Welcome to the board uktrunks. If you look back over some of the threads, you'll see that this topic has been discussed a lot, but it's always good to get some thoughts from a new member.
I don't fully agree with what you're saying about the similarities between the UK and the U.S. as far as being prudish because it really is generalizing too much as far as the US is concerned. I don't know about the UK. There are many men in the US who wear speedos to swim laps and are comfortable doing so, but there are also those who swim laps in board shorts or Jammers because that's what they're comfortable doing. And I suspect that may be the case in other countries as well.
There is also a culture of speedos in European countries like France, Spain and Italy and that has continued. In the US, fashion has dictated what men wear; there has been some movement back to shorter swimwear in 2014, not exclusively briefs, but square cuts and shorter swim shorts can be seen on beaches and in print ads. But many young guys still wear boardshorts and can look as good in them as guys in briefs.
I also think that it isn't fair to dismiss overweight men and women in terms of men wearing briefs and women wearing bikinis. They may not be attractive looking to others, but if they choose to wear brief swimsuits, that's their prerogative and they shouldn't be judged for their choices. But rather, they are likely confident enough to not limit their choice of beachwear because of their physical appearance. What is more significant about this group of people, I think, is that they are at risk for all sorts of illnesses because of their inactivity and being overweight.
I'm one of those guys in my late 60's who wears 2" briefs to swim laps, and, although not muscular, I'm pretty lean and thin and look good in a brief suit. But my wearing a small brief is more because it makes me feel good and it is serviceable to swim laps, moreso than anything else I've tried. And, like many lap swimmers, I don't believe that I or any of the other guys in their 60's who swim at the Y with me who wear briefs are perceived as gay.
So, welcome again to the board. You'll find that there is agreement and disagreement about lots of topics, but the tone is always respectful.
Dooley67
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