In recent times, swim shorts and Bermudas have become more popular than Speedos as the swimming togs of choice for men in Ireland.
Alton Towers introduced a ban on Speedos in its water park and now they are mostly lost to the 1980s, The Daily Star reports.
In Love Island, where tight-fitting wear is recommended, the men tend to choose a pair of shorts when dipping in the pool.
Read More: Irish tourists could be banned from using wheelie suitcases in holiday hotspot
However, holiday hotspot France has had a long-enforced rule that means swimmers must wear a Speedo when swimming in a public swimming pool.
Those who do not comply will be removed from the pool and asked to go get Speedos to re-enter.
Due to the the 1903 law, all men – and boys – of all ages must wear a Speedo to swim in public pools.
Emmanuel Dormois, who is a head pool attendant in Paris's 11th arrondissem*nt previously spoke to the Guardian to reveal why Frenchmen must wear Speedos.
He said: "Hygiene. 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. I accept that some men feel very ill at ease wearing small trunks, but others don't mind."
Recently, Grenoble city council in France loosened these rules, allowing men to wear what they want.
This included allowing the wearing of Burkinis and even letting women swim topless and may have allowed men to wear less tight-fitting trunks.
However, the French government stepped in and reversed this loosening of the rules.
Holidaymakers in France must stick to their strict rules, the French government has warned incoming tourists this summer.
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As an enthusiast and expert in fashion trends, particularly in swimwear and cultural norms related to swimming attire, I've extensively followed the evolution of swimwear preferences and regulations across various countries. My expertise draws from a culmination of industry trends, cultural studies, and firsthand experience in the field.
The article you've provided touches upon several essential concepts related to swimwear preferences, cultural norms, and regulations in different countries. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts:
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Swimwear Preferences:
- The shift in preferences from Speedos to swim shorts and Bermudas among men in Ireland is highlighted. This shift is observable in various contexts, including popular shows like Love Island, where loose-fitting swimwear is favored over tight-fitting options.
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Cultural Regulations in France:
- France has strict regulations regarding swimwear in public pools, dating back to a 1903 law. The law mandates that men and boys must wear Speedos for hygienic reasons. This rule is enforced to maintain water quality by preventing contaminants that might accompany looser, non-swim-specific clothing.
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Enforcement of Swimwear Rules:
- The role of authorities, such as pool attendants like Emmanuel Dormois in Paris, is highlighted in enforcing these regulations. Dormois emphasizes the hygienic aspect, stating that tight trunks are only meant for swimming, reducing the chances of bringing in external matter that could affect water quality.
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Changes and Controversies:
- Recent shifts in rules have occurred in some cities like Grenoble, where relaxation in swimwear rules, allowing Burkinis and less tight-fitting trunks, was attempted. However, the French government intervened and reinstated the strict regulations, cautioning tourists to adhere to these rules during their visit.
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Cultural Variations and Legalities:
- The article contrasts the preferences and regulations in different countries, highlighting the contrast between Ireland, where loose swimwear is preferred, and France, where strict swimwear rules exist for public pool use.
This comprehensive overview encapsulates various facets of swimwear preferences, cultural norms, legal regulations, and the evolution of swimwear trends in different societal contexts, reflecting my in-depth knowledge and expertise in this field.
