While speedos may finally be going mainstream in America, the garment remains polarizing. Ingrained cultural conservatism has turned the speedo into a statement, and some aren’t down with that.
Others, however, are happy to don tiny trunks whenever they can!
With summer in full swing, we asked Queerty readers to share where they feel comfortable wearing skimpy swimwear. Most respondents said they needed to be near a body of water, but not all. The speedo is many things, so why not verse?
How about we take this to the next level?
Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Subscribe to our Newsletter today
Regardless of one’s preference, there was an overall lamenting. Swim briefs are acceptable for mean to wear almost anywhere in the world, except in the U.S. Puritan roots can be hard to break.
But if anybody can change atavistic norms, it’s the gays! Naturally, it seems like Queerty readers are leading the way…
Where do you feel comfortable wearing a speedo and why?
“Anywhere swimwear is appropriate. Why would it be a problem? We actually see more horrifying things on the evening news!” — Henry in Central New York
We begin with Henry, because he hits the most crucial point: speedos aren’t inherently risqué. In fact, they were designed for functionality. Australian swimmer Murray Rose wore swim trunks during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, and won three gold medals. With minimal fabric, speedos are aerodynamic and enhance one’s speed in the water. By the 1968 Summer Olympics, they had caught on: 27 of 29 gold medalists in water sports wore them.
Simultaneously, they started to acquire a subversive reputation. In one notorious episode, Australian police arrested a group men wearing speedos on Sydney’s Bondi Beach for indecent exposure. Over time, swim briefs became associated with gay men in the U.S., prompting straight guys and society writ large to opt for board shorts.
“I’ll wear a speedo pretty much anywhere one would wear a swimsuit. It doesn’t matter if it’s a ‘gay beach’ or pool. They are much more comfortable in the water, dry fast and as long as I’m in decent shape I’ll keep wearing one. I hate the bulky, heavy feeling of wet swim shorts. As far as going into a supermarket or shop, I’ll only do that in a speedo if the shop is right on the beach. Americans are too hung up on this.” — Peter in NYC
As we were saying! On their face, speedos are just more sensible than long, bulky board shorts. Men around the world have figured this out. Why not Americans?
“On the beach, at the pool. They are swimming costumes. Don’t forget Speedo is a brand name for an Australian swimming costume that created the design. You take your towel and change in and out of speedos. Kids can wear speedos anywhere, too. They are not just an adult product.” — Dallas in Sydney, Australia
Given Australia’s role in the long-standing perception of the speedo, it’s great to hear from an Aussie. Also dubbed “budgy smugglers,” they remain ubiquitous across the continent.
Related
What is your best manscaping advice?
With the media warning of an incoming “speedo summer,” we may be privy to plenty of glorious glutes and thicc thighs over the coming months. Hopefully there isn’t too much, or too little, hair covering them up! When it comes to manscaping, gays and theys are like Goldilocks: the look has to be just right. […]
“Anywhere. My body looks better in a speedo cut than a square cut or shorts and besides, who gives a f*ck what other people think.” — Aidan in Ontario, Canada
“In public. I love and accept my body, so I’m comfortable wearing next to nothing.” — Steve in Florida
“Everywhere. I love the feel and look and I am not embarrassed by my body. I workout hard and the speedo fits best and I love how I look in them.” — Alan in NYC
“Anywhere I go. I’m proud of myself and I accept my body as it is. I don’t give a rats a** about what other think of it. We should be allowed to proud of our bodies!” — Sam in Salem, Oregon
“I used to only wear them exclusively at a pool party or the gay beach. Now I wear them just about anywhere. The older I get, the less I care what others think and at almost 40 I have a pretty great body, so I don’t mind showing off a bit.” — Mike in San Diego
“Anywhere. As I got older, I realized I don’t care what others think and it’s about me feeling comfortable with what I want to wear.” — Steve in Virginia
The most enticing part of a speedo-clan man isn’t his glorious glutes or visible bulge, though those are plusses! It’s the confidence that wearing such small swimwear suggests. Men who wear speedos say they are proud of their bodies, and don’t care about perception. That’s hot!
“I’ve become comfortable wearing them anywhere that I might get wet, public beaches, pools, no matter the demographic. My parents might be around, little kids, no problem. Every now and then I’ll wear a thong speedo to the beach here too! I worked hard for these legs, they deserve to be seen!” — Scott in Vancouver
Amen, Scott! Though if American men are apprehensive about speedos, we shudder to think about their comfort level with thongs. Either way, thongs certainly show it all. We endure leg day all year for these moments.
“Outdoor pools and beach. I love how much it shows off my legs and I can get the most tan!” — Ken in Taiwan
We haven’t even talked about the speedo tan. For those interested in roasting and glowing, the speedo is superior to all other beach garments. It’s the only way to ensure all-around color, outside of a few conveniently placed tan lines (something has to be left to the imagination, right)?
“Anywhere, anytime. The tan lines are so hot!” — Jeff in Nashville, Tennessee
“Most any place, but I would not wear a speedo to a public pool. I would opt for a square cut. Where I live, long, to the knee swim shorts are the norm for men. It is a terrible look, especially when one wears any other length short and you see white skin from the knee up.” — Mack in the U.S.
Mack only adds to our point. Pasty white thighs are a terrible look! The pups deserve some Vitamin D, too…
“Beach and pool and boat. I just like wearing one and watch other guys and girls checking me out.” — Half pint from Cape Cod
Indeed, there is an exhibitionist quality to swim briefs. For some, that’s part of the fun. Now, pass us another pint. It only gives us more courage!
“Been there, done that. Now just more comfortable in trunks. When I was much younger, I caught many an eye in my speedo.” — David in Louisville, Kentucky
That said, we respect David’s discipline. Sometimes, it’s best to quit on top.
“Two places – on the male adults beach so I can display my assets to as many as possible. And the second place is in my home. So when I am ‘hosting’ it makes my guest more ‘comfortable!’ — Dave in New Jersey
Pool party at Dave’s house! As long as his guests are consenting, we see nothing wrong with a host loosening up his attire.
“I love to wear a speedo, but being in conservative areas sometimes it’s not worth the hassle. But I prefer to wear it, because I like how it feels! I find speedos quite flattering and you are embracing every bit of your body that you are working with – it’s a confidence most people can’t lean into.” — CK in Michigan
CK threads the needle nicely. While speeds are wonderful for all of those reasons–we love the confidence more than anything–sometimes blending in feels like the right call.
“Mostly at a LGBTQIA+ safe beach, the last thing I want is a Karen going off about flashing her kids. — Tanner in Staten Island
Exactly. Nobody wants to deal with that…
🙄🙄🙄
“I feel most comfortable wearing it in majority-gay spaces (gay beaches, parties, etc). It would feel awkward to wear one in majority-straight (American) spaces because of the attention it would draw.” — Geoff in NYC
“New York where they got Sheep Meadow, Jacob Riis Beach, Christopher Street and the legendary paradise of Fire Island!” — Clarence in Greensboro, North Carolina
“I was a competitive swimmer when I was younger, so wearing a speedo is something that feels natural for me. As an adult gay man, I wear my speedo in my backyard pool or any gay destinations, such as Provincetown, Palm Springs, or Fort Lauderdale. My spouse is Portuguese so anywhere in Europe!” – Brian in Massachusetts
Primarily gay spaces in and around the Northeast and traveling abroad. Always so frustrated to often be the only one wearing a speedo! Embrace it – the brief is bae. Join the speedo train!” — Chris in New York
The brief is bae?! Let’s put that on a t-shirt! Or better yet, a tank! All aboard.
“Europe and gay venues, Americans are too uptight about the bodies unless it’s an ad.” — Jim in Cape Cod
That is an interesting observation, Jim. Americans are prude AF, except when it comes to seeing unclothed women do things like pour beer all over each other in multimillion-dollar commercials. Gotta love capitalism, baby!
“Personally I would never wear a speedo in public. Maybe for a boyfriend in private. I just don’t want to be lusted after (not that I necessarily would be). I want to be loved.” — Mike in Springfield, Illinois
Fair enough, Mike! Love is love, regardless of the length of one’s swimwear.
“At the cottage, not within eyeshot of neighbors. It’s not so much the skimpiness I’m worried about, but more so my body shape.” — Mario in Ottawa, Canada
“As a plus sized ‘chub,’ I don’t feel comfortable wearing a Speedo anywhere, even in gay spaces. There’s still a lot of body shaming in our community, despite the talk we talk.” — Howie in New Jersey
Valid points, Howie. We’ve spent all of this time talking about how speedos scream confidence; yet, we as a community are often too judgmental.
“I avoid wearing speedos. But the rules are different in France: A law dating back to 1903 stipulates the skintight dress code. In 2022, the city of Grenoble wanted to abolish it, but failed. The government is sticking to the law. In public pools, anyone who jumps into the water in swimming trunks will be thrown out of the pool. The regulation has a hygienic background: in France, it is assumed that loose swimming trunks are also worn as street clothes. This makes them more susceptible to dust and dirt, which the men would in turn carry into the pools. This increases the risk of bacteria and contamination. Tight swimming trunks, on the other hand, are thought to be worn by men only for swimming. Therefore, they are considered cleaner and more hygienic.” — Rainer in Germany
A quick Google shows that Rainer is correct. In France, men are required to wear tight-fitting trunks in public pools for hygienic purposes. It’s an anecdote that personifies the importance of cultural norms. What may be considered off-color in one country is mandated in another.
“Before the election in November 2024, I was trying to be demure. But if the MAGATs are going to show their asses with their votes then in going to live as flaming gayly as I can by wearing my speedo, or thong, and show my a** wherever I like!” — Dustin Pemberton, New Jersey
Now that’s a patriotic message if we’ve ever heard one, Dustin! That’s exactly the energy we’re carrying into this Fourth.
Related
Walking fast, idolizing pop divas & being in an open marriage: Gays share their gayest traits
How gay are we? Honey, let us count the ways!
Sign up for the Queerty newsletter to stay on top of the hottest stories in LGBTQ+ entertainment, politics, and culture.
