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 now the DC Department of Parks and Recreation has issued a guide of acceptable pool attire after enough district residents showed up this season to swim dressed... inappropriately.

"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 statement issued by the department. "Underwear and undergarments are not allowed to be worn under swimsuits."

A spokesman for Parks and Recreation 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."

According to the new guide: "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.

Alexandria 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.

Does your pool need a dress code? Tell us in the comments below.