Debenhams reveals the long and (very) short of men's swimwear

Debenhams has revealed new research showing the exact age when men can no longer resist the allure of 'speedos'.

The correlation between the age of a man and his swimwear preference has shown that while board shorts dominate from age 13 and tailored trunks are popular during the late 20s and into the 40s, it is age 55 when men opt for the tiny proportions of swim briefs, says fashion store Debenhams*.

In fact, the peak is reached at the age of 59, when the length of swimming trunks can reach as little as just two inches (fabric measured down the hip).

Debenhams' research shows that boys wear regulation swimming briefs throughout their early schooldays, when most of their clothing is bought by their parents, until the age of approximately 13 years old.

A transformation occurs over the next four years as teenagers rebel, with length of trunks plunging a full 15 inches to hit the knee by the age of 16, as seen on singer, Justin Bieber.

Trunk length slowly begins to creep back up between the ages of 28 and 35, as young men look to hit the beach and show off their bodies in order to find a partner.

Debenhams spokesperson, Ruth Attridge said: "It was no surprise that most respondents referenced the pulling power of Daniel Craig’s tight-fitted blue trunks as their main beach influence.

"However, when we discovered that even James Bond can't tear British men in their over 50s away from the skimpiest of bathers, we knew we had to start taking notes."

Throughout the 40s, board shorts and their smarter cousin, trunks, do battle with a 50 / 50 preference from Debenhams customers.

However, from age 55, swimming trunks turn back into swimming briefs and at the age of 59 reach eye-watering proportions, a la Giorgio Armani and Peter Stringfellow.

Almost no men ever return to board shorts, apart from the notable exception - actor, Jack Nicholson.

Attridge continued: "Our findings are very important in helping our mens swimwear designers get ready for the Olympic sales boom, expected to start at the beginning of 2012.

"With tiny, tight, togs sure to create a splash, we will be reviewing our designs to try and ensure all men look like David Gandy in their swimmers, whatever their age and figure."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
*1,000 men interviewed between June and July 2011
Debenhams stocks over 120 styles of swimming shorts, ranging from £12 to £55

About Debenhams:
Debenhams is a leading department stores group with a strong presence in key product categories including womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, home and health and beauty.

Debenhams is the second largest department store chain in the UK and operates 167 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Debenhams also has 61 international franchise stores in 24 countries and six Magasin stores in Denmark.

Debenhams' online stores are available at www.debenhams.com and www.debenhams.ie.

Designers at Debenhams include Preen, Jonathan Saunders, Jonathan Kelsey, Roksanda Ilincic, Ted Baker, Jeff Banks, Jasper Conran, Erickson Beamon, FrostFrench, Henry Holland, Betty Jackson, Ben de Lisi, Julien Macdonald, Melissa Odabash, Jane Packer, Pearce Fionda, Janet Reger, John Rocha, Lisa Stickley, Eric Van Peterson and Matthew Williamson.

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www.debenhams.com