To not be fussed about shaven legs and swimming

[ArchesOfWisteria]

In my mid 40s I have lost the urge to remove body hair much, particularly in winter. If anything I find it’s better for my skin, no rashes or bumps under my arms, less sweating under my arms. Easier with sensitive skin.

I kind of presumed that no one cares that much- I certainly don’t care if other people have a preference to wax completely or not shave at all.

I went swimming with an acquaintance and she seemed shocked, a bit horrified even, at my legs. I stated I am comfortable, made a light joke my husband is supportive. But she brought it up again like it’s a big deal. ‘Especially as you are so fair skinned with black hair’ was her last comment (I am, not particularly super hair, average but with black hair).

Are other women actually bothered about shaving when it comes to others? Do you notice? I don’t in the pool! Obviously we all have our personal preferences for our own bodies, but does this for extend to being in anyway affronted by what another woman does. She stated hers is the typical view, but I may have more ‘European’ standards.

For context, if anyone askes, I’m quite average in most ways. Healthy weight, clean hair and clothing etc.

yanbu- I’m not really that bothered about what others do, as long as I can exercise my own personal freedom without comment

yabu- I think it’s a bit yucky on others and I do judge natural body hair in the pool

I would probably notice because it’s fairly unusual in the UK. But I would be glad someone was pushing the envelope on that front, not shocked or otherwise thinking you shouldn’t.

Because men don't shave there legs women do. But I'd say something to a man who shaved his legs

If I noticed (I might not as I can be fairly oblivious!) then I would also think 'Good for her'. Younger me might also have felt a little envious of her confidence.

Is it though? My husband always brushes his teeth and flushes the toilet but I've never known him to shave his legs.

Op yanbu. I like the feel of hair free legs, but wouldn't let a little hair stop me swimming. I'd also not be do ignorant as to comment on another woman's leg hair.

40s here.

I leave mine in the winter, although I waxed them for years so they are quite fine (although dark).

Who is looking that closely in the swimming pool. Your legs are under water!

Oh it doesn’t bother me, I don’t always shave my legs before I go. I take DSS swimming who’s doesn’t notice at all what my legs look like. And if I don’t care, why should anyone else?

Swim all the time, never shave my legs. None has ever commented. I don't even think about it, just this thread reminded me, I'd forgotten really.

I knew there would be different views, I was intrigued where the majority lie.

tbf my legs are more ‘footballer’ than ‘fair and sparse’. At least the hair on my head is equally dark and thick … I laughed at that smack the pony clip. And reflected on the horror of high leg costumes!

I guess I’m just so used to hair. It’s just hair. Not a statement

This is it really! I usually shave my legs in the bath so if I have one the night before I go swimming I might shave them if I remember. But I don’t make a big deal of it and if I’ve forgotten I just carry on and go.

I shave my legs and underarms all year, my preference for me. I'd probably notice if another woman had a lot of hair, but in the same way I'd notice any other aspect of someone's appearance. Just a fleeting observation. I certainly wouldn't comment on it.

I work with young ppl. I was upset once that a young girl shaved her arms. Totally unacceptable that this kind of pressure is put on woman especially from other women. Whatever happened to sisterhood?

It’s so weird to comment. Tbh I swim a lot and don’t bother with my legs but I’m very fair. I can’t say I’ve ever noticed hair on anyone else though, let alone bothered to have an opinion on it!

But you have to understand men and women are different. I wear make up, use tampons, wear dresses and high heels, carry a handbag, birthed 2 children. You can't compare women shaving their legs to men we are not the same.

I clean my teeth because otherwise they would rot and fall out. I don't think that happens if you have body hair.

Don't agree with high heel thing either

I just mean to me it's a normal part of life as a woman I shave my legs, pits and bits.

To be fair that one was a bit of a stretch I don't wear heels often

I go swimming often and never spend my time thinking about body hair. Most people concentrate on the number of lenghts they do or the time they spend in the water. Each to their own.

I don’t care what others do and certainly wouldn’t comment but I wax all year as I dislike being hairy.

I wouldn’t not go swimming if I was hairy though.

Well it's obviously not a thing that everyone just does.

Do you think that a woman with unshaven legs hasn't noticed & needs to be reminded because they have forgotten?

Two of these of these relate to undeniable difference biological differences between the sexes. The others are artificial cultural constructs, which can be rejected. Men wear and have worn clothing similar to dresses in other people’s places and at different times, for example.

That is why I have said all the way along for me. If I was going swimming with someone I know I'd know them well enough to mention it and I'm assuming it would be something they felt strongly about so wouldn't be embarrassed. They would probably say I couldn't be arsed I'd say fair enough chewbacca and that would be the end of it

Me too. I’ll shave my legs in the bath once a week (I do bath more than once a week). They are nice for swimming day 1…. And I look like a yeti by day 6 but I just don’t care! 🤷🏽‍♀️ Repeat throughout winter!

But you have to understand men and women are different. I wear make up, use tampons, wear dresses and high heels, carry a handbag, birthed 2 children. You can't compare women shaving their legs to men we are not the same.

Childbirth and menstruation are biological functions. The rest is just a choice, things you prefer.

I have big bushy armpits, wonder what your friend would think of that...