Burkini babes

CLOTHES LINES:Feel like taking the plunge in a burkini? Described as a cross between a burka and a bikini, it is the latest fashion swimwear item to hit the headlines. Designed in Australia specifically for surf-, sand- and sun-loving Muslim women, sales are reportedly soaring in Europe, where a Dutch company, Woortman Sportswear, has the sole European rights to sell the bathing dress.

The burkini isn’t itsy bitsy or teeny weeny, but rather a long polyester tunic or hijood (a combination of hijab and hood) decorated with a few modest stripes and worn with trousers that keep the whole body covered except for feet, face and hands. Created three years ago by Aheda Zanetti, a Lebanese Australian, they come in several fits, slim, modest and active (including plus sizes) in black or blue, and cost from €89 to €115. The burkini made news last year when a Dutch swimming pool banned it on hygiene grounds, but after intervention by the Dutch government it is now acceptable swimming attire in municipal pools in The Netherlands. See www.woortmansportswear.com.