I’m curious to hear perspectives from guys over 40 on this.

I’ve been wearing Speedos for about a decade now – nothing flashy or novelty-based, just classic, sporty trunks that you’d see competitive swimmers wear. I’m in good shape, comfortable in them, and I genuinely prefer them for swimming and relaxing by the pool or beach.

I’m very aware that in the states they’re still outside the norm. Most of the time I’m the only guy not in board shorts. I don’t mind that personally, but my wife does. She’s always preferred that I wear swim shorts instead and finds Speedos embarrassing, especially on vacations or at public pools.

I’ve held my ground because at this stage of life I’m less interested in dressing to meet other people’s expectations. I’m genuinely interested in hearing from other men in the same age group: would you ever wear one? Have your views on body confidence or social norms changed as you’ve gotten older?


37 comments

  1. I would if they would fit perfectly, but they don’t for me.

    Also, if my penis would be bigger at rest I’d be more motivated to do so, but still, the fit…

  5. I wore one once on a beach in Greece as a joke to embarrass my buddy. Big Canada flag right on the crotch. Leading up to the trip everyone I told my plan to was like “it’s gonna be more normal than you think, it’s Europe…”

    It was not. I was the only one wearing a speedo. Thankfully, hilarious for me. Less so for my buddy. We laugh about it now though.

  6. 48m American. I would never. I shouldn’t care what other people think but I care enough that I wouldn’t do that. Even if I was in great shape (I am not), I would still wear board shorts. I just think they look better and I also think Speedo style looks very uncomfortable.

    Even when I was 28 and in good shape, I felt like my body would look better in board shorts.

    That said, be happy being you. If I saw you I’d assume you’re European. I wouldn’t automatically assume you’re showing off.

  7. I think wearing a competitive speedo vs a lounge swimsuit on vacation is pretty strange save maybe something on fire island. 

    Then again I think athleisure in general to be tacky. 

  9. My dicks always been kinda excitable, so I know I’d pop a boner. Not something I’m looking to explain to the kids at a pool party.

  11. Middleground: swim inya budgie smuggler and cover up with ya board shorts in more common areas

  12. I used to be a diver…springboard, not scuba. Slender guy here with plenty of real world experience…at pools with swim and dive teams.

    No, I would not.

    I have too many pubes, some would stick out and I am not shaving.

    The biggest reason…too damn tight.

  13. I wear them for lap swimming and nothing else. I just don’t find them comfortable. For vacation I wear shorter trunks around 5 inch inseam.

  14. No opinion as I’m not over 40 but I’m interested to follow this. As you mentioned, it’s somewhat taboo in America especially if it’s in public.

  15. There is a time and a place to wear them. When in a holiday, you should be wearing relaxing swimming trunks like board shorts to look like you are there to chill but if you are part of a swimming class then wearing speedos are fine.

  17. Wear them multiple times a week for swimming, but would never at the beach/recreational pool. To me, being an outlier like that screams “look at me” more than “I don’t care what anyone else thinks.”

  18. No. You might be at a point where you don’t feel the need to dress for others but it does seem like a small thing to keep your wife happy. Up to you though.

  20. I’m in the US and I wouldn’t wear them. I find them to be too revealing and they were harder to keep on in the beach surf. I would listen to your wife is she doesn’t like them.

  24. Tried it once, got a bit too much negative attention from other men because I filled them out a bit too well. Decided it wasn’t worth the hassle.

  26. Fit or not. My wife and I have always made fun of men who do so among ourselves. We are both fit ourselves. We are in the US so it’s a bit out of the norm (and deff out of our generations typical choices)

    Men’s swim shorts keep getting shorter too. Hell, even workout shorts are getting shorter for men. I have pretty developed legs and yea sometimes I’m having to pull my shorts down cause they are riding up.

    But you do you, again it’s manly just due to our differences in style.

  27. If it embarrasses your wife then I’d say go for the board shorts. You’re not going to be doing any competitive swimming while you’re there. If you want to swim laps for exercise then bring the Speedo for that and go with the trunks for lounging.

    Fwiw, I wear Speedo trunks when swimming laps and they’re a good balance for me between performance and not being completely on display.

  29. Over time I’ve grown into doing what I want to do as long as it isn’t hurting anyone else. If my wife were uncomfortable with my wardrobe choices, I’d consider her opinion but ultimately wear what I choose.

    If I had both a build like yours, I would wear a speedo. With that, I don’t think it suits you as a grower even though you look incredible overall, but I admire your confidence and dedication to fitness.

  30. No. For one, I find tight clothing to be uncomfortable, even briefs. But in this case, more importantly, speedoes look really weird and fairly perverted if youre a guy with very hairy legs, which I am.

  32. I’m in good shape, but I’m not going through all the shaving nonsense I’d need to wear that. More importantly, I like pockets to put things in.

    Nobody wants to see your package. Put on some board shorts.

  34. I wore them when I swam and used to walk around in them all the time. As a 48m, I would not wear them in public unless I was competing in a swimming event.

    Why dont you just wear them under board shorts.

  35. I live in Italy so I might be biased, but obviously yes. I’ve been wearing them for years already.

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