Guys in Speedos

The Legend of the Speedo

Speedo Swimwear is a highly successful brand that built its company and reputation on a daring little men's swimsuit simply called the "speedo". Although Speedo has branched out to lead the industry in racing swimwear of various types, the basic speedo has become a beach legend.

So, what's the big deal about this tiny swimsuit? For starters, speedos made their debut at a time when men were wearing more, not less at the beach. Standard swim trunks were still the main stay of men's swimwear, with slightly snugger square-cut swim shorts close behind. The speedo was quite a shocker when it first saw the light of day. These suits were as small as a set of men's briefs, and twice as snug to boot! Needless to say, these extremely daring swimsuits left nothing to the imagination!

Speedos were undoubtedly designed for the swim racing sport because a tight fitting swimsuit left little surface to create drag in the water. However, these suits quickly jumped the line, and soon guys in speedos were strutting their barely concealed "stuff" on beaches across Europe as well as North and South America.

Today, the fashion verdict on speedos is in some question. Once the "must have" swimsuit for guys of the 70s and early 80s, men seem to be shying away from scanty swimsuits in favor of full coverage board shorts.

About Guys in Speedos

Men are still free to wear speedo swimsuits wherever public regulations allow them, but are guys in speedos still cool? It's time to take an honest look at who should and shouldn't attempt to pull off this daring swimsuit look.

Age

Age can be a factor when deciding whether to wear a speedo.

Teenage boys should probably pass this beach fashion by. Speedos may have been designed for swim racing, but they really aren't going to provide the kind of coverage needed to participate in more active sports like surf kiting, boogie boarding and other strenuous water activities. Add in the self-conscious factor that affects most teens, and the speedo quickly loses its appeal

Young adult men in their prime might actually find the idea of wearing a speedo more appealing. These suits do allow a lot of sun exposure for anyone still wanting to tan, and they still look great on a trim and fit body. The confident guy can still wear a speedo these days and make it look good.

In many cases, older men will want to avoid the classic speedo in favor of designs that offer more coverage and comfort. Middle-age spread does nothing to enhance the look of these swimsuits, and muffin top hips are to be avoided, even for men.

Fitness

Regardless of a man's age, fitness is still the prime factor when considering if a speedo is the right swimwear choice. These swimsuits really only stand a chance of looking good on a hard body with a ripped set of abs. If a man has a paunchy mid-section or a less than impressive chest, there's probably not much point in donning a speedo without anything to show off.

Propriety

Finally, there is the question of propriety. Whether a man looks good in a speedo or not, the fact is that these swimsuits are not welcome in all public swimming venues. Some public beaches and pools now consider speedos the men's equivalent of women's racy bikinis, and require more coverage to maintain a family atmosphere for everyone. If a speedo is going to be worn, best check ahead of time to make sure it will be welcome, and pack a pair of regular swim trunks just in case.

What's Your Verdict?

Everyone has an opinion on the subject, so why not share yours? Do you think speedos are the greatest men's swimsuit on the planet? Tell all. Do you think these suits are just too racy for men to wear on the average public beach? Make your feelings known. Just post your thoughts in the comments box below.

Shopping for Swimsuits

You find classic speedos and more at the following websites.

• Speedo USA
• Bella's Florida
• Ohana Swimwear.