Independent sports shops used to be like candy stores, if you were a runner as well as a swimmer there would be racks of short, split, shiny nylon shorts and skimpy, stretchy swim briefs in all colours and patterns.
You'd go in wanting a pair of running shorts and come out with 2 pairs in different colours and some swim briefs as well, it was easy to start a collection simply because there was always something new.
I you were used to wearing running shorts or the short and shiny nylon square cut football shorts of the late 70s and early 80s wearing speedos for swimming was sensible, and they looked good.
The French brand Hom were stocked in British sports shops and if you liked your speedos you could try their bikini briefs and wonder about a thong.
In the Sunday papers there's be adverts for Kiniki and you wonder how to get them delivered past your parents.
The chain stores have taken over the sports market, shorts are just above knee height in 3 colours (unless you want soccer club outfits at great price), black or navy Speedo or Adidas swim briefs hang on a rack looking lonely, three pairs in each size replaced next day from the warehouse should you dare buy them.
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