Modest Swimwear for Girls: Burkinis and Covered Swimming Outfits

What a burkini is and how it differs from ordinary swimwear

Modest swimwear for girls is the broad category, and the burkini is its best-known form. The word is a blend of burqa and bikini, although the garment has nothing to do with a face veil. A burkini is normally a two- or three-piece set: a long-sleeved tunic that reaches the thighs or knees, trousers or leggings that run to the ankle, and a close-fitting hood or swim cap. The fabric is the same stretchy, fast-drying material used in sports clothing, so the girl is covered without being weighed down.

Other designs exist alongside the classic set. A one-piece suit with attached sleeves and leggings is easier for small children to put on. A swim tunic over leggings is popular for older girls who like a looser line. Some girls simply wear a rash vest and long swim shorts, a combination originally designed for surfing and sun protection, which many families find acceptable for lessons and holidays.

The aim is practical as much as religious. Parents who choose these clothes want their daughters to take part in swimming, which is a valuable skill and a safety matter, without feeling uncomfortable about exposure. That motivation is shared by families of other faiths and by those who simply want strong sun protection.

Why families choose covered swimming outfits

Many Muslim families hold that girls and women should keep a standard of covering in front of people outside the family, and that standard may extend to the beach and the pool. Views on what the standard is differ between schools of thought, cultures and households, and nobody should assume a single rule. Some families expect full-length sleeves and legs for all public swimming; others accept shorter styles for young girls and move to fuller coverage as the girl grows.

Religious reasons are not the only ones. Parents mention protection from strong sun, comfort for girls who feel self-conscious, and a wish for a daughter to join school swimming without standing out. Dermatologists and health bodies regularly advise covering skin during peak sunshine, and a long-sleeved swim top does that job well.

Where the family has a question about the correct standard, a qualified scholar from the household's own tradition is the proper person to ask. A shop description can tell you how a garment is cut, but it cannot tell you what a family should decide.

Fabrics that work in chlorine and salt water

The best swim fabrics for a child are quick-drying blends of polyester and elastane. They stretch with the body, keep their shape and resist the harsh effects of pool chemicals. Cotton looks tempting because it feels soft, but it absorbs water, becomes heavy and stays cold against the skin, so it is a poor choice for actual swimming.

Look for flat or covered seams, because raised stitching rubs at the underarm and the inner thigh. A soft inner lining at the chest gives a young girl modesty when the outer layer is wet. Many makers also add a sun-protective finish; read what the label claims and how it is described rather than assume protection, since fabrics wear out with repeated washing.

Colour matters more than it seems. Very pale shades can become see-through when wet, and a fabric that looks opaque on the hanger may not be so in water. Dark or mid-tone colours and patterns are more forgiving. Rinse the set in clear water after every swim, as salt, sunscreen and chlorine slowly weaken the stretch.

Safety points for swimmers in long garments

Swimming in loose clothing is safe when the garment is chosen well. The main hazards are fabric that billows, which creates drag, or fabric that tangles around the legs. A tunic that ends at the hip or thigh with a fitted trouser leg is the usual solution. Long, wide skirts attached to swimsuits can look attractive but are more awkward for beginners.

Hoods and swim caps should sit snugly. A hood that slips over the eyes in the water is a nuisance and can frighten a child. Choose one that fastens at the chin or has a neat elastic edge, and try it on before the first lesson. Wet hair under a hood can stay damp for hours, so a dry scarf and towel for afterwards are sensible.

Whatever the outfit, supervision, lifejackets for weak swimmers and attention to local water-safety advice are more important than the choice of fabric. Swimming instructors are used to a wide range of clothing and can advise on whether a given set is suitable for a particular child's level.

Pools, beaches and school lessons

Rules for what may be worn in the water depend on the place. Public pools often publish a swimwear policy aimed at hygiene, and some require clothing made of synthetic swim fabric rather than everyday cotton. Most pools in the United Kingdom, for example, accept modest swimwear that meets this requirement, but it is worth checking with the venue in advance.

School swimming is a common worry. Many schools allow modest swimwear and will discuss options with parents, and an early conversation with the teacher usually sorts out practical details, such as changing arrangements and where a hood may be kept. Girls who are shy about changing in a shared room may prefer to arrive already dressed under their outerwear.

On beaches, authorities occasionally set local rules. France drew international attention in 2016 when several coastal towns issued orders about beach clothing, and the highest administrative court later suspended one of those orders. The episode shows that rules can vary by place and change over time, so travelling families should check local guidance.

Buying and looking after girls' swimwear

Swimwear for children is easy to outgrow, and a set that is too tight rubs and restricts breathing. Measure chest, hips and inside leg and compare them with the maker's chart, since sizes differ by brand. A moderate stretch allows the set to follow the girl's growth for a season or two, but fabric that has been overstretched turns thin and loses its grip.

Check the bodice length. A tunic that rides up when the girl lifts her arms defeats the purpose of covering. Try the set with arms raised, kneeling and bending forward. Trousers should have an elasticated waist with a drawcord and cuffs that stay down at the ankle, perhaps with a small stirrup or hem tape.

Teenagers often want styles that look like current sportswear rather than children's clothes. Many ranges now come in muted palettes and cuts with panels and mesh trims, which suit girls who want to look as much like their friends as possible while keeping the coverage their family prefers.

Buying and looking after swim sets

Burkinis for children are sold by specialist modest-clothing brands, sports retailers and general online marketplaces. Compare composition labels, check the return policy and look for a clear size chart. Consumer law in many countries gives buyers the right to return goods that do not match their description, and distance-selling rules often allow a short reflection period, though swimwear is sometimes excluded once hygiene seals are broken.

Buy two sets if swimming is frequent, so one can dry while the other is used. Launder it by hand or on a delicate programme in cool water, skip fabric conditioner since it leaves a film on the fibres, and let it dry in the shade, as intense sun and tumble dryers wear out elastane.

Finally, remember that comfort is the best measure of success. A girl who feels at ease in her swimming outfit will swim, splash and laugh, and that is the reason most parents begin the search.