Would you think it was odd if someone wore a burkini at an indoor pool?

I live in a city with a large Muslim population and a fair number of first generation Indian immigrants. Plenty of women wear modest swimwear. Our pools actually have signs explaining what is acceptable- anything designed for swimming is fine, normal clothing is not.

Quite a few women at my pool wear leggings and a t shirt to swim in. My next closest pool I've seen women swimming in burkinis.

I've been plus size and found skirted swim wear helpful.

The only thing with full length sleeves is if the air temperature indoors isn't warm the extra fabric cools quite quickly so you may feel colder. Meaning you stay in for less time.

Personally I would suggest checking which times might work best. Early morning at our pool has the most diverse including bodies plus size, to those with missing limbs, race swimmers to walkers under 10s to over 70s (I think there might be a couple of over 80s but it would be rude to ask), our local MP and council leader regular pop in for swims too. Everyone is very very friendly but not too personal. I have found that to be huge boost for my confidence.

But as a.lover of swimming I say get in the pool in what make you feel happy in the pool.

It would draw my attention as I’ve not seen one before - plenty of fat people though including myself, and I don’t bat an eyelid. You should wear whatever makes you comfortable but if it attracts attention you might feel less comfortable. You can get nice boyleg swimmers in plus size on Amazon if that’s an option for you.

Really?

I used to go to a women only swim session at my local pool and quite a lot of women wore costumes with a lot of cover. I always thought they looked very cool!

Just be aware that slow swimmers need to be able to lane swim too. If there is a “social swim” non-loaned area, that’s the place for walking.

It's really common for people to wear swimwear that covers more/all of their body these days so wouldn't think much of it. Go for it!

Oh and loads of people wear them in the pool my son trains in. Even have some girls in swimming lessons wearing them.m

Lots of people do.

You only notice in the same way you notice what anyone's wearing 🤷‍♀️

Certainly don't think it's strange.

What's great and important is you've found something you think may help you. And you are the the most important thing to you.

I go to swim session at a local leisure centre and I'd say half, or thereabouts, the women wear burkinis. It's quite normal these days.

@Aussieland

Anything flowing does create extra drag plus there's been cases of being sucked into the filters, unfortunately people (including the son of someone I know) have been drowned by clothes or hair stuck in the filter (boys swim shorts in his case, so sad).

Never seen a burkini here but several women wear rash vests and swim shorts over their swimsuits, nobody bats an eyelid

What do you mean?
You do realise they are swimsuit material and don't really hold more water than a swimsuit?

Op wear what makes you comfortable.

At my pool a few women wear burkinis, they look really lightweight and comfortable to wear. Nobody, as far as I can tell, even notices

Lots here OP, women & children no thoughts given at all.

You can buy suits with legs on in places like decathlon which are easier to swim in. Be aware that the extra flowing material does make it harder to swim.

Our pool does disabled sessions. They are for people who are disabled. Being overweight, despite some MNetter's opinion on it, is not a disability.

OP, wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Yours Clothing do some nice swimsuits with skirts in bigger sizes, I'd possibly try one of those before a burkini depending on where you live and how multicultural it is.

I’ve never seen one around here so as a pp said it depends on your area as to whether it would draw more attention to you, but people wear so many different things no one cares.

why don’t you try wearing a skirted costume. Or swim sorts and a rash vest, which might be more comfortable, then wear a dry robe type thing to get from changing room to pool as I think that is where you will feel most vulnerable. Once you are in the water it’s only your head sticking up.

I would also reiterate pp in the swimming community there is such a wide array of body shapes - no one cares.

I recommend following Kathleen Wotton who is a blogger who was very morbidly obese and has lost some for health reasons but open water swimming has saved her life. She is still a large lady and is a massive inspiration.

the loose scarf head coverings could pose a safety risk as could loose tops which occasionally float up around your face and neck. swimming with clothing on is also much harder and tiresome.

Wut?

I've seen women wearing them at my pool and I've seen white Muslim women wearing them ( that have converted). I'm assuming just because they were with their families. There's such a variety now in what people wear it really doesn't matter. People probably aren't giving it any thought or as much thought as you think they are.

not sure you are aware but there are several ranges of Modest Swimwear that don't have the head covering but remain longer length.
enjoy the search. i hope you find one you like and enjoy the pool.

Also commonly worn in my neck of the woods by Muslim women. Wouldn't think anything of it apart from would assume you were Muslim. Go for it.

I'm a regular swimmer, I've seen plenty of people in Burkinis, they don't to create any extra "drag" in the water and the swimmers seem comfortable. Please don't feel self conscious, most people will be lost in their own thoughts and many won't be wearing their glasses so probably couldn't tell what you were wearing anyway. Enjoy it, you'll feel amazing after your swim.

Anything that gets you into the pool is your business. Go for it!!!

No disabled sessions in the pools near me.

I've never heard of them to be honest - is this a thing?

(I am disabled and use a wheelchair)