For what it’s worth I don’t wear contacts but I do wear glasses I’ve got bad astigmatism
I usually wear my swim trunks like those for the beach not running shorts as those can be clingy I only used trunks and decent goggles for a long time
I change in the locker room shower with trunks on rinse off then swim After swimming I shower with my towel and trunks dry off get back to the locker and change into street clothes to go home But I see a lot of people swim, towel off, and head home I’m more of the exception than the rule
One thing about showering first is you soak your hair in non-chlorinated water making it easier on your hair Now I also wear a swim cap and it makes a big difference
I wear contacts but have lost some before due to goggles falling off
You could wear running shorts but from experience chlorine will damage them quickly I’d spend the $20 on a speedo or jammer if you’re nervous about that
If the pool connects to a locker room you can put on your suit and walk out If it doesn’t you can wrap up in a towel to go out After swimming I usually shower and take off my suit to rinse thoroughly If you buy a workout suit just rinse it in the shower as the washing machine can ruin it quickly
Just enjoy swimming It’s a great workout I think a cap is helpful for longer hair You can get kickboards pull buoys fins etc as you get more invested in it
Contacts are fine with goggles Most pools don’t allow anything that isn’t a bathing suit but regular swim trunks are fine to start A swim cap is optional I don’t wear one because I enjoy the extra drag
I don’t really mind seeing much while swimming My goggles fog up which is okay since the scenery doesn’t change much in the pool I typically wear glasses
You don’t really need any special gear Your pool should have some kickboards and pull buoys
Get some jammers or briefs for swimwear
In every pool locker room I’ve been to you wear your suit into the showers take it off while in the shower and then come out with a towel I haven’t seen anyone take off their suit at the locker before showering although there’s nothing wrong with that if you prefer
I wear my contacts under goggles about 90 of the time I keep a pair of prescription goggles on hand that match my prescription in case I need them I put on my suit at the locker rinse off completely before swimming then rinse with my suit on after swimming take it off in the shower
Get a pair of briefs or jammers The extra drag from running shorts can be hard I prefer briefs but jammers are also fine if they fit well
Running shorts aren’t meant for the water and may become see-through Wear a jammer or speedo Jammers cover more but speedos allow for better movement No one will care if you wear either
I bought generic prescription goggles They are not a perfect match but are close and were only about $18 online I recommend them highly
You can wear running shorts but be sure they fit well if you use them because if they are loose or absorb too much water they might come off while swimming Also they can add drag and make swimming harder
I take my swimsuit off in the shower but I don’t see an issue with using a towel It’s worth noting how much water you’ll drip (especially with shorts) when heading back to your locker I go straight to the showers take off my swimsuit and then towel off before going to my locker