Swim Dress vs Burkini vs Long Sleeve Swimsuit: Which Modest Swimwear Is Right for You?

The short answer: choose a burkini (tunic, leggings and swim hijab) for full coverage and active swimming, a swim dress for a softer, dress-like line at the beach or pool, and a long sleeve swimsuit, a one-piece full coverage swimsuit that often has a hood, when you want nothing to layer, pin or adjust. All three count as modest swimwear when they are made from real swim fabric, stay opaque when wet and are cut relaxed without being baggy. This guide compares coverage, pool rules, activity, fabric, sizing (including plus size) and girls' styles.

Swim dress, burkini or long sleeve swimsuit: the three styles

Swim dress

A swim dress is a long-sleeve swim top with a skirt, usually knee-length, worn over swim leggings. It has the flowing line of a dress and suits women who want a softer silhouette in the water. The Long Sleeve Swim Dress has a built-in padded top and a knee-length A-line skirt, in a lightweight quick-dry fabric. Add swim leggings and a swim hijab for full coverage.

Burkini

A burkini is a set: a long-sleeve swim tunic, full-length swim leggings and a swim hijab or cap, all in swim fabric. Because the pieces are separate, the fit can be closer where you need it. The Sport Burkini, 3-Piece Set is cut for active swims: a high-neck tunic with a short front zip and an asymmetric wrap-front panel to mid-thigh, full-length leggings and a matching swim hijab, in smooth quick-dry swim lycra.

Long sleeve swimsuit

A long sleeve swimsuit, also called a full coverage swimsuit, covers you in a single piece. The Long Sleeve Swimsuit with Hood adds an integrated hood, so there is nothing to layer or pin. It has a relaxed fit through the body and legs, in a smooth, quick-drying fabric that resists chlorine and salt, and suits swimming, surfing and long beach days.

Comparison table

Prefer separates? A rash guard with swim leggings lets you take different sizes on top and bottom. Whatever you choose, every piece should stay opaque when wet.

Pool rules: what to check

Pools set their own rules, and the question is usually about fabric rather than coverage. Most public pools in Europe accept burkinis, swim dresses and full coverage swimsuits made from swim fabric. What they tend to refuse is street clothing, such as cotton T-shirts or gym leggings, which soaks up water and is harder to keep hygienic. A few pools, including some municipal pools in France, have stricter local rules.

• Check the pool's swimwear rules online, or call before your first visit.
• Keep the product page on your phone to show it is made from swim fabric.
• Ask about women-only sessions. Many pools offer them, and they are a comfortable way to start.

Laps, beach or play: choose by activity

Laps and lessons: less loose fabric means less drag. A burkini with fitted leggings and a close swim hijab is the practical choice, and a front zip, like the sport burkini's, makes a wet tunic easier to take off. A one-piece long sleeve swimsuit also works: there is no hem to ride up.

Beach days and holidays: this is where a swim dress comes into its own. It looks like a summer dress on the sand and moves beautifully in the waves. Add a cover-up for the walk to lunch.

Surfing and water play: choose a one-piece long sleeve swimsuit or a burkini with a close-fitting head covering. A hood that is part of the suit is much less likely to shift in the surf, and there are no loose ends to catch.

Fabric that doesn't balloon or cling

Two complaints come up again and again: tops that balloon with air and water, and fabric that clings once wet. Both come down to fabric and cut.

• Choose real swim fabric. Smooth, quick-dry swim fabric absorbs very little water, so it stays light and holds its shape. Cotton, viscose and everyday jersey soak up water, sag and can turn see-through.
• Relaxed, not oversized. A tunic that skims the body lets water run through; one two sizes too big traps it. Go by the size guide rather than sizing up to be safe.
• Anchor with leggings. Fitted, full-length swim leggings keep the outfit in place, and the tunic hem sits over them instead of floating up.
• Use shape and pattern. A-line skirts, wrap panels and padded tops give structure, and prints and darker colours are forgiving when wet.

Every style here uses smooth, quick-dry swim fabric. Our modest swimwear and burkini guide explains why some burkinis float.

Sizing, including plus size

Measure your bust, waist and hips in centimetres and compare them with the size guide before you order, because sizing varies between styles. In this guide, the swim dress runs from XS to XXL, the sport burkini from S to 4XL, the hooded swimsuit from M to XXXL, and the plus size burkini from M to 6XL.

The Plus Size Burkini, 3-Piece Set has a relaxed, generous cut: a loose knee-length swim tunic with a high neck and long printed raglan sleeves, full-length swim leggings and a matching turban-style swim cap. The longer tunic gives more coverage over the hips, and raglan sleeves leave room to move through the shoulders. Browse all plus size swimwear.

Modest swimwear for girls

For children, a three-piece burkini is the simplest option: everything matches and nothing needs pinning. The Girls' Long Sleeve Swimsuit, 3-Piece has a long-sleeve swim tunic with a round neck and a two-tier ruffled hem, full-length swim leggings and a matching stretch swim cap, in quick-drying fabric that resists chlorine and salt water. It comes in seven colours, in sizes 3T to 11T. See all girls' swimwear and our kids' modest wear guide.

Swim hijabs and care

An everyday hijab is not made for water: cotton, jersey and modal absorb it and grow heavy. A swim hijab is cut from swim fabric instead. The sport burkini includes one, the plus size burkini comes with a turban-style cap, and the hooded swimsuit has its hood built in; with a swim dress, add a pull-on swim hijab, a longer wrap or a swim turban. For dry land, our modal hijab guide covers the hijab that goes on after your swim.

To make swimwear last, rinse it in cold, fresh water after every swim, wash gently, and dry it flat away from direct sun. Skip the tumble dryer and fabric softener.

Shop the edit

• Long Sleeve Swim Dress — padded top, A-line skirt; XS to XXL.
• Long Sleeve Swimsuit with Hood — one piece, integrated hood; M to XXXL.
• Sport Burkini, 3-Piece Set — zip-front tunic, leggings, swim hijab; S to 4XL.
• Plus Size Burkini, 3-Piece Set — knee-length tunic and turban-style cap; M to 6XL.
• Girls' Long Sleeve Swimsuit, 3-Piece — ruffled tunic, leggings, cap; 3T to 11T.

Or browse all modest swimwear, burkinis and swim dresses.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a swim dress and a burkini?

A swim dress is a long-sleeve swim top with a knee-length skirt, worn over leggings; a burkini is a tunic, leggings and swim hijab that cover head to ankle.

Is a long sleeve swimsuit the same as a burkini?

Not quite. A long sleeve swimsuit is usually one piece, sometimes hooded, while a burkini is two or three pieces. Both can give full coverage.

Which modest swimwear is best for swimming laps?

A burkini with fitted leggings and a close swim hijab, or a one-piece long sleeve swimsuit.

Can I wear a burkini in a public pool?

In most European public pools, yes, as long as it is made from swim fabric. Some pools have local rules, so check before you go.

Is there a full coverage swimsuit for plus size?

Yes. Look for a relaxed cut, a longer tunic and a wide size range; our plus size burkini runs from M to 6XL.

Related: modest swimwear and burkini guide · modest activewear guide · prayer set vs prayer dress.