Even though as swimmers, most of us look "pretty good" for our ages, I still can't help but think that walking around in a modern Speedo is disconcerting for some. Most of the suits are cut for kids who are 22 years old or younger and have as much material in them as a hankie. The correct waist size suit covers less body than my Fruit-of the Looms. Does anyone know of a manufacturer selling a suit more like the old Ocean-Pacific suits we had back in the 60's?
I want to wear a traditional suit and not one of the newer body-suits. I know it doesn't bother other masters swimmers, but I recently officiated a USA meet where a 37 year old man entered and walking around in his Speedo looked very out of place among the kids.
Basically, I'm just wondering if there's a more modest alternative on the market.
Parents
Former Member
This may sound wierd, but check out the Ralph Lauren Polo selection at your local department store.
I have a very good pair of short light trunks I got about 5 years ago. They are very well made and not at all bulky. Also a much more modest look to them than a speedo while not being overly weighty or inefficient.
The really nice thing though is that after 5 years, and probably over 1,000 swims in pools and the ocean, they are not at all faded or worn. 100% brand new appearance- I kid you not.
I think these set me back around $40.00. Not exactly bargain basement, but then again I have had them for 5 years and will likely have them for many, many more.
On a side note, it is rather funny how we in the US obsess over this. If you are a guy in a Speedo you must be gay, and if you are a woman in a string bikini, then it seems you are only supposed to have 2% body fat. Where did we pick up this annoying judgemental habit?
I was in Brazil in November 2001 for 2 weeks during the start of the peak summer season and I was staying at a hotel right on the beach in Ipanema. Everyone wore stringy stuff- young and old, fat and thin, smooth and extremely hairy. People even went into better restaurants on the beachfront dressed like that. In Rio, noone cares. And I must say it is a very cool thing to not have that superficial pressure.
Tom.
This may sound wierd, but check out the Ralph Lauren Polo selection at your local department store.
I have a very good pair of short light trunks I got about 5 years ago. They are very well made and not at all bulky. Also a much more modest look to them than a speedo while not being overly weighty or inefficient.
The really nice thing though is that after 5 years, and probably over 1,000 swims in pools and the ocean, they are not at all faded or worn. 100% brand new appearance- I kid you not.
I think these set me back around $40.00. Not exactly bargain basement, but then again I have had them for 5 years and will likely have them for many, many more.
On a side note, it is rather funny how we in the US obsess over this. If you are a guy in a Speedo you must be gay, and if you are a woman in a string bikini, then it seems you are only supposed to have 2% body fat. Where did we pick up this annoying judgemental habit?
I was in Brazil in November 2001 for 2 weeks during the start of the peak summer season and I was staying at a hotel right on the beach in Ipanema. Everyone wore stringy stuff- young and old, fat and thin, smooth and extremely hairy. People even went into better restaurants on the beachfront dressed like that. In Rio, noone cares. And I must say it is a very cool thing to not have that superficial pressure.
Tom.
