Wearing a Speedo: Somethings just don’t translate

To speedo or not to speedo that’s the question. The answer it seems depends on what side of the ocean your on. This conundrum happens to me every time I hit a Mediterranean beach destination. At first, I was like, no way would I consider putting my American body in this banana hammock. Then, I thought, if I’m supposed to be this jet set guy and such a world traveler shouldn’t I behave like one?

So, there I was in St. Barths and literally every where I looked were great looking European guys in speedo’s. They looked fine. So, I said screw it. I’m going to give it a try. My wife goes topless why can’t I rock a speedo. Well, the answer to that question will be very obvious when you see me in this Ralph Lauren store in St.Barths. I suppose some things just don’t translate. I’m sticking to my board shorts.

Speedo from Jet Set Life on Vimeo.

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I reached out to our Twitter followers yesterday and posted the following question.

Q- Why (in your opinion) can a European rock a Speedo (if you think they can) & an American not so much?

Here are the answers i got over the past 24 hours (names have been removed to protect the innocent and the guilt). Enjoy!

• Pure confidence, better diet, no shame!
• Geographical and cultural context. Speedos are more giggle-worthy to US’ers in the US than in Monaco.
• It’s all about confidence….I think…eh, I’m not so sure…actually, I dunno. See, Americans don’t have confidence…
• Europeans Rock a Speedo and Americans cannot because of lack of sexual confidence embedded by Puritanical moral rigidity!!
• Speedos can be rocked, but few do it. Europeans seem to have more comfort with their bodies than US men.
• Speedo? Americans are overweight. Overweight European would look as bad.
• More American’s “try” to look sexy in Speedos, while European’s don’t “try”, it’s just natural for them.
• Twinkies and American beer. :)
• I think it just has to do with being in shape. Michael Phelps rocks a speedo just fine!
• It’s all about confidence. Like going topless. If you feel uncomfortable doing it, you make other people uncomfortable.
• Because they (Europeans) don’t care and Americans do. It’s all about the attitude.
• I would not rock one in America but I would rock one over seas.
• It’s borderline confidence/arrogance
• If a man puts on a speedo in the US & isn’t fit, it’s weird. I’d say Euro’s can b/c they usually don’t care if they’re accepted.
• Europeans do that whole “gel” thing with their hair. For example, basketball coach, Pat Riley, could rock a speedo.
• At the root, it’s all about attitude (what Euros have) and Puritan morals (what Americans have).
• I think it’s because of how open Europeans are about their bodies and sexuality, and how insecure and closed Americans are.
• It’s more about fashion/style. In Europe, a speedo is accepted fashion. In NA, it’s poked fun at.
• I think it’s because the European is more self-confident
• No one should rock a speedo. :)
• Americans are taught to be ashamed of nudity, and so are self conscious by showing that much skin. Europeans are not.
• Rocking a Speedo is all about confidence. Although, the U.S. is winning the obesity race, so that might be it, too.

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