Men in Speedos

The Basic Speedo

The word "speedo" tends to bring a particular image to many people's minds, namely of men wearing the tiniest stretch briefs at the waterfront. Although it's true that you will find men in speedos at many beaches, this style is mainly favored by swim racers for its sleek fit and minimal drag in the water.

Speedos garnered immediate attention on beaches around the world when they were first introduced in the 1970s. At the time, they were the manly answer to women's string bikinis. Oddly enough, while North American beach goers embraced string bikinis with a passion, they tended to shun the revealing man's speedo. In less than ten years, the look became the fodder for a lot of tasteless jokes, although a few die-hard fans remain loyal.

Culture Shock

Speedos were regarded quite differently in Europe, South America and parts of Asia where the populace wasn't quite as uptight about the human body. These swim briefs quickly became the standard swimwear for men of all ages, and they remain so to this day.

Culture shock abounds when American beach bathers hit European shores in full board shorts, while Americans are just as aghast at the site of foreign tourists strutting their speedos at the family water park. To both sides, the opposite's swimwear seems a bit unfashionable.

Men in Speedos of Every Style

For men who simply aren't comfortable wearing traditional speedo briefs in public, Speedo Swimwear makes a variety of men's swimsuits that provide various levels of coverage. Take a look at what this swimwear makers offers from least to most coverage.

• Brief Endurance+: This polo style swim brief offers just a bit more coverage than the original speedo bikini brief. The side seams run four inches long for a bit more hip coverage. Men are likely to feel less like they're going to fall out of this design, even though it is still a rather small swimsuit. The fabric is ultra comfortable, quick drying and fade resistant. This front-lined swimsuit runs about $40.00.

• Square Leg: These swim trunks cling like a comfortable second skin, but they do provide decent coverage. The square-cut legs end just above mid thigh. The material is a blend of Lycra and Speedo's own Xtra Life Lycra® for durability. All seams are reinforced and the suit comes with a front liner. It is available for approximately $45.00.

• Jammer Endurance+: Jammers are the next step up in coverage from the square leg trunks. They are form fitting, but the legs end just above the knees. The fabric blend provide a UV protection of 50+. This swimsuit can be purchased for about $48.00.

• Traditional Trunks: For men who don't particularly favor the cling swim trunks mentioned above, Speedo also carries more traditional trunks in great Speedo fabrics that are water and fade resistent. Leg seams run from 17 to 21 inches, and the cuts are roomy with drawstrings at the waist for an adjustable fit. Prices run around $45.00.

Shop for Yourself

Visit SpeedoUSA.com for swimsuits for the entire family.