Modest Swimwear: The 'Burqini' And Beyond (PHOTOS)

The 'burqini'--modest cover-all swimwear for Muslim women--has taken a lot of heat this summer. A mayor in northern Italy banned them from beaches and pools, saying "the sight of a 'masked woman' could disturb small children, not to mention problems of hygiene." Last week, a Paris pool denied a woman entrance, citing their "no swimming while clothed" rule. But the burqini isn't the only swimwear designed to keep women covered. The Duggar family from TLC's "18 Kids and Counting" also donned conservative cover-ups.

See some of the styles here:

• • • • • • • • • Ahiida Burqinis in three styles: slim-fit (left), active-fit (center), and modest-fit (right).

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Comments

[Shushu75]

01:31 AM on 09/04/2009

As a Muslim woman who converted to Islam I have to say it's a sad day for women's rights when we're discriminated against for choosing to dress modestly.

There are also other swimsuits out there than the name brand burkini. I personally own a veilkini which is sold by a US company www.alsharifa.com AFAIK They're the only company in North America that sells a swimsuit like it in the US.

[SukNg]

07:01 AM on 08/26/2009

AND if you r not "White", do be aware that your culture of feminism comes from the very same institutions that perpertuate the contaminated knowledge about the Orient.

[SukNg]

11:03 PM on 08/25/2009

"White feminists" telling "brown women" what to do again - back to "saving the natives from themselves"?

I wear bikinis, m not Muslim. My kids see masked women all the time and they r not frightened, as they have the benefit of EXPOSURE!

They have also seen scuba divers in suits. We wear UV protection suits for sun safety during certain times of the day. What is the difference?

Travel. See the world from different perspectives.

[SukNg]

10:50 PM on 08/25/2009

"White feminists" telling "brown women" what to do again - is it back to "saving the natives from themselves"? Are u pro choice?

[yemaya]

06:56 PM on 08/25/2009

when did we become so ashamed of our bodies?

[calluna]

11:28 AM on 08/28/2009

Perhaps because society generally tells us that our bodies don't measure up to the impossible standards set by our various cultures....?

[WonderfulLife]

02:09 AM on 08/25/2009

Could someone please explain to me why it is only the women who need to be modest.
Why no head to toe coverups for the men?

[WonderfulLife]

01:57 AM on 08/25/2009

I fully get the point about women being covered to avoid being seen as sexual objects and as a way of being modest in their dress.
But the thing I can't understand is why is the same standard not applied to men?
Can they not also be seen as sexual objects? And to avoid that shouldn't they also be required to wear the same amount of cover-ups?
I think the answer to all complaints is that if a husband wants his wife wear the burqua is simply for him to also be required to wear one. Or muslim men should have the same clothing requirements as muslim women.
What would you bet the dress code would be revamped in a day if that were to happen?

[calluna]

11:30 AM on 08/28/2009

My understanding is that many Muslim men do wear fairly loose fit clothing and often wear head coverings. I doubt this is a case where men are forcing their wimmin' into burquinis while they prance around in Speedos.

[BlueZoo]

06:18 PM on 08/24/2009

Gee whiz! Can't we all get along? There are posts here from women who would rather cover their bodies and from those who prefer not to. So what? Whatever floats your boat! The Europeans are supposed to be so liberal in their tastes but they seem to be the ones making such a flap over a simple swim outfit. Personally, I'd much rather see women wear what they feel comfortable in and, if that means a burqini, so be it!

[Bafun]

05:42 PM on 08/24/2009

It's just funny to read the posts of so many people condemning the "racis m" against mus lims in Europe. In America obviously there is no ra cis m against muslims, just against African- Americans, who are in this country for generations and have helped to build it with their sweat and blood.
These people are judging other countries defending their culture and way of life and themselves are so rac i st against their own people. And I even don't speak about Me xi cans.....
Should set their own house in order.....

[eastcoastprogressive]

11:22 PM on 08/23/2009

Modesty is fine for church, school, or work. The beach is one of the few places where the freedom to be one with nature is perfectly acceptable. People go and enjoy themselves, their bodies, and the sun and water. This isn't about religion, it is about simply enjoying life.

[Jeanette Ponder]

02:12 PM on 08/23/2009

What I find funny is the bunch of posters saying that the conventional bikini is inde.cent. Oh, come the he.ll on. Yes, a small minority go too small, but most others wear suits that are sized correctly.

The human body isn't gross! Just because we see skin, doesn't mean that there will instantly be some sort of crazy or.gy. I agree with the poster above who says that "because I don't like my body, everyone else better cover up"!

The modest suits are cute. They're a completely valid option, and modest ladies should wear them to their hearts' content.

[Pema]

12:28 PM on 08/23/2009

I love to see the new styles. i live at the beach in so cali and feel a bit more modesty is in order. countries such as france are using this as an excuse to get muslims out of their country.

[oregonbird]

11:53 PM on 08/22/2009

I have two red-headed children -- and religion has nothing to do with my choice of swimwear, which is ALL about covering up. But in France, they would be banned from the pool. When the material of the suit is made of swimsuit material, it doesn't matter how much is used -- and if some women are more comfortable covered modestly (my mother is planning a new suit next year, in a modified burquini style) then they have every right to exercise their own judgment.

Twenty years ago, women were being asked to leave pools for having unshaven legs. Now, protecting yourself from sun damage or choosing to dress modestly is being legislated and ruled against by social fiat. Excuse me, my children will not be put at risk of future skin cancer because you are prejudiced or sexist.

[Vixter]

11:24 AM on 08/22/2009

I do wonder what the weight of all that wet cloth would do to the swimming abilities of above dressed women if they happened to get wet while surfing in ocean. Hope that the suits come with personal life guards - cuz they sure would drown without one.

[sally51]

06:07 PM on 08/22/2009

My experience with similar suits is that the weight is nowhere near enough to pull you under. I took a water aerobics class without difficulty. This isn't worsted wool or heavy cotton like old fashioned bathing dresses. They do take longer to wring out and are a bit harder to strip off to change. You'd want a tight leg for racing. The only thing I haven't worked out is how to avoid the "float" effect with the skirt or dress, which is also an issue with traditional bathingsuits with skirts. It's only an annoyance, though. Casual swimming is quite comfortable and I don't have to worry about sunburn.

[greysilk]

04:57 AM on 08/22/2009

I hear the burqini is banned in France and Italy - their governments think they have the right to tell a woman what she can wear to the beach. Even worse, they insist she be uncovered! Excuse me?

[cgracec]

10:53 AM on 08/22/2009

As much as I don't like the oppressive aspects of Islam (and Christianity, for that matter), I do think Muslim women should be allowed to wear what they want to wear. They should be able to practice their religion if they so wish. I don't really buy the "hygiene" issue, either. What's more unhygienic - a woman fully dressed in swimwear or a person at a nude beach?