The Brazilian-style swim brief, or sunga, is known for it’s different and unique cut as compared to the style of swimwear popularized by Speedo. While the “speedo” cut exposes more of the leg to facilitate a higher degree of freedom, the sunga offers more coverage and places less emphasis on the groin. This makes the sunga a good alternative to the traditional ’speedo’ Americans see most often.

Actually, some have even found the sunga a more flattering style. By design,the sunga doesn’t cling too much around the body as compared to the ’speedo’s’ body-hugging shape. In Brazil, sungas would be available in many boutiques and, of course everyone wears the style on the beaches. While authentic sungas may be easy to find around Copacabana or Ipanema in Rio, the distinct cut and style is not easy to find outside of Brazil.

The Espada’s 2010 mens summer swim collection includes a modern interpretation of the traditional Brazilian-style sunga swim brief. You can find it right now at the Espada online store.

Interestingly enough, while looking through the history of men’s swimwear, seeing high-waist swim briefs with a low leg cut reminds us a bit of the sunga’s shape while having that distinct look of vintage swimwear with its emphasis on the waist. Of course, when it comes to fashion, things from the past improve and become something modern. Perhaps that was how the sunga came to be. Brazil has a beach culture that is all its own, and is known for pioneering some revolutionary and sexy styles of swimwear for both men and women.

With our own Brazilian-style swim briefs, we aim to give you that same sense of coverage while still making you feel stylish and sexy.

All Espada swimwear is made with 100% imported Italian luxury fabric blends and are handcrafted in Los Angeles. Investing in quality swimwear is a smart choice. Our swimwear is chlorine-resistant and pilling-resistant, so the swimsuits are designed to last. And, you can stay comfortable and fashionable whether at the beach or pool.

Enjoy your Summer & enjoy Espada !

What is it with many Americans’ seeming aversion to swim briefs? They’re comfortable, create less drag when swimming, dry easily, and allows for an even, attractive tan. Certainly they are more practical to wear than those baggy shorts most American men wear.

A lot of people blame it on the stereotypical hairy fat guy often seen in Google image search results. Just because one man was caught looking less than attractive in a pair of speedos, however, does not mean every guy will look that way too.

If you have gone on a trip to Europe or South America and hit the beach, you must have seen a lot of men wearing swim briefs. Did they all look hairy, obese, and decked out in gaudy bling?

Definitely not.

When we went to Sitges, everybody looked great in their racers and swim briefs. Everyone really looked like they were out to have some sunny, splashy summer fun, making the beach look picture perfect.

A blogger once asked around on Twitter why Europeans and most Americans seem to be on opposite sides of the fence on the topic of wearing swim briefs. An overwhelming number of @replies remarked that it was simply because Europeans are more confident in their own skin than Americans.

Perhaps it is due to cultural differences. Prevailing male conservatism has propagated an indirect smear campaign on male bonding camaraderie, which has left many carrying emotional baggage that has translated into an aversion to leg-baring swimwear.

The thing is, we don’t believe American men are any less confident than any other culture. Anyone can rock a pair of speedos. Why else would we offer American-made European-style swimwear?