Burkini Guide Origin Types Prices Buying Tips and Ban Controversies

What is a burkini? 

A clear, simple guide to origin, use, types, prices, and controversies

The word burkini comes from joining two words: “burqa” and “bikini.” But a burkini is neither a burqa nor a bikini. It is a style of swimsuit made to cover most of a woman’s body while still letting her swim comfortably. A typical burkini covers the whole body except the face, the hands and the feet — similar to a thin wetsuit or a full-body rash guard. This design helps women who want modest swimwear to enjoy pools, beaches and water sports without showing much skin. 

Where and when the burkini began

The modern burkini was created in Australia in the early 2000s by Aheda Zanetti. Zanetti designed it because she saw many Muslim girls and women avoided public swimming and sports because the usual swimsuits did not match their idea of modest dress. Her company, Ahiida, launched the burkini (sometimes spelled “burqini”) and registered the name. The burkini was born from a wish to help women join beach and pool life while keeping to their religious or cultural values. 

Who normally uses a burkini?

People who wear burkinis include:

• Muslim women and girls who observe hijab or prefer full-body coverage while swimming.
• Women who want strong sun protection (the burkini can cover skin that would otherwise burn).
• People recovering from medical procedures or cancer who want extra coverage in the sun or water.
• Women who prefer modest swimwear for personal, cultural or religious reasons.
• In some cases, non-Muslims choose burkinis for comfort, coverage and sun safety.

In short, while burkinis are most often associated with Muslim women, many different people buy them for modesty, sun protection, or medical reasons. Some designers and shops report a sizable share of customers are not Muslim. 

How much of the body should a burkini cover?

There is no single rule that every burkini follows. But the common idea is this: the burkini covers the arms and legs and the whole torso, and it often includes a hood or attached head covering that leaves the face and neck visible. Hands and feet normally stay uncovered so the wearer can move and swim easily. Some burkinis are closer fitting (like a swim wetsuit), and others are looser (a tunic and trousers style). The important part is that the fabric is light and does not become too heavy when wet. 

Types of burkini — simple words

Over time designers made many versions. Here are the main types you will see:

• One-piece burkini: A single garment that looks like a full-body swimsuit with an attached hood or cap. This is close to a wetsuit style but lighter.
• Two-piece burkini: A long-sleeve tunic (covers hips) paired with long swim leggings and a matching swim cap or hood.
• Three- or four-piece sets: These include tunic, leggings, skirt or shorts over leggings, and a hijab-cap. They give options for more or less coverage.
• Sport or performance burkini: Made from technical fabrics that do not get heavy in water, with good fit to reduce drag — designed for swimming lessons, lifeguards, or sport use.
• Fashion burkini: Trendy colors, prints, and more style details for beachwear that looks modern while still covering.

Advanced versions add technical features: high UPF (sun protection) fabrics, chlorine resistance, quick-dry materials, flat seams to avoid chafing, and designs that let water drain so the suit does not become heavy. Big sports brands and specialist modest-wear brands have started offering these improved suits. 

Modern and “advanced” burkinis

Modern burkinis now aim to solve the old problems: heavy fabric, water drag, and poor fit. “Advanced” burkinis use water-shedding materials, sometimes similar to elite competition swimsuit fabrics, to keep the suit light and fast in the water. Some come with built-in support (like a bra), pockets for modesty needs, zipped fronts for easier dressing, and designs tested to help swimmers move freely. Major sports companies have even worked on modest swim lines to meet the needs of athletes who want full coverage. This shows the market is growing beyond just casual beachwear into sport performance. 

Popular burkini brands and where to buy

Brands to know:

• Ahiida / Aheda Zanetti: The original burkini maker. You can buy direct from the official site; prices vary by model and country. 
• Modanisa: A large online store for modest fashion with many burkini styles and global shipping. 
• SunWay, Miss-Burkini, BurkiniRemsa: Small specialist sellers who offer several styles including high-UPF and chlorine-resistant fabrics.
• General retailers (Amazon, eBay) and department stores: Many budget and mid-range burkinis are sold through large online marketplaces. 
• Sports brands: Some big sports companies have launched modest swim ranges or special pieces aimed at athletes (examples reported in news coverage).

Where to buy: online shops, specialist modest-wear stores, marketplaces like Amazon or local swim shops in countries with big Muslim communities. You can also find burkinis in physical shops in big cities across Europe, the Middle East, Australia and North America.

Average price in Europe and the USA (simple guide)

Prices change with brand, fabric and where you buy. Here is a simple range you can expect:

• Budget models (fast-fashion / basic fabrics): about $25–$60 (USD) or €20–€55 in Europe. These are often sold on Amazon, AliExpress or discount retailers. 
• Mid-range models (better fabric, more style): about $60–$150 or €50–€140. Many Modanisa, specialist shops and Ahiida entry models fall here.
• Premium / advanced sport models: $150–$600 or more. Some high-tech performance suits from big brands can be quite expensive — there have been reports of designer or high-performance modest suits costing several hundred dollars. 

So, if you want a reliable average: many shoppers in Europe and the USA pay roughly €50–€130 / $60–$150 for a good, comfortable burkini. Designer or sports performance suits push the price higher.

Common questions people search about the burkini (answered)

Is a burkini allowed in public pools? Rules vary. Some pools set hygiene or safety rules (e.g., tight-fitting swimwear preferred), and rules can differ by country and by the pool manager. Always check the pool’s rules before you go. In some places modifications or special permission may be needed for non-standard swimwear.

Is burkini safe for swimming? Yes, modern burkinis are designed to be safe when made from light, drainable fabrics. Sport models reduce drag and help the wearer move freely. For open-water or strong surf, choose a suit with secure fit and follow all safety advice from lifeguards.

Can non-Muslim women wear a burkini? Yes. Many non-Muslim women choose burkinis for sun protection or comfort. The garment is not limited to one religion.

Controversy and conflict around the burkini

The burkini became a global news topic in 2016 when several towns in France banned the garment on public beaches. Local mayors said the ban was needed for public order or to defend secular rules. These bans sparked strong debate around freedom, religion and women’s rights. Many human-rights groups criticized the bans as discriminatory, while supporters said they were protecting public safety and secularism.

France’s highest administrative court, the Conseil d’État, reviewed these measures and found that at least some of the municipal bans illegally infringed individual freedoms. The court said a general ban that targets a garment without clear and real danger to public order was unlawful. Still, local tension and different court rulings in some areas showed the issue was complex and emotionally charged. The 2016 events are the best-known example of legal conflict around the burkini. 

Which cities or countries have banned burkinis?

In 2016, many French coastal towns introduced bans or rules limiting full-body swimsuits, including Cannes, Nice, Villeneuve-Loubet and Sisco (Corsica). Some bans were later suspended or overturned by courts. The legal and political situation can change, and occasionally local authorities propose or reintroduce restrictive rules — especially where officials claim public order problems. If you are traveling, check the local news and local authority rules for the most up-to-date guidance. 

How to pick the right burkini (simple tips)

• Choose quick-dry, breathable fabric — it will be lighter in the water and dry faster on the beach.
• Look for UPF or sun-protective fabric if sun safety is important.
• Try sport designs if you plan to swim a lot — they reduce drag and feel better when moving fast.
• Check sizing carefully and pick a secure hood or cap so the suit does not move when you swim.
• Read reviews and pick brands with clear returns and size guides if buying online.

Short conclusion — why the burkini matters

The burkini is more than a piece of clothing. For many women it is a tool of inclusion — a way to join community life, swim lessons and exercise while keeping to personal values. It has also become the center of public debates about religion, rights and public order — a sign that clothing can have strong social meaning. Today you can find simple, cheap burkinis and advanced sport models from well-known brands. Prices and rules vary, so choose carefully and be aware of local laws if you travel. 

Notes and sources: This article is based on reporting and public information about the burkini’s origin, types, brands and legal controversies. For background on the invention and use, see reporting on Aheda Zanetti and the Ahiida brand; for the 2016 municipal bans and the Conseil d’État ruling, see coverage of the French cases and court decisions.