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Burkini Vs Hijab - Understanding the Difference and Finding Your Perfect Swipe
The hijab is an Islamic symbol of modesty and privacy that can range from simple head scarves (khimaar) to full-on cloaks such as the abaya or burqa.
Western governments and media have debated whether the hijab is an instrument of oppression or expression, and whether it should be prohibited in public. France, for instance, has seen bans on hijab create antipathy and controversy within a secularist country that values equality.
Why Wear a Burkini?
Australian designer Aheda Zanetti created the burkini in 2004 to help Muslim women cover their bodies without sacrificing comfort or style. She saw a need for light-weight swimwear that upholds modesty guidelines while remaining suitable for public pools and beaches.
But while it was designed to make Muslim women more comfortable, it also became the subject of intense debate and controversy across Europe and beyond. Some governments, such as France, have outright banned it due to their century-old commitment to secularism.
Women continue to wear them for various reasons. Some want to protect from the sun's rays, others worry about being too exposed, and some simply want to feel more feminine.
Burkinis come in a range of styles and patterns, such as single, two-piece or three-piece options. Some even feature detachable elements for additional coverage.
Hood, tunic and pants styles tend to be looser than standard swimsuits but have been engineered with UV and chlorine resistance in mind so they can withstand pool or beach use. Some styles are more fitted than others; you may choose to cinch the hem of these garments in order to prevent them from riding up.
When Aheda Zanetti designed the burkini, she hoped it would become a go-to alternative to full-coverage swimsuits that can be unflattering and uncomfortable. She wanted Muslim women to enjoy beach and pool lifestyles without feeling restricted in their clothing choices.
Today, however, the burkini is seen by some as a symbol of religious extremism in the West. This has sparked debate in several European countries and led some municipalities to ban it on their beaches.
One of the leading voices against burkinis is French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, who has stated it symbolizes women's enslavement and acts as an act of Islamophobia. According to Valls, this act violates a 1905 law which forbids state officials from favoring one religion over another.
Why Wear a Hijab?
The hijab is an expression of respect for a Muslim woman's husband and it signifies that he alone has the right to appreciate her beauty. It symbolizes love and devotion which allows Muslims to deepen their faith and draw closer to God.
The hijab has many benefits for women and Muslims alike. It encourages purity of heart, keeps Muslim women away from evil acts such as lust or obscene coquettes, protects them from other people's sexual desires, and allows them to focus on their religion instead of things that could lead to sin.
Another advantage of wearing a hijab is that it shields Muslim women from the sun. Studies have revealed that Muslim women lose 40-60% of their body heat through their heads, leaving them more prone to sunburn and other skin-related problems due to exposure.
Moreover, wearing a hijab is an integral part of a woman's religious identity and helps boost her self-confidence. Covering up in a hijab makes her feel better about herself and her appearance, leading to increased assurance in carrying out good deeds and serving as an inspiring role model for other women.
Finding a hijab that fits you best requires trying on different styles and seeing which ones fit best. Choose materials that are comfortable yet lightweight and breathable; scarves made from natural fibers like silk tend to breathe better than those made from synthetic materials such as cotton or polyester.
When selecting a scarf style for yourself, you'll want to select one that looks neat and draping. To achieve this effect, experiment with different fabrics and sizes until you find the best-fitting scarf for your body type.
The hijab is an excellent way to express your personality and values as a woman. It can give you a sense of self-worth, with Allah looking upon you with admiration.
How to Wear a Burkini
Burkinis are swimsuits that cover the body from head to toe and typically come in one, two or three pieces. To prevent riding up, they can be tied at the waist for extra support. Burkini material is typically UV-ray and chlorine resistant, making it a popular choice for beach wear.
Many Muslim women opt to wear burkinis in the water as a symbol of modesty, in line with their religious beliefs which dictate modest clothing. By covering one's body, not only are they wearing clothing but also concealing facial features, arms and legs in an effort to blend in better; it serves as both a sign of modesty and testament to their faith.
But, this has been a contentious topic in France for several years as many mayors have banned burkinis from public pools and beaches. This week, however, Grenoble, led by its Greens mayor and following years of campaigning by local activists, allowed women to wear one in its pool.
The government declared its intention to appeal the ruling, asserting that wearing a burkini violated France's secularism policy.
Despite the ban, some people continue to wear them. Some Muslim women even swim without lifeguards for personal enjoyment.
However, this topic of controversy often sparks debate as many find it hard to comprehend why women would want to wear swimsuits that cover their entire bodies. Nonetheless, there are plenty of stylish yet modest burkini styles you can try this summer for some serious style points!
Burkinis are often made with stretchy fabric that feels soft to touch, providing maximum comfort while in the water and making movement easier. Some of these suits also boast materials which dry quickly - especially important for those who worry about their skin getting wet.
For those who enjoy swimming in the sea, a burkini can give you that confidence boost. Not only will you look fantastic, but you'll also have full access to all that the ocean has to offer - making it an excellent alternative to bikini tops and bottoms that may be too tight and restrict movement while underwater.
How to Wear a Hijab
No matter if you're just beginning to wear your hijab or have been donning one for years, there are some things to keep in mind. Most importantly, know how to comfortably and aesthetically pleasingly wear your hijab.
Start by finding a scarf that fits your head and neck perfectly. Experiment with different styles and materials until you find the ideal combination for you. You may also ask friends or family members for assistance during this step of the process.
When selecting a scarf for women, the length should be long enough to cover your hair, ears and neck but not so long that it dangles in front of your face or blocks vision. A rectangular piece called a shayla is popular but you can also try using wrap-around scarves or other designs. You can find various sizes, shapes and colors at online specialty stores or your local Muslim store.
Another option is to wear a full underscarf that completely covers your hair and neck. These types of scarves are tailored to fit the head, usually being stretchy, form-fitting, and opaque.
This style looks great with skirts and dresses, but can also be paired with pants. It offers a more sophisticated aesthetic than the basic wrap and is ideal for work or when going out to eat. Perfect for anyone wanting to dress up while still respecting their religious beliefs, this option is an ideal option.
Wrap-around styles are best paired with loose, flowing fabrics like cotton or chiffon. Not only is it comfortable in hot weather since the material allows air to circulate around your head and neck, but it's also ideal for formal events.
If you're not sure how to tie a scarf, YouTube has plenty of tutorials that will guide you through the steps. Practice in front of a mirror will help get the hang of it and once mastered, add an elegant touch to your wardrobe with ease!
If you're wearing a dress or skirt with your hijab, try adding a scarf to the front for extra visual interest. This will give your ensemble an elegant flair that can be further complemented with jewelry like necklaces or earrings. It's an easy and affordable way to freshen up your style while remaining modest at the same time.
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