What is muslim swimwear and what are the different types to choose from?

Muslim swimwear — often called modest swimwear — is designed to offer comfortable, beautiful coverage so you can enjoy the water in keeping with your beliefs and your sense of modesty. Instead of asking you to choose between feeling covered and feeling good, it gives you both: generous coverage of the arms, torso and legs, in fabrics and cuts made to swim, move and relax in. The result is a whole world of swimwear for women who want to step onto the sand and into the sea feeling free, elegant and entirely themselves.

Today that world is wonderfully varied. From burkinis to swim dresses, modest one-pieces to swim hijabs, there’s a style for every body, every activity and every taste. Here’s a friendly overview of what muslim swimwear is, the different types available, and how to choose the one that’s right for you.

What makes swimwear « modest »?

At its heart, modest swimwear is simply swimwear that covers more of the body while keeping all the comfort and practicality you’d expect at the beach or poolside. Most pieces cover the arms, torso and legs to the degree you prefer, and they’re made from technical fabrics such as nylon, polyester, spandex (also called elastane) and lycra. These blends give the stretch, support and quick-drying performance that good swimwear needs.

Two qualities are especially worth looking for: fabric that is chlorine-resistant, so it stands up to pools season after season, and built-in UV protection. Because modest swimwear already shields most of your skin, a high-UPF fabric turns it into genuine sun protection — a real bonus for long, happy days outdoors.

The different types of muslim swimwear

Modesty doesn’t mean one single look. Here are the main styles you’ll come across, each with its own personality.

1. The burkini

The most recognised piece of muslim swimwear is the burkini. It usually pairs a long-sleeved tunic top with swim leggings, and often a matching swim hijab. Made from chlorine-resistant spandex or nylon, a burkini is equally at home in the pool and the sea, and it comes in a lovely range of designs — from timeless solids to floral print, striped and polka-dot patterns for those who love a little colour. It’s the most complete form of coverage, and the natural starting point for many women. Browse the full burkini collection to see the range.

2. Swim dresses

A swim dress is one of the prettiest modest options: a dress-style top worn over attached shorts or swim leggings. Flattering A-line silhouettes, soft ruffled edges and gentle halter or high necklines make them feminine and forgiving, lovely for lounging and gentle swimming. You’ll find them in both one-piece and two-piece designs, so you can choose the level of versatility you like.

3. Modest swim tops and bottoms (mix-and-match)

For flexibility, modest swim tops and bottoms let you mix and match. Think long-sleeve swim tops or rashguards paired with swim leggings, swim shorts or a swim skirt, often with a high-waisted bottom for comfort and a slimming line over the tummy and hips. Building your own combination means one small wardrobe of pieces can adapt to very different days — a calm morning swim, an active afternoon, a relaxed evening by the water.

4. Modest one-piece swimsuits

A modest one-piece swimsuit offers full coverage in a single, elegant garment. Look for high-neck, racerback or sleeveless styles with a clean line, sometimes lifted by chic touches like a ruched waist, color-block panels or a floral print. Practical and fashionable at once, a one-piece bathing suit is a great choice when you want simplicity without sacrificing coverage.

5. Cover-ups and rash guards

Cover-ups add modesty and ease for the moments between swims. A lightweight sarong, a flowing kaftan, a soft kimono or a breezy beach dress slips on for the walk from the water to your towel, while a rash guard or long-sleeve swim shirt adds sun protection and pairs beautifully with swim bottoms for a complete, coordinated look. These finishing pieces make your beachwear feel effortless and put-together.

6. Swim skirts and skorts

For a feminine touch, a swim skirt or skort is a charming addition to any modest swimwear collection. Worn over leggings or paired with a fitted swim top, it keeps full coverage while adding a graceful, trendy silhouette — a little movement and softness that many women adore.

7. Swim hijabs

A swim hijab completes a modest look, covering the hair and neck while staying light and comfortable in the water. Designed to dry quickly and stay in place as you swim, it pairs naturally with a burkini or a modest swimsuit for a fully coordinated, head-to-toe feel. For many women, it’s the finishing piece that makes everything come together — explore our swim hijabs to find yours.

8. Plus-size modest swimwear

Modest swimwear should flatter every body, and happily, plus-size options are now widely available. High-waisted cuts, fluid swim dresses and supportive, full-coverage swimsuits come in a generous size range, designed to suit a variety of shapes and to feel as good as they look. Whatever your size, there’s a modest piece made to make you feel confident and feminine — discover our plus-size burkinis.

From the range ✦

A few favourites to start with

How to choose the right muslim swimwear for you

With so many lovely options, the choice comes down to a few simple questions. First, think about your preferred level of coverage: do you want long sleeves, a high neck and full-length leggings, or a slightly lighter feel with a sleeveless or short-sleeve top? Next, consider your activity — a soft swim dress is perfect for lounging, while a closer, sportier fit with rash guard properties suits real swimming, surf or water aerobics. Then look at fabric: prioritise stretchy, quick-drying, chlorine-resistant and UV-protective material so your swimwear lasts and protects. Finally, choose a fit and style you genuinely love, from the silhouette to the prints — floral, tribal, paisley, leopard, geometric or a calm solid — and pretty details like ruffles, ruching, embroidery or scalloped edges.

A few practical habits help, too: always check the sizing guide and measure yourself rather than guessing, look at the return policy in case a size needs swapping, and read genuine customer reviews to see how a piece really fits and performs in the water.

A style for every woman

The beauty of muslim swimwear today is that it asks you to compromise on nothing. Whether you choose a burkini, a swim dress, a modest one-piece, a mix-and-match set or a swim hijab to complete the look, you can enjoy the water on your own terms — covered, comfortable and beautifully yourself. Modern modest swimwear brands keep raising the bar with fashionable, functional pieces, so there has never been a better moment to find swimwear that fits both your principles and your personal style. However you love to spend your time by the water, there’s a modest piece waiting to make it feel free, easy and joyful.