How to Look Good in a Speedo

Co-authored by Greg Maurer

Last Updated: August 17, 2021 References

A speedo, also known as swimming briefs, can be intimidating to wear. You are exposing a lot of yourself in a speedo, and you may wonder how you can look good in so little fabric. To feel your best in a speedo, start by choosing the right speedo for your body. You can also maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise so you look fit and toned. Often, confidence and a positive attitude can also help you look good in a speedo.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing the Right Speedo for Your Body

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Get a speedo made of high quality, long lasting fabric. Look for a speedo made of 100% polyester or a polyester blend with spandex. It will be more chlorine resistant and long lasting. Some speedos are also made in a high UV rating fabric, making them more resistant to the sun if you plan to swim outdoors.
- Avoid speedos made of only spandex or lycra, as they tend to fade and get loose more quickly.
- Opt for a speedo that is fully lined so it is not transparent.
2
Choose a speedo that fits comfortably. Try on the speedo in the store before you buy it. You may need to wear it over underwear or use a disposable liner in the speedo. Make sure the speedo is not too tight or constricting. It should feel snug but the fabric should not dig into your skin.
- Walk around, squat, and sit in the speedo to ensure it is comfortable. If it feels comfortable on you, you will likely be more confident wearing it around.
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3
Try a neutral color. Go for a dark, neutral color like black, navy, or brown if you do not want to call too much attention to yourself when you are wearing the speedo. If you have a lighter skin tone, you may opt for a warm color like brown or a burnt orange. If you have a darker skin tone, a cooler color like navy or gray may be ideal.^{[1]
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- When in doubt, black is a good, neutral color for the speedo. It can also be more slimming and flattering.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

1
Do muscle building exercises.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Greg Maurer
Health & Fitness Specialist
Expert Interview. 13 August 2021.} To look your best in a speedo, do exercises that will help you build muscle and appear more toned. Try doing push ups, sit ups, pull ups, and squats to tone your arms, legs, and abdominal muscles. Create a workout schedule where you do a variety of muscle building exercises to get more toned and fit.^{[3]
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- You can also try High Intensity Training (HIT), where you do exercises for an intense period of time and then rest for 30 seconds.
2
Do cardio exercises.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Greg Maurer
Health & Fitness Specialist
Expert Interview. 13 August 2021.} Cardio like running, cycling, and swimming can help you build a lean physique, ideal for speedo wearing. Go for regular runs before you do other exercises or on days when you are not exercising. Take a spin class at your local gym. Swim laps at your local pool.^{[5]
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3
Eat healthy.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Greg Maurer
Health & Fitness Specialist
Expert Interview. 13 August 2021.} You can also look good in a speedo by maintaining a healthy diet. Have lean protein sources like chicken, fish, tofu, and beans. Eat complex carbohydrates like whole grains and leafy green vegetables. Cut out processed foods and foods high in fat and artificial sugar.^{[7]
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- You may try adopting a healthy diet where you eat a set amount of calories at every meal. Do not skip meals as part of your diet, as this can lead to binge eating and unhealthy eating practices.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Positive Affirmations and Body Language

1
Use positive affirmations. Positive affirmations can be a good way to feel confident, even when you're in a speedo. Put the speedo on and stand in front of a mirror. Then, repeat affirmations like, “I look great in this speedo” or “I am feeling confident and positive in this speedo.”^{[8]
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- Try repeating the affirmations on a daily basis until you feel ready to step out in the speedo. You can also say the affirmations before you go out in the speedo to feel good when wearing it.
2
Display open and confident body language in the speedo. Once you are wearing the speedo outside, try to project confidence and positivity through your body language. Stand straight and walk tall. Maintain eye contact with others and keep your hands relaxed at your sides or on your hips.^{[9]
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- Avoid slouching or crouching down in the speedo. Do not cross your hands over your chest, as this will indicate to others that you are feeling insecure or unsure in the speedo.
3
Wear the speedo around the house until you are comfortable. To improve your confidence in the speedo, try wearing it around your house when you are alone. Get used to the feeling of not having much on and showing off your body. Over time, you may feel confident enough to wear the speedo out at the pool or the beach in front of others.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can you get in shape quickly?

Greg Maurer
Health & Fitness Specialist
Greg Maurer is a Health & Fitness Specialist and the Vice President of Fitness and Education for Workout Anytime. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in functional training, yoga, pilates, exercise and aging, home exercise programs, and numerous fitness diets. Greg holds a BS in Exercise Physiology from Temple University.

Greg Maurer

Health & Fitness Specialist

Expert Answer

You can, but you shouldn't treat fitness as a seasonal thing. Trying to make a huge amount of progress in a short time will only set you up for failure and will not help you long-term. For better results, try to maintain your weight and body fat levels yearlong. It's okay if these things fluctuate a bit, but don't let it go too far.
Question

How do I get in good summer shape?

Greg Maurer
Health & Fitness Specialist
Greg Maurer is a Health & Fitness Specialist and the Vice President of Fitness and Education for Workout Anytime. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in functional training, yoga, pilates, exercise and aging, home exercise programs, and numerous fitness diets. Greg holds a BS in Exercise Physiology from Temple University.

Greg Maurer

Health & Fitness Specialist

Expert Answer

There's really two components to looking good in a swimsuit during summer: the level of muscular development and the level of body fat. The only way to control your body composition is through diet. To lose body fat, you have to exercise. A combination of both will help you achieve the shape you desire.
Question

How often should I wash my speedo?

Community Answer

I would recommend at least soaking it in hot water every time you wear it.