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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to wear swim leggings

71 replies

jacqelinedaniels · 06/09/2019 22:17

Just ordered some, to below the knee, not arrived yet so don't know if I will actually like them yet... but really hope they are the answer! I hate my legs, HATE them, feel so self conscious in normal swimwear, and have a big group holiday coming up. I've literally never seen another woman wearing any, but would it be so weird? It really bugs me how men can cover up in big shorts but women have to be so visible. DH says it's more obvious when you try and hide and it's better to just be confident but it's not that easy! Anyone else wear any? How much does it stand out?

OP posts:
chickenyhead · 07/09/2019 01:16

Seen lots of people in them OP, not that it matters. Wear what makes you comfortable. What does stand out is someone who isn't.

PenelopeFlintstone · 07/09/2019 01:26

Honestly, I’d notice them and not give them a moment’s further thought.

PenelopeFlintstone · 07/09/2019 01:27

But I’m in Australia and lots of people wear knee-length board shorts at the pool and beach. 100% normal.

soulrunner · 07/09/2019 01:37

I notice more of the teen girls at dd’s swim club are wearing them for training. Wear what you’re comfortable in.

Penguinpop · 07/09/2019 02:16

This... This exists?

Shock where have you been all my life swim leggings??

Thank you kind internet stranger for your thread! I'll make sure to help normalise these the next time I'm at the beach. Grin

PapayaCoconut · 07/09/2019 02:30

DH says it's more obvious when you try and hide and it's better to just be confident

Easy for a man to say, who isn't constantly scrutinised. My Dsis swims in yoga pants. She's slim but can't be bothered to shave. I think it's a great idea and will become more normal as women start to realise that being practically naked is not a must when swimming.

Gingerkittykat · 07/09/2019 03:07

I had never heard of swim leggings but now going to get some for my DD who insists on wearing shorts over her swimsuit in the pool.

My friend used to order sun suits with long sleeves and legs to cover self harm scars and never had a problem.

Wear whatever you feel confident wearing. I always feel sad when women don't swim or go to the beach because they are uncomfortable with their bodies.

aLilNonnyMouse · 07/09/2019 03:35

Have you tried a swim dress? I'm not happy being in a traditional costume myself but a swim dress does the job for me.

livelaughcheese · 07/09/2019 04:22

I'm going to get these for the beach for sun protection. I live is Aus and already wear full length rash tops so may as well go all the way www.ripcurl.com.au/womens/clothing/swimwear/rash-vests/womens-uv-rashy-surf-pant.html?size=10&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh8jrBRDQARIsAH7BsXfcYTcwGF9JDnG4UeKp1q92AGtNWyxKxcH2BWIj49szLxa5R59h0PwaAtgYEALw_wcB

Wear what makes you comfortable, women shouldn't feel pressured to reveal their body when they don't want to 🤛

Cassilis · 07/09/2019 06:58

I alternate between my long swimming leggings and my swim skirt because I hate shaving my legs.

No one bats an eye. And I wouldn’t care if they did.

Cassilis · 07/09/2019 06:59

@livelaughcheese they look good but pricey, I bought mine for £10 on Amazon and they’re great, I’ve had them for 5 years.

OneStepSideways · 07/09/2019 07:06

I wear full length swim leggings and a wetsuit top because I'm always cold in public pools! I haven't noticed any funny looks. I've seen lots of women in swim leggings or neoprene long shorts and rash vests, especially in fun pools or for baby swim classes.

alwayscoffee · 07/09/2019 07:09

Someone at my pool wears them. I thought they were fab and asked where she got them so I could buy my sister a pair. I think most people are too self conscious Jin swimwear to pay attention to what others look like - do whatever makes you feel most comfortable

AuntieStella · 07/09/2019 07:10

If I saw someone in longer leg swimwear, especially the very long lengths, I would assume they were a triathlete (and yes, they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and can have very powerful legs)

Wear with confidence!

I predict that we'll be seeing a lot more of them about, now that they're carried by more stores. Lovely practical items.

thewayoftheplatypus · 07/09/2019 07:10

Are you wearing them for your own confidence/self esteem or because you don’t want other people to look at your legs? I think you will be much more ‘visible’ with the leggings, if that is your concern, than without them.

We were in Center Parcs last week and one woman in the pool was wearing swim leggings. She was larger but certainly not the biggest woman in the pool, yet she was the most memorable/seemed to have people glancing at her, more than anyone else because of the lengths she has gone to to cover up, if that makes sense .

gubbsywubbsy · 07/09/2019 07:12

At Center Parcs this summer there were women wearing board shorts and swim dresses , I wish I had bought some and will if I go again .. just wear what makes you feel comfy .

Cassilis · 07/09/2019 07:13

@thewayoftheplatypus why were you staring at her and also watching other people stare at her?

Manontry · 07/09/2019 07:15

I have never seen anyone swim in leggings so I'd look. I agree with your dh really but its totally up to you what you wear. I swim in the sea a lot and love it when it gets a bit colder as i can legitimately wear a long wetsuit!

Original poster
jacqelinedaniels · 07/09/2019 07:24

Wow thanks for all the replies! Yes, I am sad too but at my age now have accepted that my wobbly legs are genetic and though I can improve them a bit with lifestyle they will always be there. I've spent 40 years being hyper aware of how they compare and I know they look horrible. I am increasingly of the opinion that I should be able to be comfy, my choice. Let's all wear what we want and normalise it! Thanks for all the suggestions, I will check them all out, and report back on the leggings when they arrive!

OP posts:
gingerginger2 · 07/09/2019 07:46

I got a pair of swim leggings this summer because i’d stopped swimming in the sea with my kids because I hate my legs and standing around in my pants. They’ve been great, look like a wetsuit! Dry super quick, really comfy.

stairway · 07/09/2019 07:47

I wear a semi cover up when swimming. Mainly for religious reasons. I’m white though and don’t cover my hair so it’s not obvious though. I get some stares but not many. Who cares really there are many reasons why women won’t want to wear a teeny tiny swimsuit these days.

madcatladyforever · 07/09/2019 07:49

Lots of people wear them, I do as nobody wants to see my 57 year old legs and my friend wears them after an accident where she has significant scarring.

stairway · 07/09/2019 07:50

Also they protect against skin cancer and ageing when outside. Full swimsuits are popular in Asia for that reason. Join the revolution OP

username1724 · 07/09/2019 08:10

I wear swim leggings 3/4 length, and a sports lycra top to swim. It has honestly gotten rid of the fear associated with swimming and I feel so much better wearing that. It doesnt matter how much people say no one cares what you look like, I still feel nervous in 'normal' swimwear. Wear them, see how you feel, see what works for YOU rather than everyone else.

BikeRunSki · 07/09/2019 08:13

Just wear shorts