The reason Speedos are stigmatised

[California Dolphin]

This is a case of an "Islamist" attitude creeping its way into America (and other countries) and men wearing shorts that expose their upper legs has become a taboo.

I often refer to today's men's down-to-the knee shorts and swim suits as a "Male Burqua" or "Leg Veils".

It's rather frightening how public opinion can be manipulated.

[Dooley67]

I agree with you CD only up to a point. The media is able to manipulate public opinion very effectively. However, if we buy into that with regard to the covering of our bodies when truly, deep down, we don't want to wear long boardshorts and we really want to wear that speedo, then we have only ourselves to blame if we don't exercise our real preference.

D67

[shaulis]

l agree the media have shamed men into wearing boardshorts/baggy shorts to be modest.

[Schoolspeedo]

At my local gym, I see a few mostly older guys-like me, I guess, wearing speedo styles and have seen a few women in bikinis though. In the Uk people are so conservative when it comes to showing of their bodies so seeing a woman in a bikini is rare at the pool. I was at a hotel spa in England a couple of years ago while on business and wore a very brief black bikini style made by Kiniki, Andre model. I was surprised that no-one really bothered with me or stared. Again on business, this time in Romania, I wore a string side navy bikini to the hotel pool and again no-one minded. I think the eastern europeans are still very open minded about all this as I've seen photos on flickr of russian and black sea beaches with guys in very brief speedo styles.

[Byron]

When it comes to the meeja and the fashion industry I am never sure who needs who - but feeding off each other to keep a non-subject under discussion for reasons of circulation and sales no doubt explains a lot (as it always does with profits to be made).
I do not read east European newspapers but I cannot envisage that any journalist
there would even think speedos and/or bikinis to be worth an article to engage their readers.

[Bede735]

Saw my first bikini wearer at the local pool in 2 months. Not that she did any swimming - just stood about at the shallow end.

I don't see how string sided bikinis could be suitable for swimming in. Wouldn't the string loosen? However, bikini bottoms with a sold side of 1 inch wide, would I imagine be perfect. Assuming the bra top was well secured....

[Byron]

I think the women volleyballers could advise her all about that....