Choosing a burkini is not only about finding the right size. A good full-coverage swimsuit should stay opaque when wet, should not billow around you in the water and should dry quickly. This burkini size guide also covers the other points worth checking before you order.
What makes a burkini different from an ordinary swimsuit?
A burkini is a full-coverage swim set, usually made up of a long tunic, loose trousers and a swim cap or swimming hijab. It covers the arms, legs and hair while staying light in the water. Many women choose one for sun protection too, for trips to the pool with the children or for long days at the beach.
1. Fabric: opaque, light and quick-drying
This is the number one criterion. A good swim fabric stays covering when wet, against the light and as you step out of the water. It dries fast, so you are not left sitting in a soaking outfit after your swim. That is what the Sahil Set offers: a modest four-piece swim set with a 98 cm long tunic, 110 cm wide-leg trousers, a swim cap and a matching hijab.
2. Cut: loose, but secure in the water
A loose cut covers without clinging to your body. In the water, though, a tunic that rides up with every wave quickly becomes annoying. Look at the details that keep everything in place: on the Sahil Set, the tunic attaches to the trousers so it stays put while you swim, with no need to keep adjusting it.
3. Size: how to get it right
Burkinis come in two types. Very loose sets are often sold in one size, designed to suit as many people as possible, and that is the case for the Sahil Set. More fitted swimsuits are chosen from XS to XXL according to your measurements: bust, waist and hips.
- Measure yourself without thick clothing, using a soft tape measure.
- Compare your numbers with the size chart on the product page.
- If you are between two sizes, go for the larger one if you like a loose fit.
- Check the length of the tunic against your height.
4. Accessories: swim cap, swimming hijab, skirt
The swim cap keeps your hair in place and the matching hijab completes the coverage. If you prefer to build your own outfit, there are separate pieces: the Instant Swim Hijab, which you pull on with no knots, or the Ring Swim Skirt. You will find them in the full-coverage swimwear collection.
5. Colours: practical and pretty
Dark shades (black, brown, khaki) are understated and easy to live with. Warmer tones such as terracotta or taupe add a softer touch. The Sahil Set comes in five colours: terracotta, black, brown, taupe and khaki.
Care: making your burkini last
Rinse your outfit in fresh water after the sea or the pool, let it dry in the shade and follow the care instructions on the label. Avoid rough surfaces that could snag the fabric.
Pool, sea or water park: adapting your choice
A full-coverage swim set can be worn wherever there is water: the pool, the sea, a water park, a spa day or on holiday. Depending on where you are going, your priorities shift a little.
- At the pool: check the venue's rules on swimwear, as some pools ask for specific fabrics.
- At the sea: favour a fabric that dries quickly and a well-fixed tunic that can cope with waves.
- At the water park: slides call for an outfit that stays firmly in place, with no loose ties or dangling pieces.
What to pack for the day
Bring a change of clothes, a waterproof bag for the wet outfit and a dry hijab to put on when you come out of the water. For sun protection between swims, a cardigan or a beach dress, available in our full-coverage swimwear collection, rounds off the outfit nicely.
Frequently asked questions
Does a burkini turn see-through when wet?
A good-quality opaque fabric stays covering when wet. Check that the product page says the fabric is opaque, as it does for the Sahil Set.
Can you swim in a long tunic?
Yes, as long as it is attached to the trousers or well fitted, so it does not ride up in the water.
Which burkini size should I choose if I am between sizes?
For a loose cut, choose the larger size. For a swimsuit that sits closer to the body, stay with the size that matches your measurements.
Is a burkini suitable for children?
For little girls, take a look at the pieces in our girls' collection.
Delivery is free and you have 30 days to return or exchange your order.