Rich Pelley’s article on swimming trunks (Brits have never taken to teeny tiny swimming briefs – but with celebrities getting on board, I took the plunge, 21 July) brought to mind my experience when buying a pair of swimming shorts. At my wife’s insistence I went into the changing room to try a pair on. After I pulled them up I felt rather uncomfortable. It was obvious something wasn’t right. On examination I found that the inner netting, intended to give support to the genitals, had been stitched into the trunks at 90 degrees to the main shorts. Always listen to your wife!
Charlie Smith
Borrowash, Derby
• Rich Pelley’s amusing account brought back memories of a Spanish beach in the 1950s during Franco’s dictatorship, when the wearing of tight trunks was frowned upon. My then fiance was rudely prodded by an elderly beach attendant and reminded sternly that the wearing of pantalon was obligatory. Clearly, his Carnaby Street snazzy tight trunks were considered too daring.
Patricia Goddard
Chesham, Buckinghamshire
• If you intend to use public swimming pools in France, pack your briefs because trunks are banned. This is for hygiene reasons, and the sooner it is a law here the better. Last summer a neighbour spent two days repairing his roof in hot weather. I met him at the public pool still wearing the same trunks. I have never used a public pool since.
Rex Barron
Ledbury, Herefordshire
• Rich Pelley implies “budgie smugglers” is an old Aussie term. I spent time on Sydney beaches from 1966 to 1969 wearing such an item, and never heard it so described. But I do recall a prim young female journalist complaining about “nylon disgustings”.
Michael Barber
London
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