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?

Honestly it would draw my attention and I would wonder if you were covering up because you feel self conscious. I would feel sad for you and then think no more of it. You’d draw much less attention in a regular swimsuit.

I have seen many people disabled by their weight though, and that disablement meant that they were able to claim benefits because of that. How then, can it not be classed as a disability? 🤔

I've never seen one in real life, but I'd not think anything of it if someone wore one at our local leisure centre.

Our pool sells swimsuits - including burkini's. No one would bat an eye if you wore one here. (Council baths)

I generally assume people are wearing them for modesty/religious reasons rather than for sun cover or something so it makes no difference if the pool is indoors or outdoors!

It's none of my business what other people wear.

And they might also have become overweight/obese because of their disability.

You won’t know that looking at them though.

Obvious conclusion that really shouldn’t need to be repeated @Frequency

Dont judge on appearances.

@incognitolady ive seen some women wearing one at the pool before.

The only thought that came to mind was ‘Good on them’.

Quite, I should add that I knew these people personally, so I know exactly what the issues were. I am not talking about people I have never seen before.

Our pool does a short (30 minute) session on Monday mornings called Up & Active. It is offered to people as part of the 12-week U&A programme which is for weight loss, but also to anyone who would benefit - mental health problems, post-surgery - all sorts of things. You pay £36 and then can use any of the gym/pool facilities for 12 weeks.

Although it is only for 12 weeks, some of us have asked permission to continue using it unless the session becomes too full (which it never has and I have been going for over a year now). We pay as if for a longer session, but we are only in for half an hour - which is enough for me anyway, but even if not, I appreciate being among sympathetic people with similar problems to me.

I have to admit that if I couldn't go to this session, I probably wouldn't go at all, partly because of my weight, but also because I am a poor swimmer and quite slow, so not sure how people swimming in lanes would feel.

I would notice you more in a burkini than I would in a normal swimming costume

Our local pool has aquafit classes that have all shapes and sizes in it..and burkinis.

I see plenty of them both indoors and at the beach here in Australia. I have a feeling they were invented here.

I would like something like this but without the scarf part as I would wear a swimming cap so wouldn't need the scarf part.

Thank you for your replies everyone. I think I will go ahead and get one.
It's also not just about me being overweight. My skin is also just not great really and I'm so embarrassed of it. Hence I would love the longer legs and arms.

Obesity in and of itself is not a disability. Yes, it can contribute to and even cause disability, and disabilities can also be the cause of or at least a contributing factor to obesity but just being obese is not a disability.

I'm obese and I'd be really offended if someone assumed I was less able just because of my size. I can mobilise perfectly well without assistance, I can walk long distances and manage stairs just fine and I'm very strong swimmer.

Op never mentioned disabilities so to automatically assume her disabled based on her weight is offensive, imo.

I’d be really supportive. Why women have to wear skimpy things for swimming for leisure is beyond me.

l’d wish l had the courage to wear one!

I wear board shorts and a long sleeve rash vest when I go to the indoor pool with my toddler. I’m size 12 and white, no religion, just very self conscious. I think I probably look a bit odd but I feel more comfortable like that so that’s what I do!

I wouldn't blink

You could also consider a swim dress

That's what I prefer. It hides a lot.

I swim several times a week and I can honestly say I would probably not notice what you were wearing, though I might for a moment if I happened to have my head up as you came in, but just because it’s not very common where I am.

I am also very overweight and wear a boy-short suit from sports direct - just wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, OP, and go for it!

Loads of women wear these in the pool I go to. I just assume they are wearing them for religious reasons (potentially as converts) and get on with child wrangling. This is for a family fun session and I agree with earlier posters that something with less flowy fabric might be better for actual swimming

Whatever gets you in the water and moving! Well, within reason 😁

I have one.

Mine is Australian (I am also under the impression they were invented there).

It's great for swimming in. Fabric not a problem at all.

I have three swimsuits on rotation ( I swim quite a lot) and I use it just as much as the others.

It's actually much more comfortable than my standard "knicker line cut" swimsuit to be honest. I prefer either the boy leg or the burkini.

I wouldn't think anything of it unless it was particularly bright or pretty, then I might think 'nice suit, wonder where its from?'

I'm too busy thinking about how best to get myself in and out without anyone looking at me.

I like this idea. I’m doing it next time. Why women have to swim in skimpy bits of cloth is beyond me.

Burkinis don’t create that much drag as there non absorbent so can’t hold much water. Also think of the extra calories being burnt off with a bit of drag.

Nearly all my swimwear is purchased for surf and body boarding. If I go to a swimming pool, I often wear my most comfortable jammer shorts with a sporty tankini top. I do have a couple of more normally skimpy bikinis but they aren’t really all that good for swimming. I don’t own any one piece swimwear because I don’t find them comfortable.

Your swimwear sounds fine op and will look less out of place than a thong bikini because most people go to the pool to swim comfortably