Is the difference between guys and girls swimsuits sexist?

[Anonymous]

I think the difference between guys and girls swimsuits in how much they cover is really sexy. But is it actually sexist?

Sexy

Sexist

Sexist, but also sexy

Not sure

Updates

+1 y

I do think it's because society is sexist, but it can still also be sexy, in my opinion

[dustybiker]

No. People are always free to wear what they want. I always wore long girls board shorts with a rash guard surfing as a teen. Nobody judged me. Practicality came over showing off my assets.

[emitty99]

I guess technically it's sexist? I don't know tho, I kind of like that we are expected to wear different styles of clothes. Makes us different and that makes it sexy ;)

[Asker]

Yes, that's exactly what I mean about it being sexy, but that it might be sexist, too. Do you like how girls have less coverage?

[emitty99]

Nah I just like that we wear different swimsuits. Also we don't necessarily cover more. I like wearing one pieces, so while I may still show more leg my tummy (and chest obv) are still covered.

[Asker]

Thanks that's really helpful

[OpenClose]

More sexy than sexist. I think women should be able to go topless in the beach without a problem, but I feel like the sexist nature of it is way over-emohasized. A bikini is still way more skin than a pair of trunks.

Speedos don't quite count. Guys tend to wear those not because they are super accepted, but wear them DESPITE people not generally liking them. They are usually a punchline.

But even if you include speedos, the "cover up" argument is dumb because the beach is literally the only place where guys would be able to show as much or more skin than girls. Literally everywhere else, it is WAY more acceptable for girls to show more skin. Especially with formal wear. Girls wear backless dresses with plunging neckline a or strapless dresses, or almost transparent dresses. For guys, we have to be covered head to toe in 3 layers of cloth. Bonus points if you cover your hands and have a hat.

Like, if the argument that we expect girls to "cover up" holds true, then you have to apply that same argument to men's attire in most other scenarios.

[Asker]

Yeah, in general girls show a lot more skin. That's why I'm wondering if it's a culture of sexism about women's bodies

[OpenClose]

Sexism in which way?

[Asker]

That women's bodies are objectified

[TheSpaceGnome]

No, the difference between them is about what men and women are willing to wear in public.

Most men don't want to wear a speedo or thong that doesn't hide their dick/balls, and most women aren't comfortable showing their naked boobs in public because they don't want the awkward situation of lots of guys around them pitching a tent with their dicks.

The suits are designed to show off as much skin as possible without either gender feeling pressured or embarrased. women do not have dicks, and men don't have boobs, so the designs are different.

sexist would be having one gender walk out on the beach covered up while the other has to be naked.

Of course exceptions exist, and you will always have a few people trying to cheat their way into being either as naked or as covered as possible, but most choose the middle ground, because its expected, and a guy could wear a speedo, and a girl could wear a full body suit that covers everything but hands, feet, and face, they just usually choose not to.

[theothersider]

the thing is no one forces women to wear the itsy bitsy yellow polka dot bikini there are literally dozens and dozens of styles to choose from that could cover you wrist to ankle. modest one piece swimsuits and there is nothing wrong with wearing swim trunks and a bikini top or bikini tank top. I my self usually opt in for one pieces. my boobs are to big for those little string kini tops were one way ward wave or not paying attention to what one of my sons are pulling on when I am holding them could leave me bare chested quite easily so I prefer something sturdier.

[Lionman95]

As far as I know women have fought in the past for the right to wear swimsuits/bikinis. There are swimsuits with shorts instead of a bikini bottom.
Are they better?
Some guys choice shorter trunks some prefer longer. I don´t see why it´s sexist because no once making you going to the beach in a bikini or swimsuit.

[Asker]

That is a good point that women often are the ones making swimwear skimpier as a way to show that they're empowered

[Lionman95]

Yes and therefore I can´t say it´s sexist because it´s them showing off their bodies. I don´t wanna show of mine more than I´d do in trunks.

[Wraith_Cemetery]

The bigger problem is that girls feel pressured into wearing certain things because everyone else is. Bikinis barely covering the body? Have to wear it because all her friends are and she doesn't want to look "different". All the girls at school are wearing crop tops and yoga pants? Have to wear that too because she doesn't want to stand out.

This is why you always see swarms of girls looking identical when you go anywhere. Same shoes, same shirs, same jeans, same yoga pants, same crop tops, same hair, et cetera. Girls have this overwhelming desire to fit it.

[Asker]

This is what I mean about it being sexist

[TruthBringer]

@Asker In what way is it sexist? Are you even using that term correctly?

[Asker]

@TruthBringer girls are pressured to show off their bodies when men aren't

[TruthBringer]

@Asker I don't think that's necessarily sexism at play. Because men have tons of pressure from society as well. Does that mean that society is sexist towards men as well? I don't think sexism is the correct term here. If we pin everything on sexism, then the term will lose its meaning.

Yes, both men and women have a lot of pressure from society, especially when it comes to (unrealistic) beauty standards. That's not sexism. That's just shallowness of society. Shallowness that corporations like the fashion & beauty industry are making tons of money from.

[BeMuse]

Now what? Board shorts for women and speedos for men have existed forever... People make a personal decisions about what they want to wear. You're a feminist that wants to take personal actions and then blame the outcome on men because you're too irresponsible to own up to the fact that you made your own fucking decision.

[Asker]

Why so rude and aggressive? Of course people have other choices available, I'm merely asking for opinions about the general trend.

[BeMuse]

People follow trends because they are afraid to be themselves and they want a feeling of belonging. If you belong to a cult that makes you feel bad about yourself, that doesn't make someone else sexist. That makes you masochist. Your decisions are you own and sometimes being blunt is the only way to drive the point home. It's called a "Rude" Awakening...

[Asker]

What I mean is that do think perhaps sexist views of women, where women should show off their bodies for men, might be why men and women's swimsuits are different? Or is the difference just something fun and sexy?

[BeMuse]

I think women wanted more attention than the next girl so they keep pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable until they were naked. Men generally wear what is functional. We don't care much about what we look like to others. Here is a picture from 1910. The man is wearing a pair of shorts above his knees and no sleeves. Women are wearing sleeved garnets that go down past the knee. In the 1800s they wore them down to their ankles. By the 1940s women had taken it to a level of mini skirts. By the 1960s to bikinis. I don't know if you understand this, but straight men don't run the fashion industry. These decisions are made by women and gay men. They created the trends. Straight men just take in the sights.

[BeMuse]

In 100 years men are basically wearing the same sort of thing. Board shorts and maybe a tank top or t-shirt to the beach. Women just keep taking off more and more clothes because if they show their tits some guy will look at them more than they look at her friend that is sitting right next to her.

[Asker]

So you think it's all about girls trying to get attention from guys? Why do they have to take clothes off to do that?

[BeMuse]

Obviously there are many ways to get a man's attention. A lot of ways take talent, intelligence, creativity, etc. though and many people are lazy and somewhat mediocre... So they go the basic rout of flashes their looks and being sexually provocative. Everyone will notice someone's looks first. Being sexually attractive, will get attention it just might not keep that attention.

[Miristheiss]

Maybe you have a point, I don't know.
Describe what you mean by "sexist"... that women's show too much and should be baggy like men's? Do you mean because men can go topless but women need a top, what do you mean?

To play devil's advocate, guys have tiny suits too... speedo's but it is widely considered unattractive for men to wear those... I think the vast majority prefer men to wear the baggy "short" trunks.

I think bikinis are too revealing and they've become common because they are for "swimming" but to me it is a woman wearing her bra and panties. I feel that way because I don't want my wife or daughter to be 90%-95% naked in public with guys ogling them and candy an "eye candy" eyeful.

I do recognize that probably the vast majority of men out there would love it if all women just went naked on the beach.

[Asker]

What I mean by the difference maybe being sexist is how women's swimwear, even with a top, typically covers less of her body than a guy's suit does of his body. And that this is an example of how women's bodies are objectified.

[WalkingInTheRain7]

No, it isn't, it's mostly just developed like that over time. The first bikinis were modeled by show girls, if you know what that means. Over time, society has gone away from modesty and overall just accepted women showing absolutely everything. It's pretty disgusting, but, it's what's been done. Women have overall accepted the idea of showing their bodies off in these types of bathing suits. Not all do, but most have. Even if their intent isn't to show off, their bathing suit still does it for them, because it hardly covers anything, and it isn't modest to any degree.

[OlderAndWiser]

The word "sexist" gets used in different ways, so I am not sure how you are using the word.

However, if a girl doesn't like a revealing swimsuit, who in the hell is forcing her to wear it? If she wears it, she shouldn't blame someone else for her choice.

[Asker]

I mean a culture that views women based on their attractiveness and willingness to show off their bodies

[OlderAndWiser]

I don't consider that to be sexist, unless those are the only criteria by which women are valued.

[TruthBringer]

@Asker Actually my girlfriend doesn't follow mainstream society and goes out of her way to wear vintage dresses even in summer. While all the other girls are out there showing off skin or walking in yoga pants, my girlfriend happens to stand out the most in a positive way. I've witnessed her getting many compliments from both young and older people, simply because she chose to wear something classy and respectable.

When it comes to her swimwear, she wears both bikinis as well as bathing suits. Not becuase society pushes her to, but because she buys what she likes. And as her boyfriend, she wants my opinion on what to buy next. I always make sure it is on par with her taste.

So going against the tide can actually benefit you. So no sexism. Just people who are too afraid to stand out in a good way. Stop playing victim.

[Asker]

@TruthBringer that's really cool that you're girlfriend

[Asker]

*really cool that your girlfriend doesn't care about trends like that

[matchrestore]

As a guy, I'd prefer if society accepted speedos and short trunks on guys. They're far more practical, and they still cover everything that needs to be covered. I'd much rather take a dip in a speedo than in long loose boardshorts that add drag, cling to your skin when you get out of the water, and take forever to dry out, not to mention they don't need a mesh liner.

[wingattebaby16]

Women have very sexy bodies.

Men don't look good in a tiny swimsuit.. Speedos just look bad on 99% of men, especially the hairy ones.

Women use their bodies to attract men and get what they need and want in life.

I do...

[EnglishEuropean]

I find your honesty refreshing.

[Asker]

Do you have a swimsuit preference to attract men?

[Ass_Grabber]

Honest!

[wingattebaby16]

string bikini that the bottoms tie on the sides.

one, it is adjustable that way, and 2, men like to Untie things... ehehheh

My fav is my black one...

most men like bright orange top and lime green bottoms.. and they have their mouths hang open when i wear an all white one that when wet, is totally see through. Also helps years ago, i cut out the liners in the top and bottom to make it more see through.

haven't worn the white one in years, except for my man in our pool

[Asker]

Ofc see through is attention getting 😂😜

[Lucina_Rose]

Man-hating lesbian lol

[sage2021]

I remember in the 70's and 80's, guys swimwear had the short part of it pretty short. Way above the knees for sure. So if a guy sprang a woody, it would show because the swimwear didn't cover it. Guy's were always getting embarrassed, it was kind of funny to watch them at the beach. I just think it's a personal choice of what to wear, and the word sexiest is perhaps being misused. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[zagor]

That isn't a representative picture. Some men's swimsuits (think Speedo) are very revealing, with noticeable package bulge and cheek showing. It just happens that surf trunks like those in the pic are more popular with men, possibly because neither men nor women like visible 'nad bulges in guys swimsuits. Generally men and women buy their own swimsuits, so the deciding factor in what you see on the beach is dictated (dick-tated?) by comfort and by the image they want to project. Obviously women are more interested in what is "sexy".

So short answer, no it is not sexist. Men can choose banana hammocks, women can choose conservative one-piece suits. But in both cases, most don't.

[Mac-One]

@zagor I don't like the current baggy men's styles. Prefer to be able to wear speedo or girl girl styles but has to be possible to tuck my things for smoother appearance and to prevent a frontal bulge or impression. Would be great if it was acceptable to have top coverage and skirted styles.

[zagor]

@Mac-One Personally I like something in-between, a traditional swimsuit.

[Chris8670]

Everyone should wear whatever they're comfortable in.
I honestly have seen some women wear thongs bikini bottoms at the lake where I go to the beach. In those situations I need to be wearing longer shorts with no restrictive mesh liner in them. Guy's parts need room. LoL!

[Asker]

Isn't that proving that it's sexist, because guys get erections from every woman they see like that?

[Chris8670]

Not really because sexism is having prejudice against one sex or the other.
What swimwear you wear is entirely your personal choice. I have seen thongs at the beach and I've also seen women wear a long shirt covering their whole body while swimming.
Whatever they like. It would be sexist if somebody was forcing men or women to wear one type of swimwear or the other, but obviously out bodies are very different and have different needs.
Yes, I wouldn't want to try to wear some tight speedo thing because it would be uncomfortable and erections would be painful. I have no idea how some guys in other countries wear those.

[Yurrasis]

I've seen females and males wearing a modest swimsuits/wetsuits and I think they look nice. I think it all comes down to who is wearing what, our preference and what we perceive as sexy.

Less does not mean sexier to me. For example, if I see a man in a fluorescent pink mankini running around like a titan, I wouldn't find that attractive.

[JohnQue74]

Sexist- relating to, involving, or fostering sexism, or attitudes and behavior toward someone based on the person's gender :a sexist remark; sexist advertising.
relating to discrimination or devaluation based on a person's sex or gender, especially such discrimination directed against women: A sexist work culture contributes to restricted job opportunities for women.
reflecting or exhibiting ingrained or institutionalized prejudice against women.
reflecting or exhibiting hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women; misogynistic.
I'd say no

[IMuser]

In this context, i guess being sexist means "customising according to each sex"

Guys prefer speedos/shorts so the companies manufacture them

So if a lot of girls are wearing bikini swimsuits, the cloth manufacturers will manufacture that. Is it wrong to be sexist in this case? Are bikini bottoms a problem?

[Asker]

I'm not saying they're a problem, but do you think that perhaps women are encouraged to show off their bodies when men aren't?

[IMuser]

Maybe it's because women are optimised by nature for being beautiful?

If we go back to the jungle era, men were never supposed to look good. Nature optimised them for strength, women for beauty so that they can attract men (like a flower and honeybee)

Makes sense?

[Asker]

I don't think that's true

[MCheetah]

No, that's stupid and idiotic. I don't take anything considered "sexist" seriously anymore. The term has lost all meaning. It's usually just a Karen looking for something to whine about. Ironically though, the most sexist, hateful, bigoted people in society tend to be the ones who call everything "sexist." It's called projection.

[Asker]

Wow, ok, that's harsh

[Stoner710]

I mean girls do you tend to like abs, most women would want to see me in a swim suit I’m not fat but I’m not a 6 packer eithee (unless it’s beer).

now men are more visually stimulated and a bikini is pretty much underwear so beyond being a guy women’s swim suits are sexier then mens. Also to prove my point why isn’t a guy in a speedo as sexy as a girl in bikini. It’s pretty much the equivalent of a male bikini but everyone Including women hours is Zac Efron or the rock this gross

[Asker]

Um, women are visually stimulated too, that's a myth that men are more visual

[Stoner710]

It’s not a myth, not not saying that women aren’t visually stimulated but let’s face it women are more attracted to personality and security. Money times to be security why do you think ugly rich guys can get laid and a poor guy can’t. While if you were a rich woman or a poor woman as long as you have the body you’re going to get laid.

[Anonymous]

Not really, it is just clothes. There are both options for men to wear more revealing swimwear and for women to wear something which covers more skin. Maybe it can seem like you have to follow the trends, especially for young people, but you really don't have to, just wear what you are comfortable with.