Facts and acceptance

[Byron]

Thanks CD - you made me look at that interesting DE speedo forum to which I see you have made a few posts.
You had put up some wrestler pics I believe and their singlets do seem to be changing when viewing some more recent bouts. The longer thigh-coverage ones are still around but it's good to see the guys appearing more and more with square-cuts to the crotch (or even a few speedo-like high leg cuts too).

There was an amusing contrast however. An Italian speedo lover posted some good pics of himself and said how much he liked his muttandinas (minislips) - BUT, looking at the beach scene, the young guys all around him were wearing boardies !

[California Dolphin]

Here's a practical idea:

If you can't find speedo style swim suits or short running shorts in the main stream outlets (Like Macy's, Sears, Old Navy, Gap, etc.) try sending them an email that your looking for something else other than the long & baggy stuff and you would be happy to patronize their store if they would offer some real choice.

Every store has a "Contact" link on their home page and it's an easy way to voice your opinion about what you do and don't like about their product line. If they get enough complaints about the lack of choice, they'll probably start offering something more than the status quo.

CD

[Torchwatch]

Went for a long bike ride today, now have cycle shorts tan lines. On route I saw a few guys in well above the knees shorts, mostly older shorts brought out of cupboards.
On the beach there were younger people paddling in the sea in their boxer briefs (same design as a square cut swimwear), although they arrived at the beach in longer shorts they had stripped off to swim. If this catches on then swimming in the sea in underwear to save getting "day shorts" wet will bring back square cut swimwear.
The sun only started shining here on Wednesday, it seems to have been too much for some, there were emergency ambulances rushing to calls throughout the day, lights flashing and sirens wailing.
As I left the beach it appeared that something was going on in the Thames Estuary, the Police were supporting Coastguards who were staring out to sea, more Coastguards were rushing to the scene in their 4 wheel drives. I never found out what was happening.

[Byron]

LOL - wonder if the thigh-high guy was out on his roller skates in Paris too.

[notmyj]

As you guys know from my other thread, I have been "pushing the limits" by wearing girls bikini bottoms. More this year than last and this year has just begun. I have been in my bikini bottoms for 3 days straight and so far not one person has made a comment about it, positive or negative. I think the theory of acceptability is in the mind of the person wearing the swimsuit, whether is be a speedo or a bikini bottom. I simply wore my bikini all weekend as if nothing was amiss. I didn't draw attention to myself, I didn't mention it or make a big deal about it, and.guess what? No one else made a big deal about it either.

The only mention of it was when my gf's sister and I were discussing diets, and I made the comment that I need to find one that works if my gf wants me to keep wearing these swimsuits. She mentioned a diet I should try because of the work I do and the schedule I keep. I opened the door for her to make comment about the bikini but she brushed it off and kept the conversation on topic. So far 100% acceptance with no comments.

I feel the acceptance is there. I plan to be at the public pool next weekend, so I will update then. As of right now, we are getting ready for another pool party and bbq. And once again I will be in my bikini. I will report back tonight or tomorrow.

[PSDave]

I personally don't think that when everyone looks up when a guy in a speedo walks on the beach it is a look that implies disapproval. I think that is perceived only by the person wearing the speedo. The fact is that when anyone walks across the beach everyone looks at them -- not because of what they are wearing. It is just the fact that another person has entered. It is the same as when entering a restaurant or theatre -- people look out of curiosity. Could be they wonder if the know the person or are just bored and it is something else to look at. People may make note that you are wearing a speedo, just as they would make note of your board shorts. Disapproval -- highly unlikely. Think of it as what it is - a swim suit. One of many styles worn, but still just a swim suit and appropriate attire for the beach or pool. Chances are there are many other people there and their fascination with your arrival is momentary, they will be back in their own world having forgotten you before you get to your chaise.

One thing though. If you arrive on the beach in a pink see thru bikini prancing around like you are in a Pride parade - then yes. The looks you get are disapproval and not only from conservatives but even from gays that hate your adding to the stereotype of speedos=gay.

[California Dolphin]

Interestingly, when I was in the local supermarket last week, I noticed a couple of guys wearing what appear to be "cut offs" made from what were formerly long & baggy Nike shorts.

I've also noticed several other cases of guys wearing cut off jeans that were at least 1/2 way up from the knee and I've been wearing short cut offs for about 6 months now. However I don't get any looks or comments.

As I've said before, just wear what you like (speedos to the pool or short shorts for casual) and eventually diversity will take it's course and that will ultimately set the style.

CD

[NJHunkguy]

Not sure is this the right thread to pose this...

_______________


A few days ago, I went to a vacation beach town in New Jersey.... I was wearing that Chssiebum. I don't understand what's up here. People are so conservative (or whatever you call them)

The suit was a square cut, not even small coverage. When I was walking the beach by myself, I over heard people saying things about it, giggles. "gay slur" in Spanish, "maricon". I mean, my view their culture are pretty wild. Why do they look at swimsuit so conservative. Something's wrong with the people in here. Don't understand why will it be funny to wear speedo type. Do I have to also wear big trunk to the beach and pool too....

But I did found that, if I wear a speedo type with company of ladies, then they would just look and usually not making comments!

[JamesSwim]

Originally Posted by California Dolphin

Here's a practical idea:

If you can't find speedo style swim suits or short running shorts in the main stream outlets (Like Macy's, Sears, Old Navy, Gap, etc.) try sending them an email that your looking for something else other than the long & baggy stuff and you would be happy to patronize their store if they would offer some real choice.

Every store has a "Contact" link on their home page and it's an easy way to voice your opinion about what you do and don't like about their product line. If they get enough complaints about the lack of choice, they'll probably start offering something more than the status quo.
CD

Actually buying from the stores send a good message to the buyers than writing to them.

I found that department stores tend to sell fashion swimwear while sporting good stores sell suits for lap swimmers. But department stores web sites also carry briefs and some carry it in real stores. I saw Boss-brand briefs and short trunks from Marc Jacobs in Nordstrom. Zara and H&M also carry short trunks. Late in the season, like in July, they won't have much left but may be on sale.

On Macy's web site, you can see Speedo-brand and 2(X)ist suits. Calvin Klein started to make men's brief suits that Macy's carries (I saw a full page ad of those the briefs in the NY Times)

[California Dolphin]

Hi JamesSwim

Thanks for the advice. I'll have to drop by some of the major department chains here in S.F. and pick up a few suits.

A rather clever improvement on your idea would be to buy several suits each from a different retailer. That would give the illusion that the market for brief style suits is bigger than it actually is!!!

CD