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AIBU?

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Original poster

To wear a burkini?

91 replies

AliceMcK · 01/05/2025 00:55

Dose anyone know what would happen if I wore a burkini in France? I understand there has been issues, rightly or wrongly, with religion and wearing burkinis in the past. I’m just wondering if I would be causing problems if I decided to wear one.

For reference, I’m not religious, if I was to choose it would be lapsed catholic, I hate the sun and beach, I go to the beach one day a year for my DDs ( northern English beach), however, we are going to France with DHs family in the summer and expected to spend several days at the beach so I’m looking to find something to cover my very pasty white skin to reduce sun exposure and loving the idea of a burkini.

posting on here for traffic.

OP posts:
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Mummamap · 07/05/2025 08:34

I would get a long sleeved rash vest and shorts.

Abbycarry2211 · 04/05/2025 13:09

I woukd much rather wear a burkini than a bikini.

Its strange that a bra and panties is seen as "whats normal" on the beach

LemonadeSunshine · 04/05/2025 11:35

Being on the larger side and having the same colouring as the OP, I wore a short sleeve swim top / rash vest (not too snug) and board shorts in and out of the water in South America last year, and they worked really well. Combined with wet suit / swim shoes or boots (less likely to come off in the water) they provided perfect coverage.

Feelinglost10 · 04/05/2025 11:31

AliceMcK · 01/05/2025 00:55

Dose anyone know what would happen if I wore a burkini in France? I understand there has been issues, rightly or wrongly, with religion and wearing burkinis in the past. I’m just wondering if I would be causing problems if I decided to wear one.

For reference, I’m not religious, if I was to choose it would be lapsed catholic, I hate the sun and beach, I go to the beach one day a year for my DDs ( northern English beach), however, we are going to France with DHs family in the summer and expected to spend several days at the beach so I’m looking to find something to cover my very pasty white skin to reduce sun exposure and loving the idea of a burkini.

posting on here for traffic.

Not unreasonable. More strange?

Mycatlovesherbickies · 04/05/2025 08:55

I just googled Burkini because I couldn't remember how they look exactly, and shein comes up with some really nice ones

To wear a burkini?
Ineke · 04/05/2025 01:44

If you are not going swimming, and as it will be hot, I would wear a cool, cotton or linen floaty kaftan type of garment. If you don’t like sitting in the sun then buy a UV sun screen open tent, we used one in Tenerife as my son needs added protection from strong uv rays. They keep you cool and protect you from harmful strong sun.

JennyBG · 04/05/2025 01:39

What about a kaftan? Simplybe do some lovely ones.

To wear a burkini?
Thefsm · 03/05/2025 23:46

I wear swim leggings and a long sleeve zip up swim top that covers up to my neck. I hate my body and sun etc so I feel more comfortable covered up. I wouldn’t let a ban on a burkini stop me wearing it

Shotokan101 · 03/05/2025 19:36

Try a tent......

RosyDaysAhead · 03/05/2025 19:17

I don’t think you are being unreasonable, but, there is massive right wing politics in France at the moment and racism has been rife since forever - much worse than it is here. If you can find a more neutral alternative I would suggest you do that. Why not opt for a pair of long board shorts and a rash vest over a regular swimsuit for when you are in the water and a long- length, long sleeved kaftan for out of the water.

Sennelier1 · 03/05/2025 19:13

I absolutely wouldn't choose a burkini, if only to avoid the stares and maybe even rude remarkts from other beach goers. You say you are rather heavy and selfconscious about your pale skin, maybe adding to your beach related discomfort by standing out in a burkini isn't a good choice - especially not for that holiday spirit 😉 There are nowadays perfectly nice beach clothes that are elegant and airy ánd protect you from the sun.

BethDuttonYeHaw · 03/05/2025 17:57

What about a swim dress

although the French have quite strict rules about swimwear eg speedos required for men

Wildefish · 03/05/2025 17:52

AliceMcK · 01/05/2025 00:55

Dose anyone know what would happen if I wore a burkini in France? I understand there has been issues, rightly or wrongly, with religion and wearing burkinis in the past. I’m just wondering if I would be causing problems if I decided to wear one.

For reference, I’m not religious, if I was to choose it would be lapsed catholic, I hate the sun and beach, I go to the beach one day a year for my DDs ( northern English beach), however, we are going to France with DHs family in the summer and expected to spend several days at the beach so I’m looking to find something to cover my very pasty white skin to reduce sun exposure and loving the idea of a burkini.

posting on here for traffic.

Just wear light long sleeved loose shirt and trousers unless you are looking to cause attention to yourself for whatever reason

LifeIsGoodish · 03/05/2025 16:36

I'd like a pair of these matsallehdesign.co/en-gb/collections/separates/products/loose-swim-pants-in-black (but not in black) because the one problem with full-length swim leggings is that the waves push sand up inside them.

weaselstopper · 03/05/2025 16:31

You starting this thread has given me the confidence to order one because I’ve wanted one for ages and I think people’s responses are so silly!

it’s ludicrous that it’s more controversial to cover up than to wear a thong in the pool.

i am very fair skinned, a bit lazy (hate shaving my bikini line) and even as a thin teenager hated men I didn’t know - or did know! - seeing me in my underwear. Since moving somewhere hot all year with a fairly large Muslim population I’ve realised there is another way, but knew other people would think I am ‘weird’

You should wear what works for you and your skin and this has helped me see I should do the same ..

PS I don’t want to do rash vests and shorts because surfy styles make me look about 12

Original poster
AliceMcK · 03/05/2025 15:38

Thanks everyone. Just a few responses

for those who think I’m being dramatic as you just put on factor 50 with a costume, I’m happy for you but as I have already explained I really do not like the everything about the beach including the sand. I hate it getting everywhere. I do not want to be wearing a costume.

i do want to get in the water, not just paddle if I can.

i have Raynards so feel the cold, I don’t want lightwear clothes. Even in hot weather I can shiver like I’m sunbathing on an iceberg.

Wetsuits will definitely feel tight, last time I wore one I was smaller than I am now and hated it.

i like the idea of a burkini because I’ve seen some beautiful ones that I think will make me feel less body conscious and confident to walk around in. Note I’ve never ever wore a bikini in my life, I have massive boobs and always had a tummy even in my younger skinny days, so I’ve always covered up or avoided any type of situation I’m expected to wear “beachwear” .

As a rule I cover up most days, even in the sun I wear clothes that are still summery but cover me up.

My DCs will be wearing full length wet-suites, this is a non negotiable when ever they go to the beach. All fair skinned, one can not wear sunscreen at all so will be just as covered up as me, so I won’t look any different to them. I do understand this may look like we could be a Muslim family which I would expect to be raised if we are seen, which I think is ridiculous btw.

Thanks for the others tips on rash vests/ leggings etc.. I’m going to look at these.

OP posts:
NamelessNancy · 03/05/2025 14:58

minnienono · 02/05/2025 18:50

Personally id suggest a bikini (for support) a rash vest and men’s swim shorts, far more comfortable

That's exactly what I do for all swimming now, including in the pool (UK at least). It's an absolute game changer. Underwired bikini top gives me good support but I'm also comfortably covered up and not angsting over whether or not to shave my armpits 😂. I've also recently invested in some period bikini bottoms for extra confidence when required too.

JHound · 03/05/2025 14:41

MellowCritic · 02/05/2025 06:56

Op if anyone challenges you just explain you are not Muslim. You'll be fine..it's only the Muslims that the French hate not the outfit.

Ding ding ding JACKPOT!

dudsville · 03/05/2025 10:35

OP, if you don't want to go in the water, I'd suggest just wearing some clothes that cover you up sufficiently. I say this as someone who doesn't like the beach, and I feel a bit meh about swimming, and spf makes me feel like I need a shower. Before deciding this was all in the past for me, I bought a few different things, and one was a burkini style thing - honestly, it was so much polyester that I feared melting. Tried the board shorts, etc., I just wasn't comfortable as I really want natural fabrics. Dress me in a good wide brimmed hat and a linen dress or trousers and a top and prop me up in a corner with a good book. Maybe one of those outdoor umbrellas too, and then your kids will have an easier time keeping an eye on you too!

Xenia · 03/05/2025 10:33

It is probably cultural appropriate if you are Catholic to put one on! Just cover up on the beach - a nice beach cover all. Go into the sea in a very long T shirt.

Gwenhwyfar · 03/05/2025 10:26

FinneganFois · 02/05/2025 19:17

Haven't read full thread, but would you consider a wetsuit? there are separate tops with long sleeves and either half leg or full leg from the waist down.

Aren't they always tight to the body though? Doesn't work if the aim is not showing the body shape.

Gwenhwyfar · 03/05/2025 10:25

nomas · 01/05/2025 22:54

I think the staring twats should be stared at and made to feel bad for staring.

Show quote history

Staring is more socially acceptable there. They won't necessarily care about being stared back at.

Gwenhwyfar · 03/05/2025 10:24

GarlicPile · 01/05/2025 06:47

Despite my strong revulsion for clothing described as 'modest', I suppose I do have to thank the cover-up crews for the fabulous range of swimwear on offer these days! You can get any length, any shape and every colour!

OP, unless you're aiming to test the French tolerance for that which is not comme il faut (France always wins, btw) the swim legs + loose rash top seems to be a combo that fits your needs.

If it's going to be hot & sunny, mind you, you can easily go in & out of the water in a lightweight maxi dress. Just stick a spare in your bag in case the wet one doesn't dry as fast as you'd like.

Short dress works very well for paddling and even wading. They will dry very quickly in the heat, no need for a spare.

FinneganFois · 02/05/2025 19:17

Haven't read full thread, but would you consider a wetsuit? there are separate tops with long sleeves and either half leg or full leg from the waist down.