What to wear to the pool or a lake

Swimwear you can swim in, a cover-up for the walk, sandals and a towel. Add a hat, sun protection and water shoes if the lake bed is stony.

Dress code 1 · Relaxed
Summer. Mostly summer. Lakes are cold in spring and autumn, and outdoor pools usually close in autumn.

Three outfits that work

Women’s

Linen cover-up, sandals, straw bag

  • linen cover-up
  • flat sandals
  • straw beach bag
  • large towel

A cover-up goes on and off quickly, and sandals stay comfortable on hot tiles and grass.

Men’s

Cotton shirt, swim shorts, slides

  • light cotton shirt
  • swim shorts
  • slides
  • canvas bag

Swim shorts work for swimming and for sitting on the bank, and a loose shirt gives shade from the sun.

Modest

Long-sleeve swim top, leggings, swim hijab

  • long-sleeve swim top
  • swim leggings
  • swim hijab
  • sandals

A long-sleeved swim top with leggings covers your arms and legs, and a swim hijab made for water stays on when you swim.

By weather

Hot22° and up A light cover-up, hat, sunglasses, sun protection and plenty of water.
Mild10° to 21° A cover-up or shirt to put on between swims, and a towel.
ColdBelow 10° Rarely used; if you swim in cold water, bring a warm towel, a hat and a dry set of clothes.

Do and don’t

Do
  • Wear sun protection and reapply it after swimming
  • Bring a cover-up or shirt for shade
  • Wear sandals on hot ground
  • Bring water and a towel
Don’t
  • Swim right after a heavy meal
  • Leave valuables unattended
  • Wear flip-flops on slippery tiles
  • Swim in a lake alone if you are unsure of the water

Check the night before

  • Pack a towel, a spare swimsuit and sun protection
  • Bring water, a snack and a hat
  • Check pool opening hours or lake swimming rules
  • Wear sandals you can walk in on stones
  • Pack a dry set of clothes for the way home

Questions people ask

What should I wear to a pool or lake?

Swimwear, a cover-up, sandals and a towel. Add sun protection and a hat.

What if I want to cover more at the pool or lake?

Choose a long-sleeved swim top, swim leggings and a swim hijab or swim cap. Many pools allow these; check the pool’s rules.

Do I need water shoes?

They help on stony or weedy lake beds. Sandals are fine on grass and tiles.

What should I wear in a public pool?

Swimwear made for swimming. Many pools ask you to shower first and to wear swimwear rather than street clothes.

FeinLens

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FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.

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