The Unexpected Bathing Suit Rule Men May Encounter At Public Swimming Pools In France

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When packing for an international trip, it's important to consider local rules and customs, and if you're heading to France this summer, there are some swimwear rules that those who wear swim trunks should know about. It's not an issue if you're heading to the beach somewhere like France's colorful seaside village of Leucate or most other places with sand and surf. However, many public pools, as well as some hotel pools, campgrounds with pools, or water parks, require that men wear tight-fitting swimwear. Before you go online and cancel your trip because you don't want to wear something that barely covers your ... um ... assets, there is another option, we promise. You don't have to be haunted by your vacation pics forever.

The reason loose bathing suits on men aren't allowed in many public pools in France has to do with hygiene. This comes from regulations introduced in the early 20th century, and while there has been some effort to change, it still stands at the time of this writing. The idea is that loose swim trunks are often worn outside of the pool as shorts, where they may pick up dirt and dust that can be brought into the pool with you. There is also the possibility of cotton fibers getting into the pool, which means that you usually can't wear a t-shirt either. "It may seem odd but failure to comply with these hygiene regulations could see you marched out of the pool and leave you waving at your family or friends from the outside," Simon Hood, travel expert and executive director of relocation company John Mason International, told The Mirror. "So before, I'd recommend checking [the pool's policies] whether you need more appropriate swimwear or not."

Another reason for the loose-fitting swimsuit and cotton rule is that these materials absorb and spill a lot of water onto the ground around the pool, making it slippery. Before you decide to give up on swimming in France entirely, a Speedo (known as a slip de bain in French) isn't your only option. You can get something called jammers, which are like shorts but tight to the body, like the 361 Degrees Swim Jammers for Men. They're still snug and made of typical swimsuit fabric, but they're not quite as revealing as Speedo-style bikini bottoms. You may also want to get a swim cap, as they're mandatory in a number of pools. You can try something like the unisex Firesara Fabric Swim Cap.

While there are some places where these rules won't be enforced, you don't want to take the risk, particularly if you have kids along who are going to be disappointed by a promised pool excursion ending before it begins. Your best bet is to contact the establishment where you plan to swim and ask about their rules beforehand. In addition, you should know that, for women, burkinis are also controversial to wear in some places. You may also want to look at the color of the swimsuit you choose (particularly for children) because bright colors are easier to see underwater than blue and purple shades, which can help keep you and your kids safe.