Cimbrone

So when these speedo suits are required, does that mean other less revealing bathing suits (like that box-cut 50's style suit) are not allowed? How rigid is this rule?

kleeblatt

The only time my Swiss husband felt uncomfortable wearing his speedos was during a US visit.

analogue

I think that the most important thing is that the swimsuit be close fitting and nothing that you could possibly have worn outside. The rules are for hygiene, not voyeurism.

kenderina

At swimming pools here in Spain men can wear every swimsuit a swimmer would use at a competition. And you should have a shower before and after swimming.

wally34949

Most swimming pools in Europe want everyone to take a naked shower before using the pool and they don't want you to wear a bathing suit that has a pair of dirty (or clean) underware inside the suit.

They also want you to remove your suit in the shower and towel off before walking to your locker so there isn't water all over the floor of the locker room.

If you have a problem with this, consider taking up badmitton.

I remember going swimming in Iceland a few years ago in a large outdoor swimming pool where the outdoor temperature was 32 F and the water temperature was 95 F. They had a sign in the shower room that even told people where to soap up naked. One must understand that there are no chemicals in this outdoor pool and it is important to not cause the spread of bacteria.

In Helsinki, Finland a sign that said no baggies was present and it did help bring out only the serious swimmers.

So, when in Rome . . .

wally34949

This reminds me of a joke I heard a long time ago.

Two guys were laying on the beach and the one guy said to his buddy, "Look at that girl over there. What can I do to get her to notice me?"

His friend said, "Why don't you try putting a rock in your bathing suit."

All of a sudden the girl walked away, shaking her head quite upset.

The guy had put the rock in the back of his bathing suit.

susanh

Thanks to all who answered my questions. I appreciate the reasoning and now I can explain to the 10-yr old and not pack his usual swim trunks. Question has nothing to do w/body "shame" or fashion, etc.. since family is quite comfortable w/ourselves; I just never thought of the hygiene side of it! Thanks, again!

wally34949

BTW, when I was in Pisa, Italy, I stayed at a campground that had a swimming pool. They required everyone to wear a bathing cap. They sold them there for about 5 Euros. Personally, I thought it was a rip-off, but once again, When in Rome. . .

RM67

At my local Cannons Healthclub I once saw a guy who'd forgotton his trunks swimming in his pants instead (white y-fronts, complete with piping). They, of course, became totally transparent immediately on contact with water.

Either he didn't realise this, or (more likely) he was somewhat of an exhibitionist, because he kept getting out of the water over and over again to do violent stretching exercises right by the poolside.

Yukky !!!!!!!!!!

NoleNomad

Sounds like it's just a matter of time before cleansing enemas are required before entering the pool. Think I'll stick with golf.

mcnyc

OMG! This has got to be one of the funniest posts, even though I know it's a serious subject.

Susanh, you don't tell us where you're going. Or if you did so in a previous post, this poster has not gone to research where you're going.

In any case, you got some great advice.

Wally, I heard a similar joke, but it involved potatoes instead of rocks. Still funny.

Cimbone: you're hilarious!

SeaUrchin: ew on the guy with the 2 budgies/coinpurse. Who needs a fanny pack!

Cowboy1968

When in Europe, you can check out the sporting goods department of one of the major stores.
You will find a wide variety of swimmers, including boxer shorts-type swimmers. The latter are also made from lycra or similar.

In Germany, you can have problems with regular "streetwear" shorts, but when it's real swimwear, I never seen anyone getting kicked out of the pool.
You don't need flip-flops. All pools I know, have desinfecting spray dispensers against the athlete's foot.

susanh

Thanks, again, to all. I can't travel w/o checking here!

keb0503

Just cause it wasn't mentioned:
Banana hammock
is a budgie smuggler here in the US.