In the 1960's jeans became popular as classic swimwear for outdoor activities and watersports, especially swimming, surfing, and scuba diving. In aquatic environments where a neoprene wetsuit isn't necessary, or where just suiting-up can be inconvenient, jeans are worn with a T-shirt or rash guard, with fins for diving, or with rescue gear by water safety patrol professionals.

The preferred approach is to be able to go from dry land to water and back to dry land wearing the same jeans always, when on, in, or underwater. Tight fitting jeans are easy to swim in as long as they don't chafe. Their pockets are a good place to keep your money and keys away from thieves.

Rugged Swimwear

Jeans have been often compared to four-wheel drive vehicles and hiking boots, because they can go anywhere. They are known for their rugged construction, personal "shrink-to-fit", versatility, and high sun protection factor (SPF 100+). Combined with a T-shirt or dive top you have the basics for a safe and fun swimming outfit. Add an anorak on cool or windy days to avoid windchill.

Some swimmers and divers reserve specific pairs of jeans and diveskin jeans for the water, just as they do with their neoprene wetsuits and Lycra skins. The truly aquatic see no distinction between the two. Shrink-to-fit jeans and diveskins offer the freedom to transition without extra time and preparation.

"White Levis" (shrink-to-fit bleached) are designed specifically for aquatics and afford the swimmer and diver with rugged dependability and convenience. They retain their hydrodynamic fit in the water and when worn dry. There is no comparison in fit between street jeans and "water jeans".

Tip: Cool Cotton

Cotton jeans can get cold quickly once you come out of the water. Unless you intend to hop right back in, change into dry clothes between swims. Have a few jeans and T-shirts in your swim bag if you plan to take several breaks. It can be tricky to put on tight wet jeans, so we went back into the water in dry clothes.