October 2007
BURQINI SWIMWEAR Beach Fashion For Muslim Women By Zain Deane Aheda Zanetti should be considered for some kind of award for services rendered to women. A Lebanese woman who grew up in Australia, Zanetti faced the challenge of so many Muslim women in the West; how to adhere to the Islamic ideal of conservative dress while enjoying the pleasures of sport, surf, and sand. In 2003, as she watched her niece playing netball in a traditional burqa, she decided to do something about it; in the process, she revolutionized an industry. String bikinis and even modest one-piece bathing suits show off far more skin than many Muslim communities consider appropriate. Even tankinis and athletic gear is sometimes too revealing. The resulting dilemma for thousands of Muslim women who want to respect their traditions while integrating into a more liberal environment is often socially constricting. Zanetti herself faced this problem in Sydney. And so she designed a collection of women’s swimwear that would appeal to Muslim tastes: enter the Burqini™, a play on the Muslim Burkha, a traditional Muslim garment for women that covers her body and head, and the Western bikini.
The idea of swim- and sportswear for Muslim women may seem absurd to those who don’t understand or appreciate Islamic values, but it’s a brilliant concept, and one that Zanetti has pulled off with style and grace. Her line of clothing caters equally to fashion, function, and focus on religious beliefs. For example, while it covers the woman’s head and body, the two-piece Burqini™ still manages to appear stylish, comfortable, and above all, usable. The swimsuit comes in a variety of designs and colors, adding a zip and a sense of whimsy to what could easily have been a dull and drab outfit. Burqinis™ are available in slim, active, and modest fits, catering to different body types and tastes.
While the Burqini™ was created for a specific purpose, it’s certainly not limited to Muslims. Women who prefer a modest look may find just what they want in these outfits. They’re not what we’re accustomed to seeing in the West, but they are feminine and comfortable – two elements that are often hard to achieve in fashion.
In addition to the Burqini™, Zanetti has a line of Hijood™ sports apparel designed along the same philosophy. The Hijood™ is a kind of Hijab shaped like a hood, which fits closely around the face and chin to provide the ultimate freedom and flexibility. It replaces the traditional veil but is made of fabrics designed to accommodate a more active lifestyle. This line includes crop-tops, tops, and bodysuits.
Zanetti is based in Sydney, but you don’t need to go down under to buy her products. At, her online store, you can order them and have them shipped overseas. I’m already sold on her clothing, not because I think they are sexier than a string bikini or because I’m a conservative Muslim man. I applaud the efforts of one woman who recognized a glaring flaw in fashion and empathized with a huge community of women who were in need of a way to enjoy an active lifestyle without compromising their traditions. Along the way, Zanetti managed to design a clothing line that helps Muslim women feel free, confident, and comfortable at the beach, or in any sport. And for that, I think she should get an award.
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