Great story Monty. I remember when I was in Junior High School (13 years old?), I had a buddy - Jody - that was on a swim team. He had these purple w/ white panel, 100% nylon speedos. Jeez - so translucent except for the double front panel. I think maybe that was my beginning.
Then when I got super into fitness, I started rockin' spandex tights and shorts - and nylon, split leg, shorty-shorts. That was also in the 80's. Yep, those were amazing days to be sure. I still wear that stuff but feel unique doing so rather than, "the norm". In some ways, I think back-then was hotter than now. More accepted by both genders. And the gals wearing those thong-back leotards over their leggings! Yeow!