Description
The Rio is a black sunga: a matte black base cut with glossy red and white stripes, for men who want swimwear that looks considered without shouting. Shorter than boardshorts, fuller than a brief, it sits close to the body and holds its shape in and out of the water.
Why a black sunga works
Black is the easiest colour to wear in the water. It reads sharp on every skin tone, it holds its depth after a season in salt and chlorine, and it carries you from a lap pool to a beach club without you having to think about it. The red and white glossy stripe running through the Rio is what stops it looking plain. In flat light it sinks into the matte base and the trunk reads as solid black. In direct sun it catches like satin. If you are going to own one sunga, a black sunga is the one that earns its place in the bag every single trip.
Fit and fabric
- Premium double-layer fabric with a matte finish.
- Fully lined interior for support and confidence, with no separate mesh brief needed underneath.
- Internal drawstring to adjust the waistband for a comfortable, secure fit.
- Quick drying and light enough to disappear into a carry-on.
The Brazilian square cut finishes high on the thigh and is designed to sit close to the body. Compared with loose boardshorts, expect a more fitted feel. Check that you can sit, bend and walk comfortably without pinching or constant adjustment.
Size Guide
| Size | Waist (laid flat) | Length (waist to hem) |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 36.5 cm (14.4 in) | 22 cm (8.7 in) |
| Medium | 38 cm (15 in) | 23 cm (9 in) |
| Large | 40.1 cm (15.8 in) | 26 cm (10.2 in) |
These are garment measurements, not body measurements. The waist measurement is the width across the waistband with the sunga laid flat. Do not compare this figure directly with your body waist measurement or treat twice the width as a recommended body size.
How to compare your size
- Lay a pair of fitted swimwear that already fits you comfortably on a flat surface, without stretching it.
- Measure straight across the waistband from one side to the other.
- Measure from the top of the waistband to the hem, then compare both measurements with the table.
The intended fit is close to the body, with a comfortable waist and leg openings. If you are between sizes or unsure about the cut, email us for sizing help before ordering. Include the model and the measurements of the swimwear you are comparing. See our sunga fit checklist for signs that a size is too tight or too loose.
How to care for a black sunga
Rinse in cold fresh water after every swim, before the salt or chlorine has time to dry into the fibres. Then dry it flat in the shade, never on a hot railing and never in direct sun, which is what fades a black sunga faster than anything else. No machine wash, no tumble dryer, no fabric softener, no wringing it out. Treated this way the Rio keeps its shape and its depth of colour season after season.
Is this a sunga or a swim brief?
This is a Brazilian square cut sunga: fitted swimwear with wider sides and more upper thigh coverage than a traditional swim brief. For more about the style, read what a sunga is or compare the different men’s swimwear cuts.
Shipping and size exchanges
Free shipping Australia wide on new purchases. For a change of mind return or size exchange, contact us within 14 days of delivery. Items must be unused, unwashed and in original condition, with tags and the hygiene sticker attached. Try swimwear on over underwear.
For a size exchange, you pay the return postage and delivery of the replacement. Replacement sizes are subject to availability. See our full refund and returns policy, including the separate terms for faulty or incorrectly supplied items.




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