If you do end up taking your binder for a dip, make sure to soak it in cold water afterward or rinse the chlorine out in the shower when you get home (and hang dry). However, you’ll typically want to size up or make sure that your binder is loose enough, so as not to restrict your breathing while you swim, especially if you are planning on doing laps or swimming for exercise. If your binder is made from a spandex and nylon blend, you can absolutely swim in it. Some people opt to buy a shorter wetsuit known as a spring suit or a neoprene top and wear either of these over a binder. Neoprene is the same material that wetsuits are made out of. You can also always wear a heavyweight baggier T-shirt over a pair of swim trunks or boy shorts. Rashguards are designed for surfing, so they are typically tighter and like a water-ready compression shirt, whereas swim shirts can fit looser and are designed to protect against UV rays. Some people opt for swimming shirts, neoprene shirts, or rashguards. It's entirely up to you!Īs far as tops go, you have a few different options in terms of what to wear on top while you swim. While you may feel comfortable with this part of your body, you may desire more coverage to feel good in a swimsuit. If you haven’t had top surgery (either because you haven’t been able to access it yet or don’t plan on getting it), you might need to find a swimsuit that affirms your gender while also covering your chest. ![]() If you identify on the trans masculine spectrum, you might have a few different concerns about swimming in public. Even if you can’t find a trans-specific swimsuit that works for you, there are several tips and tricks to managing swimming while transgender or nonbinary for every type of gender expression and identity. ![]() While the fact that most swimsuits are designed for cisgender bodies is frustrating, there are some queer and trans brands breaking down these barriers. However, despite movements forward in the world of swimwear, no one has quite yet addressed the gap in the industry for transgender and gender non-conforming bodies. While public nudity was a major concern in designing early swimwear, it seems to be all the rage these days. This phenomenon eventually led to the “swimsuit,” which gave way to bikinis, tankinis, mankinis…and the list goes on. However, in the early 1900s, form-fitting styles were proving more and more popular despite opposition from some groups. Oftentimes these fabric gowns had weights sewn into the hems so that they would not rise in the water, god forbid a little skin was shown. In the 19th century, women often wore full-sleeve chemise-type gowns made of wool or flannel so that modesty and decency were not threatened. The scantily clad beachgoers that you see these days most likely would have been arrested for public indecency back in the day. Swimwear has made quite a lot of progress since the beginning of time. Though the majority of swimwear is still designed for cisgender bodies, we've found brands that cater to gender-diverse forms and fits. Trans bodies (or bodies that are visibly gender non-conforming in any way) are frequently under more scrutiny in public spaces. While having access to queer beaches can be a game-changer for many LGBQ+ people to feel safe, for those of us who are transgender, nonbinary, and/or gender-diverse, the experience of swimming can come with specific anxieties. We know swimming isn’t always a straightforward experience for everyone in the queer community. ![]() Have no fear because we have you covered with tried and true tricks for what to wear and how to wear it, so you can relax into being your fabulous self all summer long. ![]() For trans and nonbinary folks, we know this can come with a lot of feelings and even reservations about wearing a bathing suit in public. With bluer skies and warmer weather, it’s time to bust out your swimwear and hit the pool or your fave local body of water. Summer is finally upon us, and you know what that means: suns out, bums out.
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