Islamic-Style Swimsuits Give Women Freedom to Dive In: Stir Debate (photo)

[DeepModem Mom]

Los Angeles Times:
Islamic-Style Swimsuits Give Women Freedom to Dive In
A commentator's criticism of the outfits stirs debate in Turkey, where many wear Western fashions, and some even go topless.

By Amberin Zaman, Special to The Times


(Hasema Tekstil photo)

ISTANBUL, Turkey — Reha Muhtar, a popular Turkish writer, was vacationing on Turkey's Aegean coast when he saw two young women, hair tucked under hoods, bodies cloaked in ankle-length outfits, diving off an expensive yacht.

"Not in all my years had I ever seen anything quite so bizarre," Muhtar wrote in a recent column in the daily Sabah newspaper.

The women were wearing Islamic-style swimwear, which is becoming increasingly popular among Muslim women who want to bathe without baring their flesh. The outfit consists of a full body suit and hood that is pulled over a tightly fitted bonnet. A long vest completes the ensemble.

Muhtar's column has touched off a debate about the merits of such outfits in a country where most women wear Western-style swimwear, and some even go topless.

Yet the flurry of discussion has remained free of the politics engulfing the Islamic-style head scarf, which is banned in all Turkish government institutions and schools as a symbol of religious militancy. Rather, the emphasis has been on style....

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-swimsuits21aug21,0,7438130.story?coll=la-home-headlines

[Swamp Rat]

1. OH MY GOD!!! I CAN SEE THEIR FACES!!!

BLASPHEMY! :eyes:

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. They are wearing flip flops!!

They better not be planning on visiting the White House.

[TankLV]

19. Feet! Exposed FEEEET!

Oh oh oh oh oh oh - don't think I can control myself!

To be serious, they look beautiful. And if they are comfortable with it, good for them!

Besides, with all the skin cancer, this could actually become a good fashion trend.

I am glad to see some attractive fashion ingenuity.

Now, if the (male) "authorities" were to force it on everybody else, then we and them have a problem.

[whistle]

3. Hey not bad and the models are very beautiful as well....

...love the smiles. If Iraqi women look anything like these Turkish models, it's little wonder U.S. troops are torturing Iraqi prisoners.

[alfredo]

4. Actually the outfits are nice looking. Not that practical for swimming

They are a lot safer than flowing outfits they usually have to wear.

One step at a time folks.

[JI7]

5. seems really uncomfortable for water

but as a regular outfit to wear it looks better than the other islamic clothes such as the things worn in Saudi arabia and iran.

[Malikshah]

6. Not very different from the BJU dress code or the "Christian-wear"

that folks have posted. The only major difference appears to be covering the hair.

The end result-- people's views on modesty differ.

Having been in Istanbul and seen women dressed in form fitting housecoats, hijab, and more makeup than Katherine Harris (and, I might add, giving folks the once over as they pass by)-- what one wears in this case means very little. Nature finds a way... ;)

[meegbear]

7. HUMINA! HUMINA! HUMINA!

[CottonBear]

8. Almost 100% UV protection!

These are nicer than the "Lydia of Purple" modest swimsuits. If wearing them is optional then that's OK with me. They are showing some sexy ankles and feet! :)

[tabasco]

9. Ya know, it would be ok if people had a choice what to wear.

This obsession with covering up the women is a sign of insecurity if you ask me.

[buddysmellgood]

10. Those exposed toes have me all hot and bothered!

[moddemny]

11. Looks unsafe........

hoods may get in the way when swimming.

[jmm]

12. Some advocate even more conservative swimsuits here

http://www.modestapparelchristianclothinglydiaofpurpledressescustomsewing.com/modest_swimwear.htm

[1monster]

15. Lose the bloomers and that is a nice afternoon tea dress......

But for pool parties? I think not.

[TankLV]

20. Clue to "lydia" - we're in the 21st century, not the 19th!

They don't even look like anything past "little house on the prairie" era!

These people are truly sick.

"God" "made" mankind. "He" "made" our bodies. How can they not be beautiful just as he made them - naked or not?!

These people need a shrink, not anybody's support and money!

[brooklynite]

13. Correct me if I'm wrong, but...

isn't the woman on the right wearing lipstick?

[cap]

14. i'd hate to get caught in a strong current in those clothes

eom

[pop goes the weasel]

16. why not just wear a rash suit?

http://www.coolibar.com/women-s.html
(the purple topped outfit on the right)

Rash suits were developed by Australian surfers as protection against their nasty jellyfish, and have been adopted by people who need to reduce their sun exposure.

[Gabi Hayes]

18. rash suits expose CURVES. this is not allowed

I know a teacher who just interviewed at a Muslim school in west suburbs here.

she was told she'd have to wear a scarf, and her clothes 'must NOT show any curves,' must cover her from her neck to her toes.

[pop goes the weasel]

22. but you can still see the curves

even on the models. And you can see that they have limbs. And faces. And they are clearly female. You'd have to put them in boxes and turn them into Schrodinger's cats to disguise them as much as certain religious zealots demand. I say, if god wants us women to look like boxes, he should have made us look like boxes. But then, of course, a bunch of men with "issues" would probably demand that women attach artifical limbs and curves to themselves.

[prole_for_peace]

17. this guy is a jerk.

if these women choose to wear "modest" clothing what is it to him? not all islamic women are forced to cover themselves. i believe that most are but still some choose this for themselves and it is as much their business as it is for the women who chose to go topless.

[TankLV]

21. I'd be more concerned with the pasty fat old guys wearing thongs & bikinis

Let's get our priorities "straight"!

Ewwwwwwwwe!