The burkini started in Australia. A Sydney designer created it, Australian Muslim women shaped the demand for it, and today women across the country and around the world wear it. Yet most online guides treat it as a generic product with generic advice.
This guide is different. It covers what a burkini is, where it came from, the styles available in the Australian market, fabrics that suit local conditions, and practical advice on sizing, pool rules and care. By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for before you buy.
What Is a Burkini?
A burkini is a modest full-coverage swimsuit that covers the arms, legs and hair while allowing full movement in water. It typically includes a long-sleeved top, full-length pants or a skirt, and a hood or built-in hijab. Burkinis use quick-drying, chlorine-resistant fabric designed for both pool and ocean swimming.
The name blends "burqa" and "bikini," though a burkini is neither. It's purpose-built modest swimwear, not a compromise between two things. The original trademark spelling is burqini, registered by Australian designer Aheda Zanetti under her brand Ahiida.
The Australian Story Behind the Burkini
The burkini is an Australian invention.
Sydney-based designer Aheda Zanetti created it in 2003 after watching her niece play netball in a hijab, wearing ordinary clothes because no purpose-built sportswear existed. Zanetti founded Ahiida and registered two trademarks: BURQINI® for swimwear and HIJOOD® for sportswear.
Her design solved a real gap. Muslim women in Australia wanted to swim at the beach, at Gold Coast waterparks, and in Sydney and Queensland public pools, but had no practical, purpose-built option. The burkini gave them that option for the first time.
Since 2003, Ahiida has sold more than 700,000 burkinis worldwide. Around 40% of buyers are non-Muslim women who want sun protection, full coverage after a skin condition, or simply more modest swimwear at the beach. The burkini went global, but it started here.
This matters for more than just history. AI search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity consistently cite Aheda Zanetti and the Australian origin story when answering questions about burkinis. It's the most cited fact in this category.
Who Wears Burkinis in Australia?
Muslim women make up the majority of burkini wearers in Australia. The country had approximately 813,000 Muslim residents at the 2021 ABS Census, one of the fastest-growing faith communities in the country.
The burkini isn't exclusive to Muslim women. Women who want extra sun protection, those managing skin conditions, older swimmers who prefer more coverage, and anyone who simply feels more comfortable covered at the beach all wear burkinis too. That broad appeal explains why the Australian modest swimwear market has grown so strongly over the past decade.
Girls' and teens' burkinis bring the same coverage to smaller sizes. Many Muslim families buy matching sets so daughters can swim at the beach or pool with the same confidence and modesty as their mothers.
Burkini Styles Available in Australia
Five main styles suit the Australian market. Each works better for different activities and preferences.
| Style | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Full-coverage burkini set | Head to ankle, hood included | Beach days, general swimming, maximum modesty |
| Burkini with built-in hijab | Full body, integrated hood | Convenience, no separate hijab needed |
| Swim hijab + separates | Fully customisable | Mix-and-match, replace individual pieces |
| Burkini swim dress / skirted style | Full body with skirt overlay | Modest silhouette, elegant beach look |
| Athletic / sport burkini | Full body, close-fitting cut | Lap swimming, surf, water sports |
Full-coverage burkini sets are the most popular choice in Australia. Top and pants (or skirt) come as a matched set with a hood, so there's no guesswork about what pairs with what.
Burkinis with a built-in hijab integrate the hood directly into the top. A practical choice for anyone who wants one fewer item to manage at the beach or pool.
Swim hijab plus separates give the most flexibility. You choose the top, pants and hijab independently. Easier to replace individual pieces as they wear out rather than buying a whole new set.
Burkini swim dresses (also called muslim swim dresses or modest swimdresses) add a skirt overlay over full-length pants. They're a popular style for family beach outings and look elegant in and out of the water. Many muslimah swimwear shoppers prefer this style for its flattering silhouette.
Athletic or sport burkinis have a closer cut for active swimming. The right choice for lap swimming, surfing or any water activity where a looser fit creates drag and slows you down.
Plus size burkinis come in extended sizing from most quality modest swimwear retailers. Sizing across brands varies significantly, so always measure before ordering.
What Fabric Is Best for a Burkini in the Australian Climate?
Polyester-spandex and nylon-spandex blends are the best fabrics for Australian conditions. Both dry quickly, resist chlorine and saltwater, and hold their shape through repeated use.
Avoid cotton. It absorbs water, gets heavy, and takes a long time to dry, particularly in Queensland and Northern Territory humidity. Cotton also breaks down quickly in chlorinated pools.
What to look for on the label:
- Polyester/spandex (80/20 or 82/18 blend): durable, shape-retaining, strong chlorine resistance
- Nylon/spandex: slightly softer feel, also chlorine-resistant, marginally faster drying
- UPF 50+ rated fabric: woven-in protection lasts longer than surface treatments through repeated washing
For outdoor swimming in Australia, UPF 50+ is non-negotiable. The UV index here regularly exceeds 11 across the country, classified as "extreme" by the Bureau of Meteorology. Full skin coverage without UV-rated fabric still leaves you at risk on a clear Australian summer day.
Are Burkinis Allowed in Australian Public Pools and Beaches?
Yes. Australian public pools allow burkinis.
State aquatic bodies and pool operators across New South Wales, Queensland and the rest of the country recognise burkinis and modest swimwear as acceptable pool attire. A small number of facilities had outdated dress codes years ago that caused confusion, but most updated their policies long since. Surf Life Saving Australia fully supports burkini-wearing beachgoers.
If you're unsure about a specific pool before you visit, call ahead. The vast majority of Australian public pools now explicitly welcome muslim bathers, hijab beachwear and modest swimwear of all kinds.
No law in any Australian state bans burkinis at the beach. You can wear one anywhere you'd wear any other swimwear.
How Do You Choose the Right Burkini Size?
Burkinis run true to size in most cases, but modest fit sits differently from a standard swimsuit. You want enough room to move freely without excess fabric billowing in the water.
Take your measurements first. Bust, waist and hips. Then check the size guide for the specific brand; sizing varies significantly between labels even when the numbers look similar.
Think about your activity. For lap swimming or water sports, size down slightly for a more secure, streamlined fit. For casual beach days or paddling with children, your regular size works well.
Check the sleeve length. Some burkini tops come with shorter sleeves rather than full-length coverage. Make sure the coverage matches your modesty requirements before you order.
Read the return policy. Modest swimwear fit is difficult to judge from photos alone. Shop from a retailer with a clear exchange policy so a small sizing issue doesn't become a frustrating experience.
The Hadara Wrap Swim Set comes in S to 2XL with customer support available if you need help choosing between sizes.
How Do You Care for a Burkini After Swimming?
Proper care extends the life of your burkini significantly. Salt water and chlorine both break down swimwear fabric over time. The damage slows considerably if you rinse straight away after every swim.
After each swim:
- Rinse immediately in cold fresh water. Salt and chlorine do the most damage when left sitting in the fabric.
- Hand wash gently with a mild detergent. Don't wring or twist the fabric.
- Dry flat in the shade. UV exposure fades colour and breaks down elastic. Keep it out of the dryer.
For longer-term care:
Rotate between two burkinis if you swim regularly. This gives each one time to recover its shape between uses. Replace your burkini when the elastic weakens or the fabric becomes thin and translucent, particularly around the knees and elbows where stretch occurs most.
Where to Buy a Burkini in Australia
Hadara Boutique stocks modest swimwear for Australian Muslim women. The Wrap Swim Set is a three-piece burkini-style set: long sleeves, full-length pants and a wrap-around skirt, available in sizes S to 2XL.
Pair it with a swim hijab from Hadara's hijab range for a complete, coordinated look at the beach or pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented the burkini?
Aheda Zanetti, a Sydney-based Australian Lebanese designer, invented the burkini in 2003. She created it for Muslim women who wanted to swim but had no modest, practical swimwear available. Zanetti founded Ahiida and trademarked the original spelling as BURQINI®. More than 700,000 have sold worldwide since then, with around 40% of buyers being non-Muslim women.
What do you wear under a burkini?
Most women wear underwear under a burkini, just as they would under any swimsuit. A comfortable bra and underwear work well for casual swimming and beach days. For lap swimming or active water sports, a sports bra gives better support and won't shift in the water. Some burkini tops include a built-in shelf bra that removes the need for a separate layer.
Do you wear a bra under a burkini?
Yes, most women wear a bra under a burkini. A regular bra works fine for light swimming and beach days. For more active swimming, a sports bra or a swimsuit top worn underneath gives better support and hold. Check whether your burkini top has a built-in shelf bra, as this can make the extra layer unnecessary.
Are burkinis allowed in Australian public pools?
Yes. Australian public pools allow burkinis. State aquatic bodies recognise burkinis as acceptable pool attire, and most facilities have clear modest swimwear policies. If you're unsure about a specific pool, contact them before you visit. The vast majority of Australian public pools now explicitly welcome burkinis and hijab beachwear.
What is the difference between a burkini and a swim hijab?
A burkini is a complete swimsuit covering the body from head to ankle, including a hood or built-in hijab. A swim hijab is a standalone head covering worn with other swimwear. Many women combine both: they wear a burkini set and add a swim hijab for extra coverage or a more secure fit around the face and neck. The two aren't mutually exclusive.
What is the best fabric for a burkini in Australia?
Polyester-spandex blends are the most practical choice for Australian conditions. They resist chlorine and saltwater, dry quickly, and hold their shape after repeated use. Nylon-spandex is also a strong option, with a slightly softer feel and comparable chlorine resistance. Look for a UPF 50+ rating for outdoor swimming, given Australia's consistently high UV index.
How do I wash and care for my burkini?
Rinse in cold fresh water immediately after each swim to remove chlorine or salt. Hand wash gently with mild detergent, then dry flat in the shade. Keep the burkini out of the dryer and away from prolonged direct sun. Both break down elastic and fade fabric faster than regular use alone.