Going Swimming? Leave the Sports Bra at Home

By Sharon McLoone

Most folks headed to the pool grab a towel, a bathing suit, sunscreen and maybe some goggles and flip-flops.

But the DC Department of Parks and Recreation has issued a guide of acceptable pool wear after enough District residents showed up this season to swim, but weren't wearing appropriate swim attire.

"'Street clothes', Brazil/French-cut, thong style and/or revealing swim wear, cut- off jeans, jeans, skirts, shorts, sport bras, leotards, leggings, dri-fit wear, compression shorts and compression shirts are prohibited," according to a DPR statement. "Underwear and undergarments are not allowed to be worn under swimsuits."

A spokesman for Parks and Rec told WTOP that because the pools are free, they usually fill to capacity and some residents stop by on a whim, without preparing for a pool outing.

"They really want to know, 'Why can't I wear my cutoffs in the pool? Why can't I just wear what I want to wear?'" spokesman John Stokes said. "It can lead to being unsafe."

The new guide says: "Street clothes (especially cotton) can transport airborne and ultimately water-borne contaminants into the pool."

It's not an issue in places like Alexandria where residents and non-residents have to pay an admission fee.

Parks and Recreation spokesman David Miller told WTOP that because residents have to plan around coming to the pool, they arrive in appropriate swim attire.

Do you think it was necessary for DPR to put out this guide? Have you noticed improper swimwear at your local pool?