What's the deal with French swimming pools and covering up?

[Flimp]

Looking at possible French holidays and I've read here about blokes having to wear budgie smugglers. But then I just read something else that said muslim women visiting a French Hotel won't be able to cover up their arms and legs if they want to.

Is that right?

And WHY? Is the blokes in speedos thing the same as the women covering up thing??

Please explain, I don't understand.

In French pools, baggy board shorts type swimwear are not allowed for hygiene reasons. Men must wear budgie smugglers, but tight hot pant type trunks are also usually allowed.

There are some restrictions on religious attire in France, maybe Niqabs and Burkas are not allowed, I don't know the details but of course anyone, including Muslim women are allowed to cover their arms and legs, it would be ridiculous otherwise. They don't force people to only wear sleeveless short clothing, they might be cold for one thing.

Ah, so two different issues then.

Why are baggy shorts less hygienic?

Oh, if you mean Muslim women covering their arms and legs while swimming, I'm not sure. it's not the same as men in speedos anyway, that's a hygiene thing.

It's difficult. Men are not allowed to wear clothes like board shorts that could be worn outside the pool in the pool. Some women, whether for religious reasons or otherwise, may choose to swim in burkini or just long baggy pyjama type clothes. But they would be not allowed if applying the rules the same as men, for hygiene purposes.

But that may effectively stop Muslim women from going to swimming pools, because they would be unable to wear normal swimwear.

I suppose they could get round it by hiring out clean modest swimming attire to those who want them, but given that this is incompatible with France's ban on religious attire (I don't know if it is an actual ban, ie what the actual law is) they probably wouldnt' want to.

Women can't go in the pool covered, same reason as the baggy shorts for men I suppose

It stops 'outdoor' clothes going in the pool. The French also prefer you to shower first too. You need less chlorine if it doesn't have to cope with grime from bodies and street clothes.

Actually swimming nude would be the most hygienic as it cuts down contaminates even further.

Historically France is very strict on the separation of religion and the state. They believe that religion is devisive and should be part of your private life at home not waved about in public. Outward symbols of faith make them uncomfortable. The French also fight hard to keep their 'frenchness' and some see the burka etc as being in opposition to that. There are also a fair few bigots as in all countries.

Obviously not all French have the same view but the above is the general ethos of the country.