Which burkini swimsuit should you choose and how do you find the right one?

A burkini swimsuit is one of the kindest things you can do for your time in the water: full, comfortable coverage that lets you swim, play and relax without a second thought, in a style you genuinely love. But with so many cuts, fabrics and details out there, choosing the right one can feel like a lot. This guide walks you through every decision — material, fit, silhouette, coverage and use — so you can find the burkini swimsuit that suits your body, your activities and your taste.

Think of it less as a checklist and more as a gentle process of elimination: answer a few simple questions about how you like to feel in the water, and the right burkini will reveal itself.

Start with what matters most: coverage and comfort

Before anything else, picture how you want to feel at the beach or poolside. A burkini is built around modest coverage — it covers the arms, torso and legs — while keeping the easy, water-ready comfort of good swimwear. That combination of coverage and freedom of movement is the whole point, so let it guide every other choice you make. Everything below simply fine-tunes it to you.

Get the material right

The fabric is what makes a burkini swimsuit comfortable to wear and durable enough to last. Look for technical blends of nylon, polyester and spandex (also called elastane), sometimes with lycra for extra flexibility. These give the suit its stretch and quick-drying performance, so it moves with you instead of clinging or sagging.

Two features are worth prioritising. First, fabric that is chlorine-resistant, so pool chemicals don’t wear it down. Second, built-in UV protection — because a burkini already shields most of your skin, a high-UPF fabric turns your swimwear into genuine sun protection for long days outdoors. For sportier use, some designs borrow neoprene or rash guard construction for extra durability and warmth. If you want to go deeper, see our guide to the best fabrics for an all-day comfortable burkini.

Getting the fit right

Fit is where comfort is won or lost, so take a moment with it. Pay attention to the waist: a high-waisted cut sits comfortably and gives a lovely, slimming line over the tummy and hips, with gentle tummy control if you want it. Consider your torso length too — if you have a long torso, a one-piece-style burkini or a swim dress tends to sit more comfortably than a separate top and bottom. For support, look for a soft, supportive shelf lining rather than anything rigid; modest swimwear can be both structured and gentle.

And remember that a great burkini should flatter every body. Look for brands offering true plus-size swimwear and a full size range, with cuts designed to suit different shapes — our guide to finding a flattering, comfortable plus-size burkini goes further. Always check the size guide before you order, and don’t be afraid to size for comfort rather than for a number.

Choosing your silhouette

This is the most fun decision — and the one that most defines your look. Burkini swimsuits come in several silhouettes, each with its own feel. A swim dress with leggings is soft, feminine and forgiving, lovely for lounging and gentle swimming. A tunic-and-legging set is streamlined and practical, ideal if you swim properly. A swim skirt or skort layered over leggings adds a graceful, twirly touch while keeping full coverage. And a longer, one-piece-style top gives a clean, elegant line.

If you’ve shopped conventional swimwear before, it helps to see the contrast: where a bandeau, a halter bikini, a tankini, a monokini or a classic one-piece swimsuit leaves much of the body exposed, a burkini keeps that same easy silhouette but covers you fully. You get the flattering shape without the exposure — modesty and style, together. The choice between a closer and a roomier shape matters too: we compare them in our article on fitted vs. loose cuts by body shape, and you can browse each directly — our fitted-cut burkinis or our loose / relaxed-cut burkinis.

Where to start ✦

A burkini swimsuit for every kind of swim

Prints, colours and pretty details

Once you’ve chosen a silhouette, the details let you express yourself. Alongside timeless solids, you’ll find a floral print, polka dot, a clean stripe, paisley, tribal, ikat and even leopard motifs, plus elegant color block (or colorblock) combinations and tropical print designs for a holiday mood. Tie-dye and embroidered finishes add character, while textured fabrics give a quietly luxurious feel.

For the prettier touches, look out for ruched and shirred panels (which gently flatter the silhouette), a soft ruffle or flounce, scalloped edges, a little fringe, crochet trims, smocked detailing or tiered layers. These add personality and a feminine finish while keeping the overall look modest and refined.

How much coverage do you want?

Coverage is personal, so decide what feels right for you. Some women want the fullest possible coverage: long sleeves, a high neck and full-length leggings. Others are happy with a sleeveless or short-sleeve top and cropped leggings for a lighter feel on hot days. In between, a swim skirt layered over leggings, or a longer tunic, offers full coverage with a softer, dressier look.

There is no « right » answer — only the level of modest coverage that lets you feel completely at ease. Knowing your preference here makes every other choice easier.

Made for movement: functionality and versatility

Match the burkini to how you’ll actually use it. For relaxed days by the pool, a soft swim dress is perfect. For real activity — swimming lengths, surf, water aerobics or aqua fitness — look for a sportier, closer fit with rash guard properties, freedom of movement and sometimes swim shorts or board shorts for an athletic feel. A discreet zipper at the neckline makes a sportier burkini easy to get on and off.

A lovely bonus to look for is mix-and-match versatility: brands that let you pair different tops and bottoms so one small wardrobe of pieces can carry you from a calm morning swim to an active afternoon, each time with a slightly different look.

Which burkini swimsuit suits you best?

To make it concrete, here’s a quick way to narrow it down by the kind of swimmer you are. If you love lounging and gentle dips, a swim dress or a tunic with a swim skirt gives you comfort and an effortless, feminine look. If you’re an active swimmer, choose a fitted tunic-and-legging set in a chlorine-resistant, quick-drying fabric. If you want maximum coverage, go for long sleeves, a high neck and full-length leggings. If you’re looking for a flattering plus-size fit, prioritise a high-waisted cut and a fuller, fluid tunic. And if you’re expecting, a maternity-friendly burkini with a stretchy, roomy body will keep you comfortable as you change.

Start from how you most often spend your time in the water, and the right silhouette becomes obvious.

Smart shopping tips

A few practical habits make buying online stress-free. Always read the size guide and measure yourself rather than guessing. Check the return and exchange policy, so you can swap a size that doesn’t fit as expected. And read customer reviews — real feedback tells you how a burkini truly fits and performs in the water, far better than the product photos alone. Finally, buy from dedicated modest swimwear specialists rather than generic shops; you’ll get cuts that are genuinely designed for coverage, not conventional swimsuits with a little extra fabric.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right burkini swimsuit comes down to balancing four things: a fabric that is stretchy, quick-drying, chlorine-resistant and UV-protective; a fit that flatters and feels comfortable; a silhouette and details you genuinely love; and the level of coverage that lets you relax completely. Get those right and you won’t just own a swimsuit — you’ll have a burkini that lets you step into the water feeling free, beautiful and entirely yourself, summer after summer.