In the U.S., there’s a strange stigma around men wearing Speedos. For decades, swim briefs have been primarily associated with gay men, while board shorts and baggy swimwear have been seen as the default for straight guys. But why?
The Cultural Hang-up
America has long been prudish when it comes to men expressing their bodies, especially in a way that could be perceived as “sexy.” This outdated mentality has led to a culture where men—regardless of sexual orientation—often feel restricted in their swimwear choices. However, times are changing.
Despite this stigma, Speedos has seen a resurgence in popularity. A few years ago, Speedo themselves reported a 100% increase in sales, and swim briefs as a category doubled in sales within a year. This shift suggests that more men are beginning to embrace swimwear that allows them to feel confident and comfortable.
But there’s still resistance. Many men, especially straight men, are told by their wives, families, or social circles that wearing a Speedo is inappropriate. Some wear them under shorts on vacations, wishing they could strip down and enjoy the swim brief experience.
A Look Back: Speedos in the U.S.
Speedos weren’t always taboo. In the 1980s, seeing men wearing them at beaches and pools was common. Growing up, I remember seeing two men at Virginia Beach rocking Speedos confidently. At the time, I didn’t recognize them as gay, but looking back, it makes sense. They were living their best lives, but I was still too afraid to wear what I wanted.
While we often assume Europe is more accepting, it depends on the location. In places like Mykonos and Ibiza, Speedos and thongs are the norm. However, in other parts of Europe, the perception isn’t much different from that of the U.S.
Challenging the Gay Association
The association between Speedos and gay culture likely stems from the 80s, when gay men unapologetically embraced them at Pride events and beaches. The media amplified this perception, reinforcing the idea that swim briefs were exclusively for gay men.
However, elite swimmers and divers wear Speedos regularly without a second thought. Many guys who swam competitively in high school or college recall going to the beach in Speedos with their team, only to have strangers assume they were all gay—until they realized they were athletes. The double standard is clear: Speedos are acceptable in sports but seen as suspect in everyday life.
Breaking the Stigma
So, how do we change this? Here’s what needs to happen:
- Wear Speedos in Public – The first step is simply normalizing them. If more guys wear them at the beach, pool, and on vacations, it’ll become less of a big deal.
- Encourage Other Men – Ask your friends if they’ve tried one. Challenge them to step outside their comfort zone and see how freeing it feels.
- Debunk the Comfort Myth – Many men assume Speedos are uncomfortable, but that’s only true if they buy high-performance swim briefs designed for competitive swimming. Brands like Todd Sanfield and 2EROS make styles with a supportive pouch that feels incredible.
- Create Safe Spaces – It’s easier to wear a Speedo when you’re not the only one. Organizing group trips to the beach or pool where everyone wears swim briefs can make the experience more fun and less intimidating.
The Swim Brief Challenge
One way to advance this movement is by reviving the Swim Brief Challenge, an initiative in which guys commit to wearing Speedos in public at least once a year. The goal is to normalize swim briefs and encourage more men to embrace them without fear.
Men should be able to wear what they want, where they want, without fear of judgment. If you love Speedos, rock them with confidence. It’s time to stop giving a fuck about what others think and start living for yourself.
Are you in?
