DW: Reason number 1489 to NOT go to France.
France has some tight rules when it comes to men’s swimwear…literally. Lots of pools in France prohibit baggy or loose-fitting swim shorts, making it a requirement to wear tight swim trunks if you’re going for a dunk. However, according to one company, there’s a good reason for the rule. Eurocamp, which runs pools across Europe, says it’s a matter of cleanliness.
With the baggier shorts able to be worn as regular clothing, “they’ll pick up more dirt and dust, contaminating pool water. Also, loose shorts retain a lot more water when you’re getting out of the pool, leading to slippery puddles.” The French rule requiring tight-fitting swimwear for men in public pools dates back to around 1903.
Source: Daily Record