the younger generation

[zaps]

I'm curious what other people think about speedo usage with the younger generation

I work at a boat rental during the summer. I see a lot of people of all ages. This year, I have seen about 5 guys in their 20s in speedos, but what surprised me this summer was that I've seen over a dozen kids in jammers. These kids are probably about 8-12. Do you think these kids may one day be speedo-wearing adults? Prior to this year, I've never seen anyone in anything less than board shorts.

Do you think this may be a sign of a shift in swimwear style?

[shaulis]

Only time will tell if brief swimwear is a major trend.

[California Dolphin]

Originally Posted by shaulis

Only time will tell if brief swimwear is a major trend.

On another closely related matter:

http://www.mensswimsuitboard.com/for...read.php?t=495

Swimwear follows running wear so something's gonna happen.

[Byron]

Well, well - forgotten all that of nearly a year ago and there we were discussing split-sided short running shorts - a subject which arose
again only last month.

(hope it follows ....)

[shaulis]

Granted the trend is slow but its gaining momentum. Short shorts seem to have had an easier come back. Brief swimwear on the other hand have all kinds of image issues to overcome (not of their own making) and are slowly going forward.

[California Dolphin]

Originally Posted by shaulis

Granted the trend is slow but its gaining momentum. Short shorts seem to have had an easier come back. Brief swimwear on the other hand have all kinds of image issues to overcome (not of their own making) and are slowly going forward.

The "image problem" is a red herring for the real issue of how much of men's upper legs should be exposed. Upper legs are upper legs no matter whether it's running shorts or swimming briefs.

The main problem is having the courage to wear what you want and to Hell with the illusory issue of what the public thinks.

[California Dolphin]

I don't get the connection that wearing a brief style suit for swimming is somehow "Gay".

As a practical matter, swimming is done best while wearing a minimum of clothing and that's why briefs were the standard for decades.

More coverage in the water (boardies and jammers) just gives me the annoying "Taking a bath with your clothes on" sensation.

[Byron]

The age old problem - it is not the facts that count but what are generally perceived to be the facts.
Any marketing and/or advertising practitioner will tell you this is used to their advantage on occasions and politicians are quite happy also to leave a misconception in place if it serves their cause.
I may be misquoting Hitler or Goebbels here but "The bigger the lie the more it will be believed".

[d_i_f_f_e_r_e_n_t_c]

We know all the reasons for wearing them, lets hope the self confidence grows and the social stigma dissipates. I wear a Speedo in my pool and on certain beaches around here. My 10 year old's favorite suit is his jammer, followed by his Speedo. He has gotten a friend to see the light, and those are their suits of preference (when they wear suits!). Several of his friends have tried them and seen the benefit, but can't get past the social stigma of wearing one. Hopefully the pendulum is swinging back toward the direction of common sense and comfort.

I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if those kids in jammers already wore Speedos... or less. I'd also bet they'll grow up to wear them, seeing as they already know first hand all the benefits and advantages.

[Byron]

Sorry to be one but I can only think of this as yet another false dawn.