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?

Lots here OP, women & children no thoughts given at all.

At my pool a few women wear burkinis, they look really lightweight and comfortable to wear. Nobody, as far as I can tell, even notices

What do you mean?
You do realise they are swimsuit material and don't really hold more water than a swimsuit?

Op wear what makes you comfortable.

@Aussieland

Anything flowing does create extra drag plus there's been cases of being sucked into the filters, unfortunately people (including the son of someone I know) have been drowned by clothes or hair stuck in the filter (boys swim shorts in his case, so sad).

Never seen a burkini here but several women wear rash vests and swim shorts over their swimsuits, nobody bats an eyelid

I go to swim session at a local leisure centre and I'd say half, or thereabouts, the women wear burkinis. It's quite normal these days.

Lots of people do.

You only notice in the same way you notice what anyone's wearing 🤷‍♀️

Certainly don't think it's strange.

What's great and important is you've found something you think may help you. And you are the the most important thing to you.

Oh and loads of people wear them in the pool my son trains in. Even have some girls in swimming lessons wearing them.m

It's really common for people to wear swimwear that covers more/all of their body these days so wouldn't think much of it. Go for it!

Just be aware that slow swimmers need to be able to lane swim too. If there is a “social swim” non-loaned area, that’s the place for walking.

I used to go to a women only swim session at my local pool and quite a lot of women wore costumes with a lot of cover. I always thought they looked very cool!

Really?

It would draw my attention as I’ve not seen one before - plenty of fat people though including myself, and I don’t bat an eyelid. You should wear whatever makes you comfortable but if it attracts attention you might feel less comfortable. You can get nice boyleg swimmers in plus size on Amazon if that’s an option for you.

Quite a few women at my pool wear leggings and a t shirt to swim in. My next closest pool I've seen women swimming in burkinis.

I've been plus size and found skirted swim wear helpful.

The only thing with full length sleeves is if the air temperature indoors isn't warm the extra fabric cools quite quickly so you may feel colder. Meaning you stay in for less time.

Personally I would suggest checking which times might work best. Early morning at our pool has the most diverse including bodies plus size, to those with missing limbs, race swimmers to walkers under 10s to over 70s (I think there might be a couple of over 80s but it would be rude to ask), our local MP and council leader regular pop in for swims too. Everyone is very very friendly but not too personal. I have found that to be huge boost for my confidence.

But as a.lover of swimming I say get in the pool in what make you feel happy in the pool.

I live in a city with a large Muslim population and a fair number of first generation Indian immigrants. Plenty of women wear modest swimwear. Our pools actually have signs explaining what is acceptable- anything designed for swimming is fine, normal clothing is not.

So long as it is a proper burkini designed for swimming it is absolutely fine. Where there are potential problems are with wearing normal clothes in a swimming pool as the absorb lots of water and may float around.

I find it interesting that the ad algorithm for a thread on burkinis is giving me lots of ads for skimpy swimwear!

Honestly it will make people
Notice you more. Just remember you will see people of all shapes and sizes in the pool and no one is looking at you

Have a look on eBay for modest swimwear.

I got a swimsuit with a high cut top and boy short legs to hide a multitude of sins.

I feel more confident.

No need to tell the lifeguard. It's very common.

A skirted swimsuit will be my next purchase.

Nobody cares what anyone wears these days.

I wouldn't think that it is odd.

What I think is odd is women's swimwear that is sold to women.

Bikinis and swimsuits are so completely inappropriate and unsuitable.

We don't have to swim in our underwear.

I hate that the fashion industry markets clothes as "women's clothes" and "mens clothes".

I don't wear what they dictate me to wear.

I would never wear a bikini, I don't want to go out in my underwear.
Whem I go to the beach, I wear mens swimming shorts. No one bats an eyelid. They are so comfortable.

When i go to a swimming pool i wear a womans swimsuit and mens
swimming shorts over them. I'm so comfortable in them

I think people should just wear whatever they feel comfortable in and you do see a lot of different outfits at my local swimming pool, it’s all fine. The main thing is going swimming and getting some exercise, not what you wear.

Bikinis were designed by men and they were designed for the male sexual gaze, not women's comfort. That's why many women, including myself, don't feel comfortable in them.

I wouldn't wear underwear to walk down the street so I'm not going to wear underwear to the beach/ swimming pool either.

I always wear swimming shorts. I usually buy mens swimming shorts as there aren't any womens ones available in the shops near me

It was in the pool I worked in in the '80s/'90s, and there's at least one session at the pool I use today.

It's not unusual to see women in burkinis at our pool, either. You don't have to tell the lifeguards. Lifeguards have eyes - It's a requirement of the job.

I'd notice, because despite swimming twice a week, I've never seen one. I'd not think it odd though. If it gets you in the pool, do it, OP.

I have seen young girls wearing one in an indoor pool, I think it is a cultural/religious thing for them but you can wear it for any reason, just go for it!

What are you talking about?

I wouldn't think anything of it, so wear what makes you comfortable. I might notice but only because I've never seen one. I wouldn't think anything of it though.

When I felt a bit self conscious I wore a standard swimsuit with swim shorts.