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 D. McKee
Mark is a full-time freelance writer and men's coach. He spent time as a style consultant and bespoke suit salesman before…
Ministry of Supply review: Should you make this James Bond-inspired clothing brand a wardrobe staple?
Ministry of Supply takes the guesswork out of style so you can focus on your world
ministry of supply review img 20230314 004924 573

In 2012, Gihan Amarasiriwardena became the co-founder of Ministry of Supply, a company that endeavors to make clothing easy for their customers. While we have a long list of tasks and decisions to focus on every day, some more overwhelming than others, the very first one is what clothes to wear. MoS understands that men are busy and that our brains are almost always preoccupied with how we'll conquer our daily obstacles. How can they help? By making our decisions as easy as possible with simple yet innovative and functional designs for every man's wardrobe.

We caught up with Gihan, who is now the president of the company, and he elaborated on that goal for us.

Read more
What is the business casual dress code for men? The dos and don’ts you should know
Here are some tips and tricks to master business casual
A man looking at what clothing to put on.

Dressing for the office used to be pretty straightforward. If you worked in an office, you wore a suit and a tie. There was no real reason to deviate, as many businesses that had offices were also client-facing. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and dressing for the occasion is the way to do that.

In the late 1970s and early '80s, Silicon Valley became a place that prioritized results over everything else. While many businesses lived on processes, some of them antiquated, the tech field started to focus on processes in their product and letting their employees be comfortable in their wardrobes. Thus, the idea of business casual was born, and the suit became a whole other elevated level of office wear.

Read more
These are the best clothing brands for men you should shop right now
Make sure you always look your best with the top fashion brands on the market
Slender man in a suit

Here they are, the all-around best men's clothing brands in the world right now. These head-to-toe outfitters offer a wide range of products — no specialty brands. To qualify for this list of best clothing brands, you have to be able to theoretically build at least 75% of a fully functional wardrobe from that brand alone. So you may not see your favorite footwear or outerwear brand here if it only specializes in that particular category.

The other qualification for the best clothing brands for men is that they have to design most of their products, so you won't find any wholesale retailers here. They can sell other brands when it fills a need to round out their collection, but they have to offer original designs predominantly.

Read more