“Men in Speedos need release,” he said.
Now, I will not specify where this remark was made, nor the precise context. Suffice it to say that this friend is a man of impressive athleticism; he swims, he runs, he works out with focus and dedication. There was discussion of the urgent desire for enthusiastic engagement (opportunities are narrowed by biting cold and mountains of snow), and equally, mention of a long expanse of time since he had released his powerful pent-up energies in engaging exercise.
Speedos, trunks, boxers, briefs
My thoughts wandered to Aegean beaches, to tennis courts, to men in Speedos (indeed) and skin-tight shorts. I might add I can imagine this friend poised on the edge of his personal plunge into new waters, but I also paused to ponder the cultural elements of the swimwear issue, not to mention boxers, briefs (caleçons et slips) and related matters of male lifestyle and fashion choices.
I come to this meaty discourse with the experience of both European and American fashion exposure. Speedos (like skimpy briefs) are entirely fitting for men in other countries. Yes, my relative expertise is France, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands (not an exhaustive list), yet in the US, we continue to look askance at those who choose Speedos at the beach, or for that matter, the finest of briefs beneath the jeans.
We adore the scanty underthings and tight-fitting athletic garb on our women, do we not? Our celebs, our models, our tennis stars? Why not our men?
And ladies – don’t tell me you haven’t wondered about that first slow reveal, and whether you’ll discover boxers, boxer briefs, or possibly an ample jock in a classic Jockey.
What’s up with cultural stereotypes in underwear?
Do Speedos automatically imply sexual readiness on the part of a man? Sexual preference? Or sexual confidence? A sign of greater comfort with a more European fashion style? The mark of a serious competitor in the water, or a need for speed?
As a woman, I prefer a man in a sleek Speedo (many styles to choose from), much as I enjoy the view of my favorite tennis stars in their appropriate athletic shorts, moving on the court with power and finesse. We know that Speedos are the swimwear of champions, but did you know that the origin of this brand is Australian? How à propos, as it is time for the Australian Open – the first tennis Grand Slam of the new decade!
Please release me – to watch the Australian Open
As for the need to release, I suggest (to my friend) that he go for some vigorous exercise at the local Y – or chill with a Red Ant Lager and the pleasure of great tennis, beginning Sunday.
After all, it may be cold outside in the Northern hemisphere, but it’s summer Down Under, and I’m anticipating hours of terrific moves (and ever-entertaining wardrobe choices, including hot men in cool shorts) – as we are about to be treated to the upcoming Australian Open.
Keep your eye on the (tennis) ball!
I’ll be intent on watching all my favorite tennis players – defending men’s champion Rafael Nadal and defending women’s champion Serena Williams, along with Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, US Open champion Kim Clijsters, and hoping for another Melanie Oudin run! Naturally, I’ll be watching Maria Sharapova and Elena Dementieva (talented and – let’s face it – gorgeous). I’ll pay particular attention to Andy Murray as well. By the way, did you know that John McEnroe has backed Andy Murray to win?
(I admit, I’ve got my TV viewing schedule handy, and during commercial breaks I may let my mind wander. Surely my European tennis heart throbs, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, aren’t the “boxer” types; more the briefest briefs – or must we discuss World Cups?)
Whatever the costume, I’ll keep my eye on superb play and on the balls (lest there be another scuffle and incident with a lines person). And I assure you, fashion choices and potential tennis wardrobe mishaps aren’t the motivation; it’s about a phenomenal sport, and the many joys of watching it.
Australian Open local time, tennis update
Care to check out local time and weather conditions in Melbourne?
…
Late note: According to swissinfo.ch, Roger Federer is organizing an exhibition tournament of the world’s top players, proceeds to benefit Haiti relief efforts, players to participate on the eve of the Australian Open.
Serena Williams, author Katherine Shann, shared under CC 2.0, image via Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/41335565@N00/7515304768/
Oh my goodness, BLW, I’ve never thought about Roger Federer’s undies before. Now I’ll have to watch and multitask!
“Roger Federer’s undies… watch and multitask.” Oh Elizabeth – classic!
I so appreciate the ‘support’ in my choice to purchase and wear a Speedo during my training. Consequently I am getting slammed by several Facebook friends for that choice. I think the assumption is that I am using the tiny tiny classic Speedo where in fact, I dawn the bike-short style that all the other boys in my training class wear (I didn’t want to ‘stand’ out 😉 I wore them for the first time this morning during my training workout. It didn’t make me any faster or create more “efficient forward momentum,” but the comfort was incredible.
You are so creative to bring a simple casual discussion to such blossom. What fun!
Well, those new longer Speedos in the last summer Olympics are welcome on any beach, in my book!
Awwww, so sorry Steve. 🙂 I just jest. I remember spending time in England and looking at the oversized guys wearing the “banana hammock” type and thinking why?? Believe me, they were NOT runners or swimmers…
Nothing wrong with the biking shorts type. 🙂 The reason I don’t care for the “small” ones is because of simple personal preference on looks.
You keep on rockin’ them speedo’s and be damn proud you can do it and look good! 😉 Hell, you probably look better in them than most 20 something nowadays. hehe
Banana hammocks! Oh, too good!
Awww thanks Deena – now would you mind to copy and paste that exact same remark to the discussion on my facebook? 😉
Next time at the pool – someone takes my pic … I promise everyone!
I have nothing to say about the speedos.. I will leave that alone.
I do OFTEN attempt to decipher the undies of choice much like the Michael Jordon commercials…
I do love that first peek, I raised my boy on briefs only because that is what I knew… But have recently discovered the sexiness of boxers.
I also agree with Deanna in that a sport stars body would make for better canvas – so to speak.
He was, without a doubt, the hottest guy in the pool today!
OMG – too funny – Steve is getting testimonials. I’m going to check out your FB for pics, Steve!
This is hysterical. Jammers – as the longer Speedos are referred to by the swimming crowd – are great. They show off the wonderfully athletic legs that both swimmers and runners have. Generally, the “banana hammock” style speedos – which would also look great on a body that is in shape – are left for divers in the competitive world.
I am sure Steve looked fine in his jammer.
These days, if a guy is wearing a speedo, he’s making a fashion statement because the reality is that jammer and the swimming pants things offer better performance. When I see a guy in a speedo, unless he’s swimming really fast, I have to giggle. Not because I’m some sort of puritan or anything, just because it’s unusual to see. I don’t believe Europeans are more enlightened in any way than us. I just think they do things differently which is entirely their business. I wear board shorts for swimming in the ocean and jammers for swimming in the lanes.
But, there is a bit of a discrepancy between what women wear for sport and what men wear. I’m going to chalk that up to women being attractive and men being, generally, Neanderthals 🙂
Ah, Keith – you crack me up!
BLW, we were not yet acquainted during the 2009 tennis season. A fellow tennis fan, I look forward to hearing your perspective on the 2010 one. As far as tennis stars and their undies go…I still have a place in my heart for Carlos Moya and Pat Rafter – classic tennis shorts, Jammers, or whatever!
you made me laugh out loud 🙂
Excellent, if I made you laugh!
I wear speedos at my university pool and some people seem to mind the instant they see you, but then they just keep doing what they were doing so it doesn’t matter.
I personally find them more comfortable and attractive.
I think Speedos look great on a man, Andre. I wish we were less silly about such things in the U.S. though. We ought to be more comfortable with our bodies, and wear what we please. Thanks so much for commenting.