In the 1960's jeans became popular as classic swimwear for outdoor activities and watersports, especially swimming, surfing, and scuba diving. In aquatic environments where a neoprene wetsuit isn't necessary, or where just suiting-up can be inconvenient, jeans are worn with a T-shirt or rash guard, with fins for diving, or with rescue gear by water safety patrol professionals.

The preferred approach is to be able to go from dry land to water and back to dry land wearing the same jeans always, when on, in, or underwater. Tight fitting jeans are easy to swim in as long as they don't chafe. Their pockets are a good place to keep your money and keys away from thieves.

Rugged Swimwear

Jeans have been often compared to four-wheel drive vehicles and hiking boots, because they can go anywhere. They are known for their rugged construction, personal "shrink-to-fit", versatility, and high sun protection factor (SPF 100+). Combined with a T-shirt or dive top you have the basics for a safe and fun swimming outfit. Add an anorak on cool or windy days to avoid windchill.

Some swimmers and divers reserve specific pairs of jeans and diveskin jeans for the water, just as they do with their neoprene wetsuits and Lycra skins. The truly aquatic see no distinction between the two. Shrink-to-fit jeans and diveskins offer the freedom to transition without extra time and preparation.

"White Levis" (shrink-to-fit bleached) are designed specifically for aquatics and afford the swimmer and diver with rugged dependability and convenience. They retain their hydrodynamic fit in the water and when worn dry. There is no comparison in fit between street jeans and "water jeans".

Tip: Cool Cotton

Cotton jeans can get cold quickly once you come out of the water. Unless you intend to hop right back in, change into dry clothes between swims. Have a few jeans and T-shirts in your swim bag if you plan to take several breaks. It can be tricky to put on tight wet jeans, so we went back into the water in dry clothes.

Test Review: Levi's 501

Dry Test:
Levi's jeans have a reputation for being tough and rugged. They fit well and stay put during wild action. Use a belt for even better fit. Five pockets keep your keys and coins safe when you go swimming. The front pockets are more secure. The button fly has the advantage that it can't get jammed by mud or sand like a zip.

Swim Test:
The Levi's 501 jeans are great for swimming. They are tight enough for easy swimming, but loose enough to move freely. They feel good in the water and look cool with tight fitting T-shirts and hoodies.

The fabric is robust enough to protect you from minor scrapes when you scramble across a wild coastline to get to an exclusive beach. Divers like jeans for wreck diving to protect their skin or wetsuit.

Summary:
You may prefer the shrink-to-fit (STF) versions as they fit better the more you soak them. The trick is to keep them on while they dry. You better do that in a warm climate. We've tested our jeans in the wild canyons of northern Thailand which was great fun.