Would you think it was odd if someone wore a burkini at an indoor pool?

[incognitolady]

I'm extremely self conscious about my body and I'm very overweight. Once upon a time I used to run but my knees are awful right now and the best thing I can think of is water exercises.

I would quite happily wear a burkini to my local pool. I haven't been to a swimming pool in about 9 years. Would it be really odd for someone to wear a burkini? Would it make you stare? Have you ever seen anyone wear a burkini at an indoor pool?

If I even noticed, I would think absolutely nothing about it.

Or a legsuit swimsuit.

I'd notice but I wouldn't think it strange at all. Do what makes you comfortable, why not

A woman at my local pool wears one and I like it very much, it's navy and gold and looks really nice on her.

I wouldn't find it odd to see anyone wearing one, I think they're great when you want to cover up a bit, whatever your reason for doing so.

Yes, I swim a lot, and agree with all posters, doesn't really matter what you are wearing to swim in - just do what you are comfortable with. Also if you are happier just walking up and down the pool, do that too if you are not in the fast swimming lanes. Go for it ! x

I've seen a couple of Muslims wear one yes

I have never seen anyone wear a burkini anywhere, so yes, I would think it was odd. I hope I would then move on.

I have one.

I wear it because I'm disabled and it hides my body.

Never had any comments.

(I'm white and not Muslim)

I am obese and go to the baths to do walking exercises. I wear a swimsuit with a skirt as I feel it hides my tummy area and also the top of my legs. I don’t feel self conscious at all. It’s a pool in a multi cultural area and during the days there are quite a lot of elderly men and women from many different cultures all walking or swimming slowly in the slow lane - it’s quite social as we chat a bit as we pass!

Women wear a variety of things, some in very modest, full body outfits, other is t shirt and short and then there are others like me in “old lady” swimsuits! I never seen anyone in a full burkini though, I guess the fabric would retain a lot of water and you’d drip all over the place! Some people take a towelling robe to leave by the pool to put on quickly when they get out.

A common sight at my pool. But usually worn by Muslim women. I guess you can wear one if you're not and it wouldn't make any difference.

Please let the lifeguards know beforehand, and try to attend a disabled session if possible. The additional clothing does create an additional risk to your safety in the pool.

Let the lifeguard know she is overweight and is wearing a burkini?

OP I have seen the occasional person wear a burkini at my pool and no one bats an eyelid. Definitely go for it if it makes you feel for comfortable.

I haven’t ever seen anyone wearing one at our pool, so I might notice them, yes. You should absolutely wear what you’re most comfortable in. If you’re at a pool where not many women wear them and your aim is to blend into the crowd and not be noticed, it might not have that effect. But you’ll be fully covered, so there’s that.

Get people wearing a variety of things to pool I am a member of and doesn't bother me what anyone wears. I might quickly look at someone but not in a judging way just noticing they are there. We even have people entering in normal clothes recently, that I am less sure about as don't know how hygienic it is but there's chlorine and each to their own. Good to see people swimming. Go for it and hope it helps. I love swimming.

No disabled sessions in the pools near me.

I've never heard of them to be honest - is this a thing?

(I am disabled and use a wheelchair)

Anything that gets you into the pool is your business. Go for it!!!

I'm a regular swimmer, I've seen plenty of people in Burkinis, they don't to create any extra "drag" in the water and the swimmers seem comfortable. Please don't feel self conscious, most people will be lost in their own thoughts and many won't be wearing their glasses so probably couldn't tell what you were wearing anyway. Enjoy it, you'll feel amazing after your swim.

Also commonly worn in my neck of the woods by Muslim women. Wouldn't think anything of it apart from would assume you were Muslim. Go for it.

not sure you are aware but there are several ranges of Modest Swimwear that don't have the head covering but remain longer length.
enjoy the search. i hope you find one you like and enjoy the pool.

I've seen women wearing them at my pool and I've seen white Muslim women wearing them ( that have converted). I'm assuming just because they were with their families. There's such a variety now in what people wear it really doesn't matter. People probably aren't giving it any thought or as much thought as you think they are.

Wut?

the loose scarf head coverings could pose a safety risk as could loose tops which occasionally float up around your face and neck. swimming with clothing on is also much harder and tiresome.

I’ve never seen one around here so as a pp said it depends on your area as to whether it would draw more attention to you, but people wear so many different things no one cares.

why don’t you try wearing a skirted costume. Or swim sorts and a rash vest, which might be more comfortable, then wear a dry robe type thing to get from changing room to pool as I think that is where you will feel most vulnerable. Once you are in the water it’s only your head sticking up.

I would also reiterate pp in the swimming community there is such a wide array of body shapes - no one cares.

I recommend following Kathleen Wotton who is a blogger who was very morbidly obese and has lost some for health reasons but open water swimming has saved her life. She is still a large lady and is a massive inspiration.

Our pool does disabled sessions. They are for people who are disabled. Being overweight, despite some MNetter's opinion on it, is not a disability.

OP, wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Yours Clothing do some nice swimsuits with skirts in bigger sizes, I'd possibly try one of those before a burkini depending on where you live and how multicultural it is.

You can buy suits with legs on in places like decathlon which are easier to swim in. Be aware that the extra flowing material does make it harder to swim.