The branch of swimsuits expands every season to new daring heights, and one type of swimwear that has been increasing in popularity is the swim dress.
In case you don’t know, swim dresses are a type of one-piece bathing suit that looks like a cross between a dress and a traditional bathing suit. They are often flowy and loose-fitting, making them a popular choice for many women.
Though they look like the perfect beachwear, here’s the big question: can you swim in a swim dress? The answer, unfortunately, is not as simple as yes or no.
Here are four factors that you need to take into account before deciding whether or not to take a dip in your swim dress:
- The Length
- Thickness of Your Swim Dress
- Your Swimming Skills
- Linings
And even if you get A+ in all of these, we don’t recommend you to swim in a swim dress for some very reasons.
So no waste of time, let’s get started with the four factors first.
1. The Length of Your Swimdress: It Should Above Half of Your Thigh
You already know what females wore for swimming long ago: a wool bathing suit covering their whole body except for the neck, hands, and feet.
Thankfully, times have changed since then, and now we have many more choices for swimwear.
But even with all of these new options, there is still one key factor you need to consider when deciding if you can swim in your swim dress: the length.
Ideally, your swim dress should be no longer than half of your thigh. This way, it will be short enough that it won’t drag on the ground and get caught on things and long enough to provide decent coverage.
And the fit is also matters; if the bottom part of the dress is too tight, it can also hold you back from swimming properly. So make sure it’s a comfortable, loose fit.
2. The Thickness of Your Swim Dress
The next factor you need to consider is the thickness of your swim dress, aka the design.
Nowadays, there are many different types and designs of swim dresses on the market. Some are made with very thin material while others are thicker and more like a traditional dress.
The thinner swim dresses will be easier to swim in since they won’t weigh you as much. But that’s not to say that you can’t swim in a thicker swim dress; it will just be more difficult.
So if you’re planning on swimming in your swim dress, choose one made with thin, lightweight material.
3. Your Swimming Skills: If You’re Not a Strong Swimmer, Stay Out of the Water
The third factor you need to consider is your swimming skills.
If you’re not a strong swimmer, we recommend you stay out of the water. Even if you’re just planning on wading in the shallows, it’s still not worth the risk.
Swim dresses can be bulky and difficult to swim in, so if you’re not confident in your swimming abilities, it’s better to play it safe and stay on dry land.
4. The Lining: Full Under Coverage Is Necessary
The last factor you need to consider is the lining of your swim dress.
Ideally, you want a swim dress with full under coverage. This way, there’s no risk of accidental flashing if the material gets wet and starts clinging to your skin.
Some swim dresses have built-in bras or pads for extra coverage, so if you’re worried about the lining, look for one of these.
Why Don’t We Recommend You Do That?
Now that you know all of this, we hope you can make a more informed decision about whether or not to swim in your swim dress.
And even if you decide that you can, we still don’t recommend it. Here’s why:
It takes the risk of Drowning
We repeatedly told you this: stay on the dry land if you can’t swim well.
Wearing a swim dress can be very risky since it can be bulky and difficult to move in. If you’re not a strong swimmer, there’s a good chance you could drown.
So even if you think you can handle it, we recommend avoiding the water. You can do plenty of other activities on the beach or by the pool without risking your life.
Even if you’re a strong swimmer, there’s still a chance that you could ruin your swim dress.
Wet Swimdress Can Be Extremely Uncomfortable
Have you ever tried wearing a wet dress? It’s not a pleasant experience.
Now imagine wearing a wet swim dress. Not only will it be uncomfortable, but it will also be very heavy and difficult to move in.
Here I use ”extremely” because compared to normal swimwear, a swim dress has double layers to reach the dress outlook. It can be extremely heavy when wet, making it hard to move and even drag you down if you’re in deep water.
So unless you want to be uncomfortable and weighed down, we recommend avoiding the water altogether.
What Swimwear Are Recommended to Wear for Swimming?
Now that we’ve talked about all the reasons why you shouldn’t swim in your swim dress, what should you wear instead?
The best option is a one-piece swimsuit. Moving in will be more comfortable and easier, so you can focus on enjoying your time in the water.
You can also opt for a bikini if you don’t want to wear a one-piece. Just make sure to choose a style that you’re comfortable moving in.
And swimming leggings are always an option if you want more coverage. They can be paired with a swim top or rash guard to create a stylish and practical swimming outfit.
Final Words
So there you have it! Those are four factors to consider before deciding whether or not to swim in your swim dress. We hope this article was helpful and that you can now make a more informed decision.
Remember, even if you decide to swim in your swim dress, we still don’t recommend it. Too many risks are involved, and it’s not worth it. You can do plenty of other activities on the beach or by the pool without risking your life. So why take the chance?
