Continuing the discussion from Hot Tub & Pool Confidence or Lack Thereof:
I know that the USA tends to be uptight, but over here in UK my attitude is to wear thongs or g-strings as of right. As long as you don’t draw attention to yourself by prancing around, just take it that you have a perfect right to wear what you like as long as it is not illegal. I’ve never had anyone objecting, and often had compliments. It goes without saying that you cover your genitalia unless it is a nudist pool.
I’ve gotten laughs but overall just ignore it. A bonus side perk is that Speedos and bikinis become the “modest” option when you are around family and friends.
Good point about speedos seeming modest compared to thongs. We are going on vacation soon. I’ve been tanning in a thong at home lately. My wife is hinting that a thong may be too skimpy for the trip. Im betting she will see a speedo as ok, which is fine by me.
Where are you going to vacation at? Not that it should matter, you’re just tanning!
We are going to paradise island, Bahamas. I’m trying to convince my wife that thongs are ok.
I wore a Cocksox swim brief to a PA State Park yesterday and felt overdressed. With all the rain we have been receiving since April, yesterday was actually the first day I was able to get near a pool. With me now being more comfortable wearing a thong/g-string where it is OK to do so, wearing the swim brief felt like wearing board shorts. In the past, I was apprehensive to wear the swim brief at pools where everyone is in close proximity with each other. As soon as I realized the swim brief is fully legal per the park rules (buttocks must be covered and the suit must be opaque), I quit worrying. No one can say a word because everything is covered, and the material is not sheer. However, even with wearing such a small suit in this very conservative part of the country, some people probably equated my swim brief to a thong. In other words, I would guess I am the only person in the entire county who wears Cocksox swimsuits (trunks, briefs, and thongs) and has the confidence to wear them in public. Even though I heard no comments nor received any looks, I am sure a few folks were somewhat shocked when they saw a guy wearing less than board shorts. They just kept it to themselves, which is a good thing in my opinion.
I have never been thru find it hard to believe a thong would be a big deal.
Socially they may not be a big deal. However, due to the PA state park rules, they are not legal. The buttocks must be covered, and all swimsuit material must be opaque.
Per my research on the web and what is posted at every PA state park, 17 PA. CODE, Subpart B State Parks, Chapter 11 General Provisions, Section 11.209.(b)(6) states it is prohibitive to not fully cover specific body parts with opaque clothing anywhere in a PA state park.
§ 11.209. Miscellaneous activities.
(a) The following activities are prohibited without written permission of the
Department:
(1) Engaging in construction or excavation.
(2) Moving, removing, damaging or defacing a Department sign, structure,
facility or equipment.
(3) Possessing, discharging or causing to be discharged a firecracker, explosive,
torpedo, rocket or other pyrotechnical material.
(4) Using a chain saw.
(5) Engaging in commercial activity.
(6) Posting or displaying a sign or printed matter.
(7) Soliciting funds.
(8) Removing or disturbing an historical or archeological artifact, relic or
object.
(9) Bringing an animal, other than a pet as provided in § 11.212 (relating to
pets), and other than a horse as provided in § 11.216 (relating to general
recreational activity; horses; snowmobiles; all terrain vehicles; mountain bikes),
into a State park.
(10) Storing or leaving food in a manner that is reasonably likely to attract
wildlife.
(b) The following are prohibited:
(1) Failing to comply with a condition of a permit issued by the Department.
(2) Possessing, selling or consuming an alcoholic beverage except at specially
designated facilities operated or leased by the Department.
11
(3) Causing or creating a noise which would likely annoy or disturb a
reasonable person of normal sensitivities.
(4) Obstructing or impeding persons or vehicles.
(5) Subjecting persons to unwanted physical contact or unwanted verbal
behavior.
(6) Failing to fully cover with opaque clothing one’s genitals, pubic area,
buttocks and female breast below the top of the nipple.
(7) Using drinking fountains, springs, lakes or waterways for washing
purposes.
Here is what I wrote via an official channel of communication on the DCNR (PA State Parks) website:
This inquiry is to ask when 17 PA. CODE Subpart B State Parks Chapter 11 General Provisions Section 11.209 was last reviewed and updated? When I went to a PA state park in the summer of 2023, the published date of the posted rules and regulations was dated 1/2003. The reason for my inquiry is specifically about Section 11.209.(b)(6) → Failing to fully cover with opaque clothing one’s genitals, pubic area, buttocks and female breast below the top of the nipple.
I would like to know what legal process needs to take place to amend this rule by removing the word buttocks in this description? I ask because societal changes and fashion styles in the past 10 years have been more accepting of people, mostly women, wearing cheeky swimsuit bottoms and thongs at various venues. These venues include beaches, hotel pools, resorts, community pools, water parks, etc.
Per the current 17 PA. CODE, these types of swimsuit bottoms would not be permissible at PA State Parks. I know for a fact, thongs are permitted in Ohio State Parks and NY State Parks. With Pennsylvania having 124 wonderful state parks, I think it’s time for the above rule to be changed. Residents of Pennsylvania should not need to travel out of state to be able to wear a cheeky swimsuit or thong at a state park. Additionally, I have been to all 3 wave pools in Pittsburgh in the past few years and it was evident thongs were permitted. If they are permitted at the county pools in Allegheny County, I think they should be permitted at all PA State Parks, especially the state parks that provide swimming recreation.
I thank you in advance for reviewing this inquiry and I look forward to a response.
Here is the response I just received from the DCNR:
Thank you for your email and comments. The Bureau has recently begun the process of revising its rules and regulations and your comments will be added to the list for consideration. Thank you for reaching out.
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I am being very hopeful my suggestion will be taken into consideration and changes will be made in the next revision of rules.