View from the Back
Ramblings of a retiree in France
Things about France that surprised me: Speedos!
In many part of the world Speedos are now regarded as a bit of a joke or at least out dated – in France they are compulsory.
The skimpy male swimwear item – also known as a budgie-smuggler or a banana-hammock – has been out of fashion for many years in other countries, but in France they are not just popular but compulsory in some places. If you want to swim in a municipal pool you need to follow strict guidelines on dress. For men this means Speedos – baggy swim shorts or trunks are not allowed.
Men and women must also wear a bonnet be bain (swimming cap) except if one is totally bald!
More controversially, women must wear either a standard one-piece swimsuit or a bikini – the full-body ‘burkini’ swimsuit favoured by many Muslim women (as well as non-Muslim women who are not comfortable with revealing swimwear) is not allowed.
The above rules apply only to local-authority run pools, private pools can set their own rules while beaches allow a variety of different clothing.
So what is the obsession with Speedos in the pool?
The French pools guide lists ‘hygiene and public welfare’ as the reason for the strict guidelines on appropriate poolwear.
When it comes to male attire, the guide explains:
It’s a question of hygiene. Swimming trunks, as well as Bermuda shorts or boardshorts, can be worn all day long. The main reason for banning this type of clothing is to reduce pollution of the pools in order to preserve the quality of the water.
Moreover, long shorts are loose fitting and often have pockets. When swimming, it is possible to forget to remove objects such as tissues from the pockets. These objects have no business being in the pool and can end up floating on the surface of the water – ugh!
There is a little flexibility here though, as well as the classic ‘budgie smuggler’ Speedo, Speedo shorts are also permitted as long as they are tight fitting and these are much more popular with younger Frenchmen (and my beloved husband).
Hygiene is also given as the reason for compulsory swimming caps – they prevent hair shedding into the pool where it pollutes the water and clogs up the filters.
It’s worth pointing out that these rules do not apply on the beach, though, so men can cover up in baggy shorts while women can do as they please too.
View from the Back 
Oh my! I think it is really sad about the burkini.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is a shame
LikeLiked by 2 people
It does actually make sense.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Some American friends found this very surprising when they came to visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well many of us (Americans) do tend to live in our own little world and don’t attempt to understand the practices of other countries. Which usually causes many to get into trouble when they travel. But, that is my opinion and can be wrong.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Quite possibly Rebecca
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kim has banned me from wearing Speedos now. I wrote this post in 2010…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I banned my hubby once he reached 60. TBH as a former competitive swimmer he still looked okay in them but…..
LikeLike
Vive la différence! indeed
LikeLiked by 1 person
😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Makesgood business. Even in a home pool you would be surprised what shows up in the filter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting but please don’t share the details
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always know the English and European men on the beach over here 😊❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
My kids used to laugh at my late husband for wearing speedos, telling him no one wears those anymore. He’s been gone eight years and was ill for a couple of years before, so they must have been out of fashion here in the UK for a long time. Though I expect there are others just like him who still haven’t caught up!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m sure
LikeLike
I am at the beach every month, and with Covid haven’t seen them, but yes when I hear the accent it always is 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh dear Susie, and probably not a pretty sight, they need to have the physique of Tom Daly to pull off the look. Unfortunately, my husband was one of those who never achieved it! 😂
LikeLiked by 2 people
i guess i wont be swimming in any pool in france.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😎
LikeLike
what a fashionable history lesson thank you for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure as always
LikeLiked by 1 person
We were caught out by this once when we planned to take our sons to a pool and couldn’t get in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As were some American friends of ours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Budgie Smugglers! lol Can Muslim women wear a like a robe? I can’t think what the word. Like a robe that covers the swim suit, at least.
LikeLiked by 1 person
TBH I don’t know and since I rarely venture onto the beach I can’t remember. Most times I think they’re fully dressed, in a big group, enjoying a BBQ or picnic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating
LikeLiked by 1 person
😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol! Budgie smuggler, that’s the first I’ve heard that one. While I personally wouldn’t wear a speedo, some of the points dealing with hygiene do make sense.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Given that I’m hung like a badger and don’t have a budgie to smuggle, French pools have now been scratched off my to-visit list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear!
LikeLike