you want the hem to finish on your thigh.
Is 7 inches the total length of the shorts?
No. It is the inside leg measurement from crotch to hem. The outseam from the waistband is a separate measurement and may vary with size and cut.
How much shorter are Haget Trunks than Shorts?
The stated inseams differ by 2 inches, or about 5 cm. Trunks are the shorter design and have slightly shallower pockets.