Should a man wear a Speedo swimsuit?

  • By:karen-millen

17

03/2022


    When a man puts on a Speedo-type swimsuit –or nautical briefs in fashion slang–, he is not only wearing a garment to take a dip or to swim. He wears a Speedo. And while Speedo is indeed a brand, with a rich catalog of technical swimwear and accessories, the brand is synonymous with something form-fitting, revealing, liberating, and with very little fabric. They are known for being small because a swimsuit is supposed to be that way. Few things are clearer and more forceful than a Speedo. When a man wears a Speedo, it is certainly a subject worth discussing.

    The object of criticism varies according to the country, since there are places where its use is more widespread than in others. Athletes also use them. So why is this swimsuit such a shock when seen at a pool party or, say, when your dad wears it? Is it really acceptable to wear one? Here's what swimwear experts have to say on the subject.

    performance first

    Getty

    If we stick strictly to performance, there is no better option. "It's an iconic item in the world of fashion and sports," says Giorgi Duvall, vice president of merchandising and design at Speedo PVH, the brand's parent company. "In the US we see it a lot in competitive swimming, diving or water polo. It provides freedom of movement and support."

    Five-time gold medalist Nathan Adrian confirms the practical use of the Speedo for sports: "Being in the water is something you feel, you feel how your body reacts when you're in it. I need my skin to touch the water. And when you're swimming and you're wearing it, you know you swim faster. A Speedo is like a second skin."

    Another advantage of Speedo swimsuits goes more unnoticed: there are guys who wear them under longer swimsuits to have a better support, or to cover up until they get into the water. "I see it a lot in places like The Hamptons (a well-known beach east of Long Island, New York)," says George Sotelo, founder of the Thorsun swimwear brand. "Guys wear the longer trunks over the shorts because they're really exposed wearing only a Speedo." And Sotelo refers, solely and exclusively, to wearing one swimsuit over another... and not to that other eternal debate about whether one should wear underpants under the swimsuit.

    ¿Debe un hombre ponerse un bañador Speedo?

    Therefore, it seems that this extra support or its use for professional swimming should circumscribe its use as a style statement. "I think it's still a competition garment. It's true that it later jumped into the world of fashion, but its origins are limited to sports," says Duvall.

    Nathan Adrian exemplifies that idea very well: “It started as a work uniform for me,” he says. “I was a shy kid, and I wore a blue or black Speedo, so nothing stood out too much. Now, I don't care at all whether or not I have to hide something, or whether people notice. It's like a kind of declaration of intent."

    know your surroundings

    Everett Collection

    As we said, the point of view varies according to the country. "Europeans are very sensitive to tan lines," says Adrian. "I've traveled to many European countries, and it's totally normal to see a lot of men wearing briefs." Sotelo thinks European style is beginning to influence Americans."I think American men are starting to feel more comfortable in shorter trunks," says Sotelo."European influence is coming to the United States, and I'm afraid it will continue to do so."

    Even so, in the United States, the nautical braga is still limited to certain parcels. And yes, if you're surrounded by a bunch of well-tanned Europeans lounging in their hammocks, no one will notice your Speedo. But in North America today, with the much more conservative environment... it doesn't invite you to go to the beach with so little clothing.

    "Be careful of your surroundings," says Sotelo. "It can be aggressive and overly sexual if you wear it when it's not appropriate. If I'm having a pool party at my house and everyone is wearing longer trunks, don't be the Speedo guy. You'll be the peacock." Which, depending on your personality, could be exactly the look you're looking for. Then…

    ...trust is the key

    Paramount Pictures

    As it happens with all things related to styling, the first thing you have to know are its rules before breaking them. What does this mean when wearing a Speedo? It means that you have made a conscious and confident decision. Perhaps it is not a swimsuit that keeps the norm. Surely you can even receive a comment or question. But if you use one? Damn, that shows character.

    "The swim short is a sign of confidence," says Speedo's Duvall. "Let's just say it's a sign of confidence if it's worn by an elite swimmer, like it's a sign of confidence if it's worn by a gentleman on South Beach."

    Nathan Adrian thinks the same. “You just have to split the corduroy,” he says. “The level of confidence is the key. If you walk around in your swimsuit as if it's normal, you make it normal."

    Thorsun's Sotelo, who advocates for men to be adventurous (and comfortable doing so), says wearing a Speedo is the ultimate test of self-confidence, and the unequivocal best way to show off all those hours spent in the gym. Gym

    "I'm envious of guys who wear Speedos, because they don't care what people think of them and that's great," says Sotelo. “If you wear a Speedo, you have to have a certain level of self-confidence, because it's a statement of security. So if you look good in one, and you can fill it out, why not? Go ahead".

    Via: Esquire US

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

    Should a man wear a Speedo swimsuit?
    • 860
    • what do you like about clothes fashion yahoo answers

    Related Articles