"Cheeky" swimsuits. Just why?

[disappearingfish]

I get it for posing on the beach, but why do swimwear makers cut the bums off suits otherwise aimed at the "proper swimming" market. I do not want to see bare arses at 0630 under the bad lighting of my local council swimming.

This, for example. Who buys this? www.arenasport.com/en_uk/006660-women-s-swimsuit-arena-mesh-panels-power-back.html

I find it interesting that those who disagree with me are more interested in attacking me rather than address my proposition (that arses should generally be covered in public places).

I've been told I must be bitter, have a fat arse, I stare at women, I'm a predatory weirdo, a prude, uptight, an unthinking product of a repressed society, obsessive, body shaming etc. etc. I am none of those things.

It's just an idle thread on Mumsnet, chill out people.

It really doesn't take much effort or headspace to create a thread on mumsnet.

It's not difficult to do, true. (Like attacking women for what they wear.) But would you have held this bum in your head all that time and started a four-days-and-counting discussion about it if you hadn't given a shit?

I should have added, "patriarchy" isn't a magic word that suddenly makes you right either. You coming on here to attack women for what they choose to wear makes the patriarchy harder than any number of cutaway swimsuits. You think men need to go swimming at 6.30am if they want to see women's bums? I doubt any dude who was there remembers this bum as much as you do.

I hate it when people try to hijack something serious in an attempt to give gravity and legitimacy to their personal offence.

@SurprisedWithAHorse you're right, I have literally thought of nothing else other than this thread. It's consumed my every waking and sleeping moment 🙄

And again, I have not "attacked" women on here. Ever. Please stop inferring that.

Well this chat rattled a lot of cages.
I do make judgements about what people wear. People make judgements about me too.
I do not agree that women should be covered to mitigate the lust of men nor do I like to think we should value ourselves by the effect we have on the male gaze.
If you look objectively or subjectively lovely in a swimsuit yay for you, if it's practical for swimming double yay.

In the current Britain, you are more likely to see ridiculously dressed women than men on streets. Some of them look awful and make other women sick to death. Even majority of men ignore them, ending up drawing wrong kind of attention. Remember, if you dont respect your body, nobody will.

In the current Britain, you are more likely to see ridiculously dressed women than men on streets. Some of them look awful and make other women sick to death. Even majority of men ignore them, ending up drawing wrong kind of attention. Remember, if you dont respect your body, nobody will”

What a judgemental post. By “ridiculous”, do you mean wearing revealing clothes? There are other cultures around the world who traditionally wear less.
I personally don’t wear revealing clothes because I like to be wrapped up warmly. Other people can wear what they’re comfortable in, be that a low cut top or an outfit that covers them head to toe. Why should it bother me, or you?

Have you been following the story of Kanye west's wife, is she wearing those outfits by choice?

Those of you who wear them, are they really comfortable? I saw a woman wearing a similar suit and she kept tugging it out of her arse. Didn't seem comfy.

I have so much trouble finding a comfy suit myself that doesnt ride up or move about. Now I just wear a dull Speedo.

I don't swim but I wear similar shaped shorts for pole fitness and they are extremely comfortable if you buy from a good brand.

OP You wouldn't show your bare arse in work, so it's obviously not just another body part, for all those women shrugging their shoulders here.

That's ridiculous. You wouldn't turn up to work wearing a modest swimsuit either. Swimsuits are not designed for work unless you are a lifeguard or model. Who wears a bikini top to work? Are you going to suggest bikinis are inappropriate too because you wouldn't see someone wear one to work?

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣labia makes a break for freedom…. I love it!

Absolutely, it would be ridiculous to wear a modest swimsuit to an office as what you choose to wear sends a message to the world as to how you would like to be perceived by others and how you see yourself.

At the beach would be one thing but agree that it’s a bit much for a regular swimming pool. You’re there to exercise not show off. Just seems a bit unnecessary.

Designed by men for women who are easily led.
Where are the male equivalent swim suits, nope, nothing.

That is a different issue entirely. As far as I'm aware we are not discussing 15 year old daughters or evenings out. Are you on the wrong thread? I wouldn't expect a woman of any age to go for an evening out in a swim suit, except to a fancy dress party.

I wouldn't try to police what a 15 year old daughter wore in a municple pool though, even if I didn't like it. There are much bigger issues with 15 year olds to worry about.

I'd say you're the one who comes across as easily led because you buy into the notion that women fall for all of this stuff set up for the male gaze, instead of being able to apply critical thinking.

Earlier mention was made of teenagers on a night out at a bus stop with skirts so short their bum cheeks were on display.

I wouldn’t “police” what a 15 year old wears either but I would certainly offer guidance as to what’s appropriate and would do my best to educate her so she is able to minimise her vulnerability to predatory men.

Where are the male equivalent swim suits, nope, nothing.

That’s not quite true. I posted a picture of a man wearing something equivalent earlier and I’ve seen men wearing similar in real life.

https://shop-brigite.com/AzurMens_Thong_Swimsuit.htm

Maybe most men choose to wear them.

Well I have been to beaches all over the world (Hawaii, USA, Australia, Brazil, SE Asia, the Med. etc) and I’m very happy to say I have never encountered a man wearing something like that. Can’t say the same for women.

I'd say you're the one who comes across as easily led because you buy into the notion that women fall for all of this stuff set up for the male gaze, instead of being able to apply critical thinking.

What critical thinking is being used in deciding to wear a swimsuit which exposes your buttocks? Is it the (supposed) shock value ? Because most people, men or women don't wear clothes like this. Trying to look sexually attractive? Or what?

I just ask because a few weeks ago I got into a conversation with the woman (an American High School teacher) behind me in the queue to an Edinburgh Fringe event. She'd complimented my dress. It's the type of dress that often gets mocked on MN (Amish/ sack/ shapeless / frumpy etc). I thanked her of course but the conversation moved on to clothing aimed at "the male gaze" and "the female gaze" and she commented that my dress, was for the "female gaze" - cool cotton, long, swishy, dramatic, nice summery colours but really easy to wear.

Of course there are generalisations in calling anything for "the male gaze" or "the female gaze" but everything we wear sends out signals about us. Nothing is chosen without a reason - even if the reason is "don't really care what I wear".

Did you see what she wore before meeting Kanye. EXACTLY the same kind of thing. Was this the point you were making?

Did the whole speedo/budgie smugglers era pass you by. They're back in fashion and in some places in France it's speedos or you're not swimming, no shorts allowed.

The female equivalent of budgie smugglers / speedos is not a thong or a g-string.