what is a burkini

What is a Burkini Swimsuit?

How you ever wondered what Muslim women wear to the pool? Enter the Burkini. And no, that is not bikini misspelled. A Burkini is a cross between the Burqa and a bikini. Chances are you already know what a burqa is, maybe not by name but by identity. This is the Muslim women’s cover-up piece of clothing designed to be worn over clothing.

Like the Burqa, the Burkini features a head wrap, a full-body swimsuit with a flowing top similar to a t-shirt dress meant to cover up the legs all the way to the knees. Ideally, the only part of the body that should be visible are the feet and the face.

Based on the hybrid name, it is evident that Muslim women mostly wear burkinis. But they can also be worn by females of other religions that are focused on modest dressing, such as Mennonites, Jews, conservative Hindu women, nuns, and other religious people who value decent swimwear.

Moreover, you should consider wearing a Burkini for its sun-protective benefits even if the modesty aspect does not apply to you. This is because it offers an additional layer of protection when hanging out at the beach. Burkini swimwear has also become a fan-favorite among skin cancer survivors and people who are keen on sun protection.

Looking for swimming pool modest clothes? Keep reading to find one that will suit your needs.

Top 3 Best Burkinis on Amazon

  1. Muslim Swimwear Islamic Full Cover Modest Swimsuit Beachwear Burkini Women
  2. Seafanny Womens’ Modest Muslim Burkini Print 3 Pieces Swimwear Beach Swimsuits
  3. MAGNIVIT Women’s Modest Islamic Swimsuits with Hijab Full Cover Muslim Swimwear

Muslim Swimwear Islamic Full Cover Modest Swimsuit Beachwear Burkini Women

Muslim Swimwear Islamic Full Cover Modest Swimsuit Beachwear Burkini Women

This modest swimsuit is made from a fabric blend containing 80% Polyester and 20% Spandex. It is available in size small (US Size 2-4), medium (US Size 4-6), large (US Size 6-8) , extra-large (US Size 8-10), 2XL (US Size 10-12), 3XL (US Size 12-14), and 4XL (US Size 16-18).

The Burkini set comes with pants, a top, and a hijab. Additionally, the fabric blocks more than 90% of ultraviolet rays with an estimated UPF rating of 40-50+. The Burkinis also range in length depending on the size. Be sure to measure your height from waist to feet to get the correct pant height. Use the provided size guide provided to determine the correct size.

Features

  • Material: 80% Polyester, 20% Spandex
  • Trouser length range 94 -104 cm
  • 2-piece design
  • Mid-waist pants
  • Top with Hijab
  • UPF 40-50+

Pros

  • Stretchy fabric
  • Durable
  • Fast drying

Cons

  • Runs a size small

Seafanny Womens’ Modest Muslim Burkini Print 3 Pieces Swimwear Beach Swimsuits

Seafanny Womens' Modest Muslim Burkini Print 3 Pieces Swimwear Beach Swimsuits

This unique Burkini offers two different headcover kinds for you to choose from; the standard cap and a full cover Hijab. Ensure you select the cover option you want before adding it to the cart. It has a simple yet beautiful print that is not too showy.

The Burkini is available in size; small (US Size 2-4),  medium (US Size 4-6), large (US Size 6-8), extra-large (US Size 8-10), 2XL (US Size 10-12), 3XL (US Size 12-14), and (US Size 16-18). Use the size guide to find the right height pants and top.

Features

  • Two kinds of headcovers
  • Size: Small – 4XL
  • Stretchy fabric

Pros

  • Wide size range
  • Beautiful print
  • Durable

 Cons

  • The top is too long-looks like a dress on short people

MAGNIVIT Women’s Modest Islamic Swimsuits with Hijab Full Cover Muslim Swimwear

MAGNIVIT Women's Modest Islamic Swimsuits with Hijab Full Cover Muslim Swimwear

The Magnivit Burkini is made from 82%Nylon and 12%Spandex. This particular fabric blend is considered an excellent sunscreen fabric. It has been proven to prevent more than 90% of the ultraviolet with an SPF rating of UPF40-50+.

The fabric is also quick-drying and fade-resistant. It has a tie from the top to the pants to keep the top from riding up while swimming. It has two hijabs; a blue one that is attached to the swimwear and a removable red one.

It is also available in a wide range of sizes.

Features

  • Material: 82%nylon, 12%spandex
  • Sun protection UPF40-50+
  • Quick-drying

Pros

  • Water-resistant
  • High elasticity
  • Tie from the top to the pants – to prevent the top from riding up

Cons

  • Clings to the body when wet

Which countries have banned the Burkini?

While there are no restrictions on what you can wear to the beach in most countries, some countries have banned religious wear, specifically the Burka wearing and all Burka-like clothing in public. This ban was fueled by fears based on terrorist attacks in some of the nations.

In some European countries, wearing a burqa or any other form of religious clothing is considered a violation of secularism laws. The piece of clothing banned varies from nation to nation, with some being more restrictive on the public dress code.

Check this too: How to Fix a See Through Swimsuit

In some cases, the issue is considered divisive, mostly in school environments, primarily based on the uniformity issue in children’s appearance. Fortunately, successful court litigations are upholding the right to wear whatever clothing one finds appropriate.

These are the countries that have burned Burkas, Niqabs, and Burkinis;

  1. France – A ban on Burqa and Niqabs was instated after terrorist attacks in some cities.
  2. Belgium – Niqabs are illegal, and wearing Burkinis in most municipal swimming pools is forbidden. But Burkinis are allowed on public beaches.
  3. Austria – There are no specified laws, but a court upheld a decision by an employer to fire a Muslim woman for wearing a face-covering hijab stating it inhibited interaction with clients.
  4. Czech Republic – Schools have been restricting the wearing of the Hijab.
  5. Germany – A court upheld a decision to wear a Niqab in school. But an official ban is yet to be passed.
  6. Italy – Lombardy city banned wearing of Burqas in public offices and hospitals in 2016.
  7. The Netherlands – In 2015, a ban on face-covering clothing was passed in schools and places where seeing an individual’s face is deemed vital for identification purposes.
  8. Spain – Lleida and Catalonia cities banned Burqa and face-covering clothing in municipal buildings in 2010. The ban was, however, overturned in 2013 by Spain’s supreme court.
  9. Switzerland – the Ticino city, banned wearing of Burqas in 2013
  10. Canada – Quebec City, does not allow people wearing face-covering clothing to receive public services or work in government jobs. Wearing face-covering clothing is also forbidden on public transport.
  11. Bulgaria – Since 2016, face-covering garments ware banned in government offices, schools, and cultural institutions. Despite 12% of the population being Muslim of Turkish descent.
  12. Chad – The country imposed the ban on full-face veils after a Boko haram attack that killed 20 people in 2015.
  13. China – The Xinjiang city banned wearing Islamic veils in public in 2014.
  14. Russia – Stavropol region banned wearing of headscarves in government schools.

Conclusion:

A good Burkini should maintain modesty even when wet by not contouring your entire body’s silhouette. It should also be quick-drying to prevent waterlogging after a dip in the pool or ocean. Lastly, it should be lightweight as no one wants to feel like they are wearing a sack of potatoes after entering the pool.