Look Good in a Speedo
You don't have to be a professional swimmer to look good in swim briefs (more commonly known as a Speedo). Whether you're competing at a swim meet, visiting the seaside, or even just sunbathing by the pool, you can look amazing in a Speedo if you follow these steps!
Steps
- Learn about the different cuts and styles available. If you look online under men's swimwear, you'll quickly find a wide selection of styles from which to choose.
- A competition racer is generally the type of swimwear that most people associate with the commercial name, Speedo. Racers are fuller cut with a slightly higher waist , wider side panels and a fuller back.
- Bikinis or European cut bikinis have higher cut leg openings, moderate to narrow side panels and full backs that are a bit more revealing than a racer.
- Brazilians or Rios are generally more daring than racers and bikinis by showing more off in back. Going even more extreme and somewhat out of the "Speedo" realm, string bikinis and thongs expose yet more skin; be careful to check local customs on indecent exposure if you dare to wear these.
- Buy a fit and style that flatters you. This step is easily overlooked, but fit is critical to pulling off this style changeover. A too-tight, revealing Speedo might make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious if you're basically modest and shy while one that's too loose could slip off and leave you even more embarrassed. So when you're selecting your Speedo, try it on and look at it from all angles before you purchase it. It is also entirely possible that you might actually prefer a more provocative look. If you have nothing to hide there are bold, custom designs without an inner front panel or restrictive lining or those with an optional custom 'lift' booster opening sewn in front.
- If shopping online, look at different retailers, read as many reviews as you can, and check the material composition of the suit. This will help you determine the best suit for your needs.
- If you really need a new suit, and don't have a lot of cash, many online manufacturers offer a 'grab bag' option. They're usually inexpensive, but the pattern of the suit you receive is completely random, so don't be surprised if you try this and the design is less than flattering on you.
- Eat well and exercise. Some people are naturally well-built, but the rest of us have to work hard to look good. In general, the more toned and lean you are, the better you'll look and feel.
- Do both muscle-building and cardiovascular exercises, so that you build muscle and get rid of excess body fat.
- Remember to always be safe while exercising! A broken leg or arm will not help you look good in a Speedo, and even a strained muscle can be very painful.
- Get a tan. This is not optional. A good, even tan throughout the whole body will make the speedo look more natural, plus many people associate muscularity with a good tan. If you're transitioning from shorts to speedo, it's likely that your upper legs are whiter than the rest, so it's especially important to get those areas tan. But do not overdo it. Tanning beds and even excessive suntanning can cause damage to your skin, however, so if you do take this step make sure to use caution.
- Be confident. This is probably the most important step in the process, particularly if you aren't exactly an Adonis. If you act perfectly at ease in a Speedo, most people will assume that you feel great in anything and won't give you any trouble as a result.
- Enjoy yourself. Act like wearing a Speedo is a completely natural and enjoyable thing, even if it doesn't feel that way at first. (As they say, fake it till you make it.) This will prove to the world that you're confident about your sense of style, and that no one has a right to criticize it.
Tips
- Take care of your Speedo, like you would with any other piece of clothing. Rinse out the chlorine after wearing it in pool and always let it dry by itself--do NOT dry it via machine unless you want it to get even smaller.
- On the other hand, feel free to 'do your thing'. Dare to select a dazzling metallic foil, bright neon or glossy black vinyl. Hawaiian floral prints and faux animal skins look great.
- If you feel uncomfortable in a Speedo, try out a square leg suit. These are easier to swim in than longer shorts, but not as revealing.
- For general travel purposes, remember that Speedos are most commonly found in continental Europe and some other parts of the non-English speaking world, so if you're vacationing in France or Italy you should definitely invest in a couple of Speedos.
- Avoid lightly colored Speedos (especially if you have dark skin) and brightly colored designs if you're trying to avoid attracting attention to yourself.
- Always wear longer shorts or trousers over the Speedo before and after swimming, tanning, or playing a sport, so as to avoid too much exposure.
Warnings
- While White-on-Whites look great on a deeply tanned body they also easily show embarrassing spots and stains!
- Protect your valuables. Speedos are too small for pockets.
- Check local laws and customs on modesty and indecent exposure. Be careful at public family pools and beaches to avoid arrest.
- Be prepared to be subjected to cruel taunts, insults and verbal ridicule in North America. The prevailing fashion favored by young Americans and Canadians for big, baggy knee length 'jams' will make you a real standout. If you've got it, flaunt it, but you need to have exceptional self-confidence and courage.
Things You'll Need
- A high-quality, well-fitting Speedo
- A bikini waxing or body hair removal (optional)
- A safe or locker to store your belongings
Related Articles
- Choose the Right Swimsuit (Guys)
- Look Good at the Beach
- Try Swimsuits on in a Store
- Wear a Swimsuit
- Feel Comfortable in a Swimsuit
