burkini

Photo: Courtesy Hadia Ghaleb
It’s that time of the year again. As the mercury continues to rise, your calendar for the next few months is likely to include many more plans that focus on cooling off, be it with beach visits or dips in the pool. And while summer may translate to ‘bikini season’ for many, there’s something to be said about the appeal of a modest swimsuit. Offering the perfect amount of coverage, modest swimwear pieces come in a myriad of colors, patterns and cuts, ensuring that their wearer can enjoy the best of the summer without having to feel uncomfortable in their skin. As we gear up for our summer breaks, Vogue Arabia chalks out the best modest swimsuits available right now, from classic one-pieces to higher coverage numbers.

The best swimwear for light coverage this summer
Fancy a one-piece that allows ease of movement and also looks cool? Look no further than Cover Swim’s black turtleneck piece, or Summersault’s two-toned blue number, which features a high neck and thicker sleeves than basic cuts. Norma Kamali’s ruffled swimsuit is ideal for extra leg coverage, while Mary Katrantzou and La Double J’s playfully printed creations effortlessly cover the shoulders for especially hot days.
Light coverage: Norma Kamali, AED 923
The best bodysuits for medium coverage this summer
If you’re looking for a tad more coverage this summer, swimsuits with shorts-style bottoms are a must-have. Cases in point: Cynthia Rowley’s floral blue piece, which extends over the thighs, and Stockholm Surfboard’s all-black bodysuit, a versatile number you can keep coming back to. For complete arm coverage, Emilia Wickstead, Duskii and Mara Hoffman have some great picks, each in a print more exciting than the other.
Medium coverage: Cynthia Rowley, AED 873
The best burkinis for full coverage this summer
Hadi Ghaleb’s latest poolside line, featuring wraps and burkinis, is ideal for the woman who loves vibrant hues, but that’s not where the options end for modest swimwear. Look to Nike and Adidas for classic tunic and legging combinations in solid hues, or stir things up a bit with Lanuuk’s swim pieces, accentuated with feminine ruffle details. Lyra and Munamer add a modern twist to modest swimwear with exotic prints and zips, while Shelline’s pistachio green piece makes the perfect pick for the pastel lover.
Full coverage: Hadia Ghaleb, AED 699
Below, take a closer look at the best modest swimwear on Vogue Arabia’s list
Light coverage: Mary Katrantzou, AED 1,730
Light coverage: Cover Swim, AED 850
Light coverage: Ganni, AED 656
Light coverage: La Double J, AED 1,502
Light coverage: Summersault, AED 420
Medium coverage: Duskii, AED 588
Medium coverage: Stockholm Surfboard, AED 1,934
Medium coverage: Emilia Wickstead, AED 1,419
Medium coverage: Mara Hoffman, AED 895
Medium coverage: Balenciaga, AED 2,260
Medium coverage: Marysia, AED 1,379

Medium coverage: The Upside, AED 963
Full coverage: Shelline, AED 624
Full coverage: Lyra, AED 390
Full coverage: Nike, AED 500
Full coverage: Lanuuk, AED 414
Full coverage: Adidas, AED 550
Full coverage: Munamer, AED 652

Photo: Courtesy of Hadia Ghaleb Brand

Dubai-based entrepreneur and fashion influencer Hadia Ghaleb is launching an inclusive swimwear line this week, Hadia Ghaleb Label. In an effort to bridge the gap between veiled and unveiled women through fashion, Ghaleb’s latest venture offers a collection of swimwear that can work for women of all backgrounds. Bringing together women of all cultures, religions, and lifestyles, the swimwear line practices inclusivity—something that is being called for within the fashion industry. “With the launch of Hadia Ghaleb Label, I hope to end the division of the swimwear market for veiled and unveiled women. The idea that we have separate stores feels outdated — in 2022, we need to embrace the uniqueness of each woman and ensure equal fashion choices for all,” she tells Vogue Arabia. 
Photo: Courtesy of Hadia Ghaleb Label
Drawing inspiration from vibrant summer colors in combination with the elegance Arab women are known for, Hadia Ghaleb Label gives women a chance to express themselves as fashionably as possible without worrying about their backgrounds during vacations. The label includes two swimwear sets that come in six different colors, alluding to the sea, sunsets, and beach. An extra dose of creativity comes in via the fact that Ghaleb’s pieces can be styled in several different ways and combinations, allowing the wearer to customize their look: Swimwear Ensemble, including a swimsuit top and scarf; and Swimwear Full Set, including swimsuit top, scarf, leggings, and sarong. The launch of the line will take place between May 3-6 with the digital presentation including prominent fashion influencers in the Middle East, including Hadia Ghaleb herself, Yusur Al-Khalidi, Maryam Al-Khalidi, Youmi, and Shouq.

Photo: Courtesy of Hadia Ghaleb Label
Ghaleb stresses on the need to reclaim the burkini trend and the negative connotations surrounding it. “The swimwear category for veiled women, also known as the burkini, often focuses only on practical functionality and doesn’t provide stylish or trendy solutions for the women who wear it,” she explains. The story of this launch is also a personal one for Ghaleb, who has witnessed the ostracization of her fellow veiled women. “Growing up, I saw a stigma around the burkini: Once, a friend of mine was denied entry into a place because she was wearing a burkini. I stood there helpless, feeling her pain but unable to change the situation. Hadia Ghaleb Label’s purpose is to change that perception, and designs of conservative swimwear, so no other woman will have to go through moments like this.”
Photo: Courtesy of Hadia Ghaleb Label
Though not always a conservative dresser herself, Ghaleb believes in her message of changing the stigma around veiled women’s fashion.  “The mission of Hadia Ghaleb Label is to uplift and empower women, no matter what their fashion or lifestyle choices are. By creating this swimwear line, I want to highlight the diversity and elegant beauty of Arab women by coming up with designs that will fit — and complement — all women.”
Photo: Courtesy of Hadia Ghaleb Label