France is a country much-loved by tourists throughout the world and when visiting, men are often seen wearing Speedos rather than the more common attire of baggier swimming trunks.
Most French men opt for these skimpier outfits when swimming, proudly breaking away from the norm.
These swimming trunks, known as Speedos, may be regarded as slightly outdated but in France, they’re often seen as compulsory.
For anyone embarking on holiday to France or who might be puzzled as to why these barely there swimming attires are the more popular choice, the answer has finally been found.
Back in 1903, a law was passed by the French government which required men to wear tight-fitting swimming trunks, particularly when visiting public pools.
This law meant that a man was prohibited from wearing any brand of swimming trunks at a public pool in France instead of having to wear what the French call “boxers”.
The main reasons for this come down to hygiene and the environment.
The law was passed in France to help protect French swimming pools as men often have the tendency to wear their bathing suits all day long.
This means dust particles or other types of bacteria are collected and often end up in the swimming pools.
The French believe that by wearing the more common baggier swimsuits – sweat, sand and dust is more likely to enter the pool.
But by wearing tight-fitting trunks, less dirt is held on which in turn means less pollution in the waters.
This law mostly applies to public pools including hotels and spas.
In May 2022, the French city council in Grenoble tried to loosen these restrictions on what can be worn at its swimming pools. However, the French national government objected.
Emmanuel Dormois, a head pool attendant in Paris’s 11th arrondissement which is home to three of Paris’s most famous squares, spoke to The Guardian and discussed how this law disturbs “the water quality”.
He said: “Small, tight trunks can only be used for swimming. Bermudas or bigger swimming shorts can be worn elsewhere all day, so could bring in sand, dust or other matter, disturbing the water quality.
“By banning them outright, we’re not forced to stand there measuring what can be defined as swimming shorts.”
He added how he was aware that many men may not be comfortable wearing these tighter swimming trunks “but others don’t mind.”
