What say you on the burqini?

[Hockey Monkey]

I'm seriously considering purchasing a burqini, specifically the one in the link for fat ladies. I'm not Muslim, but I am very fair skinned and have already (at 38) had several cancer areas removed. I can't do anything about past skin damage, but I want to prevent as much more as possible. To that end, I spend very little time outdoors now. Next year our pool at our subdivision will be done and I'd like to be able to enjoy it.

The burqini is made to be worn in the water, dries quickly, and has 50+ UV protection in the fabric. I am uncomfortable in regular swimsuits anyway because of my size. I want to get some opinions on what you guys would think if you saw a white woman at the pool wearing one before I make the investment. They aren't cheap. I'm not going to make a poll because I always forget some important variable.

I'm in the US and haven't seen them here, but I know there has been a stink about them in Europe. I'm also in the South, not generally regarded as a hotbed of tolerance, but I live in a very culturally diverse area. I'm thinking that in my own neighborhood, I probably won't catch much flak, but if I go to the beach or travel I might get some comments. Would it be wrong of me to wear one if I'm not Muslim? Would you automatically assume I am if you saw me wearing one?

[missred]

As a fair skinned red head and fat lady to boot (and skin cancer survivor), I maybe wouldn't go quite that far, but something a bit more modest and protective than most swimsuits would be nice. I might could go for the top half of the burquini in more flamboyant colors / prints and my own broad brimmed hat.

Currently, I just settle for baby block that would protect for UV rays just this side of a nuclear holocost and a bright, fat lady, skirted suit and big hat.

[Hockey Monkey]

I should also note that I detest slathering on sunscreen. When I am going to be outdoors for more than 15 consecutive minutes I use SPF Vampire, but it's such a hassle to put it on, make sure it's everywhere needed and I didn't miss a spot, and wait for it to soak in, plus I don't like the smell.

[Alice The Goon]

Wow. You are seriously considering this? If I saw you at the pool I would think that you were a Muslim, definitely. That wouldn't be a negative, but it does seem very drastic. What about a modest regular bathing suit and a hat?

[aruvqan]

Ignore them, I like it. With skin cancer already in your history you can not be too careful.

If people dislike it, it is their problem not yours. If they get snarky to your face, tell them that you don't want *any MORE* skin cancer, and if they have a problem, they can sod off.

Do what you have to do to enjoy life and screw detractors.

[Aspidistra]

Since you're already looking at Australian sites, you might be interested in another link to a wider variety of styles.

More covered up swimsuits are becoming more and more common round here - especially for kids. We take our skin cancer seriously out here near the ozone hole.

[Girl From Mars]

Sorry, but I think that will draw attention, which you may well not want if you are feeling self-conscious about your weight.

I'm a freckled blonde who lives in Australia, and I wear a long sleeved rash shirt like this over a tankini and boy leg shorts, and never get burned. You could even go for a pair of board shorts if you are looking for more coverage still. I notice this site offers loose fit rashies which look more like T shirts while still offering the SPF protection, which could be something to look for.

[AK84]

Looks ridiculous.

[Cinnamon Imp]

I'd assume you were trying to cover stretchmarks/scars that would be exposed by normal suits if I saw you wearing one - but that probably says more about my mindset

The skirt bit bothers me, it looks like it could interfere with swimming, or float up and get tangled round your waist and arms. The ones linked to above on the Australian site seem more streamlined and also leave the hair exposed, which just looks like it would be more comfortable!

Basically, go for it, and good luck!

[ratatoskK]

I think it's a great idea. But instead of the head scarf I would use a big sunhat.

[Omega Glory]

Are you going to wear the headgear, too?

If I saw you in it, I'd think you were Muslim, or maybe conservative Christian.

[dangermom]

Yeah, I would probably figure you had religious restrictions about modesty, but who cares what I think. I too burn easily, and I have a lovely case of rosacea from sun damage. I have an ivory-skinned redhead daughter and I pretty much dip her in a vat of sunscreen whenever we swim.

At the very least you could get board shorts and a long-sleeved rash guard. There are a lot of modest swimsuits out there and why shouldn't you wear a burqini if you want.

[flodnak]

I wouldn't assume you were Muslim if you were wearing a burqini, particularly if you wore it without the hood, but unfortunately I think you'd have to count on somebody jumping to that conclusion on a public beach and, unfortunately, the way these things work that would probably be the somebody who would be upset about it.

The long-sleeved/long-legged rash guard suits, on the other hand, would probably draw less attention. It appears they're cheaper, too, for what it's worth.

[kayaker]

-I think it looks goofy
-I don't understand why you would care if people think it looks goofy if it suits your needs.

[cwthree]

The burqini sounds like a better choice than the Stingray suits because of the additional ease built into the top. I appreciate that they show the plus-size suits on an actual plus-size woman.

When you're not actually in the water, you'll get better sun protection from a broad-brimmed hat than from the hood.

I agree with aruvqan regarding looks or comments. Personally, if I saw someone wearing one with the hood down and a hat on, I'd assume that she was going for maximum sun protection.

I strongly doubt that Muslims would be offended by your wearing a burqini.

[purplehorseshoe]

Yeah, Monkey, I think the stuff in the other links looks a lot better than your original proposal: more comfortable, less attention-grabbing, more color choices. I think the hood headcovering in the OP burqini link, in particular, is the worst feature of that option. A nice hat would be a much prettier (and probably more comfortable) option.

That said ... if you're worried about racist idiots, then I'd venture a guess that your fair skin and red hair and non-Arabic speech patterns mark you in their primitive brains as not being one of "them" so you might at the very least attract less negative racist-idiot attention than if you had dark hair and olive skin. Just a guess, based on the racist-idiot populations around where I come from.

[SecondJudith]

I quite like it; I don't think it's a problem if people assume you're Muslim (who cares?) and I'm in favour of full-body swimsuits becoming a more mainstream option for people generally.

[Ferret Herder]

As a fair-skinned, blue-eyed woman who's had a mole with precancerous changes removed, I'd say instead of something that expensive and... expansive, go for a more typical cover-up swimsuit or something like the Stingray products, and get the huge SPF spray-on sunscreen for everything except your face, then apply sunscreen lotion to the face. The spray-on stuff only needs to sit for a short time, and there are types that aren't sticky or whatever after drying. Neutrogena makes some nice versions, like this one that's water-resistant. (It says "waterproof" but of course that just means it lasts longer in water than stuff that isn't labeled that way.)

Oh, and I'd assume you were Muslim, FWIW.

[Alice The Goon]

If you really don't care what you look like when you go out in public, I'd suggest wearing a clown suit. The big red nose, the thick white makeup, and the big puffy wig will offer you a great deal of sun protection. Full-length sleeves and pants, big red floppy shoes, and voila, you are protected from the sun. If anybody laughs at you, fuck 'em- it's all about preventing skin cancer, tell them.

[Hockey Monkey]

I appreciate the links guys! I would most likely ditch the head covering for a big floppy hat anyways except when swimming. The scalp is probably the most overlooked area for cancers because people assume it's protected by hair. I'll definitely take a look at the products geared for surfers. Since I don't surf, it never occurred to me to look at that stuff! I guess I assumed that they didn't make things in plus sizes since I've never seen a plus sized surfer girl.

[Khaki Campbell]

Originally Posted by aruvqan

and if they have a problem, they can sod off.

Yeah, screw those dogs of infidels !

[grayhairedmomma]

I like the burqini better than the surfer girl fitted suits, especially if you're self-conscious about your weight.

Who gives a damn what other people think? It's your health you're trying to protect.

[Kyla]

I would definitely think you're a Muslim.

But I live in SE Michigan, where there are lots of Muslims, and seeing a woman with a headscarf and obviously modest Muslim dress is pretty ordinary and I wouldn't give it a second thought.

If this is a problem for you, it might be something to think about. Personally, I think it's fine. I'm also fair-skinned and have a family history of skin cancer, so I understand your motivations.

[Green Bean]

I can't stand this "who gives a hoot what other people think" thing! There's nothing wrong with giving a hoot. I feel less confident if I think I look ridiculous. And it's kind of hard to strike up a friendly conversation with someone if you look really off-putting. When there are other options available, I'm going to choose the one that isn't absurd looking. I just don't want to attract that kind of attention.

The burqini looks ridiculous.

The surf clothing looks good.

As others have said, swimming gear that covers the body for sunburn protection is becoming more common overall. While a grown woman wearing such clothing at the local swimming pool might be unusual, I doubt anyone would think anything of it.

[aruvqan]

Originally Posted by Khaki Campbell

Yeah, screw those dogs of infidels !

Excuse me?

I wasn't responding to you.

Her health is important to her, and she was asking about an item of clothing and I responded. I would have given you the same advice if you asked about getting your lip pierced to wear a giant disc. If someone comments on your personal choice of dress/adornment, tell them to sod off. I know I feel perfectly free to tell anybody to sod off on my personal choice of clothing or adornment as long as I am legal by the law [frex nudity] or wearing what is within dress code for school or work, I don't give a rats ass what you have to say about it as it is what *I* am wearing. I used to wear salwr kameez to work because it was comfortable. I dont care if you have a stroke because you are a muslim hater, I wear what I want to be comfortable.

Now sod off and hate muslim looking people elsewhere. Come back when you can make a comment based on whether or not the clothing in question would suffice to prevent overexposure to the sin. If you have a constructive suggestion as to an item of clothing that is also protective against sun damage, make it.

[The Devil's Grandmother]

Originally Posted by Hockey Monkey

I'm seriously considering purchasing a burqini, specifically the one in the link for fat ladies.

I'd assume you belonged to some kind of weird cult. But I don't think I'd give it much thought.
Can you ask the pool managers to put screens over the pool, maybe one like this? If you take the save-the-children tack they might comply.

[alice_in_wonderland]

Originally Posted by Green Bean

The burqini looks ridiculous.

The surf clothing looks good.

This exactly. The surf gear looks kind of cool and I suspect that if you got one of the one pieces it might smooth your figure into a pleasing shape to make you a bit less self conscious - a bit like a Spanx.

That way you get a bit of a confidence boost as well as sun protection.

The burquini is just kind of unfortunate. I get the idea, I have a Muslim friend who wears one when she's in Malaysia (she's Malay); however, she even says she wouldn't wear one here because it draws too much attention.

[Rushgeekgirl]

I don't care for the burqini at all. It looks hot and uncomfortable; the last thing I'd wear out in the heat! If it wasn't black, maybe. If there was no hood, maybe.

I'm a big fair skinned redhead who also had a cancerous mole removed (from my face, so it wouldn't help at all!) but I wouldn't wear that. No way. I'd rather stay indoors, just because it looks so unpleasant and uncomfortable. Nothing against Muslims.

I wouldn't wear one of those tight surf suits either but there was a cute polo shirt and short set made for swimming. It came in a 22/24, my size. I may get it now that my daughter has a condo pool.

[Rushgeekgirl]

http://www.stingray.com.au/merchandi...D=327&CatID=6#
This was supposed to have been in my last post. I wish I could see it in navy blue.

[rocking chair]

the swim suit popular in the early 1900's were very covering, esp. when you wore the black hose as well. the muff may help with arm coverage.


http://bobbinsandbombshells.blogspot...by-decade.html

[Hedda Rosa]

There are other options for Modest swimwear than the burkini and surfwear. Try Christian sites or LDS sites. This one looks like the best and most professional:

http://www.simply-modest.com/posecom/index.php

ETA looks like you can get a custom plus-size one made for $150.

[needscoffee]

I like this one, from the Simply Modest site.

[The Devil's Grandmother]

Originally Posted by needscoffee

I like this one, from the Simply Modest site.

That one is much cuter than the burqini, and would reduce the amount of suncreen needed to just your feet and hands.

[Sarabellum1976]

Another place that sells total-cover swimwear is this one: http://www.wholesomewear.com/slimmer-c.html

Even the one with the full arm & leg coverage doesn't smack of religious fervor, at least to me. I saw the Duggar girls wearing these on their reality TV show and was kind of impressed that they looked cute and comfortable to swim in. (Although they were wearing the culotte-type ones, not the full arm & leg ones.)

[Cat Whisperer]

The more I look at that (the blue t-shirt and skirt, that is), the more I like it. I like the way it protects the areas that are most susceptible to burns when you spend a day at the pool - back, shoulders, and chest. I've been wearing biking shorts under my regular bathing suit for years because I don't like showing off my big flabby thighs, but I could get on board with something like this.

I like the idea of the burquini, but I think I'd have to give it thumbs down, too. My legs never burn - I don't think I need coverage all the way down.

[ZPG Zealot]

You could buy the burqinie and then have something funny like infidel or born-again pagan embroidered on it. After 9/11, I use to see a Muslim woman on campus who wore a head scarf and a (presumably custom made) long sleeve T-shirts that said things like Al-Quada Sucks!, Osama bin Laden is a Dick!, Yes, I'm Muslim and I'm American, etc. I thought it was cool.

[pudytat72]

doing google search on 50+ UV protective fabric took me to a website: uvskins.com that has long sleeve swim shirts for women. Did not see any long pants, but you might find them on another site. Or buy the fabric and use a regular long sleeve tunic top and long pants pattern to make something that will provide the coverage you want without the religious overtones. You might find more options with further searching.

[Rand Rover]

Originally Posted by needscoffee

I like this one, from the Simply Modest site.

I like this one alot (yes, "alot," damn red squiggly line) better than the one in the OP. All black is the way to go here--the horizontal (!!) stripes in the chest region of the one in the OP were just wrong.

Also, you are wearing this for a medical reason, so I don't see any reason to care what other people think.

[pudytat72]

also check out coolibar.com

[Jenny Linsky]

I like the suits here. At least one of them comes in sizes up to 24, if that's what you're looking for. You can get suits with shorter sleeves and pants, and it looks like even the hoods on the more modest suits are removable.
The biggest problem I see with the burqini is the skirt. It looks like a pain to swim in.

Honestly, the suits with a loose athletic shirt and pants reads more secular to me than the ones with really obvious skirts, but I'm sure YMMV. I would only assume you were Muslim if you wore the hijab part.

[Cat Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Rand Rover

<snip>
I like this one alot (yes, "alot," damn red squiggly line)<snip>

You *prefer* to make an error, even when informed of it? You are an anarchist.

[Heffalump and Roo]

I like all the alternatives given in links in this thread more than the suit in the OP. I can't put my finger on why I don't like it. I don't think it's the Muslim thing. I just don't think it looks very stylish for some reason. I think it's the length of the skirt or something. It's not asymmetrical enough. It cuts off at the wrong height.

[DiosaBellissima]

Originally Posted by The Devil's Grandmother

managers to put screens over the pool, maybe one like this? If you take the save-the-children tack they might comply.

Man, I would be so mad if they put one of these over the pool where I live. Part of enjoying the pool is enjoying the sunshine, dangit!


(Feel free to quote this page in a few years when I get skin cancer).

[SanVito]

If I saw you in a burkini, I would assume you were muslim, perhaps because I'm used to seeing white muslim women (generally converts who have married a muslim man). But then I live in a very multicultural city, it might be different where you are.

I think the stingray stuff looks really great - I much prefer the sporty look than some of the other modesty stuff. Sporty looks cool and appropriate for watersports, the other stuff looks middle aged and square.

[missred]

Originally Posted by Jenny Linsky

I like the suits here. At least one of them comes in sizes up to 24, if that's what you're looking for. You can get suits with shorter sleeves and pants, and it looks like even the hoods on the more modest suits are removable.
The biggest problem I see with the burqini is the skirt. It looks like a pain to swim in.

Honestly, the suits with a loose athletic shirt and pants reads more secular to me than the ones with really obvious skirts, but I'm sure YMMV. I would only assume you were Muslim if you wore the hijab part.

I like some of those. Some of them kind of look like PJs though. I think I'll peruse a few of these sites again and go swimsuit shopping.

[SecondJudith]

Originally Posted by alice_in_wonderland

The surf gear looks kind of cool and I suspect that if you got one of the one pieces it might smooth your figure into a pleasing shape to make you a bit less self conscious - a bit like a Spanx.

That just sounds really uncomfortable to me. Swimming and splashing around in the pool are fun physical activities, and I would have a really unpleasant time if I were being squished by tight clothing aimed at condensing my body into a smaller form. Spanx feels uncomfortable at the best of times, but even when swimming?

[Green Bean]

Originally Posted by pudytat72

also check out coolibar.com

Okay, now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!

If I needed to assemble a modest sun-protective outfit, I would get the following:
Swim tights (or capris) with a wrap cover-up skirt in the floral pattern and the crew-neck long sleeve swim shirt in white. I'd wear a tankini top under the swim shirt for coverage and so that I could take the top off if I was in the shade or indoors. I'd ditch the skirt if I were actually going in the water.

Originally Posted by Jenny Linsky

I like the suits here. At least one of them comes in sizes up to 24, if that's what you're looking for. You can get suits with shorter sleeves and pants, and it looks like even the hoods on the more modest suits are removable.

Those are cute too. And most of the suits don't come with hoods. You have to buy them separately.

[Green Bean]

Forgot to say--I love the ones on Simply Modest. They're absolutely adorable.

[TruCelt]

I can't remember the last time I went swimming and didn't see at least one person in long sleeves and pants. Quite a few "burqinis" as well. I think of them as Swim Burqas and they are quite normal here.

For me, I just wear a higher neckline and a slightly longer skirt ( I ordered from Here: http://www.decentexposures.com/ and asked them to make the skirt about 5" longer.

I suppose every pool probably also contains one or two people who are shocked and appalled by anything out of the ordinary, but really, you can't satisfy those people anyway. It's best to decide early on not to care what they think.

[Tortuga]

Some more links for the OP to look at:
Aqua Modesta--but these look so normal that the odd looks might come after you don't take off your "coverup" to go swimming but just go right in wearing your dress. They're also just made out of normal swimsuit fabric and not spf fabric.

Primomoda, like the style in the op but more swimsuity colors and design details.

As far as reactions go, if I saw you around the pool in one of these I would wonder whether you were sun sensitive, religious, or just plain modest. I don't think I'd bother asking though as none of those options makes for very interesting conversation.

You might get asked, but I think as another poster put it "I don't want to get skin cancer AGAIN" or "I don't want any MORE skin cancer" is a succinct enough way to satisfy their curiosity, and as it's the truth besides, a very simple thing. Of course, that might open you up to hearing people's wingnutty theories/stories about cancer. But those are the crazy people who will talk your ear off about anything anyway.