Speedos found to be cleaner but less attractive than loose swim trunks, study shows
Tight swim briefs, often required in French and Italian pools, carry fewer bacteria than loose-fitting swim trunks, according to a new study by Dutch epidemiologist Teun Bousema. However, the study also found that the briefs are considered less attractive.
Bousema was inspired to investigate while on vacation. “When my son refused to wear one at a campsite in France, it made me think. He really didn’t want to be seen in it. I thought: this is a fun, playful study,” he told NOS.
For the study, Bousema asked more than 20 colleagues to wear either tight or loose swimwear for two hours before swimming in the Waal River. The results confirmed that tight swim briefs contain fewer bacteria than their looser counterparts.
The findings have prompted discussion about whether Dutch pools should encourage tighter swimwear. Mariska Hol of the National Council for Swimming Safety said the country’s water quality is generally high. “If we all wore speedos, it wouldn’t mean we could use less chlorine. Dutch pools have high-quality systems, so we see no need to tighten clothing rules,” she said.
TU Delft researcher Maarten Keuten, however, argued that the study’s results are significant because many pools struggle to maintain clean water. “There are even pools that have to close for that reason. And then I think: every little bit helps. So I can imagine that pools would benefit from requiring tighter swimwear,” he told NOS.
Hol also stressed the importance of showering before entering pools. “We would really benefit if visitors showered for at least half a minute before swimming: it prevents 50 percent of water contamination. This is not just about street dirt, but also residues from cosmetics or detergents,” she said.
