Overview

• The 1903 regulation deems loose swim shorts unsanitary and restricts pool attire to tight-fitting trunks like Speedos or jammers.
• Pool staff and lifeguards checking compliance can expel or fine swimmers wearing nonconforming beachwear.
• Grenoble’s 2022 effort to repeal the law failed after the national government declined to relax hygiene standards.
• Natural waters such as beaches, lakes and rivers remain exempt from the tight swimwear requirement.
• The rule aligns with a trend of stricter European public space regulations, including new bans on loose beach attire in Portugal, camping in Greece and smoking on French beaches.