BY SANDY LEONG : Tuesday, June 07, 2011
A recent trip to a resort town in Jordan confirmed this universal truth: All women want to look good in a swimsuit.
My husband and I just got back from a very quick trip to Aqaba, Jordon, a town that borders the Red Sea. It’s beautiful in an Old World way – family-owned souvenir shops, grocery kiosks, the souks and camels — yet thoroughly modern as demonstrated by our encounters with bikini-clad tourists, all-you-can-eat buffet breakfasts, Wi-Fi and infinity pools.
What dominated my attention, however, was what I observed at the beach and by the pool. There were a lot of burka-clad women and I became obsessed with their attire. While many of us sat around the pool soaking up more than our share of vitamin D in very skimpy bikinis, Muslim women sat in lounge chairs next to mine in full black burkas. What was even more fascinating for me was when they went into changing rooms and came out wearing their burka swimwear.
There is most definitely a market for what is called the Burkini, and the choices are endless, although black is the predominant color. Behind my fascination is the idea that even within strict social parameters, we all crave individuality. This is especially true at public beaches, hotel swimming pools and other places where women may judge you by what you are wearing and how you appear.
The swimwear section at Bloomingdale’s in Manhattan takes up practically an entire floor. There you’ll find string bikinis, boy short swimwear, one-pieces, two-pieces, and mix-and-match separates. And each style comes in an array of colors, fabrics and patterns; with and without enhancing rings, beads, stones and jewelry. When it comes to swimsuits, one size does not fit all.
The same goes for swimming burkas. Even though the style was pretty universal, there was a rainbow of color choices and patterned tunics that color coordinated with the head and body coverings.
Every woman wants to show her individuality, even if she’s not baring all.