Walk onto any beach in the South of France or a public pool in Sydney, and you won’t blink twice at a guy in a pair of briefs. It’s just what men wear to swim. But in the States? That’s a whole different story. For decades, the American psyche has been locked in a weird battle with men in speedo swimwear, treating the garment as either a punchline or something reserved strictly for Olympic athletes like Michael Phelps. It’s kind of wild when you think about it. We’ve spent years dragging around three pounds of water-logged polyester in the form of baggy board shorts just to avoid looking "too European."
Times are changing. Fast.
If you’ve been paying attention to men’s fashion over the last couple of seasons, you’ve probably noticed that inseams are shrinking. The five-inch short was the gateway drug. Now, the swim brief—often generically called a Speedo, even if it’s made by Arena, Tyr, or aussieBum—is seeing a massive surge in sales. According to market data from retail analysts, the "swim brief" category has seen double-digit growth among Gen Z and Millennial buyers who are tired of the "dad at the BBQ" look. It’s not just about showing skin. It’s about utility, tan lines, and a certain level of confidence that baggy shorts just can't provide.
The Science of Why Men in Speedo Swimwear Actually Perform Better
Let’s get technical for a second. If you’re actually swimming—not just standing in the surf holding a beer—the physics of a brief are undeniable. Drag is the enemy of every swimmer. When you wear loose-fitting trunks, the fabric billows. This creates tiny pockets of turbulence that act like a parachute behind you. It's frustrating.
Competitive swimmers use briefs because they need that streamlined profile. But even for the casual lap swimmer at the local YMCA, the difference is noticeable. There’s a reason why the brand Speedo, founded by Alexander MacRae in 1914, became the gold standard. They pioneered the use of silk and later nylon to reduce water absorption. Modern briefs are usually a blend of PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) or polyester and elastane. These materials don’t sag when wet. They stay tight. Honestly, there is nothing worse than the feeling of cold, heavy fabric clinging to your thighs for twenty minutes after you get out of the water. Briefs dry in a fraction of the time.
The Comfort Factor Nobody Admits
Beyond the "fast" factor, there’s the comfort. It sounds counterintuitive to some, but having everything held in place is a game-changer. No mesh liner chafing your inner thighs. No soggy fabric slapping against your knees. You have a full range of motion. If you’re playing beach volleyball or going for a run on the sand, the lack of restriction is incredibly liberating. It’s basically the difference between running in jeans and running in specialized track gear.
The Cultural Shift: From Taboo to Trendy
So, why did we ever stop wearing them? In the 1970s, the swim brief was standard. Look at photos of beaches from 1975; you’ll see men of all shapes and sizes in briefs. It wasn't a "body type" thing back then. It was just a "swimwear" thing. The shift toward board shorts in the 90s was largely driven by surf culture and a specific brand of modesty that took hold in North America.
But fashion is cyclical. We’re currently in a period where "short shorts" are the peak of masculine style. You can thank the "Chubbies" movement or the influence of high-fashion houses like Orlebar Brown and Tom Ford. When the mainstream moves toward shorter lengths, the swim brief is the natural conclusion of that trend.
Celebrity influence has been a massive catalyst too. When people see Daniel Craig emerging from the water in Casino Royale—technically in La Perla trunks, but very brief-adjacent—or Cristiano Ronaldo lounging on a yacht in a pair of tiny white briefs, the "stigma" evaporates. It stops being "the weird thing that guy at the gym wears" and starts being "the thing successful, fit men wear."
It’s Not Just for the Gym-Obsessed
Here’s a common misconception: you need a six-pack to wear men in speedo swimwear. That’s total nonsense.
In Brazil, the sunga—a slightly wider version of the swim brief—is worn by everyone. Teenagers, grandfathers, guys with beer bellies, guys who look like they live in the gym. Nobody cares. There is a specific kind of body positivity in just owning your space. Honestly, a guy who is comfortable in his own skin, regardless of his BMI, usually looks better than a guy constantly tugging at his oversized trunks because he's self-conscious. The "confidence" is the actual outfit.
How to Choose the Right Brief (Because Not All Are Created Equal)
If you're thinking about making the jump, don't just grab the first thing you see. There are nuances here.
- The Classic Racing Brief: These usually have a 2-inch to 3-inch side seam. They are high-cut on the leg and meant for serious laps. If you’re doing 2,000 meters in the pool, this is your tool.
- The Square Leg: This is the "transition" piece. It’s basically a very short boxer brief. It offers more coverage than a racing brief but keeps the streamlined benefits. It’s very popular in Europe and is often the "safe" choice for guys who aren't ready to go full-speedo yet.
- The Sunga: As mentioned, this is the Brazilian style. It’s wider on the hips and has a more rectangular shape. It’s the most "lifestyle" friendly version of the brief.
Color choice matters too. Darker colors like navy, forest green, and black are the most forgiving and classic. White looks great in photos but can be... risky... depending on the lining. Always check for a double-layer front panel. You want the suit to be opaque, even when wet. Brands like Funky Trunks offer wild prints if you want to lean into the "it's just a swimsuit" vibe, while brands like Arena keep it strictly athletic.
Practical Steps for Your First Time Wearing a Brief
Maybe you've bought a pair and they're sitting in your drawer. You're nervous. That's normal. Our culture has conditioned men to feel exposed in anything less than a mid-thigh hemline.
Start at a place where you aren't the center of attention. A lap pool is the best training ground. Everyone there is focused on their stroke count, not your outfit. Once you realize that nobody is pointing or laughing, the psychological barrier breaks.
The next step is the beach. Choose a spot where people are actually active—surfing, swimming, or playing sports. You'll quickly realize that the utility of the garment far outweighs any perceived "boldness." And honestly, the tan lines? They’re much better. No more "Neapolitan" legs where your thighs are pasty white and your calves are bronzed.
Care and Longevity
Swim briefs are an investment in your comfort. To make them last, you have to treat the fabric right. Chlorine is the enemy of elastane. It eats the fibers, leading to that "transparent" look or the dreaded "sag" after six months.
- Rinse immediately: As soon as you get out of the pool or ocean, rinse your suit in fresh, cold water.
- Avoid the dryer: Never, ever put your swimwear in the dryer. The heat destroys the elasticity. Lay it flat in the shade.
- Rotate suits: If you swim daily, have at least two pairs. This allows the fibers to snap back to their original shape between wears.
The trend of men in speedo swimwear isn't just a flash in the pan. It’s a return to a more practical, confident form of dress. It’s about rejecting the idea that men need to hide their bodies under yards of unnecessary fabric. Whether you’re training for a triathlon or just want to get an even tan on your vacation, the swim brief is a piece of gear that deserves a spot in your bag.
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Next Steps for the Interested Swimmer
Measure your waist accurately before ordering; swimwear sizing is often different from vanity-sized denim. Look for "PBT" fabric if you plan on swimming in chlorinated pools more than twice a week, as it lasts up to 20 times longer than traditional Lycra. Finally, check the lining. A full front lining is non-negotiable for modesty and durability. Once you've got the gear, head to the pool and just start moving. The confidence follows the action, not the other way around.