The Making of a Classic: The Watershort
THE WATERSHORT
The Watershort is a Classic in the truest sense. Made for lightweight comfort and on-the-go wear, no wonder it’s stayed such an icon over the years. It reliably pairs with almost anything to keep you looking good, anywhere.
It was 1936, at the Berlin Games where the Australian Men’s team all swam in Speedo, famously debuting a racy, bare-chested swimming short design. It’s here where then owner, Alexander McRae made a vital connection to the Surf Life Saving Association. This would be a relationship that’d go on to become a cornerstone of the brand, bringing about the more surf-influenced styles you see today, popular in menswear.
As global tastes changed, in 1937, in the USA it became legal to swim bare-chested in public. Whilst Olympic swimmer Johnny Weismuller was helping BVD develop a tank-top trunk combo, the vibe was very much heading towards what would become the watershort.
In the late ‘40s, it even became popular to trim off your bottoms to just below the knee. For surfers, it helped to protect their legs from the against the boards. This surf culture became a huge influencing factor as the sport grew. There’d be styles developed with high belts and more exciting fabrics in the 60s, although while stylish, they didn’t offer the practicality of a soft, nylon short, boxer-style. They were the perfect leisurewear item, capable of taking you everywhere, a feature referenced in the advertising of the time.
Since the classic design was introduced, minor tweaks along the way have ensured it’s stayed on long and strong as one of the comfiest options available in men’s swimwear. The inner mesh lining and quick-drying fabrics have been updated as has the side pocket drainage system, which keeps them light and airy, even when they get wet. These days, you’ve got the pick of the litter when it comes to size too. There really is something for everyone.
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