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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Bikini for a Swimming Lesson?

62 replies

SephrinaX · 07/08/2021 16:02

I'm due to take my 3 year old for his first swimming lessons soon and I was wondering- what do you wear to the pool? Do most mums wear one pieces? Or bikinis? Wet suits?

If I was on holiday I'd wear a bikini. Maybe I'm being odd, but I just sort of think it might be a bit weird to wear that to a kid's swimming lesson in the North of Scotland? Grin

Grateful to hear what the rest of you do/think!

OP posts:
MauveMagnolia · 07/08/2021 16:04

Do mums go in the water?
They don't here

Original poster
SephrinaX · 07/08/2021 16:05

As far as I am aware they do for these lesson as it's for total beginners. I think 4+ they are then on their own.

OP posts:
LubaLuca · 07/08/2021 16:05

Most women wear swimming costumes for swimming, but it doesn't matter. I was at a leisure centre this morning, and there were at least two women wearing bikinis.

LanisHouseLot · 07/08/2021 16:07

I don't think it's a problem per se, but if it makes you feel self conscious then that might spoil things for you. Most will wear one pieces but not necessarily all. Perhaps if it's one that ties up behind your back then don't wear it in a pool of three year olds as it may get tugged on and undone!

alrightfella · 07/08/2021 16:07

Swimming costume.

Remember that if your dc isn't confident they may grab at you. No one wants to flash a boob in a swimming lesson! A swimming costume tends to be sturdier.

Original poster
SephrinaX · 07/08/2021 16:08

Gosh good point! Hadn't thought about grabby 3 year olds Grin

OP posts:
HollaHolla · 07/08/2021 16:08

I think whatever you’re comfortable in is ok.
Just make sure nothing’s going to pop out of your bikini! Just thinking if you leave to bend/lift, etc., then you want to be able to concentrate on that - and not any potential nip slip!!🤣🤣🤣

21Bee · 07/08/2021 16:10

Definitely a swimming costume! They’ll definitely be lots of jumping in, splashing and throwing them in the air if it’s like ours. A bikini wouldn’t keep anything in!

eightyfourandahalf · 07/08/2021 16:12

something comfortable

"beach bikini" not ideal when you are grabbed by little hands, 2 piece more "sport type" perfect.

I find 1 piece a lot less flattering than 2 pieces after my babies personally, they really drag the eye toward the worst area but no one else actually cares!

Original poster
SephrinaX · 07/08/2021 16:14

I'm quite tall, so one pieces tend to be a bit of a problem. The sportier 2 piece might be the way to go...

OP posts:
eightyfourandahalf · 07/08/2021 16:14

I personally prefer these kind of things for me

Hardbackwriter · 07/08/2021 16:15

I've often worn a bikini to toddler swim class and not felt silly or self conscious. I do buy all my bikinis in the expectation that I will actually swim in them - I'm quite a keen sea and river swimmer - so they're not flimsy things that might fall down, though!

EBearhug · 07/08/2021 16:16

Swimming costume. The pool I worked in back in the dark ages, didn't allow bikinis. The pool I currently go to has a list of what is appropriate and inappropriate swim wear for men and women. Can't remember the details, but as I always wear a costume I can do aquafit and swim lengths in, I was fine, so could ignore it.

LolaSmiles · 07/08/2021 16:17

Either a bikini or a swimsuit as long as you can lift DC and move easily without anything popping out.

Those bottoms are lovely eightyfourandahalf.

eightyfourandahalf · 07/08/2021 16:18

and nothing pops out from these tops Grin

RestingPandaFace · 07/08/2021 16:19

High necked swimming costume always with a toddler…unless you want your boobs popping out when they grab you!

eightyfourandahalf · 07/08/2021 16:20

The pool I worked in back in the dark ages, didn't allow bikinis.

ShockShockShock

Meanwhile I have been caught abroad when the pool didn't allow the only tankini and shorts I had that day! Can't win.

RestingPandaFace · 07/08/2021 16:20

Also I used to wear a rash best for these lessons as I used to get really cold standing around.

girlmom21 · 07/08/2021 16:21

We've been swimming a lot recently and most moms tend to wear all in ones I think but nobody really pays any attention to what anyone else is wearing to be honest

Essexgirlupnorth · 07/08/2021 16:25

I always wore a one piece or a tankini I tend to only wear bikinis on holiday

Itsanewdah · 07/08/2021 16:25

I used to wear a rash vest (short sleeves) over a bikini. Helps to keep everything covered (swimsuit straps are easily pulled down by kids).

cadburyegg · 07/08/2021 16:29

I took my 3 and 6 year olds swimming a couple of weeks ago and wore a bikini. I did make sure to buy one that would withstand toddler hands. No string bikinis! I find them much more practical than all in one swimsuits for going to the toilet quickly in etc

Marmite27 · 07/08/2021 16:31

We did Waterbabies from 6 months to 5 years. All the women wore swimming costumes, apart from the instructors who also wore rash vests.

ZenNudist · 07/08/2021 16:34

Well if you're confident in a bikini that's fine if it's robust. I see lane swimmers in a sporty 2 piece. I think it's fine if you don't mind. I prefer a proper sporty one piece in the public pool. It's more fit for purpose. I'm a swimmer so seeing people in beach attire looks a bit, clueless? But I'm not judging at such. I try not to care what other people wear.

Regular pool use absolutely wrecks swimwear. If you aren't going often or you don't care about your bikini and just want to get the use out of it you'll be fine.

110APiccadilly · 07/08/2021 16:35

I do baby swimming with DD. Most mums wear one pieces, I wear a tankini as I find it easier for changing. I don't think anyone would be shocked or surprised at a bikini, but if you want to wear the same as everyone else then I'd go for a one piece.