What is a burkini?
A burkini is a full-coverage swimsuit made of a long-sleeved tunic, ankle-length swim pants and a hood or swim headcover, so it covers everything except the face, hands and feet. It is made from the same quick-drying stretch fabrics as other swimwear and is designed to be swum in, not just worn on the beach.
The name blends burqa and bikini, but a burkini does not cover the face. It was created in the mid-2000s by Australian designer Aheda Zanetti so that Muslim women could swim and play sport while keeping their dress code, and it is now also worn for sun protection, comfort and personal preference by people of every background.
Choosing one comes down to four things: the fabric, how loose the tunic is, how the head covering is built and how it fits once wet. A good burkini stays opaque, does not balloon in the water and keeps the hood in place when you swim.
For a long time, the choice for anyone who wanted to swim fully covered was a swimsuit under ordinary clothes, which turns heavy and dangerous in water.
The burkini solved that with swim fabric and a few smart construction details. Most of what makes one good or bad comes down to those details, and they are easy to check once you know where to look.
- A burkini is a three-part swimsuit: a tunic, swim pants and a hood or headcover, in swim fabric.
- It covers all but the face, hands and feet, and is made to be swum in.
- Choose matte, lined or textured fabric in a mid to dark color so it stays opaque when wet.
- Loose but not baggy: a tunic that skims the body hides the outline without filling with water.
- Check the hood: a fitted inner cap and a snug face opening keep it in place when you swim.
- Rinse after every swim and dry it in the shade, like any swimsuit.
How a Burkini Is Built
Five parts, each designed so the suit covers fully on land and still works in the water.
A burkini has a tunic, which is a long-sleeved top that reaches anywhere from the hip to the knee; a pair of swim pants or leggings to the ankle; and a head covering, either a hood attached to the tunic or a separate swim headcover worn over a cap. Each part is made from swim fabric, which is light, stretchy and quick to dry, rather than the woven cotton or polyester used in everyday modest clothing.
The tunic is cut loose through the body so it does not show the outline of the figure, but not so loose that it fills with water. The sleeves are fitted at the wrist and the pants at the ankle, usually with elastic or a band, so water cannot rush in and balloon the fabric. The best designs also have a lined chest, flat seams and a little stretch through the shoulders so you can swim a full stroke.
Types of Burkini
Burkinis vary in how many pieces they have, how long the tunic is and how loose the cut is.
| Style | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Two-piece | Tunic with an attached hood, plus pants | Simple dressing; the hood cannot slip away from the tunic |
| Three-piece | Tunic, pants and a separate headcover | Choosing your own head covering; easier to adjust |
| Long tunic | Tunic to mid-thigh or knee | The most coverage over the hips; relaxed swimming |
| Short tunic | Tunic to the hip | Active swimming; less drag and less fabric in the water |
| Sport or fitted | Closer-fitting tunic and leggings | Laps, surfing and water sports |
| Relaxed or loose | Looser tunic and wider pants | Beach and pool days where the outline matters most |
| Skirted | A skirt layer over the pants | A dress-like look on land |
A two-piece burkini has the hood sewn to the tunic, so it cannot separate from the neckline and leave a gap. A three-piece has a separate headcover, which lets you choose the shape and fit of your head covering and replace it on its own. Many people prefer three-piece sets because head coverings are personal and fit varies so much.
Tunic length is the main trade-off. A longer tunic covers the hips and thighs and hides the outline of the body best, but it adds fabric that drags and floats. A shorter tunic at the hip is easier to swim in and is the usual choice for sport and surfing. Sport burkinis also cut the tunic and pants closer to the body, while relaxed styles keep both loose.
The Head Covering
The part that most often decides whether a burkini works in the water.
There are three common designs. An attached hood is sewn to the tunic and usually has an elastic or banded face opening. A separate swim headcover is pulled on like a cap and drapes over the neck and shoulders, under or over the tunic neckline. An inner cap, sometimes built into the hood and sometimes sold separately, sits close to the head underneath and holds everything in place.
Burkini Fabric
The fabric decides whether a burkini stays opaque, dries quickly and survives the pool.
| Fabric | Feel | Chlorine resistance | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon and spandex | Soft and very stretchy | Lower | Comfortable; best for sea swimming |
| Polyester and spandex | Slightly firmer, holds color | Medium to high | The best all-round choice for pools |
| Chlorine-resistant polyester or PBT | Firm, less stretch | High | For frequent pool swimmers |
| Textured or crinkle swim fabric | Raised surface | Depends on the fiber | Hides the outline and clings less when wet |
| Lightweight swim jersey | Very light, breathable | Varies | Often used for the headcover |
Look for matte, lined or textured fabric. Shiny, thin, single-layer fabric clings and can turn sheer when wet, which defeats the purpose of the suit. Mid to dark colors and prints are the safest for opacity; if you choose white or a pale color, check that the tunic and pants are lined. Many burkini fabrics are tested for sun protection and labeled UPF 50+, which blocks about 98 percent of UV.
Do not swim in cotton or ordinary clothing. Cotton holds water, becomes heavy and drags, and many pools ban it for hygiene reasons. Swim fabric is what makes a burkini safe to swim in.
How a Burkini Should Fit
Loose enough to hide the outline, close enough to swim in. That balance is the whole fit.
A burkini should skim the body rather than hug it or hang off it. The tunic should be roomy enough at the bust, waist and hips to drape without pulling, and the shoulders should allow you to lift your arms above your head. The pants should sit comfortably at the waist with a drawstring or wide band, and fall straight to the ankle without bunching.
| Sign | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Tunic clings when wet | Fabric too thin or cut too close | Size up, or choose a textured or lined fabric |
| Tunic floats up in the water | Cut too loose or too long | Choose a shorter or more fitted tunic, or one with a weighted or banded hem |
| Sleeves balloon | Cuffs too loose | Look for elastic or banded cuffs |
| Hood slides back | No inner cap or face opening too loose | Add an inner cap; choose a snugger opening |
| Pulls across the shoulders | Too small, or not enough stretch | Size up or choose a fabric with more spandex |
| Pants drag at the hem | Too long | Choose a petite length or a cuffed leg |
Burkinis are usually sized like clothing, by bust, waist and hips, and many brands sell the tunic and pants together in one size. If your top and bottom are different sizes, look for a brand that sells the pieces separately. If you are tall, check the tunic length and the inseam; if you are petite, a hip-length tunic and a shorter leg will float and drag less.
How a Burkini Behaves in the Water
More fabric means more drag and more water to carry. Good design keeps both down.
Any loose fabric in water adds drag and traps water, so a burkini will always feel different from a fitted swimsuit. The difference is small in a well-made suit and large in a badly made one. Fitted cuffs and ankles, a tunic that is not too long and a fabric that does not absorb water are what keep a burkini light enough to swim properly.
A wet burkini also feels cooler out of the water than a dry one, because the fabric dries on the skin. On a hot day that is pleasant; in wind or cooler weather, bring a towel or a cover-up for the walk back. Our beach cover-ups guide covers kaftans and other layers that work over a swimsuit.
Burkini vs Other Modest Swimwear
The burkini is the fullest option. Several others cover most of the body without a head covering.
| Burkini | Full-coverage swimsuit | Rash guard set | Swim dress with leggings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head | Hood or headcover | Sometimes | No | No |
| Arms | Full length | Full length | Full length | Usually bare |
| Legs | Ankle | Ankle | Ankle | Ankle |
| Fit | Loose tunic | Varies | Close-fitting | Fitted bodice, loose skirt |
| Best for | Full modest coverage | Coverage with more choice | Sun and sport | Coverage without sleeves |
A full-coverage swimsuit is a broader term for any suit that covers the arms and legs, and a burkini is one type of it. A rash guard with swim leggings covers the arms and legs closely but has no head covering and shows more of the body outline. A swim dress worn with swim leggings covers the torso, hips and legs, and our swim dress guide explains how the skirt behaves in the water. For the full range, from tankinis to long sleeves, see our modest swimwear guide.
Who Wears a Burkini
Designed for modest dress, worn for many reasons.
The burkini was designed so that Muslim women who wear hijab could swim, surf and take part in water sport without compromising their dress code, and that remains its main purpose. It is also worn by women of other faiths with modesty traditions, by people who want full sun protection, by anyone with sensitive skin or a skin condition, by cold-water swimmers who want an extra layer, and by people who simply prefer to swim covered.
There is no single right reason to wear one, and no single right style. The best burkini is the one that covers what you want covered and lets you enjoy the water.
Wearing a Burkini at Pools and Beaches
Most pools and beaches welcome burkinis. It is still worth checking the rules before you go.
Pool rules usually focus on fabric and hygiene: they ban cotton, street clothes and loose garments that are not made for swimming. A burkini made from swim fabric meets most of these rules, which is one of the reasons it exists. Some pools and leisure centers publish their own swimwear policies, and a few have restricted burkinis; rules vary by country, city and venue, so check before you visit.
Burkinis have also been the subject of public debate. In 2016, several French coastal towns tried to ban them on beaches, and France's highest administrative court suspended one of those bans the same year. If you are traveling, a quick look at local rules saves an awkward conversation at the door.
Building Coverage at HauteFlair
HauteFlair does not currently carry a full burkini. These pieces add coverage to a modest swim wardrobe.
If you want coverage over the hips and thighs without a full burkini, our modest swimwear collection includes swim dresses, swim skirts and swim shorts. The Sunsets Escape Sienna Swim Dress has a sweetheart neckline, a ruched bodice and a hidden attached bottom; the Sunsets Sporty Swim Skirt has built-in shorts and a wide waistband; and the Natori Power Comfort Active Sport and Swim Short is an opaque stretch short made for swimming and exercise. Availability changes by season, so check each listing for sizes and colors.
Our swim skirt guide and swim shorts guide explain which liners and lengths stay put in the water.
How to Care for a Burkini
The same care as any swimsuit, with a little extra attention to the head covering.
A burkini has more fabric than most swimsuits, so it takes longer to dry. Hang the tunic by the shoulders or lay it flat, and turn the hood inside out so the inner layer dries too.
Common Burkini Mistakes
Five things that make a burkini uncomfortable or less modest than it should be.
Burkini Fitting Checklist
Try these before you take the tags off.
- Raise both arms: the tunic should not pull across the shoulders or lift at the hem.
- Turn your head: the hood or headcover should stay in place and keep the neck covered.
- Squat and step: the pants should move freely without pulling at the waist.
- Check the cuffs: wrists and ankles should be snug enough to keep water out.
- Check opacity: hold the fabric to the light; if it shows through dry, it will show through wet.
- Check the length: the pants should reach the ankle without dragging under your heel.
What This Means for You
A burkini is a full-coverage swimsuit made of a tunic, swim pants and a hood or headcover, built from swim fabric so it can be worn in the water. It covers everything except the face, hands and feet.
Choose matte, lined or textured fabric in a color that stays opaque, a tunic that skims rather than clings or balloons, fitted cuffs and a head covering with an inner cap. A shorter, closer cut is easier to swim in; a longer, looser cut covers more on land.
Rinse it after every swim, dry it in the shade, and check local pool rules when you travel, and a good burkini will last as long as any other swimsuit.
Modest Swimwear, Swim Dress and Swim Skirt
Every level of coverage, the skirted one-piece and the swim skirt, and which liners stay put in the water.
Modest SwimwearSwim DressTypes of SwimsuitsFrequently Asked Questions
What is a burkini?
Why is it called a burkini?
Can you swim in a burkini?
What is the difference between a burkini and modest swimwear?
Who can wear a burkini?
Is a burkini see-through when wet?
How should a burkini fit?
How do I stop my burkini hood from slipping?
Does a burkini protect from the sun?
Can I wear a burkini in a public pool?
Is a burkini hot to wear?
What is the difference between a two-piece and a three-piece burkini?
What should I wear under a burkini?
How do you wash a burkini?
This guide covers burkini styles, fabric, fit and care and is for general information. Sizing and construction vary between makers, and pool and beach rules vary by venue and country, so check the product details and local rules before you buy or swim.
