Is It Safe To Try On Bathing Suits At Store?

When the weather warms up, stores put out plenty of colorful swimsuit displays. Chances are, you've seen them, and you've probably gone shopping for a bathing suit this year or at some time in the past. If you've ever bought a new suit, you're also aware of the clear hygiene liner that's stuck in them to protect you. Have you ever tried on a swimsuit that had the sanitary liner? Huff Post reported that the liners are a breeding ground for unsanitary germs. 

Most retailers have signs that warn customers to keep their undergarments on when trying on swimwear, but can you be assured that everybody follows that rule? After all, nobody follows you into the dressing room to ensure you don't take off your underwear. Even if you've faithfully kept yours on, can you be assured that everybody else does? With all these unknowns, you might wonder if it's even safe to try on a bathing suit in the store. You might even wonder if you could catch a sexually transmitted infection like Trichomoniasis, Pubic lice, or Hepatitis B (via Priority STD).

According to Priority STD, most sexually transmitted infections occur due to direct contact with an infected individual. However, you can still catch a few from contaminated bathing suits or other types of clothing. Dr. Philip Tierno, a clinical professor of microbiology and pathology at New York University's School of Medicine, told Huff Post, "Some women may not be aware that the strip is not as protective as they think. Sometimes they put them on backward, with the sticky side down. Other people may just take it off altogether, and [then] the garment is riddled with organisms."

You could potentially contract Trichomoniasis, pubic lice, or Hepatitis B from a contaminated swimsuit (via Priority STD). Huff Post noted that other infectious organisms like staphylococcus, Hepatitis A, norovirus, streptococcus, and other illness-causing germs could end up on swimwear. Dr. Philip said, "The good thing is that most people have a very robust immune system, so they can usually fight off the small number of organisms they may get on their body. So the fact that you come into contact with one doesn't mean you're going to get sick." Even so, it's best to protect yourself by leaving on your underwear when you try on swimsuits at the store and washing your hands afterward. Another good idea is washing your suit after you buy it and before you wear it.