posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 4:16PM

I've seen women wearing these at the beaches in Delaware this summer! (The closest beaches to dc.) They come in all sorts of colors and some even have gloves. I think they require a magnificent pedicure. Sort of like the most fantastic and expensive shoes you see in London are on women in Purdah.

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 4:22PM

What's even better is when the Muslim women (I live in Kuwait) go swimming in full abaayas. Because, not only are they not waterproof like these, they've got to be super heavy once they're drenched.

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 4:23PM

These types of bathing suits are not about making fashion statements, they serve religious purposes. For women whose religion forbids them from wearing body-conscious clothing, this is a new option, one of the only of it's kind.

Fashionista should be aware that not all clothing choices are fashion-related.

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 4:35PM

I saw these all over turkey. And interestingly enough, at an american amusement park, it just looks like muslim women wear underarmor like outfits to play in the water parks with their kids.

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 4:38PM

lol im sending this link to all of my gulf friends.

theyre gonna be so trendy swimming!

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 4:43PM

I saw these all over turkey. And interestingly enough, at an american amusement park, it just looks like muslim women wear underarmor like outfits to play in the water parks with their kids.

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 4:44PM

I find it sad that many women in the world, not just muslim women, don´t have the freedom to decide whether they want to cover-up or totally dress down.

so interesting that you brought this up I had no idea this kind of swimwear even existed.

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 4:46PM

This was a really great post. I appreciate seeing things that challenge a New York, or even an American, idea of "fashion." Sometimes we are so centered on ourselves we forget about the rest of the world.

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 4:46PM

Ummm, #4, I think everyone was aware of that, including Britt. But you may also be interested to learn that even among some Muslim women who do cover up (not all--some wear only black abayas), there are fashions and trends.

posted by bastylefilegirl

Aug 28, 2008 4:48PM

I'm not Muslim who happened to think that wear this type of full garb is there duty and a way not to only honor themselves but God and I saw this with the tag "WTF" in a public forum like Fashionista I would be offended. I'm sure you guys didn't mean this to be offensive, but it kind of is. What happens between friends/family via email is one thing but this is something totally diffrent. Yet we live in America where freedom of speech no matter how prejudice is allowed.

posted by bastylefilegirl

Aug 28, 2008 4:54PM

By the way how awsome is this lady in the link below and she did that in the same type of garb that seems so "funny". Some Muslim women I know found this well uplifting even though the garb seems so restricted/opressive for our ( mine included) American taste

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1046912/Muslim-sprinter-wins-Olympic-sprint-dressed-head-toe-hijab.html

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 5:01PM

I'm offended by 11's use of the word "there"...pet peeve!

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 5:03PM

i can't believe this post. qatar is a predominately muslim country. there's a reason why the bathing suits look like that. it balances their traditions and the lifestyles they want to lead that may include swimming in public. and why shouldn't they bother to use an attractive model. just because the suit isn't as wonderful as a bikini or makes a fashion statement, doesn't mean only less attractive people should model it.

we may not all agree on the customs of other religions, but it's in bad taste to poke fun of it. i can see why people outside of the states think americans can be so ignorant.

posted by Britt Aboutaleb

Aug 28, 2008 5:09PM

guest 14. i think you misunderstand why i've written about this. i'm obviously aware that qatar is a predominantly muslim country and that these swimsuits exist for the women who live by their religion. nothing in my post mocks islam, women or qatar. i merely though it would be interesting to share something so different with fashionista's readers, and so far i think most of them agree. i find the use of a particularly beautiful model so interesting because it contradicts the purpose of covering in the first place, but that's not a conversation for fashionista.

and guest 4. i'm curious about your experiences in the middle east because my first though was, the woman paying $150 for these suits in most definitely wearing an Oscar de la Renta one piece underneath. many of them are not only interested in fashion but are true couture clients.

posted by sarahchivonne

Aug 28, 2008 5:17PM

some of you people need to lighten up. i know that criticism goes hand in hand with fashion, but come on. learn to not be offended by simply everything.

i liked this post. let britt muse about what she wants to muse about without everyone getting their undies in a bunch.

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 5:23PM

I'm Turkish/Muslim and i wear this while swimming too.Let me say that it's not too diffucult to swim with this =) And the one you put its photo looks ugly really,there r nicer ones.
http://images.google.com.tr/images?hl=tr&q=ha%C5%9Fema&btnG=G%C3%B6rsellerde+Ara&gbv=1
Check this link.
Unfortunately women only beaches are not allowed here,so we have to wear them to enjoy the sea.

posted by bastylefilegirl

Aug 28, 2008 6:07PM

There is not misunderstanding I don't I don't think you meant any ill will or bad feelings in your post, but when you touch on aspects that deal with ones religion or ways of life it could be deemed offensive even if you don't mean too.

posted by adora

Aug 28, 2008 6:20PM

Let's just overlook this post and return to our modern "American" fashion and not let cultures which are entirely stuck in the distant past invade our priveleged, American living.

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 6:49PM

@ whoever mentioned the sprinter - i thought that was the strangest thing when i saw it! and is head to toe, super-clingy spandex really that much more modest?

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 7:35PM

I agree with Britt's comment. Living in the Gulf region, I've seen more couture shops than in the time I've lived in the States- maybe even in Europe. Even women who veil or wear abaayas pay close attention to brands- from the garment itself to their jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, bags, etc.

As others have said, these bathing suits are ways for women to enjoy swimming and the beach without compromising their religious beliefs.

In response to comment 8, as far as I'm aware, but I could be wrong, most Muslim countries besides Saudi require some degree of modesty, but there's still a fair amount of personal freedom. In Kuwait, for example, covering (and thus swimsuits like this) is entirely up to the woman and her family.

And, comment 19: I really, really hope you aren't serious.

I liked this post- not only did it expose other cultures and ideas of living to people who might not otherwise see, but it also created a dialogue.

posted by gen

Aug 28, 2008 7:38PM

Britt, re: their use of a beautiful woman in the photo - I guess it comes down to the difference between beauty and sexuality. Our society has intertwined the two - to be fashionable and/or beautiful is to be sexy.

I don't know anything in Islam [and admittedly I'm not a Muslim, so any Muslims here, please feel free to correct me] that condemns beauty in itself - it is the display of sexuality that is frowned upon, I guess because it is supposed to remain an intimate and private thing between a married couple.

Muslims cover themselves to varying degrees, from a simple headscarf to a complete shrouding of the body, but I think this comes down to different, personal interpretations of what is sexual and therefore immodest.

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 8:14PM

If you're interested in this topic you should read these articles about Mecca Laa Laa. She's a volunteer with Surf Lifesaving Australia.
http://www.slsa.com.au/default.aspx?s=mediarelease&id=521

And this is and article with the designer of the burqini. http://www.smh.com.au/news/fashion/from-bikini-to-burqini/2007/01/16/1168709713446.html

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 8:21PM

To guest #8, I agree it is sad that not all women have the right to wear what they want.

As a Muslim, I CHOOSE to cover up for modesty. I dress the way I do so people judge me on my personality and intelligence, not on my clothes or body. However my mother wear dresses and reveals a lot skin. Therefore, I think it is a large misconception that Muslim women are constricted with their clothing. I think it depends on where they live and the family they're raised in.

As for this post, I really don't think Britt was trying to insult anyone, and I don't believe she did. I think she was simply trying to point out how different cultures have different attire. Thats it. No need for everyone to get jumpy...

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 8:23PM

P.S: I am glad to see Fashionista readers are intelligent and well-spoken, and not saying the typical "OMG, Muslim women are SO oppressed..."

(: !

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 9:27PM

when (american) men harrass me on the streets of new york city every day as i travel to and from my office, i often wish i was wearing a burqa instead of my normal corporate office clothes.

posted by marichon

Aug 28, 2008 10:34PM

A number of times I have seen (presumably) conservative Muslim families here in the US, and the mother is wearing the full Purdah and the father and sons are wearing sloppy western style clothes. Something about that offends me, as a woman. I certainly believe in religious freedom but in some interpretations of Islam there is a double standard that is disturbing.

posted by guest

Aug 28, 2008 11:04PM

As a Muslim as well, I'm fairly modest in my clothing choices, and I completely agree with comment 24. It depends on where and with whom you were raised. Some Islamic countries simply frown upon women clad in bikinis, in "unisex" pools at the least.
Also, to comment 22, I see it exactly how you expressed it: Islam restricts a woman's public display of sexuality, not beauty.
And referring to Britt's comment above, I don't think the swimsuit contradicts the Islamic law in any way; if the woman is naturally beautiful, there is no reason why she would have to hide it!

posted by my fall collection

Aug 29, 2008 12:39AM

Lol, why does it say that the suggested retail price is $100, but "our price" is $140?

Cool post.

posted by guest

Aug 29, 2008 2:22AM

as a non-muslim who has spent much of her life in a muslim country, i have become increasingly distressed about this particular issue. i've always tried to keep an open mind about islam, but sometimes you can't reason away the fear you see in another woman's eyes...

i have nothing but respect for women who CHOOSE to cover themselves for religious reasons.the problem i see, as the commenter from turkey mentioned herself, is that women often HAVE to wear this whether they want to or not. that is a very, very material difference.

posted by guest

Aug 29, 2008 4:41AM

well it is $180 not $100

posted by guest

Aug 29, 2008 7:44AM

Britt, as soon as I saw this post I was going to mention that its entirely common from what I've seen for a woman to wear one of these bathing costumes over a designer bikini/swimsuit. I always found it funny.

posted by alisa

Aug 29, 2008 9:37AM

27 is right, 19 is crazy, and maybe the WTF tag is a bit questionable. but an interesting discussion none the less..

posted by bastylefilegirl

Aug 29, 2008 11:16AM

NOw I'm wondering why they ask you to take the picture down? I hope they weren't OFFENDED!

posted by shinyredthermos

Aug 29, 2008 11:51AM

i like the jasmin.

posted by Natalie Hormilla

Aug 29, 2008 12:26PM

bastylefilegirl, we took the picture down because the site owner was upset that we said we'd never wear it, nothing more. thanks for your interest, as always.

posted by guest

Aug 29, 2008 12:34PM

i am reading this post a little late but i finished off my semester last spring writing a 20 page paper about fashion in the middle east with a focus on dubai fashion week. while yes, this isn't what i would call the best outfit for the beach, the middle east is making great strides in the realm of fashion while obliging to religious and social restraints. i would recommend looking at the lf boutique and googling dubai fashion week.

posted by guest

Aug 29, 2008 3:37PM

The first thing I thought when I looked at those "swimsuits" was that they are really sad. All summer I've seen Muslim couples walking around Montreal, the man invariably in regular shorts and tshirt and the woman uncomfortably covered up. These women don't look happy.

posted by guest

Aug 29, 2008 7:38PM

To guest 38, I live in Montreal, and I have no idea what you're talking about. I know plenty of Muslim girls in Montreal who happily wear bikinis. Just because a woman isnt completely covered up doesnt not make her a Muslim.

Furthermore, how would you really be able to know if they're unhappy? Maybe they're just having a bad day? I bet if you spoke to them, you would learn majority of them cover up by choice, not because they are forced to.

I wish people would stop making stupid assumptions about people and their lives without being better educated on the subject. As someone who knows a lot Muslims, they come in different shapes, sizes, and fashion sense. So please, dont be quick to pass judgements or decide how "unhappy" they are because they are covered up, please.

posted by guest

Sep 01, 2008 2:16AM

number 39. i may just love you .as a muslim from ottawa who's born and raised here i decided what i want to wear/ but people who are ignorant and say we are unhappy really have major issues and probably are unhappy themselves.
thanks!