By Todd Sample
Whether you choose the relative privacy of a pool at a high-end hotel or to join the masses at one of the public pools which dot the Han riverside, the start of June marks the start of swimming season in Korea.
To be frank, considering that the vast majority of outdoor swimming pools in Korea don't get any deeper than 1.3 meters, to deem them "swimming" pools is a bit of a stretch. However, as the tanned bodies glistening in the summer sun along the perimeter of any outdoor pool in the country will prove, heading to the pool in Korea is often more about working on the perfect summer look and being seen than cooling off in the water.
Just as various as the body shapes and sizes of people at outdoor pools are the swimsuits they choose to wear. As is true with other styles, certain looks go in and out of fashion over time. Let's start this Todd's Wardrobe with a few examples of what not to wear poolside this summer.
When I first started frequenting the Han River public pools years ago, it was quite common to see men strolling around poolside wearing the tiniest and tightest of swimming briefs, most often referred to as a Speedo, the brand with which this style has become synonymous.
Today, the Speedo is a style which should be left to competitive swimmers and thus doesn't really have a place at outdoor pools. The Spandex swim trunk is another style whose day has come and fortunately gone, so if you're thinking of heading out to the pool in shorts more suitable to be worn while riding in the Tour de France, it would be best to think again.
For men, when considering which swimsuit is best, size and length are two factors we should keep in mind. For obvious reasons, the waist size is important to get right. If your swimwear is too loose, it will become baggy and unsightly when wet. Too tight and little if nothing will be left to the imaginations of those who have the misfortune of seeing you.
Today, trunks which extend halfway down the thigh and cling ever so slightly to the leg have become one of the most popular looks for the poolside and for good reason. While remaining practical should you care to actually take a dip in the water, their sufficient length makes them a smart and modest enough choice for a variety of body types, especially heavier frames.
Whether you are tall or short, it is important to consider how well your choice in swimwear suits your proportions. Taller gents should stay away from swim trunks which are too short, while shorter men should consider a style which extends just an inch or two above the knee to create the illusion that your legs are longer.
In this light, two looks which shorter men should opt not to wear are board shorts, a swimsuit style favored by teenaged surfers, which are longer than basic swimming trunks, and clam diggers, or swimsuits stretching beyond the knee.
With summer being the season of sun, fun and bright colors, it only makes sense that our choices in swimwear include vivid colors and patterns. This is especially true for thinner men who may wish to add the perception of girth with a brightly colored swimsuit. In contrast, heavier men should avoid bright colors and patterns and instead opt for solids in muted tones in order to avoid bringing too much attention to their midsection.
With three months of pool weather ahead of us, there is no shortage of stylish options for men's swimwear. From smart-looking trunks in classic solids to bright floral prints in myriad colors, there is a swimsuit out there for everyone.
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To be frank, considering that the vast majority of outdoor swimming pools in Korea don't get any deeper than 1.3 meters, to deem them "swimming" pools is a bit of a stretch. However, as the tanned bodies glistening in the summer sun along the perimeter of any outdoor pool in the country will prove, heading to the pool in Korea is often more about working on the perfect summer look and being seen than cooling off in the water.
Just as various as the body shapes and sizes of people at outdoor pools are the swimsuits they choose to wear. As is true with other styles, certain looks go in and out of fashion over time. Let's start this Todd's Wardrobe with a few examples of what not to wear poolside this summer.
When I first started frequenting the Han River public pools years ago, it was quite common to see men strolling around poolside wearing the tiniest and tightest of swimming briefs, most often referred to as a Speedo, the brand with which this style has become synonymous.
Today, the Speedo is a style which should be left to competitive swimmers and thus doesn't really have a place at outdoor pools. The Spandex swim trunk is another style whose day has come and fortunately gone, so if you're thinking of heading out to the pool in shorts more suitable to be worn while riding in the Tour de France, it would be best to think again.
For men, when considering which swimsuit is best, size and length are two factors we should keep in mind. For obvious reasons, the waist size is important to get right. If your swimwear is too loose, it will become baggy and unsightly when wet. Too tight and little if nothing will be left to the imaginations of those who have the misfortune of seeing you.
Today, trunks which extend halfway down the thigh and cling ever so slightly to the leg have become one of the most popular looks for the poolside and for good reason. While remaining practical should you care to actually take a dip in the water, their sufficient length makes them a smart and modest enough choice for a variety of body types, especially heavier frames.
Whether you are tall or short, it is important to consider how well your choice in swimwear suits your proportions. Taller gents should stay away from swim trunks which are too short, while shorter men should consider a style which extends just an inch or two above the knee to create the illusion that your legs are longer.
In this light, two looks which shorter men should opt not to wear are board shorts, a swimsuit style favored by teenaged surfers, which are longer than basic swimming trunks, and clam diggers, or swimsuits stretching beyond the knee.
With summer being the season of sun, fun and bright colors, it only makes sense that our choices in swimwear include vivid colors and patterns. This is especially true for thinner men who may wish to add the perception of girth with a brightly colored swimsuit. In contrast, heavier men should avoid bright colors and patterns and instead opt for solids in muted tones in order to avoid bringing too much attention to their midsection.
With three months of pool weather ahead of us, there is no shortage of stylish options for men's swimwear. From smart-looking trunks in classic solids to bright floral prints in myriad colors, there is a swimsuit out there for everyone.
