MARKS & SPENCER

The three-piece 'burkini', released in the lead-up to British summer by Marks & Spencer.

British department chain Marks & Spencer (M&S) are tapping into the lucrative Muslim fashion market by releasing the burkini – a swimming costume designed for Muslim women – in the lead-up to summer. 

According to M&S, the $105.25 (£49.50) three-piece swimsuit: "Covers the whole body with the exception of the face, hands and feet, without compromising on style... It's lightweight so you can swim in comfort."

M&S has stocked the pieces in its Dubai and Libya stores for a number of years, but this is the first time the burkini will be available to customers in the UK.

According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy, the Muslim fashion market is estimated to be worth £226 ($480) billion by 2020 – and a number of high-street retailers are ramping up their efforts to cash in.

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This latest release follows in the footsteps of H&M's first advert featuring a Muslim model in a hijab, and another British department store, House of Fraser, stocking 'sporty hijabs', designed for Muslim women to wear while exercising and swimming.

Earlier this year, Dolce & Gabanna became the latest designer brand to release a 'modest-wear' range, joining the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Tommy Hilfiger and other brands providing modest options for the fashion-forward Muslim woman.

Muslim fashion is finally getting the attention it deserves, but the burkini isn't going down well with everyone.

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 - dailylife.com.au