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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Thread gallery
6
FloatingSquirrel · 01/05/2025 01:02

There are ones which don't include the head covering and could be paired with a hat. However I'd wonder whether it would be too warm and a floaty dress without full leg covering would maybe be more comfortable

steff13 · 01/05/2025 01:04

I thought they were banned in France.

I'd wear a maxi dress, I think. Unless you're wanting to swim. There are modest bathing suits available that cover more of your body. You could wear that with a hat.

MsNevermore · 01/05/2025 01:10

The ban in France is a bit wishy washy.
In 2022 their high court deemed a ban to be in violations of religious freedom laws, but many city councils have upheld the ban in public pools.
It’s a minefield I wouldn’t want to navigate and potentially ruin my holiday!
Theres lots of other options for modest swimwear though!
This is a US site, but this is very similar to what I see a lot of the orthodox Jewish mums wearing when the Jewish school go for their swimming lessons at our local pool.
calypsa.com/adele-swim-top-with-long-swim-skort-3.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22097813688&utm_term=&utm_content=728479637945&ad_id=%7Badid%7D&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&placement=&targetid=pla-325507474244&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22097813688&gbraid=0AAAAADdJ9Av2fTRi0cfEIevBSgnBAmjW5&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5aKUvv2AjQMV0DpECB11wychEAQYJCABEgK1IvD_BwE

Original poster
AliceMcK · 01/05/2025 01:16

Thanks.

i tend to wear a costume and cover up with a top/dress but I was hoping to be a bit more “beachy” and just wear something I could go in and out of the water with without needing to constantly apply suncream, stay warm and not feel the sand on my skin. I really do dislike the beach. I know most people will think it’s warm or hot but I’ve never ever been hot at the beach, the moment I hit water I’m usually done, if not before.

My DDs love the beach, sand sea everything about it all but I hate it. For a battery of health reasons my DDs miss out on so much, especially with me so I’m hoping I can find a way to give them time with me at the beach that I can manage, it dosnt have to be all day every day but I’d like one day their fun isn’t cut short because of me.

also I’m big and liking the idea of no skin on display.

OP posts:
JudyP · 01/05/2025 01:33

What about a long sleeve rash guard (you can wear a sports bra/bikini top for support under it) and board shorts ( you can choose the length) then you would only need to use sun cream on hands and lower legs and mostly legs don’t burn as easily ( for me anyway) and a hat - you would look more casual I think than a burkini

JustTalkToThem · 01/05/2025 01:35

Why do you need a burkini? Are you planing on swimming? If not, just wear regular clothes (maxi skirt and long sleeve short) and a hat.

Maitri108 · 01/05/2025 02:12

Go for it! It's a bit of excitement.

PearTreeBoat · 01/05/2025 05:22

I’d wear swim leggings and a long sleeve rash guard. A lot of them are also specifically for sun protection.

ArtemisiaTheArtist · 01/05/2025 06:07

Joanie clothing have swimwear that covers you up. Just googled: Sea Fancy & Walk on Beach also have modest swimwear (now I'm interested!).

Lovelysummerdays · 01/05/2025 06:14

I wear a long sleeve swimsuit from landsend and some swim leggings. It is a bit hot though so only when I’m definitely swimming. If not going into the water long, light , linen trousers and top.

Anyotherdude · 01/05/2025 06:17

How about swimwear that is based on surfing wetsuits? I just got one with short sleeves and cycle-length shorts, but they also have some with long sleeves and ankle-length leggings…

sunshinesuze · 01/05/2025 06:23

Board shorts and a rash vest is the way to go here. I used to live in a hot country and spend a lot of time on the beach and this is the practical answer to your needs. Less worrying about sunscreen or risking flashing when wrangling toddlers in and out of the sea. There are loads of good feminine options in both. My fave rash vest is from decathlon and it’s sporty but pretty with cap sleeves and a short half zip. They used to also do board shorts in all the same patterns as the mix and match bikinis, but I haven’t been for a long time since I sadly no longer spend my life on the beach!

OfNoOne · 01/05/2025 06:26

Swim leggings and long sleeved swim tops are easily available but still might not be ok in France, where there are quite strict rules about what's allowed and what isn't. Probably easier to have a cover-up and good spf.

BownnTown · 01/05/2025 06:30

Why not just wear leggings and a top? Why a burkini when you know full well that is going to raise eyebrows at the very least? Sounds a bit attention seeking

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.

Octavia64 · 01/05/2025 06:51

I have one.

i’m disabled and don’t always like to show my scars.

i’ve worn it in the U.K. no problem - not the hat/headwear though.

mine is leggings and a long top.

if you wore leggings and a rash vest you’d get the same effect but it wouldn’t look like a burkini.

i wouldn’t risk wearing it in France.

sunshinesuze · 01/05/2025 06:53

OfNoOne · 01/05/2025 06:26

Swim leggings and long sleeved swim tops are easily available but still might not be ok in France, where there are quite strict rules about what's allowed and what isn't. Probably easier to have a cover-up and good spf.

Yes this is true. My advice was for the beach. French swimming pools still often have the rules about only proper costumes and also speedos for men, board shorts likely won’t be allowed in there.

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 01/05/2025 07:30

France is the last place I would wear a burkini.

Board shorts and a rash vest is the way forward. Or a wetsuit, but that probably wouldn't be comfortable when not actually swimming.

I actually think that the more covered up you are, the less easy it is to switch between swimming and relaxing on the beach. It's far easier to wear a bikini for swimming and cover up with a kaftan when you're not in the water. But it sounds like you want to be more covered up than that in the water, so rash vest and board shorts. Or if you can get comfortable with regular swimwear on your bottom half, wear a rash vest over a bikini and swap the rash vest for a kaftan as soon as you're out of the water.

Tumblingthrough · 01/05/2025 07:32

If it’s not for religious reasons there are lots of other ways to cover up so why that?

Livelovebehappy · 01/05/2025 07:45

Are you trying to make a point wearing one? I can’t see why you would choose something that you know is a bit controversial in France, which might invite unnecessary drama on you and your family. There are so many other options to go down, like swim leggings and long sleeved costumes. Or even research what others in France are using as an alternative.

Yazzi · 01/05/2025 07:49

So many burkinis are just beautiful these days, much more stylish than they used to be and certainly a lot more stylish than most of the alternatives posted here! Have a look at Lyra, for example:
https://au.lyramodest.com/products/sofia-shimmer?variant=55149589725570

And they also have crop options like:
https://au.lyramodest.com/products/sofia-crop-1?variant=41300692238472

Sofia Shimmer

Embrace the beauty of shimmer hues on your beachside adventures with Sofia Shimmer swimsuits from LYRA Modest, offering comfortable and elegant beachwear.

https://au.lyramodest.com/products/sofia-shimmer?variant=55149589725570

StScholastica · 01/05/2025 07:58

Only in France would they complain that people are wearing too many clothes.....on a beach...I mean really 😞