It is remarkable that a man’s bathing suit could be the impetus for such a long standing debate. Rarely do we hear cries of similar disgust for women to wear larger, less revealing swimwear but, then again, perhaps men have less shame. However, whether that’s good or bad is a question for a separate debate. Regardless, the Speedo debate continues so let’s try to see on which side the majority sits.
First things first, Speedo is a brand name, not a style. What we are actually referring to is the swimming brief - a snugly fitting swimsuit covering only a man’s genitalia and buttocks, rising higher on the thigh. The term “Speedo” is commonly used to describe them as this company is the world’s most famous manufacturers of this contentious article of clothing.
From my travels, swimming briefs are quite appealing across Europe, South America and Australia. North American men, on the other hand, rarely wear them.
The Argument Against
Ask most North Americans about Speedos and you will probably be met with laughter or negative feedback or both. This response is common among men and women alike. It seems that virtually everyone in North America prefers loose swimming trunks or, at lease, tight shorts to swimming briefs.
I have to say, the argument against the Speedo is based on sex. The most common response is that they seem to be worn too frequently by unattractive, older men than by athletic, tanned hard bodies. But the second most common response is that they “make men look like have no package.” So do Speedos fly in the face of American’s “bigger is better” mentality?
Actually, truth be told, North Americans are among the most conservative in the world when it comes to the naked body. And perhaps, unlike women’s concealed genitalia, the Speedo tends to emphasize their existence and, de facto, make sexually conservative North Americans a little uncomfortable. After all, the fact that there are designated nude beaches in the U.S. but in Europe there are many beaches which are acceptably clothing optional suggests a different mentality.
The Argument For
Venturing off to Europe, one can easily distinguish that swimming briefs are the bathing suit of choice for men. In fact, show up in a pair of trunks and you’ll be the one stared at.
Why do Europeans love the swimming brief so much? The most common answer is simply that they are comfortable. Wearing snug bathing attire ensures that private packaging stays put. You don’t have to keep shifting your nuts every time the water hits. And, incidentally, the “floppiness” of the master and his boys in the swimming trunk is considered unattractive by European women.
The next most common reason is the range of motion. Since swimming briefs take the shape of the body, men have better maneuverability than they would with bulky swimming trunks. It makes sense too because it’s the only choice of professional swimmers.
In addition to a better tan, swimming briefs show that a man is secure with his body and in himself. You have to admit, a guy with the nerve to sport a Speedo over his pear shaped body, must be pretty self-confident.
To Speedo or Not
Ok, it’s hard for guys in North America to go Speedo without becoming the focus of ridicule by their peers and strangers alike. Even guys in tip-top shape tend to be made fun of by other men and women. Clearly, North Americans have difficulty accepting things they are not used to.
The bottom line is that perhaps your North American buds are fans of the Speedo but next time you are off to Europe, try one out and decide for yourself. Trust me, you’ll fit in better with a Speedo there than with your Hawaiian inspired knee length swim trunks.
