Skip to main content

Why guys should wear Speedos (from form to function)

Why you should rock this unfairly maligned piece of swimwear

Man getting out of pool
Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

The warm weather is here, and summer is almost in full swing. Along with the sun beating down on you and the hot weather comes the inevitable trip to the beach or pool to take a cool dip and find a little reprieve from the sweltering heat. Of course, there are dozens of options for you to choose from now that beach season is upon us, but there is one that you should consider — the Speedo.

I know what you’re thinking; Speedos are tiny, intimidating, and leave very little to the imagination. But here are some reasons that you should rethink wearing one of these fantastic suits. After all, you work really hard in the gym all winter — show it off.

They’re flattering

What is the point of working on yourself and taking care of your body if you can’t show it off? Well, besides the obvious health benefits, we mean. But if you’ve been putting in the work to not only feel good but to look good too, why cover up all that effort? You may be thinking that you have to sport a rock-hard six-pack to pull off a Speedo, but in reality, Speedos flatter almost all body types. Why? In most cases, they’re less constricting than tighter swim trunks or shorts, so they don’t pinch the skin or create a “muffin top” look. Yes, you’re technically exposing more skin, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re exposing more flaws; a Speedo could help de-accentuate spots you consider to be problem areas! 

They’re stylish

Being a stylish man involves making a statement, and a Speedo does just that. They often come in fun patterns and bold colors, bringing a dash of fashion to any poolside outfit. Plus, they’re always going to look trendier than board shorts or more traditional swim trunks simply because of their crisp and snug silhouette, making them perfect for the beach or the pool. 

They’re edgy

Speaking of making a statement, there’s no better way to stand out on a crowded beach than by wearing a Speedo. The confidence it takes to slip into these skimpy briefs speaks volumes about the person wearing them. It says you’re self-assured. It tells people you’re secure, sexy, and playful. Sure, all eyes will probably be on you, but in a good way. So don’t forget to include Speedos on your beach gear list.

Man in a speedo
Mika Ruusenen/Unsplash

They’re comfortable

Like any item of menswear, the fit is essential for comfort. As long as you get the proper cut for your body, we think you’ll find that swim briefs are more efficient and enjoyable to swim in than traditional trunks. Swimming and frolicking in the ocean waves are effortless without all that extra fabric getting in the way. Speedos also dry a lot faster than other swimsuits, which makes for an altogether more comfortable experience once you’re out of the water.

They’re cheeky

It’s high time that men embrace themselves. Guys, owning your body and loving your physical appearance is important. You work hard; you’re allowed to enjoy and embrace your best physical attributes. Wearing a Speedo will enable you to own your body and live free from constraints.

Man swimming
Francesco Faconti/StockSnap

They’re packable

Speedos are also super packable. They take up virtually no space in your favorite backpack, allowing you to travel light on your way to the beach. They’re also the perfect item to put in your hiking pack for that unexpected dip into any cenote or waterfall you come across. If you have to pack your Speedos away wet, you can rest assured that they won’t be too cumbersome once you change back into your dry clothes. Nobody likes carrying a damp pair of shorts in an already heavy pack.

They’re fun

Truthfully, Speedos are just plain fun. They turn heads. They start conversations. They make you feel confident. Different. Unique. Sure, they’re a little outlandish and unexpected, but that’s all part of their magic. In a world where every other guy will wear the same boring board shorts, be the dude who stands proudly on the beach rocking that Speedo.

How to look good in a Speedo

You may think you have to spend hours in the gym every day if you are going to look good in a Speedo. But the truth is that you can do just a few simple things to help you gain the confidence to rock one of these bad boys. The first is to run. Let’s be honest: Leaning out and getting rid of a few extra pounds will make you feel great in virtually anything, so start there, and you will feel better almost instantly.

Next is toning. Pullups will broaden your back, pushups will bulk up your chest, and situps will give you a little definition to complement the pounds you’re dropping. Just like any good workout routine, don’t forget the lunges. You are showing a lot of leg, so make sure those legs are looking as good as they can.

You don’t always have to look like James Bond coming out of the water to rock a Speedo, but you do need the confidence of a movie star. With these seven reasons, there shouldn’t be any doubt in your mind that you should run to the nearest swim shop or jump online to the best retailer and pick out your first or newest Speedo. You never know; you may just be the best-looking guy on the beach and probably the talk of the crowd.

Editors' Recommendations

Mark McKee
Contributor
Mark is a full-time freelance writer and men's coach. He spent time as a style consultant and bespoke suit salesman before…
Here’s what you’ll actually want to wear for the rest of the summer
Men's summer fashion trends to follow this season
Man with a beard standing on the beach.

Men's summer fashion is an ever-changing animal that is difficult to keep up with if you're not paying attention. While it seems that men's fashion moves much slower than women's fashion, the truth is that it moves just as fast, but with smaller movements of the needle. As the seasons change, there are certain trends and items that we love to wear. This is a collection of the best garments you can use to put together the best summer looks for the rest of the season.

Summer colors
This summer’s palette remains somewhat muted and neutral, often taking cues from nature, with bright pops of color enlivening earth tones. White, taupe, black, and navy are our key foundation hues, but a "fall for spring" story means we’re seeing traditionally autumnal colors like olive, brown, and rust, working their way into our shorts, T-shirts, and swimsuits. Those are further bolstered with clear shots of green, aqua, and bold red, as well as bright yellow and orange. Pantone may have expressed it best with its color(s) of the year: Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating.
The return of Y2K
As the fashion world goes around in circles, the styles of the times cycle back to be relevant once again. So break out those looser fit shirts and pants; skinny is out. There are many looks that are going to look familiar if you are of a certain age to have experienced these the first time around.

Read more
Men can wear pink, too: 8 ways to channel Ryan Gosling and the Barbiecore style trend
Can men wear pink? Ryan Gosling gives us the answer
barbiecore pink trend ryan gosling barbie premiere

As Greta Gerwig's much-anticipated Barbie film comes out, the trend has taken the fashion scene by storm, celebrating Barbie's signature hot pink aesthetic in all its glory. Beyond its vibrant hues and sparkling details, Barbiecore transcends traditional gender norms, encouraging men to fearlessly embrace pink in their wardrobes. Who says real men can't wear pink?

From the 2022 Valentino Fall runway to the viral sensation on TikTok, Barbiecore has become a fashion movement and it won't be going away just because the popcorn goes stale and the movie posters start falling down. Pink has shown up on the Acne Studios Fall 2023 runway and the Rick Owens Spring 2023 show, all with varying degrees of styles that can be worn every day. And, if that hasn't convinced you, then Ryan Gosling embracing the vivid color for all the Barbie movie premieres probably will.

Read more
The best men’s swim trunks to wear (for both style and comfort)
The weather is finally warm enough for outdoor water time — here are the best swim trunks to enjoy that time
Man wearing swim trunks in the water

The weather is warming up and summer is here. That means getting into the outdoors and hitting the pool is in order — and that means the proper apparel. These days, swim trunks are a must to wear as much in the water as they are out. There are performance-centered and quicker-drying fabrics now, and thus we've been launched into an age of blissful swimwear versatility.

From the beach to the dive bar up the road, these shorts have design, function, fit, price point, and style in mind. Quality shorts come in all shapes and sizes, but they share a few core characteristics: maximum life span, moisture-wicking tech, and performance functionality for water sports — because getting active in the water is one of life's greatest enjoyments. Get ready for the hottest season of the year with these best men's swim trunks to wear on your next trip to the beach or as you lounge around poolside.

Read more