By
Michael Zhao,
a senior writer at the Strategist covering appliances and men's style.
He was formerly a deputy editor at Wirecutter.
Much like the metric system, the Speedo swim brief is a sensible thing that never caught on in America. Besides minimizing visible tan lines, these fast-drying, pelvis-hugging spandex suits are easier to swim in and more sanitary than baggy swim trunks (since they’re only worn in and around the water). That’s why they’re mandatory in many European public swimming pools. But if you’re not completely comfortable baring your groin in public, a square-leg swimsuit works just as well.
