Speedo - the original purveyors of the much-maligned piece of skimpy swimwear - argue yes, reporting that in 2023, sales and orders across Europe, the Middle East and Africa are up by over 200% compared with 2022.
Racing briefs are also de rigeur for swimmers, water polo players and divers, and widely embraced by the gay community.īut could budgie smugglers (as the swimming brief is known in much of the UK and Australia), be back in favor with board short-loving men too? Beaches and pools in Europe (in France in particular) has long been a safe space for fans of the Speedo style, ditto Brazil. Some would argue the garment has never gone away.
After decades of banishment from mainstream wardrobes, one of fashion’s most divisive garments - the men’s swimming brief - is making a tentative return across the globe.
