The Budgie Smugglers Are Back: 7 Viral Celebrity Speedo Moments Of 2024 And The 'Speedo Summer' Of 2025

The iconic, often-controversial, swim brief—affectionately known as the "budgie smuggler"—is officially having a major comeback, dominating celebrity beach and poolside fashion as we head into late 2025. This isn't just a fleeting trend; it's a full-blown declaration, with publications like GQ proclaiming 2025 as the definitive 'Speedo Summer.' From A-list actors stripping down for high-fashion magazines to viral vacation moments, the message is clear: the minimal swimwear look is back in a big way, proving that confidence is the ultimate accessory.

The resurgence of the Speedo as a mainstream style choice is being driven by a new generation of male celebrities and fashion icons who are embracing the form-fitting silhouette. Forget the baggy board shorts of the past decade; the current movement celebrates athleticism, classic style, and a bold willingness to show off the results of a dedicated fitness routine. Below, we dive into the most talked-about, viral, and influential celebrity Speedo moments from 2024 and 2025 that are defining this swimwear revolution.

The Defining Speedo Sightings That Launched The '2025 Speedo Summer' Trend

The shift towards the swim brief was not a slow transition; it was a series of high-impact, viral moments that captured global attention. These sightings moved the conversation from competitive swimming to high fashion and mainstream leisure wear, setting the stage for the 'Speedo Summer' of 2025. This trend has been amplified by social media and celebrity endorsements, turning a simple piece of swimwear into a cultural talking point.

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1. Walton Goggins’ Viral Cultured Magazine Cover (April/May 2025)

Perhaps the single most influential moment of the 2025 Speedo revival came courtesy of actor Walton Goggins. Known for his roles in Fallout and The Hateful Eight, Goggins stripped down to a revealing, bright yellow Speedo for the April/May 2025 issue of Cultured magazine. The photoshoot, which saw the star posing at the Santa Monica Pier, was immediately polarizing and went viral, sparking massive online discussion and even a segment on the daytime talk show The View. The photo was a bold, artistic statement that challenged traditional perceptions of masculinity and swimwear, pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable for a mainstream celebrity.

2. The Iconic Beckham Father-Son Replication (2024)

The Beckham family has long been synonymous with iconic swimwear moments, and 2024 delivered a new classic. David Beckham, whose white Prada briefs photo from the early 2000s remains legendary, was joined by his son, Cruz Beckham, on a family vacation in Italy. Cruz recreated his father's famous look, posing in similar white briefs that immediately turned into a viral photo moment. This generational passing of the Speedo torch cemented the brief's status as a timeless, aspirational piece of resort wear, linking contemporary style back to early-2000s celebrity fashion.

3. Chris Appleton’s Shirtless Dip (2025)

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, a key figure in the beauty and fashion world, contributed to the 2025 wave with a casual but highly-publicized Speedo sighting. Appleton, known for his work with stars like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, was photographed shirtless, taking a dip in a classic Speedo. His endorsement, coming from a major fashion influencer, signaled that the trend was moving beyond actors and athletes into the broader realm of style and lifestyle figures. This moment underscored the idea that the Speedo is now a go-to choice for a stylish, modern beach look.

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4. Theo James’ Tight Swim Brief Photoshoot (2024)

Actor Theo James, who gained a massive following for his role in The White Lotus, was seen rocking a super tight Speedo in new pictures in 2024. James’s look leaned into the classic, athletic aesthetic of the swim brief, appealing to fans of a more traditional, European beach style. His photos contributed to the growing catalogue of A-list stars confidently sporting the minimal swimwear, adding a layer of sophisticated sex appeal to the trend.

5. Jason Kelce’s Unapproved Viral Moment (2024)

Even the sports world got in on the action, albeit with a humorous twist. Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, known for his down-to-earth personality, had a viral Speedo moment in 2024. The photo was so revealing that his wife, Kylie Kelce, publicly stated that she did not approve of the viral image. This sighting, while perhaps less fashion-forward than the others, demonstrated the sheer cultural reach of the Speedo, proving that even a casual, unposed moment in the brief can become a major news story.

Beyond the Brief: The Cultural Impact and Fashion Entities Driving the Trend

The celebrity Speedo trend is more than just a series of photos; it’s a reflection of broader shifts in men's fashion and body positivity. The swim brief requires a certain level of confidence, and the current visibility is encouraging men to embrace their bodies and personal style choices.

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The Rise of the 'Budgie Smuggler' in High Fashion

The fashion industry has embraced the Speedo's revival. Designers are incorporating the silhouette into their resort and swimwear collections, moving away from the dominance of the longer board short. The term "budgie smuggler," a humorous Australian slang term for the brief, is now used globally in fashion articles to denote a playful and confident approach to beachwear. Brands like Versace, Prada, and, of course, the original Speedo brand, are seeing renewed interest in their minimal offerings, often in bold colors, patterns, and high-cut styles.

This trend is also closely tied to the rise of male models who embody a chiseled, athletic physique, such as David Gandy, who has frequently been cited in discussions about the hottest male celebrities in Speedos. The visibility of these figures reinforces the aspirational, athletic quality of the garment.

LSI Keywords and Topical Authority:

• Male Celebrities in Swimwear: The current focus is heavily on the form-fitting nature of the brief, contrasting with the previous trend of loose-fitting trunks.
• Speedo Trends 2025: The key trend is bold colors, high-cut legs, and solid, classic styles, moving away from overly busy patterns.
• Swim Briefs vs. Board Shorts: The debate is back, with the brief gaining significant ground for its quick-drying properties and freedom of movement.
• Walton Goggins Cultured Speedo: This specific image has become a benchmark for the maximalist, "look-at-me" approach to the trend.
• Hottest Celebrity Beach Bodies: The Speedo naturally highlights the physique, making it a staple for stars dedicated to their fitness.

How to Participate in the 'Speedo Summer' of 2025

For those inspired by the latest celebrity sightings, embracing the 'Speedo Summer' trend is all about confidence and choosing the right fit. The key is to select a brief that is well-made, offers appropriate support, and suits your body type. Modern swim briefs are engineered with advanced, quick-drying fabrics that offer comfort and durability, making them highly practical for swimming and sunbathing.

The celebrity influence of 2024 and 2025 has effectively normalized the swim brief, making it a stylish and acceptable choice for any beach or poolside setting. Whether you opt for a classic black brief like David Beckham's iconic look, or a bold, statement-making color like Walton Goggins, the current trend is a celebration of self-assured style. As GQ predicted, 2025 is the year to shed the excess fabric and dive into the water with confidence.