The Burqini™ swimsuit range is an Australian innovation designed by Aheda Zanetti to meet the needs of Muslim women who wish to be active in public while maintaining their modesty. The swimsuit complies with Hijab, Muslim dress standards that require a woman's hair, chest, arms and legs to be covered. To non-Muslims these standards may seem restrictive but for Muslim women Hijab is a significant expression of their religious practice. The Burqini™ fits loosely while allowing freedom of movement and includes a hood to cover the hair and a thigh length long sleeve tunic worn over a pair of ankle length pants. These two-piece swimsuits come in active, slim and modesty fits and are made from Polyester or Polyester/Spandex, a quick- drying fabric with low drag.
The Burqini™ is a lightweight alternative to heavy, improvised Hijab worn previously. It made headlines internationally following the infamous 2005 Cronulla riots when a newly qualified surf life saver from the Lakemba Sports Club wore Burqini style surf life saving uniforms when on patrol at North Cronulla Beach.