Help DH won't wear speedos but going to France!

[letitgoletitgo6]

Taking DCs to Disney land Paris in May. DH has severe body dysmorphia and getting clothes that he will wear is a nightmare as he genuinely hates the way he looks (there's absolutely nothing wrong with the way he looks but it's not as easy as just telling him that!)

So I've recently found out about the law in France about all men and boys having to wear speedos when swimming. We aren't staying at Disney we are staying at the centre parks so we definitely plan on going swimming. He's point blank refusing to wear them which I do completely understand as he will worry about it every hour until we go. However if he doesn't go then non of us can go in as Dc are small and can't swim without help and I can't help both on my own. Is there a speedo alternative that's a bit more body forgiving that I could suggest to him?

Or, a guy could have worn Speedos under trousers done his shopping then gone swimming.

😂😂😂😂

Why the F would anyone put Speedos on under their trousers to go shopping? Seriously... How determined are you to be manky??? As I mentioned several pages ago, even water polo players don't find them comfortable out of the water!!

What about if you changed into the shorts just before you get in the pool though? 🤔
Or, a guy could have worn Speedos under trousers done his shopping then gone swimming.

Or maybe he might have a contagious skin disease with no visible symptoms? Or he might be desperate for a shit and decide to do it right in the middle of the pool? Or perhaps he could secrete a vial of deadly poison in his Speedos and release it into the air vent, killing all his fellow swimmers and himself within seconds???

Jesus tap dancing Christ, when are people going to get that no one is trying to legislate for every single possibility?! It’s just about the likelihood of wearing one sort of swimwear as street clothes.

@StockpotSoup

Exactly. Hygiene is the only aim. The assumption is that all adults can understand that. Given some of the responses on here, no wonder they feel the need for the rule!

Also, most European countries are not stressed about nudity/minimal clothing, they don't really get why body parts are such a drama when we all have basically the same bits. Mostly Europeans remove wet swimwear as soon as they get out of the water and then put on boardies or wrap a towel around. Speedos are just for the water.

You'd better avoid Italy. Not only is there a Speedo rule there but it's normally compulsory swim caps for all as well!

That’s not totally accurate about everyone having basically the same bits.

I’d say bits vary quite dramatically.

Because he was going swimming after…
The point is this rule makes no sense.

Which doesn't matter, it is a rule which is fairly common in France. Sometimes it is enforced, sometimes it isn't. Men and older boys need to prepare for it or prepare to not be allowed to use the pool.

Back in the 80s I used to lifeguard. Swimming shorts were just coming in to common use. Occasionally teenage boys and some men would try to get away with wearing football shorts or swimming shorts where the liner no longer worked. This would necessitate an awkward conversation between lifeguard and swimmer.

Of course there would also be the odd elderly man who had bought his trunks 20 years previously and all semblance of elasticity had long gone.

The eurocamp sites in France enforced the rule of swimwear, not any old pair of shorts, quite strictly. Some tried to get away with it and were asked to get out and change and when they didn't, were told to leave until they changed.

The rule does indeed make no sense, but there's nothing posters on here can do about it and they didn't create it. It exists so people need to be prepared either to abide by it or not swim. The good news is that it's only for public pools, not beaches (check ahead for private pool rules) and despite the headlines, the rule isn't that they must be Speedos specifically; just fitted, tight trunks.

This thread has cheered me up no end today 🤣🤣🤣I remember my husband having to buy a swim cap at a pool in Italy (don’t remember shorts being an issue) and I laughed so much I was nearly sick when he donned it!!

I don't think it's an actual law!! 😅 He's a grown man and can decide what he wants to do.

Exactly, normal swimming trunks are fine allover the South of France, no idea why you are so anxious, it is only the 50 yr old swimming instructors that still like Speedo’s!!!

They have this rule particularly at campsites so that you don't come into the pool wearing clothes in which you've been lying on the grass/going to the bar/playing football/been into toilets etc etc. It does make sense.

I am stunned at people saying it is not enforced. I've been all over France loads of times over 40 years and always seen it enforced. Especially if a lifeguard is present

God how awful. What a pain. Your poor husband must be so fed up feeling like this. I bet it’s soul destroying and incredibly life limiting. Poor man. Body dysmorphia is an absolute curse. I’m wishing him all the courage in the world. And to you too as you are obviously a wonderful and very understanding partner to him. I’d be daft to say ‘just make sure the kids never hear the fat word’ though as I expect you’re doing everything needed to protect them from picking up on it.Good luck to you both.

It's not enforced at the centre parcs at all. I wouldn't worry.

Wear a rash vest as well as trunks?

We went to the centre parcs couple of years ago near Disneyland and I hadn’t a clue about this “rule” my husband and kids all wore normal swim shorts like they would wear on every holiday. You’re over thinking it

Swim shorts are perfectly acceptable. It's more religious swim wear like full body swimsuits that are not allowed

You can wear Jammers in french pools - you know the long, above knee clingy cycling shorts type swimwear. It's loose baggy shorts that are considered unhygenic.

And you can probably wear a tshirt as well.

But apparently children under 12 have to wear a life jacket in pools.

And a lot of pools insist on everyone wearing a swimming hat to avoid hair being unhygenic or clogging filters.

I believe it is to prevent going in the pool with clothes you could be wearing out and about. So for hygiene reasons. Also swim hats in public pools.

Yes we go to france every year and the campsite has the same rule. But they can wear swimming trunks/short things. As long as tight fitting and.not baggy board shorts. The site we go to are quite strict on it and will ask people in baggy shorts to change.
I think it's a hygiene thing. As board shorts are big and baggy and been worn around and about and they want definite swimming costumes/trunks.
My son wears the swimming trunks that cover top inch or 2 of thighs. Next etc sell them. He's always worn that style.

We once got caught by this rule, he was lent some and had to give his car keys as a deposit!!Doesn't apply to all pools. It is to prevent sand coning in on loose boxers

Yes same. Been going to same place since early 90s and always been an enforced rule

Hi
they can be the Lycra style shorts/ jammers that others have suggested. Not worry you but I would make sure you have some with you just in case. Where we stayed near Disneyland Paris the life guards did enforce this so my husband had to change out of his loose swimming trunks.

Some of the sights in budgie smugglers were not pleasant and might reassure your husband that all shapes sizes are welcome

I hope he gets the help he needs