If you've ever heard an Australian mention budgie smugglers and wondered what on earth they meant, you're not alone. Here's the short answer, the longer story, and why the name stuck.

What are budgie smugglers?

Budgie smugglers is Australian slang for tight fitting men's swim briefs: the classic close cut swimwear you'd see at any Aussie beach or pool. In the UK you might call them swimming trunks, swim briefs or simply Speedos. The joke is in the fit. A budgie is a small pet bird, and a snug pair of briefs leaves very little to the imagination, so it looks as if you're smuggling one.

You'll see it spelt two ways. "Budgie smugglers" is the slang term. "Budgy Smuggler", with a y, is us: the brand that took the joke and made it a business.

How did Budgy Smuggler begin?

It started as a joke between mates, with someone writing "budgy smuggler" on the back of a pair of swimmers. A few people found it funny, so a little website went up to sell them, and it slowly caught on. Today every pair of our swimwear is still made in our own factory in Sydney, from printing to cutting to sewing, and we've had a UK base since 2016.

Are budgie smugglers the same as swimming trunks?

In British English, "trunks" can mean anything from loose swim shorts to close fitting briefs. Budgie smugglers sit firmly at the brief end. Ours have a drawstring waist and a classic brief cut, and they're built to be swum in, whether that's lengths at the leisure centre, a sea swim or a holiday by the pool. Browse our men's swimwear to see the full range.

Why do people wear them?

• They're made for swimming. No drag from baggy shorts, and nothing ballooning up when you jump in.
• They last. Our fabric is GRS certified recycled polyester and elastane, chlorine resistant for 80 to 90 hours, with SPF 50+ sun protection.
• They dry fast. Less fabric means less time sitting in a soggy pair.
• They're fun. Prints like Rubber Ducks and Chilli Willies are a conversation starter on any beach.

Do women wear budgie smugglers?

The term is about men's briefs, but our women's range (we call them Smugglettes) uses the same prints and fabric across one piece swimsuits, racers and bikinis, so couples and families can match. See family smuggling for matching sets.

Is "budgie smugglers" rude?

It's cheeky rather than rude. In Australia it's an everyday phrase, used by sports commentators, politicians and lifeguards alike. In the UK it usually raises a smile, which is exactly the point.

Ready to try a pair? Start with our best selling men's swim briefs, or check our size guide first.