Swimming

Swimming is the method by which living creatures move themselves through water in a method not involving simply walking on the bottom. Swimming is a popular recreational activity and a competitive sport. There are many health benefits of swimming, but it also entails risks if basic precautions are not taken.

Clothing

The desire or cultural demand of modesty together with the awkwardness or unsuitability of conventional clothing in the water led to the development of the swimsuit (and in Victorian times, the bathing machine).

Related Topics:
Modesty - Clothing - Swimsuit - Victorian - Bathing machine

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Men's swimsuits tend to be trunks, surf or boardshorts, competition briefs, cut-offs, or jeans.

Related Topics:
Trunks - Boardshorts - Competition briefs

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Women's swimsuits are generally either one-piece swimsuits of traditional or competitive style (such as the racerback) or bikinis. Also there is the monokini, in case the coverage of the breasts is neither required nor desired. However, special swimsuits for competitive swimming, designed to reduce skin drag, can resemble unitards. (See Competitive Swimwear)

Related Topics:
Racerback - Bikini - Monokini - Competitive Swimwear

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Nude swimming is done:

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• at nudist areas
• in Denmark, all beaches are clothing-optional unless marked otherwise
• during nudist hours in some swimming pools
• at (usually small) swimming pools in saunas
• without being formally allowed, at quiet places and hours; also called skinny dipping
• at private swimming pools and beaches, not visible for outsiders