Atlas Sheer Swimming Briefs vs Men's Sheer Low Rise Bikini Briefs

The Atlas Sheer is the bolder, more purpose-built swim brief: a 4.5cm satiny waistband, a back that narrows to 2cm, and a choice of classic or thong cut, in a fabric the brand says is color-fast in water. The low-rise brief is a softer, stretchier nylon-spandex piece with a seamed U-shaped contour pouch and a full seat, but it is hand-wash only and reads more as underwear than swimwear. Owners rate the Atlas highly, though on a small sample of 16 ratings. Buy the Atlas for pool and beach use with a defined look; buy the low-rise brief for a sheer everyday or bedroom layer with more pouch shaping.

• Choose the Atlas Sheer if you want a swim-ready brief with a choice of classic or thong back and a wide, shiny waistband.
• Choose the low-rise sheer brief if you want a stretchier, full-seat cut with a seamed contour pouch and a lower rise.