Not So Much for Us Fellas.....

[Vectron]

https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/202 ... mainstream

[athongsnook]

Yes it is another display of the very lobsided gender standards in society.

[_Pm77_]

Maybe I missed it but I’m not seein the controversy here?? The only mention of men’s swimwear is the comment about “teeny-tiny trunks”

[swimmer78]

I agree with athongsnook....a very lopsided article with no representation of male thong fashion. A little more research by this journalist would have made for a more informative and inclusive article.

[gstringkini]

Another missed opportunity to change the double standard......

So glad to be here with like-minded folks.

[kiyoothong]

I think it’s a good thing that thong bikinis are on the rise. That means more and more places will accept thongs as normal swimwear. However, the rise in thong bikinis may also reinforce the perception that thongs are exclusively for women. This could create an even higher hurdle for men who want to wear thongs in public.

[reoDID]

Another missed opportunity to change the double standard......

So glad to be here with like-minded folks.

Yeah I fully agree, people here have been nothing but supportive overall I really don't see anything wrong with any gender wearing thongs, its flattering and comfortable, at least to some.

[Slingshot]

I must admit I found this a somewhat strange article. It seems to be a justification or validation piece for women wishing to wear smaller swimwear, which, in my experience, has largely been the default for a while, with briefs, bikinis and thongs all being commonplace. The rarity from what I've seen is women wearing larger garments on the beach or to go swimming.

Meanwhile, it's men who, on the whole since the late 80s/early 90s, have been "shamed" into wearing board shorts for swimming or as beachwear. The comment about men wearing "teeny-tiny trunks" doesn't fit with what I've observed, which aligns with the general consensus here that the vast majority of men wear board/dork shorts on the beach or even at the pool. I'm a semi-serious swimmer, albeit not competitive, have worn briefs for a long time and would say I'm usually in a minority of one at the pool (albeit a number of others wear jammers) and on the beach (UK and different parts of Europe).

Like others here, I'm all for the freedom for people to wear whatever they want, male or female, but as said, I found this an odd article that seems to imply women are the ones who've been forced to cover up, whereas my experience is the opposite.

[Guitar T]

“I saw thong bikinis everywhere and wished I could wear one. But then I thought about it and was like, it’s just a bum. Men wear those teeny-tiny trunks where you see everything, so why can’t I wear this? Plus, it was really comfy.”

My question is where is it being seen, men wearing teeny-tiny trunks? After spending many days on the beach the past three months I can say I only saw one other man wearing a Speedo with any regularity. This man is a friend that meets up at the beach with me and a couple other friends. Meanwhile, I’ve seen many women wearing thong bikinis and very cheeky bikinis. Even at the gym pool most of the men wear board shorts. Only a handful of us men wear bikini style briefs for lap swimming. (I’d wear a thong if it were allowed.)

I agree thongs are comfortable. I like seeing other women and men wearing thongs. I don’t think it is women that need the biggest boost to wearing a thong bikini. While for some there is still a sigma associated with wearing a thong bikini, that is changing for women. Meanwhile us men have a much larger hurdle to overcome. The social stigma, shaming, and harassment is entrenched in American society. “How can you wear that? That’s not appropriate for a public beach. You made me loose my lunch. EEW, cover up, no one wants to see that….” Are comments I’ve heard. I’ve also had people telling that I look good, have confidence and courage, I rock, and more. Yet, the media is anti men wearing thongs and bikini briefs. (Today Show with Jenna Bush as a prime example.)

Overall, I’m glad that thong bikinis are becoming more prevalent. I’m happy that I get less negativity when wearing a thong. I’m glad there is more acceptance and tolerance.