MEPPEL, 18/02/09 - The burkini has become normal in the Netherlands. The body-covering bathing dress for Muslims is selling like hot cakes and nearly all swimming pools allow them, De Telegraaf reported yesterday.

Woortman Sportswear acquired the sole rights to sell the bathing dress in Europe last year. Already, "hundreds" of burkinis have gone over the counter. "There is a run on them," says Dorelies Woortman of the store in Meppel, which has taken on extra staff to meet demand.

The burkini became known about a year ago, when a swimming pool in Zwolle banned the outfit. Management claimed it would be unhygienic. A debate then broke out among supporters and opponents, in which the government claimed the outfits fostered integration because orthodox Muslims can now swim.

"We have had talks with swimming pools and have demonstrated that the burkini is very hygienic," says Woortman. "Now we no longer hear that a swimmer in a burkini will not be allowed."

The National Platform of Swimming Pools confirms this reading. "Following last year's debate, the burkini has actually quietly been integrated," says spokeswoman Marjolein van Tiggelen.