Sauna Etiquette
 

My gym has a coed sauna (and steam and hot tub), which means swimsuits are required. Most of the men, of course, wear shorts. While I'm fine wearing a bikini to swim laps, I'd feel a bit out of place wearing one in the spa area. The smallest I've got in a square cut. I've gone au naturel at places like Baden Baden with men and women, but nudity is taboo in the US.

How do you feel about wearing a bikini in the sauna in mixed company?

Why an issue?
 

Why is this even an issue?...I've worn a nice neon yellow thong in Hotel hot tubs, co-ed as all get out.

Having said that, there are different unwritten "rules" about acceptable attire depending on where you are at. I was in a hot tub in San Dioego CA. BUT I would probably think twice before wearing the little neon thong in a not-so-urban locale in a Southern Bible Belt State. But a 3" blue Speedo should be fine anywhere. In San Diego, the yellow thong didn't even get a second glance...just normal and quite acceptable hot tub attire.

As I understand it, at private homes, most hot tub parties in California are completely clothing optional, and most everyone will be in a hot tub--men and women completely nude. But on the east coast, everyone at a private hot tub party wears a suit, perhaps a big(ger) suit. What happens at public facilities in each case is just an extension of what happens in hot tub parties at private homes, and in San Diego the thong ends up being the "modest" choice...what is considered a modest dress at one geographic location is perhaps seen as revealing and unmodest at another..

Bottom line: if you are concerned about modesty in this situation wear a 3" classic blue Speedo and you should be fine.

I wish people everywhere were comfortable in their own skins, but that is not the case.

Sebbie

Heat damage
 

Before you wear your nicest Speedo to the hot tub or sauna, take time to think about the damage the heat will render to the Lycra fabric.

sauna attire
 

Have to agree with Sebbie - "When in Rome...." etc.

As a square cut is available to wear maybe opt for that
as the compromise to offend nobody at either extreme ?

(a clearly stated piece of guidance from the gym concerned
might not be amiss here in order to alleviate any doubts)

Push the Envelope
 

Next time you go to the mixed costumes compulsory sauna suite wear something slightly briefer than last time.
If you are comfortable and no one complains, then keep it up for a while.
One day go shopping and buy something slightly briefer, tighter and more colourful than the current suit, wear it to your sauna and see how you and the others react.
Wear this suit until you start thinking of something even more exciting, while you are at it watch the other sauna users and see if anyone else starts wearing brief suits and bikinis.

We did it in the 1970's and 80's daring each other to wear ever shorter, shinier and more side split running shorts.

Check around. The spa I go to is all men (woman have their own rooms) and nude prevails in the jacuzzis and saunas. Actually, except in private homes, I've never been in a coed sauna or jacuzzi.

coed facilities
 

Mixed sex saunas will often be found at UK public pools.

Such pools in Europe (at least Switzerland I know) have
mixed changing room also.

Sauna.......
 

Hey Torchwatch that reminds me of a friend living in England recently telling me that he waon an award (CERTIFICATE OR SOMETHING) for wearing the shortest shorts oh his rugby team.

My rugby shorts are faded navy cotton, short, old and comfortable, and I am wearing them now.

wear what u r comfortable in
 

Hey Jackk78: I am perfectly fine wearing a very brief cut swimsuit in the sauna, hot tub, or in general around mixed gender company (no thongs, though for me). It's never been an issue, even in really conservative appearing locations. However, the key is to wear what makes you comfortable and if a brief cut suit doesn't work for you, don't worry about it. Having said that, based on your pics you have a very nice looking body for whatever suit you choose :)

I generally only wear poly blend suits (Speedo's Endurance, TYR's Durafast, etc.) in the sauna. They aren't as affected by the heat. I save the suits containing lycra for swimming.

I do wish it wasn't an issue. But, as you point out, there's a difference between what's acceptable in private and public. I'd be happy going nude, but one must respect others modesty. While I think a thong would make people uncomfortable, a classic speedo should be acceptable. I doubt it would be a cause of concern for anyone, although, sometimes I prefer to blend in.

My parents got a hot tub when my sister and I were teenagers. I can't recall seeing anyone wearing a suit while using it, though they were far more modest while we were growing up. That all changed after a family trip to Spain, which was the first time I wore a bikini swimsuit, but that's a story for another time. During high school when we had guests over for dinner, it was common practice to end the evening with a soak. Most of my parents' friends grew up in the 60's and didn't have any problem getting naked. We'd strip on the deck like it was the most normal thing in the world. When my friends were over my parents would always make sure their parent's were okay with us being nude. Most were, and would sometimes stay for the evening and join in themselves, but a few had a problem with it. We were always respectful of other people's sensibilities. People shouldn't be forced to do things that make them uncomfortable. At first, I think my friends just wanted to see my mom and sister naked. They were erect as soon as they dropped their pants, but it didn't bother us. Eventually, the got used to it. My family still spends time together naked in the hot tub (and just about everywhere else in the house) when we get together. It would be nice if everyone could be as comfortable with their bodies, but I think the puritanical ideals will continue to pervade in the US.

to wear or not to.....
 

Good to read your interesting post Jackk. I picked up on "other people's sensitivities" in terms of minimal coverage and/or nudity and can only conclude that you enjoyed a very civilised upbringing ( and more of such it would be nice to see).
You were also bold enough to refer to a continuing pervasive puritanism in the US and not (so far) be accused of US-bashing. Well done!

We exist at a pretty good time in human history, and the US is a good place to live. I've visited lots of places, and don't have a desire to live anywhere else. Being overly modest isn't really a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Barriers are starting to come down. Korean spas seem to be popping up everywhere, and they require patrons to be nude. Most of the spas in Vegas are clothing optional too.

Speedos are a lot more fun than total nudity....anyone else feel the same?

Sebbie

yummy
 

:) Yes, if they look like this:
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly...nfpo1_1280.jpg

A most interesting abstract design on this blue speedo - I do not understand it and manufacturer unknown - but one aspect stands out and I have never before seen a suit bearing the insignia of the USAF.
(as a wild guess they maybe have a water polo team somewhere?)

[quote=jackk78]We exist at a pretty good time in human history, and the US is a good place to live. I've visited lots of places, and don't have a desire to live anywhere else.

Byron... far cry from the crap you posted about the US. I didn't blast u about posting anti US... posting anti any country does not belong here is really what I said. Why is that so hard for u to get?

When it comes to hot tubs or sauna, I prefer nude.

On the beach or at the pool, I definitely prefer a bikini.

Re. crap (post #17)
 

Another tiresome post but I will make a further effort despite the full explanation I have already given in post of 06-25-2012 (which may be confusing you as we are having exchanges between two threads here).

Clearly Louis also cannot understand what's going on and has found it necessary to produce a long explanation to restate that his thread is about the compulsion to buy for one's collection when an attractive new suit appears online.

The letters US appear via me because we have, by some strange line of thought , been introduced in this thread to an American basketball player who is a star.
He is Chris and is likely to be disappointed by a very short marriage to another star called Kim because he was fooled into expecting fun sex which we are left to assume did not materialise. It appears that Louis is also expected to know that this story is an author's paradigm in relation to the speedo obsession he refers to at the start.

Having no knowledge of these stars I made an enquiry and received a reply - itself confusing by not knowing whether a Chris or a Kris was the basketball player concerned. Myself and the rest of the world (which I suspect has never heard of these people) are now better informed.
In the meantime of course my comment on irrelevant posts has produced some suggestions as to xenophobia and I have read:

"..faults on both sides" (whatever precisely what are the "sides" in this statement)
"..waving of the rules"
(where I think the spelling should be "waiving") (and where I should also add that my quotation should have said "price" and not "cost" to be correct)
"..a sweeping generalisation" (where I have to point out that any opinion has to be a "generalisation" if the writer does not personally know 260 million citizens)
"..US bashing" (for which it now appears that the words should be "any-country bashing")
"..I sure do see a lot of anti US crap spewed by others" (no examples supplied)
"..how does a view of a nation relate to swimwear?" (to which I reply it doesn't - and neither does the failed marriage of a basketball player).
An interesting question that - I see no protests about unacceptable national stereotyping when the proclivities of Europeans for speedos and Americans for boardshorts are and have long been freely (and often inaccurately) discussed and criticised here and on other web forums.

My final comment is "storm in a teacup" but if national pride is so easily hurt by a ".. rather bold statement on all Americans" I am happy herewith to add an ameliorating word, viz "media" behind "US" , in order to restore mutual understanding.

PS: I will also take this opportunity to point out (gently, not boldly) to Jackk that his somewhat insular views on "this happy current world" are not likely to be shared by millions of children who wonder whether their parents will find enough food to give them a meal tonight.

I've worn a few 2" and 3" endurance solid Speedos around the spa without any comments thus far. It definately feels better than wearing a soggy pair of shorts. :)

quite so.....
 

....they are nice suits (and you haven't gone into the range of Brazilian tangas to cause conservative offence).
Btw, what is the story of Spain ? - was there a Damascelian (bad spelling no doubt) revelation for you some years ago?

if i don't know anyone, i feel comfortable, if i know them, i would rather have board shorts as people look at you funny here in the us. in a hot tub where i go at this spa casino pool, i usually don't know anyone, but in my condo pool out there as well as here in mass. i usually where a speedo late at night when nobody usually is in the pool. chuck

"look at you funny"
 

Welcome as new member today.

I am afraid that what you say reflects what has been discussed here so often on the forum about feeling socially comfortable and seeking speedo-friendly beaches.
(Would it be fair to say that Mass. is generally "non-friendly"?)

if you go to providence town and truro at the end of cape cod, that is friendly and if i remember correctly, truro has a nude beach so that would be a friendly place to go, but you are correct to say mass. is somewhat backwards, except for the fact i believe one if not the first state to establish gay marriage. good point though byron, chuck

i agree, i love bright colors, read something once by dearabby that people who wear bright colors are happier people! not saying your not happy in the nude, especially when you feel good about your body! i have bright reds, gold, orange, hot pick, turquoise, kelly green, multi pink stripe as well as other bright colors. chuck also have a pink leopard & choc leopard from clothes to pose from england.

I definitely prefer a speedo to nothing at all. I often visit the men-only steamroom & sauna when we are on a Princess Cruise and always wear a speedo....even though most of the other guys are wearing nothing or a towel. I think speedos are sexier and more fun. :)

preferences
 

:) A good workout pic goes with your profile - would it be right to think you would welcome more pics on the forum of well filled briefs on some impressively muscular males ?

re post#12
 

Jackk: story of the family in Spain to come ??

Is this directed at me? If so, thanks....yea I love muscular guys, especially in speedos. Not really into the over developed vein-popping bodybuilders, but some bodybuilders are super hot when not pumped up. Muscular fitness models are really HOT!

If this was directed at someone else......nevermind :o

Yes
 

agree on those great hot bods - not michelin men .........must look

sauna...
 

yep Im just like MuscleSpeedos i prefer seeing guys and photos of guys in speedos then nuded and not so physically pumped up body s

Re. post #29
 

LOL - sure isn't easy to remember when so many threads are running on the forum - forgot to draw MuscleSpeedo's attention to post#5 of Photo of the Day.

I love wet shots.....especially semi-sheer when wet :D

I have a few Tumblr photo blogs of guys I think are hot.....most especially http://www.tumblr.com/blog/bulgingpecs
(smooth bulging pecs are the ultimate turn-on for me.....maybe even more than speedos :eek: )



One of my all time favorites...

stunning
 

Wow - I see where you got Charles..........(forgotten).
He always looks good and I've seen him photo-shopped on his speedos a couple of times.

Btw, better link would be http://bulgingpecs.tumblr.com/archive

wet shot
 

:) An Olympics one for you while you wait for Dolphin
(TD - perhaps with a snake - or two ?)
http://www.picturescafe.com/image/3938

favorite
 

re. post#33 - front view:
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9...h135o1_400.jpg

That dude is super HOT!

more....
 

Only vid. I could find ( a much younger Charles Turner in a competition in California I believe):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGlCi1KndRM

also....
 

Nice Adidas here too: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Tof2sHj1k...xx498307ys.jpg

The summer I was sixteen, my mom took my twin sister and I to Spain for vacation. My dad was busy with work and my older sister was away at college. We traveled around the country stopping various places. One of our stops was by the beach.

The first morning we were there, I was dismayed to find that I'd forgotten to pack my bathing suit. I emptied my bag, but it was nowhere to be found. My mom told me not to worry about it and that we'd buy a new one on the way to the beach. She and my sister finished getting ready. My sister wore a one piece that she used for swim practice. My mom usually wore a once piece as well. This time, however, she came out of the bathroom wearing a pretty skimpy string bikini with a Brazilian back that left most of her butt uncovered. I couldn't help but stare. She tied a sarong around her waist and we went downstairs.

The beach was about a 15 minute walk from the hotel. The concierge directed us to a shop that sold swimwear along the way. It was a small shop. Other than the owner, we were the only people there, but it felt crowded. They had a variety of suits, but I went straight for the board shorts. The selection was limited, maybe 12 pairs in total, and I couldn't find my size. I took the smallest size off the shelf and went into the changing room to try it on. The waist was too big, but I could cinch up the drawstring and kind of make it work. My mom came in to check on me. She checked the waist like she used to when I was a little kid.

"These are way too big," she said telling my what I already knew. I said it was the smallest pair I could find. She told me to wait in the dressing room and she went back into the store.

She came back with what looked like a small bit of red fabric in her hands. "Try these on," she said holding it out to me. "It should be your size." I looked at the swimsuit, a small unlined red bikini.

"That's is a girl's swimsuit," I said.

"It's what men wear here," she told me. "Your dad used to wear the same kind." She stood there waiting for me to change.

Reluctantly, I pulled off the board shorts. She took them from me and handed me the bikini. I pulled it on. It fit. Barely. My mom looked satisfied. "I told you it would fit," she said. "I'll tell the owner we're ready to pay." She went back into the store not giving me a chance to protest. I looked at myself in the mirror on the wall. The thought of wearing the tiny suit on the beach embarrassed me, but I was kind of turned on by it at the same time. I put my t-shirt back on, pulled my shorts over the bikini, and went back into the store. My mom finished paying and we walked the rest of the way to the beach.

When we got to the beach, we found an empty space and put out our towels. My mom removed her sarong and laid down on her back while my sister went to the water to swim. I sat on my towel, too nervous to remove my clothes and reveal the bikini. After a few minutes, my mom asked why I wasn't swimming.

"I don't feel like it right now," I told her, but she could tell I was nervous.

"No on here knows you," she said. "There's no reason to be embarrassed. And look," she said gesturing towards the beach. "Lots of men are wearing bikinis."

I sat for a few minutes more, then mustered up the courage to take off my shorts and t-shirt. I ran into the water as fast as I could so no one could see me. The water was warm and felt great without a giant pair of shorts dragging me down. My sister and I swam around for a while until we were tired. She said she was going back to the beach. The idea of walking back to my towel made me uncomfortable, but I was getting hungry. I followed her back to our spot thinking everyone must be staring at me. But, when I looked around, no one was paying attention.

My mom had taken her top off and flipped onto her stomach. She turned over as we approached exposing her breasts to us. We used to be naked around the house all the time, but had covered up more and more as my sister and I got older. I found myself staring at her again.

We walked a short distance down the beach and got sandwiches for lunch. I was growing more confident in my bikini and started to enjoy wearing it. For the rest of the day I made no effort to cover up and I was actually disappointed when we had to get dressed and go back to the hotel.

I wore that bikini for the rest of our time at the beach and from then on, aside from the occasional square leg suit, it was the only style I would wear. I wasn't the only one. My dad started wearing them (again) too and I converted some of my friends.