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 !

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?

Getting the right fit for your swim briefs is as essential as finding the right cut, style, and color that are most suited for you. Swim briefs that tend to sag won’t look good, especially when out on the beach and coming out of the water. The same goes for swim briefs that cling too tightly to the body.

Although wearing European-style swimwear is bringing out your daring side, a pair that is fitting too tight, might prove more tasteless than tasteful.

So it really pays to consider what fits your body best. The best fit will always be one that is snug and holds well to the hips and the crotch. At Espada, we have four sizes available for our swimwear: small, medium, large, and x-large. You can take a look through the shop for our size chart so you know the exact measurements for each one of them.

And, Espada swimsuits are made with only the very best Italian fabrics with 4-way stretch, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum comfort. The fabric makes a huge difference in how the swimsuit shapes and lifts the body in all the right places.

Now, it’s really simple to find the right size to fit your body. All it takes is a measuring tape and knowing where to measure. All our swimsuits are made to fit at the hips. It might be tricky to figure out exactly where to measure but it’s not difficult. It’s where you would think your swim briefs would fit most comfortably, and that would be right above the bones of your hips. That is where you measure.

By making sure that the tape is flat on your skin and isn’t twisted anywhere, you can easily measure yourself for the right swimwear size. To ensure a snug fit, remove any slack during measuring. After taking the measurement, compare it to our size chart to figure out the appropriate size. This way you can be sure that you’ll get the right size swim briefs to flatter your body while out on the beach.

When you’re ready for a great fitting pair of swim briefs and a great summer ahead filled with pools and beaches, come check us out.

Like the typical brief, swim briefs make sure that things are secure when you hit the water. By design, they won’t slip off that easily either. Actually, since the swim brief is also known as a racing brief, its traditional design is especially made for water sports. So, there is less drag in the water and a faster drying time as well since they don’t hold as much water.

What about flattering the body? Now, this is what a lot of people seem to be concerned about. It’s also something that turns people off about swim briefs. Well, fortunately, swim briefs do come in different styles. Here at Espada, for example, there are three different cuts to choose from. And they also come with different color designs that make them stylish, too.

What flatters most people is the design and cut of Espada’s low-rise racer. It’s the best style to wear when you’re aiming for getting as much sun exposure as you can for a tan. Espada’s Brazilian swim brief, on the other hand, gives a little more coverage. The versions with the color blocks on either side create a slimming look. For those who like the function of the swim brief, but want something even more coverage, we have the square cut which gives you that comfort of being covered up in all the right places while still being sexy.

If you’re still worried about showing too much skin at the beach, stop worrying. European-style swimwear is stylish and sleek and will make heads turn with a cool and sophisticated look.

While it is making a comeback, getting a tan at the beach is a simple way for anyone to add that healthy golden glow to their skin. You don’t need to be British to know that a nice tan actually does add some appeal points to a guy’s look. The art of tanning, though, takes some learning and expertise, especially when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun. You don’t want to overdo it and get burnt.

Learning the right way to tan at the beach ensures that your skin looks good and achieves that glowing look. First of all, it’s critical to know that there is a certain amount of time that’s optimal for staying out under the sun. Too much sun and you might get extremely sun burnt or even end up looking like a human lobster. Looking like a lobster isn’t a good thing, for your ego and for your skin. So, if you’re a beginner at tanning, it’s best to start off with 10-15 minutes first and then slowly add to it. No matter how experienced you are with tanning, don’t overdo it and stick to one or two hours every day.

Aside from learning how to time your tanning, there are a lot of other tips on the subject that can help. Staying hydrated is a must, too, so your skin keeps fresh while you tan. Do not forget sunscreen lotion as this is an essential ingredient in achieving a good tan. Apply sunscreen before sun exposure and after sun exposure to keep your skin protected and moisturized.

The last piece of course, is finding the right swimsuit. It would be impossible to get that nice, natural, all-around tan with the least amount of visible tan-lines unless you find the right swimming apparel. We recommend swim briefs to maximize tanning exposure and minimize tan lines. Our swim briefs will definitely help to keep you stylish while you achieve that perfect tan.

I can see why so many great artists have called Barcelona home. The most famous is Pablo Picasso, who came to Barcelona when he was 13 years old. Picasso started painting in Barcelona and now there is the Picasso Museum with over 3000 works in it’s collection. Picasso himself donated many of the pieces to the museum; www.museupicasso.bcn.es

And, you can’t talk about art or architecture in Barcelona without Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi’s mark is all over Barcelona with his signature buildings in the Catalan Modernista style. Gaudi was in search of an architectural style that evoked Catlaonia’s romantic medieval past. Brilliant color, free-form shapes and large scale were all Gaudi trademarks. If you don’t know about Gaudi, then check it out on wikipedia…..amazing work and way ahead of his time.
Check out the photos of some landmark Gaudi buildings so you can see the details.

Barcelona continues to inspire artists and designers. I will be using some of the images, colors and textures in my next collection.

One of the things I love about Barcelona is the signage and the use of letters and fonts. It’s a much different aesthetic than we often see in the US. I’ve got some great ideas for our new line of Espada t-shirts and hoodies coming soon using text and fonts in a new way. Coming soon.

If you are visiting Barcelona, we can recommend two hotels in the Eixample area of Barcelona (in the center of the City, but not too touristy); Hotel Rafael Casanova and Hotel Soho. Both are “design” boutique hotels and provide a sanctuary for a quiet siesta when you need a break. And, don’t be afraid to indulge in the Barcelona food, drink and nightlife. Everybody sleeps at some point during the day & you will quickly walk off any extra calories from all the tapas and great wine!. Enjoy everything Barcelona has to offer.

On a side note, Spain is in the semi-finals of the World Cup and plays Germany tonight. If Spain wins, then the streets will explode in celebration. Go Spain !!!!

Santos

Just 30 minutes south of this hotbed of style, though, is Sitges, a chic seaside village of about 20,000 residents. Originally it was for the summer homes of the wealthy from Barcelona. Now, this unique seaside town attracts visitors from around the world, mostly from Scandinavia, Germany, Britain and France.

Sitges has more than 17 beaches fronting the Mediterranean Sea and each has its own style. With a broad tree-lined promenade fronting all the beaches, it makes for some of the best people watching around. Also, Sitges has its own ‘microclimate,’ with 300 days of sunshine per year. During our stay, we didn’t encounter any rain, so we have no idea how it is when it does.

Sitges and the adjoining Costa Daurada (Spain’s Gold Coast) continue to be a major source of inspiration for Espada Swimwear. The vibe and lifestyle brings to mind a style of casual chic with brilliant colors. Everyone comes to Sitges for a beach holiday, so great swimwear is absolutely essential. Being in the Mediterranean, it’s definitely in style to wear racers as the locals do.

Take a look at some of the quick pictures we’ve taken of the beaches, the people and the street life in Sitges. Hopefully, you can get a feel for this charming village which brings us back time and time again.

Tomorrow, we go to Barcelona for some shopping and to check out new hot spots. Barcelona is always changing, so we’ll be sure to tell you what we find.

All the best,

Santos

Temperatures are rising; a sure sign that summer is finally here. For many, summer isn’t complete without a trip to the beach, where the promise of sun, sand, and waves, make up a surefire formula for having a good time.

Over on the West Coast, the beaches are starting to fill with patrons from all over the world. While girls seem to be more than comfortable showing off a bit of skin at the beach, many American men opt to wear baggy board shorts that go down to their knees. Elsewhere in the world, on the beaches of southern France, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Sydney, men are a lot less conservative, strutting around in tight-fitting swim wear in varying degrees of leg exposure.

With the gradual adaptation of board shorts as everyday attire and frequent media exposure of male celebrities unafraid to wear ’speedos’ and swim briefs, the States are starting to warm up toward European style swimwear. Its skin-hugging elasticity and streamlined form allow for great comfort, freedom of movement, and cosmopolitan style.

Whereas board shorts take a while to dry after plunging into the ocean waves or swimming pool, certain swim briefs made from chlorine-resistant Italian fabric dry faster, leaving no tell-tale watermarks or clamminess. Because European style swimwear exposes more skin, men can get nice, even tans.

Espada Men’s Swimwear provides high quality European style swimwear that promises great comfort and style. Those who still feel a little iffy about wearing swim briefs can opt for the square cut style. Men can choose between solid colors or a color contrast waistband design. Inside drawstrings and partial lining ensure everything stays in place, both in and above water.

This summer is sure to sizzle with more men deciding to take on skin-flaunting European-style swimwear.