Designer makes swimsuits for Muslims

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Aug. 18 (UPI) -- A Southern California woman has designed a line of swimsuits for Muslim women who adhere to a modest dress code.

The Los Angeles Daily News reported Monday that Shereen Sabet, a California State University at Long Beach scientist, decided to start her own line of Halal swimwear.

"I understand most people are accustomed to not seeing a lot of clothing on the beach or in the water," Sabet said. "We don't want to look like freaks or stick out like sore thumbs for being so covered up on the beach, but I wanted to help make water activity accessible to Muslim women."

Since opening shop in 2005, Sabet said she has gained customers from all over the world who want to cover their entire body -- except for her face, hands and feet -- in public, as called for by their faith.

The suits look like a "hooded track suit or jogging outfit for the water," she said.

"Usually people will still stare," Sabet said. "We went on a cruise in February, and we wanted to go to the Jacuzzi and I wore the suit. I'm sure people were wondering what the heck I had on. I wish they would ask instead of just staring, but I understand."