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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if you have a problem with the burkini?

817 replies

Mvslimah · 07/05/2023 20:28

Honest answers please

would you give a woman (maybe Muslim maybe Jewish) a wide berth if you saw them wearing a burkini or modest (Ie fully covered) swimsuit at a pool?

if you see a woman wearing one do you give it a second thought or is it just a meh, who cares?

tia

OP posts:
Thread gallery
9
Maireas · 07/05/2023 20:40

What a shame you had that experience, @Mvslimah . I hope it hasn't stopped you and your family going swimming. Don't let it!
What sort of thing were they saying?.

blahblahblah1654 · 07/05/2023 20:40

Sorry you had those reactions. I've seen a lot of lovely ones!

blahblahblah1654 · 07/05/2023 20:41

You've made me want to go swimming tomorrow!

JandalsAlways · 07/05/2023 20:41

I think it's great, without it they wouldn't be able to enjoy swimming. Don't see how ita different from other women wearing a T shirt or similar over their togs. None of my business, doesn't affect me.

SnacksToTheMax · 07/05/2023 20:41

Absolutely no problem with it. In fact, I wear something pretty similar for sun protection and just because I hate feeling exposed.

drpet49 · 07/05/2023 20:41

JamSandle · 07/05/2023 20:33

As far as I'm concerned, people can wear whatever they like at the beach.

This.

girlfriend44 · 07/05/2023 20:41

ComtesseDeSpair · 07/05/2023 20:36

I think the broader concept of believing God cares what you wear is daft, but I’d give no indication of my views to somebody in a swimming pool. Don’t most people try to give all strangers at the pool as wide a berth as possible, regardless of how they’re dressed?

No some humans believe it or nor a tually speak to each other.

JudgeRudy · 07/05/2023 20:41

I notice and maybe consider the practicalities, but I'd also do that if I saw eg a man in a victorian style striped woollen bathing suit....because it would be unusual in my town. We don't have a very high Muslim community. I've seen them in pictures but not in real life.
I'd have no reason whatsoever to give anyone a 'wide birth' though....well above the normal social norm.
Why? Are you planning on wearing one?

JandalsAlways · 07/05/2023 20:41

BlueDinoRawr · 07/05/2023 20:35

I have seen it before and did double take, because it’s not something you’d often see. I remember thinking how brilliant it was that someone who wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy the beach could.

Absolutely this

PollyThePixie · 07/05/2023 20:42

I’m really sorry about that. I hope you continue to take the children swimming and do your best to ignore the ignorant people at the pool. Can you just stare them out if they look at you badly. It’s something I learnt to do when out with my disabled son and I always found that the ignorant amongst us are the most cowardly when being stared at back.

drpet49 · 07/05/2023 20:42

SnacksToTheMax · 07/05/2023 20:41

Absolutely no problem with it. In fact, I wear something pretty similar for sun protection and just because I hate feeling exposed.

Me too. Not everyone wants to get burnt in the sun.

GCAcademic · 07/05/2023 20:42

girlfriend44 · 07/05/2023 20:32

I think what a shame, that they are bowing down to what a man says, when a man can do what they want.
They are agreeing to be treated like a second class citizen, men and women are equal.

I'm glad it's not me. It's time they came out of the dark ages.

Most “normal” women’s swimwear is designed for the male gaze. I hate the fact that we’re supposed to reveal our bodies to go swimming.

Sometimeswinning · 07/05/2023 20:42

I'll be honest op. Whether it's my town but I would be suprised and my children would most definitely ask.

I would not give you a dirty look or shake my head. Some people are just rude in life. I would most probably chat randomly with you like I do with most people.

Glitterandmud · 07/05/2023 20:43

Sorry that happened to you op. I think they look great.

Polis · 07/05/2023 20:43

As long as nobody's trying to make me wear one I couldn't possibly care less.

Same here. I would notice, but couldn’t care less.

midnightblue12 · 07/05/2023 20:43

If anything I'd be jelous about that person being covered up!
I am not over weight but I hate getting my body out for swimming.

But honestly I wouldn't think anything negative and I hope this thread has reassured you! Imagine the rest do the people on the pool thinking "what a bunch of d*cks those woman are for being mean about that other woman!".

awakeeveeynight · 07/05/2023 20:43

No problem at all.

CombatBarbie · 07/05/2023 20:43

Seen loads when on holiday in Morocco, they were all doing pool aerobics. Felt a bit sorry for them as they filled with air and didn't look comfortable at all.

TheOriginalEmu · 07/05/2023 20:43

I would notice it as something unusual in my part of the world, but beyond that I wouldn’t think twice about it.

Clymene · 07/05/2023 20:44

No, why would I? I'm another woman

fortheloveofflowers · 07/05/2023 20:45

I think they are great, I’d wear one but would be worried I’d be called out for not being Muslim.

Don’t let ignorant pricks put you off.

Whataretheodds · 07/05/2023 20:45

I would have no issues with the individual woman wearing it.

I do have an issue with cultures that make women feel they have to cover up like that while men get to wear swim shorts.

lunaloveroo · 07/05/2023 20:46

Op that's awful, I'm sorry you experienced that. Id notice it but couldn't give a shit tbh. I've been holidaying in Egypt, Dubai, turkey and seen quite a few women wearing them. People can be arseholes.

Wat2do222 · 07/05/2023 20:46

Please don't let this deter you 💐priplepeople are weird when they don't understand, plenty of ladies out there would be supportive x

WonderingWanda · 07/05/2023 20:46

Mvslimah · 07/05/2023 20:37

Thanks ladies!

i just had the most awful experience at a public swimming pool with my kids today, first time I’ve taken them in the UK normally hubby does. Dirty looks, head shakes, and very audible comments from a few ladies.

I’d wanted to go every week for some healthy family fun, and it’s a very nice pool, lovely splash area but truthfully was a bit iffy on going back.

That's appalling and makes me ashamed to be British. Their xenophobia and ignorance is astounding. Sorry this happened to you.