Modest Swimwear & Burkini Guide: Types, Fabric, Fit and Why Some Burkinis Float

The short answer: a good modest swimsuit is made from real swim fabric (nylon or polyester with elastane, chlorine-resistant and quick-drying), fits snug at the leggings and relaxed but not baggy at the top, and comes with a swim hijab that stays on. Choose a burkini (tunic + leggings + hijab) for full coverage, a swim dress for an elegant line, or a rash guard and swim leggings for laps and lessons. Cotton and jersey are not swimwear.

Shop by style: burkinis with skirt, printed burkinis and black burkinis.

Types of modest swimwear

• Burkini — a long-sleeve tunic top, swim leggings and a swim hijab; full coverage head to ankle. Shop burkinis.
• Swim dress — a knee- or calf-length swim dress over leggings; the flowing line of a dress with swim performance. In the UK, "swim dress" is now searched more than "burkini". Shop swim dresses.
• Swim set (2- or 3-piece) — rash guard or tunic plus leggings, with or without hijab. Shop swim sets.
• Separates — rash guards, swim leggings and skirts, and cover-ups to build your own.

Coverage levels

Full classic coverage (hooded top or attached hijab, ankle leggings), mid coverage (shorter tunic, separate swim hijab) and light hybrid cuts (elbow sleeves, capri leggings). The right level is personal; what matters is that every piece is opaque wet and dry. Every Hiabaya product page states coverage and lists what is included.

Fabric: why it decides everything

Swim fabric is a knit of nylon or polyester blended with elastane for stretch. It absorbs almost no water, so it stays light, dries in minutes, holds its shape and resists chlorine. If sun protection matters to you, look for a stated UPF rating on the label. Cotton, viscose and everyday jersey absorb water, get heavy, go see-through and slip — they are for dry land. If a listing does not name the fibre content, assume it is not swim fabric.

Why some burkinis float up — and how to avoid it

Ballooning happens when a loose top is made from fabric that traps air and water. The fix is threefold: technical low-absorbency fabric, a top that is relaxed but not oversized (size down on the top if in doubt), and fitted leggings with a secure high waist that anchor the outfit. A tie or elastic at the hem of the tunic helps. Hiabaya burkinis are cut this way; the difference is obvious the first time you push off the wall.

Fit and sizing, including plus size

Tops: relaxed through the body, fitted at the cuff. Leggings: snug like sports leggings — true to size. Swim dresses: relaxed body, fitted sleeves and neckline. Use the cm chart in the size guide (bust, waist, hips) and the product's fit notes; plus sizes up to 6XL are grouped in plus size swimwear. Girls' sizes run by age and height in girls' swimwear.

Swim hijabs

A swim hijab is a close-fitting cap, wrap or turban in the same swim fabric. It stays on through diving and dries fast. Fitted caps for laps, longer wraps for chest coverage, pre-tied turbans for the beach. If your set does not include one, buy one — it is the piece customers re-order most.

Pools, beaches and rules in Europe

Public pools in the UK, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and most of Europe accept burkinis and swim dresses made from proper swim fabric. Some French municipal pools have local rules; check ahead when travelling. Holiday destinations (Turkey, Egypt, Spain, Greece) are burkini-friendly at resorts and beaches. Carry the product page's fabric details if a pool asks — the requirement is almost always "swimwear fabric, not street clothes".

Care

Rinse in fresh water after every swim, cool machine wash in a mesh bag, no fabric softener, air dry in the shade. Chlorine-resistant fabric lasts seasons when cared for this way.

Frequently asked questions

What is a burkini?

A modest swimsuit covering the body from head to ankle — typically a long-sleeve tunic, leggings and a swim hijab — made from swim fabric.

Does a burkini float up in the water?

A burkini in low-absorbency swim fabric with a well-cut top and fitted leggings stays close to the body; ballooning comes from oversized tops in the wrong fabric.

Are burkinis allowed in public pools?

Yes in the UK, Germany, Sweden and most of Europe, provided they are made from swim fabric; some French municipal pools have local rules.

What should I look for in a modest swimsuit?

Named swim fabric with elastane and chlorine resistance, opaque when wet, snug leggings, relaxed top, and a swim hijab that stays on.

Can I swim in a swim dress?

Yes — a swim dress in technical fabric over fitted leggings is designed for swimming, not just the beach.

Related: shop all modest swimwear · hijab fabric guide · glossary.

More guides: how to choose a sports hijab · the best hijab for summer