Hot girl summer might be 2025’s rallying cry — but decades before hashtags and online shops, hot men’s swimwear ads were already bringing the heat. And they were likely every gay boy’s fantasy. Queerty curated a collection of 25 vintage swimsuit ads from the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s which proves one thing loud and clear: skin has always been in style.
And long before your favorite Insta thirst trap, these illustrated spreads show that men have always been pin-ups in their own right. Back then, choosing a swimsuit wasn’t about scrolling on your phone. It was about spotting bold new designs in equally bold magazine spreads.
As men started going shirtless on American beaches in the 1930s, fashion exploded with variety — from high-waisted trunks with buttons and belts to the so-called “daredevil” side-lacers that left very little to the imagination.
Speedo was already dominating with its now-iconic briefs. Catalina called itself the “most popular swim trunks in America,” while Jantzen dazzled with the most daring designs of the era. One thing’s for sure — vintage men’s swimwear was never shy, and never boring. And honestly? Some of those “daredevil trunks” are still hotter than anything we’ve seen on Fire Island this year.
So, before you get ready for your next beach day, dive into these vintage ads. They’re a reminder that queer style, summer confidence, and body pride aren’t trends — they’re timeless. Check out more of these vintage styles on Queerty.com
