New swimsuit for guys

[SD Beach Bare]

I was visiting Black's Beach over Labor Day and noticed probably 70 to 80% of the men there were nude. It got me thinking about the old days when men's swimsuits included a tank top. Finally, a new swimsuit for guys came along that eliminated the tank top. I'm sure at the time this was considered scandalous. When I thought about the number of naked guys at Black's over the Labor Day weekend it seemed to me that not only is nudity for men accepted it almost seems expected. Does anyone think that we may be approaching a time when nudity will be the new swimsuit for guys? Just as when men's swimsuits eliminated the tank top; will this become accepted as the new norm? What do you think?

[SD Beach Bare]

I was visiting Black's Beach over Labor Day and noticed probably 70 to 80% of the men there were nude. It got me thinking about the old days when men's swimsuits included a tank top. Finally, a new swimsuit for guys came along that eliminated the tank top. I'm sure at the time this was considered scandalous. When I thought about the number of naked guys at Black's over the Labor Day weekend it seemed to me that not only is nudity for men accepted it almost seems expected. Does anyone think that we may be approaching a time when nudity will be the new swimsuit for guys? Just as when men's swimsuits eliminated the tank top; will this become accepted as the new norm? What do you think?

[MikeyBear1964]

There was a time when men were actually arrested for going "topless". As far as all men going suitless --

Couldn't happen soon enough for me! /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Frank R]

While I would like nothing better than to see swimsuits go the way of the Dodo bird, I don't it will happen anytime soon. Sure, at some beaches you may see 70-80% of the men nude but try any public swimming pools or pools at hotels, etc. Here is Austin, we are lucky enough to have "Hipple Hollow" where (adults) can go nude but nowhere else. The day I can nude at Barton Springs for example will be a day I would love to see. I agree - It can't be too soon for me. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Naked Bob 2]

I would really like to see the day when this is possible but I doubt it will happen anytime soon. Actually the trend lately seems to be toward longer trunks down to the ankles practicly. I have found that the trend tends to go to the extreme end right before it reverses itself. If this is true then we may start to see it go back the other way soon with shorter trunks for men. When this happens then well maybe many years from now. Who knows anything is possible.

[Daz]

What a great idea. I see the point you are making about standards progressing towards accepted male nudity at beaches. In Australia in the 70's topless women sunbathing,swimming etc became accepted in our culture. They too were subjected to ridiculous neck to ankle 'swimsuits' years before. Slowly history shows us that as slight changes are made society are very accepting. However since most and possibly all laws around the '70's (and leading up to that) were passed by men it isn't a big surprise that these laws were passed. I'm guessing that a lot of politians weren't naturist/nudist at the time but may have been very welcome to the idea of seeing topless women on the beach.

I think the only thing that will stop legislation giving men (and women) total freedom to be nude on public beaches and swimming pools is that to the none naturist polititians it's less confronting to see unclad breasts (even though they are more prominent than the penis or vagina), dare I say it the pollies probably enjoy the perv! I feel the current laws are a disrespect to women based on these views.

On the other hand equal rights are in place...both men and women can go topless (though men can go anywhere, women only at the beach or they'll be in trouble...so there's even a discrepancy there).

It will be interesting to see if society takes the next step to acceptance of the natural human form in all it's beauty and innocence...will it happen in this lifetime? I hope so.

Take care everyone
Daz

/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[RT]

Hi Daz

Good to hear from you again.

I guess I'm too young to remeber guys having to wear full length boardies.

When I go to a non nude beach I wear boardies not speedo's but have speedo's under my boardies.

I don't know why I do this, I guess it's because it's the norm for non nude beaches for guys around my age.

Casey is the same, but when we were real young we use to wear speedo's when we were nippers at the local surf club.

Good to hear from you again, I haven't sent you any emails because I have deleted you email addy by mistake.

RT

[Trailscout]

A friend of mine has a 14 year-old son on a swim team. He said that all the boys compete in knee-length baggy trunks.
I asked his wife about it and she said that the boys were too bashful to wear speedos.

I wore them until I was 16. It was beginning to be out of fashion, but the less you wear, the better you can cut through the water, so I preferred them to the more fashionable boxer trunks.

The speedo I wore did not hide the outline of my privates, but even the girls didn't giggle or stare. They were accustomed to seeing a male profile and it was no big deal.

When I was a teen, many families in my town used to swim every day in the pool at the local hotel. One of the girls, who was about age 12, never wore a top; she only wore a tiny bikini bottom. No one ever called attention to it, that's just how she chose to swim.

Are there more bashful kids at the pool than 30 years ago?

I can't speak for other people, but my daughter is raising my grandkids to be very shy about their bodies. Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do about it.

When my granddaughter was pre-school age, my daughter would tell her not to run around in her underwear in front of her younger brothers--as if they would care at that age!

My daughter has always taken the youngest, the baby, into a room and closed the door to change his diaper. I don't believe any of my four grandkids have ever seen one another nude. I'd be willing to bet that my granddaughter doesn't know that boys are not built like her, and that my grandsons don't know that their sister is not built like them.

My nephew told me yesterday that he didn't think children should be in a nudist resort runniing around nude. I told him what the alternative is when children grow up with too much curiosity about the human body because they've never seen anyone nude. He had to agree with my logic on that. Be nude and have fun. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[SD Beach Bare]

Thanks for your insightful responses. I too hope the day will soon come when both men & women will be able to go to a public beach and/or pool and be free to be nude. It is a great feeling not having the hassle of wearing a bathing suit. It is especially nice not to have to have a cold, wet swim suit stuck to you when you get out of the water. I have heard the "Y" used to offer a clothing optional swim for men but when it turned co-ed this option was dropped. I remember when I was in high school in the midwest the boy's swim classes required nudity as the acceptable swimsuit. It's sad that social nudity is still considered sexual (by those uninformed). Considering the 'top free' initiaive being stalled in the US, perhaps we are regressing instead of progressing. I guess we just have to keep on hoping. Thanks for your comments!

[David77]

You state that you understand that the "Y"s some years ago had a clothing optional swim for men. No, it was not "clothing optional". The requirement was "nude swim" only - skinny dipping only.

[luvnaturism]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Trailscout:
A friend of mine has a 14 year-old son on a swim team. He said that all the boys compete in knee-length baggy trunks. . . . Are there more bashful kids at the pool than 30 years ago? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, no question about it. I read several years ago that it's hard for swim coaches to recruit competative athletes. You aren't going to win at swimming if you won't wear the right gear, and many kids today won't.

My grandson played football. They didn't even shower after a game because they were too shy to be nude together.

One day he was here with his uncle. They wanted to go running, but the grandson didn't have his gear. I offered him a pair of my running shorts (standard split-leg shorts sold in any running store). He was too embarrassed to wear them, so he ran in his street clothes.

It's a shame to be that shy, but he's just a typical kid.

[Rik]

Interestingly (or possibly not) in French public swimming pools the wearing of baggy shorts is almost universally banned on the basis of hygiene. The logic is that baggy shorts are seen as normal street wear and as such could have been worn in unhygienic places (such as French toilets!) and could therefore introduce contaminants into the water.

This may seem bizarre but I think that in France, as in other European countries except the UK, they use far fewer chemicals, such a chlorine, in the water which of course makes them much more pleasant for swimming in.

In Denmark, incidentally, you are expected to shower nude and clean yourself with soap before entering a public swimming pool.

Rik

[Frank R]

"In Denmark, incidentally, you are expected to shower nude and clean yourself with soap before entering a public swimming pool."
Rik:
Having never been to Europe, do people then swim nude or wear suits? I found this interesting and just wanted to know. Thanks

[luvnaturism]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Frank R:
Having never been to Europe, do people then swim nude or wear suits? I found this interesting and just wanted to know. Thanks <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Denmark offers a variety of approaches. There is a national law that makes nearly every beach in the country clothing optional, so people wear suits or not according to individual preference.

A Copenhagen swimming club has built a facility in the North Sea where people swim in the ocean every day of the year. Brrrr. The facility shelters them from the wind, and it looked as though it might also dampen the wave action.

In this club there are three sections: one where men swim nude; one where women swim nude; and a mixed area where at least bottoms are worn.

We stayed at a hotel in Stockholm, Sweden where the adults were wearing suits in the pool but children (including a girl who looked to be 9 or 10) were not. Between the pool and sauna there were showers used by both sexes. Most were open to view, but one or two offered privacy. The people in the large sauna were a mixed international lot, but there were more nude than clothed.

One of the sauna users was a young man from Finland. He told me that in his country it is considered rude to wear anything in the sauna; it is viewed as unsanitary. However, he wore his suit in the sauna until he was sure it would be acceptable to take it off.

[SD Beach Bare]

Interesting comments about young people today being shy. I noticed not long ago at Black's Beach a group of 4 boys about age 14 with an adult. The adult chose to be nude as did only one of the boys. It was interesting to note that the other boys seemed to accept the adult as well as the other boy's choice to be nude yet didn't join them. Seeing how well all the boys got along, joking and running around on the beach. It certainly appeared that nudity wasn't an issue. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was great to see the boy who chose to be nude so comfortable with his nudity and not caving in to peer pressure from his buddies who chose to wear their swim suits. It was also great to see the boys who chose not to get naked be accepting of their friend who did.

[Bob S.]

I know that I have probably said this in here before, but Jon-Marc's remarks about his then pre-school grandchild, I just think about work.

The preschool where I work has a three toilet bathroom which does not have any partitions for privacy. Boys and girls use it together with no problems (OK, relatively no problems. They are preschool kids, after all). /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif So the preschool children who attend this daycare will see opposite gender nudity at some point.

In respect to my swimsuit of choice, well nothing would be what I prefer. But when I am in the textile world, especially while swimming with a group of children once a month at the YMCA, I prefer to wear the shorts-style suits. My reasoning is basically the same as why I don't wear underwear, Speedos and briefs are too restricting.

Bob S.

I had three brief type swimsuits that I threw away. I have no swimsuits and have no intention of going anywhere where I have to use one. I never did like the trunk type of swimsuit. I always thought it was way too much to wear. Nude is the most comfortable way to swim. Of course, nude is the most comfortable way to be--period. Be nude and have fun. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Frank R:
Having never been to Europe, do people then swim nude or wear suits? I found this interesting and just wanted to know. Thanks <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>No it's normal to wear suits while swimming.

Denmark has a reputation for being very liberal regarding nudity and, as luvnaturism pointed out there is a law which specifically states that nudity, per se, is not illegal the effect of which is to make virtually anywhere clothing optional. This does not however mean that nudity is completely acceptable on beaches or anywhere else - it's just that the Danes (as with many other Scandinavian countries) are more tolerant and if they see someone nude they won't complain or phone the police, they'll simply look away if they don't like it. Equally a naturist is unlikely to strip off in the middle of a crowded beach if everyone else is clothed as naturists too are tolerant and accepting of other people's views.

You would think that naturism would be big business but there are only 1000 registered naturists in Denmark (out of a population of 5 million) and only 5 or 6 naturist clubs and just a handful of official naturist beaches. I think the reason for this is simply that most Danes don't feel there is anything particularly offensive about nudity and consequently don't feel the need to organize themselves in the same way as those countries where there is a more vociferous "moral brigade".

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bob S.:
I prefer to wear the shorts-style suits. ...Speedos and briefs are too restricting. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Hmm! Not when you're swimming. Shorts inhibit swimming as they increase the drag and tend to ruck up. And of course when you get out of the pool the weight of the water they hold tends to pull them down. And don't they look stupid when the pockets turn inside out out and flap around like a couple of ears /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

But I agree - nude is best.

[sailorsnowman2001]

Some thoughts:
- having lived in Europe, I can say that Europeans are more relaxed about nudity on beaches - some are nude - and posted, some are clothing optional - mixed textile and nude and often topless always, and others I would describe as tolerant - that is that toplessness and perhaps nudism is accepted but the nude male/female is on the side of the beach, or in a less busy location.

As for teens - most seem to be shy at some times and then get over it. Look at the number of adults in gym shower rooms that walk around nude - they likely went through a period of modesty. This was the case 25 years ago and expect it continues now.

As for swimwear - this is a personal decision - but I prefer speedos when I must wear one of them. I don't find them restrictive and enjoy their fast drying appeal on a beach. Many teens probably don't wear them due to peer pressure - confusing clothing with their awareness of sexuality - and some adults continue on thinking this because of societal norms.

[Bob S.]

Just curious, why do swimsuits have pockets? What really can be safely put into them?

Also, I agree, Rik, that they are uncomfortable. I hate it when I go in and have to immediately let the air out of them. And getting out, they are very annoying, dripping water and weighing down, but I've never had any problem with pockets inverting.

One more thing, I don't think that I could wear speedos while swimming at this pool for a couple of reasons. First, I am working for the YMCA in this capacity and I believe there is a rule against wearing them while at work.

Second, there might be a rule against it at the YMCA anyway (not sure). Keep in mind how conservative of a city I live in. Regent University, Pat Robertson's digs are literally right across the street from this particular YMCA, just a quick 3-5 minute walk to the main building.

Bob S.

[SunchaserTX]

This article was in my local paper yesterday about the return of the speedo.
http://www.dfw.com/mld/startelegram/living/4014345.htm

Posted on Fri, Sep. 06, 2002

The Speedo limit 'Swimfan' puts the revealing swimsuit back in the spotlight. So what's a guy to do? Grin and wear it, one clothier says.
By MALCOLM MAYHEW
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bob S.:
Just curious, why do swimsuits have pockets? What really can be safely put into them? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Swimming shorts have pockets because, at least in the UK, they can easily double as regular shorts and therefore be worn in the street, in the park as well as in the pool. I guess if you're in the street you need somewhere to put your money, cigarettes or whatever. It makes you think that perhaps the French are right to ban them in swimming pools as they are unhygienic as swimwear (see me earlier post on the subject).

[Rik]

Sunchaser,

Interesting article. There's a quote from Ken Short, a senior executive in the company that manufactures Speedos. He says:

"My comment to any male is, 'Wear a Speedo if you're comfortable with it. I don't care if you're fat, ugly, you look good or you look bad. You're not wearing it for the rest of the world's consumption.. ..You wear what's comfortable, not what society says to wear."

Hmm! I would suggest that all wearers of swimwear - that most useless piece of clothing - wear it for the rest of the world's consumption.

But I guess I'm preaching to the converted /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

And just a bit of transatlantic trivia: in the UK we know Speedos as a brand of swimwear but do not normally use the word as a generic term for Speedo type swimsuits which we tend to call swimming trunks. The rather quaint expression "swimming costumes" (sometime abreviated to "cozzie(s)") is the generic term for all types of swimwear male or female.

Rik

[SD Beach Bare]

Thanks for the interesting article and comments about speedos. Maybe we are finally comming full circle back to less instead of more swimwear for men. But how much less is going to be acceptable? As I stated earlier, male nudity at clothing optional beaches certainly appears to be accepted and maybe even expected. So what do you think? Will the birthday suit be the universally accepted bathing suit for us guys? Will the swim suit become obsolete? Will the progressive steps be the move from trunks and tank tops to just trunks to speedos to finally nothing at all? We all certainly agree that swim suits are an idiotic and unecessary clothing item. When will nothing at all become the acceptable swim suit?

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SD Beach Bare:
When will nothing at all become the acceptable swim suit? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Realistically? Not in my lifetime /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[Jerryg]

I would like to say, thanks too to sunchaserTX for the article from the FtWorth paper. Persoanly I am tired of the double standard some people have about swim wear. I have been laughed at on more than one occasion for wearing a bathing suit that was not down to my knees. I even had one young lady tell me she did'nt like the speedo style suits and she was wearing a string biknee with three small triangle patches. Figure that out, it's beyond me.
Thanks Again

[Jerryg]

I would like to say, thanks too to sunchaserTX for the article from the FtWorth paper. Persoanly I am tired of the double standard some people have about swim wear. I have been laughed at on more than one occasion for wearing a bathing suit that was not down to my knees. I even had one young lady tell me she did'nt like the speedo style suits and she was wearing a string biknee with three small triangle patches. Figure that out, it's beyond me.
Thanks Again /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[Jerryg]

Sorry about that! I didn't really think that was worth repeating. My URL said the message didn't go through.
Jerryg

[hikingjim]

Originally posted by Trailscout:
A friend of mine has a 14 year-old son on a swim team. He said that all the boys compete in knee-length baggy trunks. . . . Are there more bashful kids at the pool than 30 years ago?

Its not just kids. 10 years ago at my health club the men would walk nude from the lockers to the shower and back and think nothing of it. Today most cover with a towel and many shower with a swimsuit or underpants. They must really think I am wierd to not cover and show an all over tan. Men are definately more bashful than 10 years ago.

Originally posted by RIK
In Denmark, incidentally, you are expected to shower nude and clean yourself with soap before entering a public swimming pool.

At most public pools in the US you are supposed to shower with soap before entering the pool. The last few I have gone to the men shower with their suits on. When they use soap it gets into their suits and then into the pool.

I don't think we are making a lot of progress for nude swiming being publically accepted!

[David77]

"Bashful", yes, and another possible reason men shower with swim suit on is this fact - a swim suit slides onto the body if the body is dry, but if the body is wet from the shower, a knee length swim suit does not freely slide onto the body but is a struggle to get the suit to slide upward as it tends to cling to the wet body too much. However, this is no excuse for not taking a nude shower with soap.

[SD Beach Bare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by hikingjim:
Originally posted by Trailscout:
A friend of mine has a 14 year-old son on a swim team. He said that all the boys compete in knee-length baggy trunks. . . . Are there more bashful kids at the pool than 30 years ago?

Its not just kids. 10 years ago at my health club the men would walk nude from the lockers to the shower and back and think nothing of it. Today most cover with a towel and many shower with a swimsuit or underpants. They must really think I am wierd to not cover and show an all over tan. Men are definately more bashful than 10 years ago.

Originally posted by RIK
In Denmark, incidentally, you are expected to shower nude and clean yourself with soap before entering a public swimming pool.

At most public pools in the US you are supposed to shower with soap before entering the pool. The last few I have gone to the men shower with their suits on. When they use soap it gets into their suits and then into the pool.

I don't think we are making a lot of progress for nude swiming being publically accepted! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[SD Beach Bare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SD Beach Bare:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by hikingjim:
Originally posted by Trailscou

Its not just kids. 10 years ago at my health club the men would walk nude from the lockers to the shower and back and think nothing of it. Today most cover with a towel and many shower with a swimsuit or underpants. They must really think I am wierd to not cover and show an all over tan. Men are definately more bashful than 10 years ago.

I don't think we are making a lot of progress for nude swiming being publically accepted! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I agree it sure looks like we're moving in the wrong direction on this. It's just strikes me as strange that at clothing optional beaches almost all the guys are nude, yet overall most of them at clubs etc. are very conservative when it comes to public nudity. INTERESTING!!

Perhaps the reason more men and boys are covering up while showering ,swimming ,etc.is the more exposure to homosexuality....movies ,TV ,magazines etc.along with publicity and fear of Aids. And again the association ,in our society ,of nudity with sex leads to a "covering up"to avoid gay solicitation.This premise could account for the reason as stated by SDBB for the more conservative nude males at more regulated resorts when compared with more open CO beaches.

[Trojan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Trailscout:
A friend of mine has a 14 year-old son on a swim team. He said that all the boys compete in knee-length baggy trunks.
I asked his wife about it and she said that the boys were too bashful to wear speedos.

I wore them until I was 16. It was beginning to be out of fashion, but the less you wear, the better you can cut through the water, so I preferred them to the more fashionable boxer trunks.

The speedo I wore did not hide the outline of my privates, but even the girls didn't giggle or stare. They were accustomed to seeing a male profile and it was no big deal.

When I was a teen, many families in my town used to swim every day in the pool at the local hotel. One of the girls, who was about age 12, never wore a top; she only wore a tiny bikini bottom. No one ever called attention to it, that's just how she chose to swim.

Are there more bashful kids at the pool than 30 years ago? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Trailscout:
Re the swim team wearing baggy shorts: This seems to be yet another example of adults who are supposed to take responsibility (in this case the coaches and the governing boards of athletic programs) caving in to the whimpering and whining of the boys on the team - and frequently the parents of the boys. Competitive swimming while wearing baggy shorts is ridiculous. I think the coaches and the boards need to set the policy and have the balls to enforce it: "1. The swim team uniform is Speedos, which will be worn by all team members at all practices and at all meets. 2. Any applicant who will not comply with rule #1 will not make the team. 3. Applicants whose parents object to rule #1 will not make the team. 4. Team members whose parents object to rule #1 will be dropped from the team." End of story! Lawsuits challenging such team rules should, by simple common sense, never make it into court. Another rule: "Following all athletic practices and games, including regular physical education classes, all participants are required to take nude soap showers, in the common shower area (because out of common sense the individual stall showers have been demolished)to promote the participants' acquisition of acceptable hygiene habits as a part of their personal health and to promote awareness of their responsibility to present a neat and clean appearance, free of offensive body odors, when participating as a member of any social group following athletic activity." Of course some kids will be more shy than others. But when a kid whines about math or science or any other part of the required curriculum do people take a case to court so the kid won't have to learn it? Hey! I know! Let's get elected to the school board and maybe we can begin to turn things around!

[Trojan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by David77:
You state that you understand that the "Y"s some years ago had a clothing optional swim for men. No, it was not "clothing optional". The requirement was "nude swim" only - skinny dipping only. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Yes - it was nude mandatory and it was a sad, sad day when that policy was discontinued.

I agree that speedo type swimsuits are best for swim teams and other competions.I cant believe boys would be embarrassed to wear them when they get so much worldwide coverage during the Olympics.And young people usually want to emulate their sports heros.Again when rules are set young people may be aprehensive at first but quickly fall in lineand move on.

[Snoboy]

/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
I totally agree with Outdoorbare. Here in Alaska guys are not timid at all. I attend the university here and guys roam all over the locker room without even covering with a towel. We have communal showers and a huge sauna that can only be reached by way of the showers. It is nice to not feel inhibited like some places in the lower 48 I have been too. All the gyms are the same up here. As for our adventures in the woods...sunbathing, hiking and swimming (when the water is not toooo cold) people skinnydip freely). Of course we have a lot of space to be free and not bother others. Our university has an Olympic pool and all the college boys wear speedos. On free swims younger boys do wear the baggy shorts, but not the young men in compitition.

[David77]

Some who have posted, speak of the great shyness they find of the men in locker rooms and showers. However, Gene in Alaska states that he does not find this to be the case in Alaska.

I do not find this to be the case in downstate Illinois either. In our rather small county we have four family Ys where this very excessive shyness, on the whole, does not exist.

Incidentally, I have never in my lifetime seen anyone, anywhere, trying to shower with their underwear on, but I don't doubt that there is probably a rare case.

[SD Beach Bare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by outdoorbare:
Perhaps the reason more men and boys are covering up while showering ,swimming ,etc.is the more exposure to homosexuality....movies ,TV ,magazines etc.along with publicity and fear of Aids. And again the association ,in our society ,of nudity with sex leads to a "covering up"to avoid gay solicitation.This premise could account for the reason as stated by SDBB for the more conservative nude males at more regulated resorts when compared with more open CO beaches. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[SD Beach Bare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SD Beach Bare:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by outdoorbare:
Perhaps the reason more men and boys are covering up while showering ,swimming ,etc.is the more exposure to homosexuality....movies ,TV ,magazines etc.along with publicity and fear of Aids. And again the association ,in our society ,of nudity with sex leads to a "covering up"to avoid gay solicitation.This premise could account for the reason as stated by SDBB for the more conservative nude males at more regulated resorts when compared with more open CO beaches. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>YIKES! You sure misunderstood my comments. I DO NOT believe that more men are covering up to avoid gay solicitation. Let's not make assumptions and stereotype all gays as sexual predators. I was simply making an observation. Certainly, based on some of the comments that followed it appears that in some other states such as Alaska, and Illinois the guys appear to be more comfortable with their bodies and don't feel a need to cover up. Does this mean they are solicting for sexual partners? I think not!

However, I do agree with your statement that all too often nudity is associated with sex. This is unfortunate. Personally, being naked gives me a great feeling of liberation. When I'm outside on a sunny day and feel the rays of the sun on my body I feel like I'm going to live forever. It's great! How sad that nudity is reduced to being associated with sex and sexual solicitaion. Let's keep it simple shall we? Let's enjoy being comfortable with ourselves and not stereotype individuals based on personal bias.

[Bob S.]

SD Beacher,

It does not seem that outdoorbare misinterpreted your statement, he was just trying to come up with a reason for why the males would want to cover up.

Once a month as part of my job, I take a group of children at the YMCA swimming in its pool. While changing, I have not really noticed, with the rare exception, that the boys try to hide while changing. The boys (ages 5-10) will sometimes shower after swimming un the pool in the stall showers (despite my want of them to hurry as it is about 8:00 and I want the pizza that we get after swimming). They will be naked in there and leave naked.

And once in a while, some other men will be in there changing and they will also be unashamed to be naked leaving the shower or getting dressed. I have had a few comments from the younger boys who just speak their mind without any thought as to its appropriateness (IOW, just being kids).

And to give you an example of the surrounding political culture, right across the street is Regent University and the studios for the "700 Club", Pat Robertson's venue.

Bob S.

[Douglas George]

When I go to a beach or pool that doesn't allow nude sunning or swimming I usually wear a thong. I've gotten a few angry looks and if anyone makes a remark about it I tell them I didn't complain about their Dork shorts{those things that go to your knees},I'll wear what I want. If theyb allow the ladies to wear a thong or G-String I will wear a thong.

[Dude in Nor Cal]

I think it's not just fear of homosexuality that's keeping men covering. It's also penis insecurities. Our increasingly sexual culture has put pressure on women to be skinny with big breasts, and it goes for men having big penises too. Hell, they sell enzyte on TV. The commercials are some of the most manipulative things I've ever seen.

Ignorance about the human body perpetuates itself. Guys who don't see a lot of other guys naked (ie my generation) imagine that they are underequipped. We've been trained to think that the penis- even the flacid penis- is a statement on the content of our masculinity. Worse, ignorance leads to shame- which we all know is a crock.

SD Beach Bear...I surely did not assume or mean to give the impression that all gay men are out to solicit other briefly clad or naked men and boys . I apologize to anyone who may have been offended by my supposition

[SD Beach Bare]

Outdoorbare, thanks for your comments. I'm glad we've cleared that up. I find it disturbing when I see comments expressed in this forum that make assumptions about individuals based on their age, gender, maritial stataus, sexual orentation, well you get the idea. I appreciate you clarifying this issue. Based on some of the naturist materials I've read the overall impression I get is that naturists are very open and accepting individuals who base their judgements on individual behaviors rather than stereotypes. One of the topics I've seen discussed is the discrimination against single men for admittance into so called "family" resorts. As a single man I find this offensive. The message I get is that because I am single my motivation to attend a naturist resort is to find a sexual partner. In contrast, single woman are encouraged to attend these resorts. This appears to me to be a double standard.

Anyways, getting back to my original post. I've noticed several responses that indicate the YMCA used to have a nude swimming only rule. It's really too bad that this has been changed. I really enjoy the freedom of swimming restrictive, soggy swimsuit. As I stated earlier more and more men at clothing optional beaches appear very comfortable with nudity. I just hope that someday swimsuits will go the way of the old style mens swimming outfit that included a shirt. Unfortunately, the styles went from completely covered to just the trunks to speedos and now it seems to be regressing back to board shorts instead of going the other way in a natural progression to simply nothing at all.

I guess we'll have to see what happens next. From the general acceptance of male nudity at beaches I hope nothing at all will become the new swimsuit for us guys!

SDBeach Bare.....I agree the birthday suit is the best swimsuit" No suit is a good suit" /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ...I also agree with your statements about naturists and acceptance.....I believe that " Clothing Fads"including swimsuits or lack of them, will continue to have the greatest influence on our young people but with regional variations.In the 70s we had the streaking craze which undoubtedly gave naturists hope for a suitless world..

[Carroll A. Peterson]

In the sixties, when my brothers took swimming lessons at the YMCA, the class was in the nude. They had no problem with it, partly because our parents was always comfortable with nudity.

Carroll

[desertdude]

I doubt that nudity will be the norm for either male or females any time soon when swimming. The fact that so many men were naked had to do with the fact you were at a nude beach than any change in social acceptance. On a textile beach is where you will see major changes in social acceptance of nudity and any changing norms.

[Knine]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Douglas George:
When I go to a beach or pool that doesn't allow nude sunning or swimming I usually wear a thong. I've gotten a few angry looks and if anyone makes a remark about it I tell them I didn't complain about their Dork shorts{those things that go to your knees},I'll wear what I want. If theyb allow the ladies to wear a thong or G-String I will wear a thong. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Without criticizing you, it's best to know and follow the law, not do what one thinks is appropriate or acceptable. People have complained about my swimsuits in places, but I have always checked beforehand and worn at least the legal minimum (speedo, thong, g-string, whatever).

I've never been asked to leave or cover up, even when people are unhappy. I tell them "If they don't like it, they can leave," and the staff or the police have always backed me up, even when they agree with the whiner. It's hard to get arrested when you're not breaking the law.


Knine

[NakedGary]

In some cities and counties in the U.S. even if you have a swimming suit or Speedo on and show discernable tumlence or semi erection thru opaque material you can be cited.

[Rabid_Clam]

With every one complaining about what you wear or don't wear, or say, or do, or think, or just are, is there anything anyone can do or say that won't draw a complaint and summons to court?

Land of the free! Ha! We the people are locking ourselves into the tinyiest kind of cage ever thought of.

[Nudeinbama]

I've never had any complaints or problems wearing my speedo anywhere but I have had some to try to make me feel it was'nt appropriate. of coarse I ignored it all and enjoyed my more comfortable swimsuit. I wear it everywhere, even cutting the grass at home.
Nudeinbama

[Sanslines]

Nudism is supposed to be about body acceptance and yet so many 'nudists' struggle to conform to society and advertising 'norms'. Why is it ok to show women in the skimpiest of bikinis and yet men now wear swim shorts that go down to their knees? If this is not blatent sexism, than nothing is. Why is so much made over penises? If a woman won't accept a guy because of his penis size, then doesn't that tell the guy that perhaps this woman is a bit shallow and not right for him? The amount of advertising and society pressure that is placed upon people to 'conform' is out of control and people need to stand up and say NO to it. Nudists are treated as minority outcasts by many in society as is and so what is the big deal to accept that and just be yourself. Wear what you want to wear (or not wear) and just be yourself. As far as Speedos are concerned, I have one and have been told by many guys that 'only gay men wear them'. Well, if that nonsense is what others choose to believe then so be it. If others are afraid of gays because of their own sexual insecurities then so be it. Sadly, far too many men and women today are trying too hard to conform through so called fashions and cosmetic surgeries that people have forgotten what it means to be an individual. The real problem is insecurity based upon lack of self acceptance.

[Trailscout]

Most of what I have heard about speedos is that a guy who wears one is simply vying for attention and I've seen people laughing behind the guy's back about it, remarking, "He thinks he's hot stuff in those skimpy briefs"!

Fashions change and people who care about fashion regard the speedo as dated or tacky, like a fuzzy polyesther leisure suit.

I used to wear a speedo when I was a teen. It was a bit out of style and yeah I got some admiring looks from the girls since it does reveal male contours. I grew up wearing them and didn't get funny looks until they began to go out of style. If all the guys were wearing form-fitting brief swimwear, I wouldn't have stood out so much if you'll pardon the pun.

I would never wear board shorts to the beach. I hate them. But speedos are not comfortable at all. If I have to wear something, I'll wear short boxer style trunks.

Nude is never out of style and it is the most comfortable swimwear of all.

[MJ_KC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by SD Beach Bare:
Unfortunately, the styles went from completely covered to just the trunks to speedos and now it seems to be regressing back to board shorts instead of going the other way in a natural progression to simply nothing at all </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I agree with the message where these long swimsuits were called dork shorts. I never wear shorts that are this long, even when I am not swimming.

[KetchumMaine]

I have a question I would only feel comfortable asking here. When wearing a speedo style suit, what is the proper way to wear it? Do you tuck your penis down between your tesitcles, or just let it fall where it may?

As for wearing a speedo style regularly, I cannot do so in my hometown area. I have a child, but I am still unmarried at almost 40. I work in a group home with teenagers, and enjoy swimming in the river as often as possible. Many people consider this combination to automatically lable me a pervert. If I wore a revealing swimsuit, the town would be a-buzz within minutes of my being seen. The resulting rumors would cost me my job. Instead, I go further up stream from the common swimming areas and swim nude. The difference being that it is better to swim nude in a remote area than to swim in a speedo style in a textile area. It all has to do with intention. If I am nude in a remote area, I am not trying to show off, but speedo clad in a textile area is considered exhibitionistic for a single male in his late 30's.

[tomkojohn]

I don't personally fell comfortable in a speedo style swimsuit. It makes me feel like I am calling attention to my penis, and that is NOT what I am about. I'd rather swim nude, but if I must have a bathing suit, I prefer the older style short swimsuit that is not body hugging, but is also not so long as to be uncomfortable to swim in.

As many people have mentioned, wearing clothes often calls more attention to the "private parts" than would going nude. This is especially true for skimpy bikinis and speedos.

[MJ_KC]

It is kind of amazing that so many people have a problem with what amounts to a full coverage suit that many swimmers wear for competition reasons. I do not consider a full coverage bikini style swimsuit to be something to be concerned about or to be anyone elses business.

Thongs and G-strings are a different story. I can undertand how these are not as easily accepted because they are not full coverage suits.

[jon71]

I wore a speedo for swim team in high school. It was no big deal to wear them in or out of the pool.

[yoga guy]

In my opinion, Speedo style suits are a good choice if you have to wear a suit. I hate the feel of water filled trunks when swimming. They never dry and they limit your sun exposure. Oftentimes Speedo style suits are more flattering. Trunks—especially the long ones give most guys bird-legs.

[Nudeinbama]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KetchumMaine:
I have a question I would only feel comfortable asking here. When wearing a speedo style suit, what is the proper way to wear it? Do you tuck your penis down between your tesitcles, or just let it fall where it may?
As for wearing a speedo style regularly, I cannot do so in my hometown area. I have a child, but I am still unmarried at almost 40. I work in a group home with teenagers, and enjoy swimming in the river as often as possible. Many people consider this combination to automatically lable me a pervert. If I wore a revealing swimsuit, the town would be a-buzz within minutes of my being seen. The resulting rumors would cost me my job. Instead, I go further up stream from the common swimming areas and swim nude. The difference being that it is better to swim nude in a remote area than to swim in a speedo style in a textile area. It all has to do with intention. If I am nude in a remote area, I am not trying to show off, but speedo clad in a textile area is considered exhibitionistic for a single male in his late 30's. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

KetchumMaine,
As for how to wear the speedo, I personally have always preferred the penis and scrotum pulled up, not that it always stays that way. I don't wear it to sport the package, just for comfort, and find them very comfortable to wear in and out of water.But of coarse, I've been wearing one sice I was ten or so and am now 42.
Nudeinbama

[foux003]

When I was a kid [8-14 yrs.] I wore a very skimpy knit swim suit. It was just as reveling as the spedo is. Then when I was 14, I threw it out and " IF I CAN'T GO NAKED WELL YOU WON'T SEE ME THERE'

Y'all have a nice day

[Fresh Air]

I think if we go to a waterpark, the preception of change will be different than at a nude beach.

[Naturist Zoar]

I wore a speedo under a pair of trunks when I was 12 years old , one summer at a conservative Christian Camp. On the diving board, I yanked off the trunks and freaked out the guards and counselors. It was GREATTTTTT! I never saw so many faces ready to scream. After I swam a bit, the lifeguard commented about what a memorable dive I did.

[Mosquito_Bait]

I saw this advertised on the web. I am not recommending that anyone actually wear something like this to their local textile beach; however, I couldn't help but think that it might actually be legal. All the critical parts of the body are covered in cloth. It might meet the letter of the law even though it certainly fails the intent of the law.

[hairyhomer]

I have been wearing a Speedo for years, but only when I can't go nude. I have one that is shades of brown and tan, so from a distance it looks like I am nude, this one works great for working in the yard. If someone should see me nude working in the yard I just show them my speedo and laugh and say no it just looked like I was nude. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
Of course some people just think they saw a hairy animal in the yard! So I never go nude in the yard during hunting season! http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

HairyHomer http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[NakedGary]

Mosquito_Bait

I think that web ad you reference is a little over exaggerated showing a male with an erection stretching the new form for a custom fit thong or Speedo type bathing suit with a penis pocket or pouch. This model as depicted would be out of place if lying down on a nude or textile beach with a red fabric pouch covered penis pointed to the skies. How ridiculous.

In the flaccid state not many males have tumlence at that angle or length, and those suits would sure look strange to have a flat flap or pocket dangling out front flat on most who would order something like that unless they are very specifically custom measured and fitted.

Many communities have nude regulations that even under opaque covering if discernable tumescent or erection is noticeable you can be cited for exposure.

So unless these new bathing suites are custom fitted for angle and length of the dangle [Flaccid penis] and made very stretchable they would look ridiculous, and probably a flap in real world marketing. No pun intended. [LOL]

Maybe these new bathing suits come with "E.D." samples for recreational use to initially fill out the new suits. LOL [Just kidding]

.

[Pieguy]

Aah, all this talk of speedos reminds me of an embarrassing incident at a high school swim school session, which i will NEVER TELL! NEVER! Unless you ask.

[KetchumMaine]

okay, consider yourself asked.

[Kenv]

I hate wearing swim trucks to the baech or at the pool. They just don't feel comfortable especially when wet.

I don't think that here in the US, speedos on men will be accepted. It is still considered gross or weird by most people. I noticed my last trip abroad, (Italy), that it is even loosing popularity there.

Does anyone think that it will be "OK" here someday?

[MJ_KC]

I wear Speedos and will continue to do so when I have to wear a full coverage swimsuit. It isn't anybody's business.

[Pieguy]

*whimpers* Alright. This was before I was a nudist.... *begin flashback* I was at a nearby swimming pool (public) with the rest of year 8. All day people had been giving me funny looks which I assumed was because my old Speedo was a bit too revealing. Nobody would tell me why until I was getting out of the pool in front of a girl who shrieked and said I had a massive hole in my speedos which was showing my butt crack! The shame..... (*end flashback*)

[shãybare]

http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif
Great story, Pieguy. I'm glad I'm not the only one around hear that has "Flashbacks", but that is another story.

[KetchumMaine]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Pieguy:
*whimpers* Alright. This was before I was a nudist.... *begin flashback* I was at a nearby swimming pool (public) with the rest of year 8. All day people had been giving me funny looks which I assumed was because my old Speedo was a bit too revealing. Nobody would tell me why until I was getting out of the pool in front of a girl who shrieked and said I had a massive hole in my speedos which was showing my butt crack! The shame..... (*end flashback*) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That isn't as embarassing as I thought it would be. I thought the hole was in the FRONT. However, back then you could have just told them that you wore them that way because you thought you were a hot s#!T. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[NakedGary]

Careful Guys "Pieguy" said he was 13 years old

http://clothesfreeforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/140...420014973#8420014973 (http://clothesfreeforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1400016152/m/9180075553/r/8420014973#8420014973)

[luvnaturism]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kenv:
Does anyone think that it will be "OK" here someday? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think Speedos are OK in the US now, as long as you don't think that OK = fashionable. Except for last summer, when I tried a TanThru suit, Speedos have been my main choice when a suit has to be worn.

I'm older and don't have the ideal shape, but who cares? It's not my purpose in life to spend my days worrying about what people whom I've never seen before and will never see again will think. Anyway, I've never been aware of any adverse comment whatsoever. I just don't think it's a problem unless it's important to be in style.

[curmudgeon]

I wear a 1" side racing style Tan Thru at the Y. I get some looks of disgust and some of possible lust. Mostly nobody pays any attention at all -- especially those who see me there regularly and know that I'm a serious swimmer. I'm holding back on doing a 2 mile swim until I can do it to celebrate my 61st birthday in January.

[luvnaturism]

Forgot to mention that at our fitness club the serious male swimmers nearly all wear racing style suits, or at least form fitting boxer brief style. As far as I've seen they don't even get a raised eyebrow.

[KetchumMaine]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NakedGary:
Careful Guys "Pieguy" said he was 13 years old

http://clothesfreeforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/140...420014973#8420014973 (http://clothesfreeforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1400016152/m/9180075553/r/8420014973#8420014973) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

D'oh, I keep forgetting that. However, he is an Australian 13 year old so that is like a American 16 year old with the time diference :P.

[dan t]

I'll just stick to swimming in my pool that way I can wear what I want if I want! http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[curmudgeon]

No doubt swimming at home is best. That's what I do about 6 months of the year, but it's a little chilly now. Had occasion to have a little bit of the cover off a week or so ago and checked the temp. The water was about 50 degrees. I'm not _that_ serious swimmer. Mid-70's is about my limit.

[Pieguy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KetchumMaine:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NakedGary:
Careful Guys "Pieguy" said he was 13 years old

http://clothesfreeforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/140...420014973#8420014973 (http://clothesfreeforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1400016152/m/9180075553/r/8420014973#8420014973) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

D'oh, I keep forgetting that. However, he is an Australian 13 year old so that is like a American 16 year old with the time diference :P. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
What are you talking about? http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[KetchumMaine]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Pieguy:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KetchumMaine:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NakedGary:
Careful Guys "Pieguy" said he was 13 years old

http://clothesfreeforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/140...420014973#8420014973 (http://clothesfreeforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1400016152/m/9180075553/r/8420014973#8420014973) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

D'oh, I keep forgetting that. However, he is an Australian 13 year old so that is like a American 16 year old with the time diference :P. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
What are you talking about? http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It was a joke. Actually, I was referring to cultural differences between your country and ours. In my experience, non-american teens have more mature attitudes about their bodies. Therefore, a 13 year old Aussie is as mature about themselves as a 16 year old American.


Disclaimer: This is my opinion. It is not stated as fact. I would appreciate it if those who don't agree, or more likely have no clue but just don't think what I am saying is right, would not reply to this post and argue with me.

[MJ_KC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KetchumMaine:
Disclaimer: This is my opinion. It is not stated as fact. I would appreciate it if those who don't agree, or more likely have no clue but just don't think what I am saying is right, would not reply to this post and argue with me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
LOL. I know what you mean.

[KetchumMaine]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MJ_KC:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KetchumMaine:
Disclaimer: This is my opinion. It is not stated as fact. I would appreciate it if those who don't agree, or more likely have no clue but just don't think what I am saying is right, would not reply to this post and argue with me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
LOL. I know what you mean. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Oh, so you have read the Dobson thread. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif