Over the past few years, I have managed to build a pretty decent swimwear collection. As with my underwear drawer, I like to explore different designs and cuts and see what is new to the market. I think people generally think that the fit of such a small garment is unlikely to vary very much, but my recent experience is that this is simply not the case! 

The swim brief seems to divide people! And until recently my general perception of them was that they were for children, professional swimmers and Europeans! None of which I can claim to be at this point in time! But there were two famous men who donned this tiny swimwear and made me think perhaps I was missing a trick! 

David Gandy was in a very famous campaign for Dolce and Gabbana living the Mediterranean life in his white Dolce Swim briefs. David is a model. He sells that lifestyle to us down the lens and I thought to myself I wonder whether I could look good in a pair of these very expensive swimwear! 

Another David, Beckham, released a line of underwear and selected swimwear items in a H&M collaboration in 2014.

At this point in time, briefs were rarely available on the High Street, let alone a swim brief. I searched over and over for a pair from this collab, but I was left disappointed! But if the David’s could rock them, why couldn’t I? 

It was a number of years later, before I bought a pair, but since then I have never really looked back. I have yet to hone in on a specific cut of swim brief that is my holy grail, but as I shop around, I am getting a sense of what I feel good in, and comfortable enough to just relax in. For me it’s less about looking like the Davids and more about feeling my best self!

I hope this post will give some insight into the subtle but noticeable differences for the wearer. And show that not every speedo will be for everyone, but everyone can rock a speedo! 

This grey sporty little number is by brand Marcuse. It is a close fitting cut that is sporty and athletic as well as creating a streamlined aesthetic. The narrow side panels elongate the front of the swimsuit, and the contrasting two diagonal strips on each side add some interest as well as creating a slimmer illusion along the hip line.  A smaller back cut, skims the cheeks and offers a low rise feel to this swimwear 

I picked up these swim briefs from http://www.hautunderwear.com 

And used my own discount code THATISBEYOND15 to save a few quid! 

Haut have a great selection of top brands all in one place.

My second find from Haut was this Modus Vivendi pair which features a pattern a colour combo that I liken to a trendy version of my Gran’s best china! The white swim brief is of course a classic (and looks great against a tan) but the blue adds a more unique element to a classic look. The wider side panels and full brief back, offer a more laid-back surfer feel, whilst there is a hint of a pouch that adds bulge and moves this pair away from its flat fronted cousin.

Speaking of the flat-fronted swim brief, I was delighted with my win of this Noodlebags/ TSM collaboration which features bright panels of blues, pinks, greens yellows and purples as well as some graphic shapes. They are a celebratory pair that are also super universal, with not too much focus on the bulge, they feel appropriate in most settings. Full coverage front and back.

The newest pair in my collection is this bright Green pair from Sukrew. If you know the brand at all, then you will know that their aesthetic is very shapely. And these swim briefs are no exception! The goods are cupped underneath and they magically give you some lift up front. A medium side panel provides some support, there is full coverage but a very sexy silhouette.

With much less coverage to the front and to the rear, I decided to pick up these tiny cut swim briefs from brand Oh My! 

They have a sporty and collegiate feel to the print, featuring two tones of blue, yellow and some white features as well. The sports numbering in particular gives them the Americana feel. They are certainly very tiny, and would make the most of that swimmers Build with broad shoulders and narrow waistline.

I will level with you, I thought I had bought a plain red pair of swim briefs! I have tried Blanc before and I found the cut to be very flattering and if I’m honest I thought the red would give some Baywatch Vibes! But when I received them I realised that there was a lot more party in the back than intended! 

The cut is a medium side panel and medium coverage, but the design offers you decent support and some subtle up lift! My fave part of them is the graphic yellow swirls on the rear! And that there is an element of surprise with them as front on you can’t really tell that the back is different! 

NoRudos

Is the new brand of my pal Cody. He is an incredible designer who intrinsically knows swimwear. He is an advocate for everyone living their best Speed-oh life and has built  a community of body confident, awesome men.

I have seen his work past and present, and I cannot wait for the launch of his new designs, which I anticipate will be in the Spring… 

You heard it here first though, whilst the website for NoRudos is still in development – it is live and you can see some of the amazing things he has to offer! Including his yet to be named Kracken. 

I know whatever the newest designs are, you will want to get your hands on them as soon as they are available.

Subtle changes can make a world of difference, but whatever you do, don’t ever think about what “looks good”. Wear what makes you FEEL good. 

Few fashion items are as polarising as the speedo, but for my part I can’t see why! EVERY body shape looks great in a swimbrief and that’s why I for one will be wearing one as and when I want to. What other people think is none of my business, and what I choose to wear is none of theirs.

Please let me know in the comments what your favourite pair are and why?! 

TIB