That burkini!

DH is always so many paces in front of me too ( my little legs can't keep up!)

The wig "nonsense" is orthodox Jewish practice (like little skull caps or hats on the men) and not confined to older ladies. What I don't understand is why the women I see wear such unflattering frumpy wigs, not something sassy.
I really can't get too worked up about it, but did feel a frisson of shock when I saw a very good looking, glamorous couple walking through John Lewis recently. Perhaps in their mid-late 30's he strode on ahead, while she , beautifully dressed in embellished traditional dress, kept the requisite 10 or so paces behind him. Hmm I thought, don't like that.

Hhhhmmm. Its a slippery slope. The next generation is going to be brought up thinking there's something indecent about their bodies. If this proliferated then will we all start to feel self conscious about our bodies in our swimsuits and end up wearing long legged and long armed bathing costumes like we did in Victorian times. Its an affectation to cover hair and this wig nonsense is - just silly!

I tried an aquarobics class at my gym last week, there was a lovely Muslim lady there, she was wearing similar garment to that being called a burkini. If that's what she feels she needs to wear to participate and enjoy the class then good for her, it's entirely her business and no one else's.

Sorry Izabella the wretched spell checker! You should see what my 'pooter wants to call some of you!!!

Completely agree with you Alea, to be frank some of the western swimwear you see is horrible and indecent. I reckon many of the Muslim girls looks stunning in colourful outfits but don't agree it's the burka where a woman's face is covered. Mind you don't these people have a problem with vitamin D?

Uzabella As I understand it is the orthodox Jewish women who may do this. Married women are supposed to cover their hair with a covering for the sake of modesty but I have always thought the wearing of a wig rather than a hat or scarf etc is a way of getting round their rules.

Can someone please educate me as to why Jewish ladies wear wigs? Thank you

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Well, it seems that Muslim men have modesty issues too. They must cover from above the waist to below the knees at all times and 'everything' has to be prevented from showing even an impression.

Gender inequality is indefensible but, if I'd like to go swimming but have body issues e.g. varicose veins or scars , I reserve the right to cover up. Those burkinis must be swelteringly hot in middle eastern weather but might be cosy up here in the north east! I wonder what Muslim men wear on the beach...

It is true that ideas of what constitutes modesty or decency varies from culture to culture, but while ever this applies only to women it seems all cultures still have a long way to go before we end gender inequality and the suppression of women.

I don't really care whether or not these burkini things are sold in M&S they look ridiculous imo, but I do remember being in Israel and seeing fully clothed Palestinian girls going into the sea, which made me think at the time, what a drag they can hardly swim properly with all that lot on. My son were discouraged from wearing swimming shorts when they were in a swimming club because of the drag factor, the club insisted on the much loathed, but streamlined Speedos, so perhaps these things will enable the wearers to feel slightly more buoyant. In any case, anything to encourage women to take part in a sport that may be precluded to them otherwise. Just don't expect the rest of us to don them as well.

As you say decency is different in different cultures and this is GB where at present almost anything goes.

As for the historical dresses I think you are probably alluding to Prinny's day when bosoms were pushed up and nearly over the top of dresses. The Victorians were much more modest in their dresses as were the Edwardian as they had already retreated from the excesses of the days of George IV.

Interesting times we live in but wise to watch where all this is headed and to be ready to shout when it is "Enough!"

What is considered modest or decent varies so much not only from culture to culture but age to age within one culture. Consider low cut Victorian evening dress leaving little to the imagination, but absolutely vetoing a glimpse of ankle?
I see many gorgeous Muslim girls wearing colourful, embroidered or embellished headscarves and beautiful make up and in their way much sexier than ladettes out on the p*ss on a Saturday night . And what about the frankly, often unflattering wigs that so many Jewish women I see around Hampstead seem to wear. I think a headscarf would be preferable.
And don't get me started on the skimpily clad lasses at the Grand National, not only bursting out all over, but tangoed to the nth degree !
Frankly an M&S burkini would be preferable!!

We ignore these things at our peril and before long we will all be subject to this kind of supression. This is just the start of the slippery slope.
When we grew up we all knew about "When in Rome ......" now we are having our whole world turned upside down on us. It is most concerning. The more we ignore or shrug our shoulders the more will come flooding down on us.

Yes I think that is right and like Jane I hadn't thought of that

That's a very good point synonymous. I hadn't thought of it like that but its absolutely true. I wonder what could be done to highlight it?

Burkinis? This is GB for goodness sake!

This is a way of normalizing the suppression of women and a dangerous route M&S are embarking on.

I often see young girls in colourful and stylish hijabs worn with short tops and skinny jeans

I saw a ridiculous sight the other day. At the bus stop full of school kids , one was wearing a full head covering hijab yet was absolutely bursting out of her low cut, button popping blouse. The absolute opposite of modesty but at least her hair wasn't on view to the public unlike her ample chest!

Each to her own. If there's a market for them, why not sell these burkinis?

Oh good thought it was about my body?

The burkini!

Who was that to luck?

FFS!