Have you ever stood at the edge of a swimming pool on a scorching hot day, eager to dive into the cool, inviting water, but realized you forgot your swim trunks at home? What do you do then? Can you just wear your normal shorts in a swimming pool instead?
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Yes, you can wear your regular shorts in the pool however regular shorts are made of materials like cotton or denim that absorb water and become heavy when wet, which can restrict your movements in the water.
Wearing regular shorts can also lead to discomfort, potential safety risks, and even hygiene concerns. So before you dip your toe into the water, let’s explore why you should not consider normal shorts for swimming.
Can You Go Swimming in Normal Shorts?
Yes, you can go swimming in normal shorts, but it’s generally not recommended to submerge shorts made of cotton or other materials in water. When they get wet, they can become heavy and restrict your movement in the water, making swimming more difficult.
In addition, regular shorts can carry and trap dirt, sweat, and other contaminants, which can affect the cleanliness of the pool. They can also become damaged or faded due to the chlorine used in most swimming pools.
Swimwear, on the other hand, is designed to be lightweight, comfortable, and easy to move in when wet. It’s also made from materials that resist chlorine damage and don’t trap contaminants, making it the best choice for swimming.
What Should I Wear if I Don’t Have Swim Shorts?
Swim shorts are a staple of summer, but if you’re not into the idea of wearing a bathing suit in public, you may be wondering what kind of shorts can you wear for swimming.
Here are some options:
1. Board shorts or swim trunks
These look similar to swim shorts, but they’re made of thicker material and have more coverage. They often come in solid colors, such as navy blue or khaki green — but they can also be printed with stripes or other patterns. Board shorts are typically worn by surfers or people who spend time around water, but they look just as good on land too.
2. Skorts and shorts skirts
If you want something that gives you the same freedom of movement as a skirt but has more coverage than shorts, try a skort (a skirt that combines a skirt with shorts). Skorts come in all kinds of styles, from ones with ruffles at the bottom to ones with pockets, so you’re sure to find one that works for you.
3. Swim briefs
These look similar to boxer briefs with an elastic waistband and leg holes. They have become popular recently because they provide more coverage than trunks while still being lightweight enough for swimming.
Can You Wear Board Shorts in a Swimming Pool?
Yes, you can wear board shorts in a swimming pool. This is made possible because of the material used which dries quickly. Board shorts are mostly desired by younger males because of their versatility.
They are perfect for surfers and are also ideal to be used as normal shorts as long as the occasion permits. You are unlikely to get this sort of diversity from other swim shorts designs.
Can You Wear Normal Clothes in a Swimming Pool?
No, normal clothes are not supposed to be used to swim. You need to wear swimming suits when you are in a swimming pool. If you don’t have one, you can rent it from the swimming pool or buy one from the shops at affordable prices.
Safety is a major concern too. Loose or bulky clothing can become waterlogged and heavy, making swimming difficult and potentially leading to dangerous situations. For example, a long, flowing dress could wrap around your legs and restrict your movements, increasing the risk of drowning.
Hygiene is another aspect to consider. Regular clothes can carry dirt, sweat, and other contaminants into the pool, affecting the water’s cleanliness. It’s not just about you either – other people using the pool also deserve to swim in a clean and hygienic environment.
Finally, pool maintenance can be affected by regular clothes. Loose threads or fibers can detach from clothing, ending up in the pool’s filtration system and causing clogs.
FAQS
Can I wear gym shorts in a pool?
Yes, you can wear gym shorts in a pool, but they may not be comfortable and can restrict your movements.
Can you wear cotton shorts in the pool?
Yes, you can wear cotton shorts in the pool. However, cotton shorts can carry contaminants into the pool and they can get damaged from the chlorine.
Can you wear Lululemon shorts in the pool?
While you can wear Lululemon shorts in the pool, they are not designed for swimming. Chlorine and other pool chemicals may damage the fabric or cause color fade over time.
Can you wear basketball shorts in the pool?
Yes, you can wear basketball shorts in the pool, but like other non-swimwear shorts, they'll become heavy and uncomfortable when wet, can carry dirt into the pool, and may become damaged by the chlorine.
Can athletic shorts be used for swimming?
Yes, but athletic shorts are not designed for swimming and might therefore do more harm than good.
Can you swim in compression shorts?
Yes, you can swim in compression shorts, but keep in mind they are not specifically designed for swimming. The material might not react well to chlorine, and the tight fit, while supportive, might not be as comfortable for swimming as swim shorts.
Are woven shorts for swimming?
Woven shorts can be used for casual swimming, but they are not typically designed for this purpose.
Conclusion- Can You Wear Regular Shorts to Swim?
Ultimately, the question comes down to what are you comfortable with. If it’s not acceptable to wear bikini bottoms past your knees at the pool, then you shouldn’t feel pressured to change if you don’t want to.
Some people might think that they’re wearing too much or not enough, but that ultimately has no bearing on how other people see them or what they choose to wear in response. Do what makes you feel comfortable and confident, and try not to worry about what other people might think.
And if anyone does make a comment that bothers you, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. You have nothing to be embarrassed about, after all.
