Do you mean to tell me that even under conditions where it might be more modest for women to wear pants, women can't wear pants at all in the Chareidi community? If a woman had to ride a horse, out of necessity, could she wear pants to ride?

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Originally posted by Yisroel Phillips:
Orthodox women are indeed allowed to swim, but they must do so out of sight of men. Many swimming pools in Orthodox areas and also kosher hotels have women only sessions.

Thanks yisroel, I think that gives me more insight into the hallachic laws surrounding the issue. Of course I understand why it is so, that women and men should not swim together in swimsuits.

At least it is good to know that orthodox women can learn to swim, as I think learning to swim is very important, as one day it might save your life, or the life of another.

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If a woman had to ride a horse, out of necessity, could she wear pants to ride?

I understand that it is pretty common for women to wear a skirt over pants for activities such as caving or skiing where it is necessary.

How often would a chareidi woman have to ride a horse in Boropark, Meah shearim or bnei brak? lol

And if it she did- i am not sure if she would own a pair to wear...

But IF it were to happen, i am not sure of the halacha. I never asked.

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How often would a chareidi woman have to ride a horse in Boropark, Meah shearim or bnei brak? lol

Bracha,
Jews live in all sorts of circumstances around the planet. The traditional Jewish Ghettos are only but a few places where we are concentrated.

Youre right Moshe, but as for the halacha- i dunno what it stands as. I know if it involves a sport for physical activity and wellbeing and a tznuis skirt would hender the activity and create a safety hazard, clothing appropriate for the sport is allowed. But it has to be in the proper time and place also. I am not sure about horsebacking etc.

I have vacationed at two places either specifically designed to accommodate Jewish families or designed for all but accommodating to Jewish families. My own knowledge cannot suffice to tell you what is right, but I can tell you what I have seen:

At one place, a dude ranch resort, they have separate swim times for men and for women. When horseback riding, most women wear pants under skirts, although some just wear pants.

At another place, a water amusement park, there are public, both-gender hours when orthodox women and girls wear an ankle-length, thick T-shirt over their bathing suits. (If you layer and if you are careful to "pick" the T-shirt away from your body as you are exiting the water, no feminine form shows.) This same park also offers special hours when only men or only women swim.

Would you please describe these ankle-length T-shirts, and perhaps a source from which they can be purchased? How long are the sleeves?

Are they safe to swim in while wearing? Or do they compromise swimming safety, and thus not safe for boating in water too deep in which to stand?

Perhaps wearing them under or over a coast guard approved life vest solves both the clinging and the drowning propensity problems?

Rob;
I've really never heard of the ankle-length t-shirt, but it brought a grin to my face. I'm not sure it's intended for swimming in....is it?

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"pick" the T-shirt away from your body as you are exiting the water

I imagine its intended for partaking of the fun of a water flume (roller coaster which splashes) or water slide (which slides into a mikvah looking place at the bottom, but not quite as deep) and not swimming per-se, I'm just going on her-say, hope its not hear-say.