Speedo’s Solar 1″ Brief Review

Speedo 1" Solar Swim Brief

The Speedo Solar 1″ swim brief is my go to swim bikini when I have the nerve to wear one even though I’d like to go a little skimpier all around. The brand name of Speedo makes me think it should be more acceptable to people with it being a big well known brand. I like the first version of the suits I got better, because it was a stretchy spandex fabric. I liked the feel of them on better than the newer ones. The original and new version both have about 1 1/2″ sides, so not quite the 1″ like they call it. The front and full back have a center seam and the swimsuit has a drawstring. The newer version is made with the Xtra Life Lycra and nylon blend. I like to wear them on the hips and I find them very comfortable in and out of the water. I’ve made appearances in them at the beach and at hotel pools with no issues and I also wear them under swim shorts for the support. So I’ve gotten lots of wear out of them and they are holding up well. I still have both the original versions and two of the newer models. I machine wash them and hang them to dry and only one pair doesn’t look almost new, which is the one I wear the most.

I’d recommended them for a swim bikini. They’re a similar fit to a full Speedo swim brief, but with a higher leg cut, which I think feels like you have more freedom. So two thongs up for the Speedo Solar 1″ Brief. Check it out on Amazon Ad.

Update 9/8/17 – Today I received a Speedo Solar in the color white. The white version has lining all the way around and not just the pouch like the other colors I have. I bought it in the same size as my others and the fit is tighter. Most likely it is due to the full lining. The lining is thicker too, which I assume is to help combat transparency. Guess we’ll see how that is when I get it wet.

Speedo 1" Solar Swim Brief Original

My Rating Overview

Support Rating: 5.0
Overall Comfort: 5.0
Recommendation: Two thongs up

Pros: Speedo name, Good cut for any venue
Cons: Like fabric better on first two suits I got. New suits fabric feels stiffer

What do you rate the 1″ Solar Brief?

31 Responses

  1. R says:

    Hi- love your bikini collection. Great that your wife likes them though my wife doesn’t :-(. Where can I get a 1″ speedo solar? All the speedos I can find online are 3″ at least!! Love speedos but the narrower the better!! Thanks

    • Hi and thanks for visiting my blog. Too bad your wife doesn’t like that you like bikinis. Was helpful having mine support me in getting to wear one in public for the first time. Is it she doesn’t like you in them or just because it’s not the norm at the beach or pool?

      I just checked Swim Outlet and they have them on sale for $19.95, which is a good deal. Speedo’s website sells them for $34 and have them listed as three different products: Shoreline 1″ Brief, Fitness Solar 1″ Brief, and Solar 1″ Brief. You can search their site for 1″ Brief and they should come up. I actually found Amazon having a sale on the 1″ Shoreline Brief for $14 and grabbed one of those recently. I’ve seen other sites selling them too, but don’t recall which ones at the moment. The Swim Outlet sale price is a good deal for them.

  2. Dan says:

    Wow I actually had no idea that speedo do a 1″ brief! I have many 5″ speedo briefs which i use for swimming in the pool but I definitely need to pick up a couple of these to wear on the beach. With the higher cut they should sit nicely on my hips. They really suit you.

  3. Louie V says:

    Hi.l live in Australia and can’t find anywhere that sells the Speedo Solar 1″ bikini brief.l am the type of person who doesn’t leave anything to the imagination.l always remove the lining for the near naked look,especially when wet with an erection.

  4. Chris says:

    I second the swim outlet recommendation; there are 2 Speedo solar suits in route from them as I type (under $20 each on sale).

    Just a suggestion for “TBD” author in the pictures: I believe you will have a slightly more flattering fit if you pull the sides DOWN below your hip bone. I wear similar suits (Dolphin racer, C-in2 and a few Japanese knock offs); when worn properly, the sides do not rise above the middle of the suit.

    Cheers!

  5. Chris says:

    To those whom wish to have “spouse approval”; consider making a gradual transition from what you previously wore to the suit you prefer. I went from “boardies” to a small low rise brief over a 2-season time frame. I started in square cuts and was getting in better and better shape; by the second season I was tanned and fit enough that the wife found the low rise brief more flattering than the square cuts. This is not to say one MUST be tanned and lean to wear a brief, but I personally felt more comfortable that way.

    Be advised that on many US beaches or pools there will be occasional remarks or jeers toward “Speedo wearers”; I ignore most of it and carry about confidently. I believe much of it is a combination of jealousy and immaturity.

    Cheers!

    • I agree if your spouse is resistant or hesitant about you wearing a swim brief that gradually working your way to it is a great idea. Also may be an easier transition for you too, since it is very likely you’ll be the only one wearing less than trunks. Thanks for sharing.

  6. Black Stallion says:

    I’m not married yet, but I wonder have any of you asked yourselves this?
    Does your spouse ask for you input when they make choices?

    • My wife does ask me for input. I don’t have as much pull on swimwear as underwear. She does typically ask what I like of her swimwear selection the best before she buys. With underwear I get to pick that out a lot of the time.

      • Louie Vlahopoulos says:

        I have been wearing Speedo bikini swimwear for as long as I have been going to beaches,pools or friends home pools.I am not married but was with a woman for eight years.She only wore bikinis and sometimes G-string bottoms also which I admit nearly always made me hard as she had a gorgeous bum.I often wear aussieBum 1.5″ briefs and they don’t leave much to the imagination as the nylon is extremely thin.When wet and/or I am erect it is a display which made my girlfriend a little envious as the stares(by women and men) left her and went to me.Anyway,to get back to your question neither of us told eachother what to wear.It could be swimwear,underwear or general clothing.I suppose our choices were good.

  7. David says:

    I have want ed a 1″ solor in white for years but carnt find a pair in the uk Iam a 29″ waist

  8. David says:

    Thanks i ll have a look

  9. Brian says:

    Look like a great fit on you. May I ask what size they are and what your normal waist size is for pants? I’ve been reading alot if places that they run a size or two small.

    • The Bottom Drawer says:

      I typically wear the Speedo Solar in a 32. Though my Navy one is a 30, which is a little snug. Pant size I’m more a 33 now a days at least they are more comfortable. So for me I’d say they don’t really run small other than maybe the white with it’s lining throughout that seems to give a tighter fit.

    • Dan says:

      I don’t think they run small for speedo – they are normal speedo size though so they are traditionally smaller waist. For example I am 30-31 inch waist but wear size 32 in speedo as the 30 is too tight for me. If in doubt for the size up.

  10. Brian says:

    Thanks Dan and TBD. I am a 33-34 usually so I just ordered a size 34 red speedo solar. Can’t wait to wear it to the pool and work on my tan!

    • The Bottom Drawer says:

      Let us know how the sizing works out for you. The more information from multiple people on the suit is always great for others looking at purchasing one.

      • Dave R says:

        I have a 32″ waist, but I am also a bodybuilder with thicker legs and bigger squat butt. So I always go up and get a 34″. It’s about comfort guys. Some prefer that sprayed on look, I think it looks great, but for general walking around, getting attention wearing this perfect bikini, the 34″ give me a little wiggle room and shows off the package really well. It is a perfect suit to wear and I have NEVER had a negative or offensive comment wearing these. Ever. Just wear them and enjoy your life, who cares what others think right?

        • The Bottom Drawer says:

          Thanks for chiming in on the sizing. I haven’t had an issue wearing them either places. We shouldn’t care what other thinks. Some days it is easier than others though.

  11. Brian says:

    Will do!

  12. Brian says:

    My speedo solar arrived in the mail today. I am a size 34 waist so I ordered the size 34 speedo solar. I must say it was just way too tight unfortunately. I prefer my swim bikinis and undies to be nice and snug and definitely not baggy, but these were just uncomfortably tight. On the positive side the material felt very nice and there was nothing wrong with the quality. I would just personally recommend sizing up if you decide to purchase one. Hopefully the 36 I am exchanging it for fits better. I will post again here when it arrives.

    • The Bottom Drawer says:

      Sorry to hear they didn’t fit in the size that matched your waist size. Hopefully the size up will work. Thanks for the update.

    • David R says:

      You will love this 36 if the 34 is too tight for you. These solar speeders are the best on earth.

  13. budgyluvr says:

    Just ordered two more solars in grey and navy from Macys. These do run small in all areas so be sure to size up. I am a 32/33 and ordered a 36. Love the 1.5 inch sides, just wish they would remove the seams front/back.

  14. Dave R says:

    I LOVE these Speedo Solar 1″ briefs!!!! The fit is, well perfect. Nothing hanging out and butt nicely cupped with the rear center seam. The front seam provides just enough room to hold your boys, and they are the best suits made bar none. Speedo knows what they are doing! From my backyard pool, to the amazing ocean and sands in Cancun and everywhere in-between, Speedo sets the standard. Just because you wear a tight pair of swim trunks does not qualify them to even be called a Speedo…unless SPEEDO is actually printed on the trunks. Don’t be fooled! They also hold up really well too! Expect plenty of looks in these. They are athletic and the fit properly. After you buy one Solar, I suspect you will buy more. They have special designs and limited editions prior to swim season, so keep on the lookout!

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