Summer is approaching and you’re wondering How to choose the right pair of harem-style swim shorts ? The wide range of options – whether with or without Lycra, with or without an awra cover, and designed for adults or children – can quickly become overwhelming. This guide highlights the five top picks for this season, explaining the key reasons for choosing each one: material, style, compliance with religious standards, cost and adaptability.
Every style featured here is available on our Sarouel de Bain website. They comply with Islamic standards, can be washed at 30°, and feature an awra cover. All these criteria are absolutely essential for a genuine Islamic-compliant swimsuit.
What criteria do we take into account when selecting the best swim harem trousers?
Before going into detail on each product, here are the criteria that guided this selection. A good pair of swim harem trousers is about more than just their price or colour.
Respect for the awra
The a man’s awra covers the area between the navel and the knees. Standard swimming shorts are not sufficient: they cling to the thighs when wet, often expose the lower abdomen, and the fabric, which sticks to the body, does not meet the requirement for loose-fitting clothing prescribed by Islam. All the selected styles cover from the navel to the knees with a loose fit, and incorporate a inner awrah cover, this inner lining that ensures the fabric remains opaque even when it is soaked.
The quality of the fabric
100 % technical polyester is the benchmark fabric for high-quality swim harem trousers. It dries in 20 to 30 minutes, does not retain water, and is resistant to chlorine and sea water. Some styles incorporate Lycra for greater stretch. Others are made from pure polyester for greater opacity, at the cost of being slightly stiffer, though this is quickly offset by a sufficiently loose fit.
The little details that make all the difference
Zip or Velcro pockets, water drainage holes, an elasticated waistband with a drawstring, flat seams: these details are what set a well-designed pair of harem shorts apart from a low-quality pair. We’ve looked at them for each model.
Our selection: the 5 best swim harem trousers for the summer
1. Qaba’il midnight blue swim harem trousers
Price: €42.90, Sizes: S to XXL
The Midnight Blue Qaba’il is probably the most iconic model in the range. It’s the one you see in photos on forums, in WhatsApp groups with fellow Muslims, and in mosque recommendations. And that’s no coincidence.
Its 100% polyester % fabric gives it impeccable performance in the water. The fit is loose without being baggy, allowing for freedom of movement whether you’re swimming or walking on the beach. Midnight blue is a understated, versatile colour that goes well with any T-shirt or technical top. Discreet yet stylish.
What sets this Qaba’il model apart from many alternatives found elsewhere is the The awra cover is completely opaque. Not just a flimsy, lightweight fabric cover, but a sturdy lining that stands the test of time, even after several washes. It dries quickly, the pockets are practical, and the drawstring waistband stays securely in place even in the waves.
These harem trousers are our top recommendation for men looking for a reliable, understated style that’s just as suitable for the beach. The price of €42.90 is justified by the high-quality craftsmanship of the Qaba’il brand, which is well-known in the Islamic men’s clothing sector.
View the Qaba’il Midnight Blue Harem Trousers
2. Qaba’il Etniz Khaki Swimsuit
Price: €42.90, Sizes: S to XXL
The Etniz is Qaba’il’s new must-have for this summer. The Khaki model retains the key features of the Midnight Blue version – 100% polyester %, modest design, suitable for swimming – whilst adding a slightly more fitted cut at the lower leg, making it more dynamic for swimming and water sports.
Khaki is a trendy colour that features prominently in the Muslim man’s wardrobe every summer. It’s just as suitable for the beach as it is for a day out, making these harem trousers very versatile for more than just a day at the beach. Paired with a white or beige T-shirt, the look is very smart.
The Etniz is also available in Midnight Blue and Black, allowing you to build up a small stock for all occasions without having to worry about heat-related issues or soaked clothes. The price is the same as for the classic Midnight Blue (€42.90), reflecting the same high manufacturing standards.
For lads who swim a lot or take part in water sports (paddleboarding, snorkelling, beach volleyball), this is the most suitable style in the range. The cut and fabric hold up well during exercise, without the harem trousers riding up or restricting movement.
View the Qaba’il Etniz Khaki Jersey
3. Wassat Black Swim Harem Trousers: The best value for money
Price: €39.90, Sizes: S to XXXL
The Wassat Noir stands out in two respects: its price, which is slightly lower than that of the Qaba’il (€39.90 compared with €42.90), and, above all, its availability in size XXXL, a size not available on most other models. For larger men, this is often the primary factor when choosing a watch, and the Wassat effectively meets this need.
The fabric is 100 % polyester; it features a built-in awra cover and is quick-drying. The cut is straight and loose-fitting, in keeping with classic Islamic styles. Black remains the most discreet and easiest colour to wear; it also better conceals any residual transparency, although the awra cover makes this a theoretical concern.
The Wassat is also available in blue and green, offering a bit of variety for those who prefer less understated colours. But in terms of everyday practicality, black remains the most versatile choice.
This is the model we recommend for a first purchase or for anyone who wants a practical pair of harem trousers without overthinking it. Three euros cheaper than the Qaba’il, available in a large size, and of excellent quality.
View the Wassat Black Harem Trousers
4. Haytam Beige Swim Trousers: The best in style
Price: €37.90, Sizes: S to XXL
The Haytam is this summer’s new arrival. Available in Beige, Khaki Grey, Blue and Black, it offers a a more modern cut than traditional styles, slightly more structured, with a cut that is more reminiscent of modern boardshorts whilst retaining the width and length required to comply with the awra.
The fabric is the same as in the other models: 100% polyester, with built-in awrah coverage, quick-drying and machine washable at 30°. But it’s the Beige colour that really stands out this summer. Relatively rare in the men’s Islamic swimwear sector, it adds a touch of sophistication that offers a change from the usual dark shades. Ideal for brothers who want to look their best on the beach.
At €37.90, it is also the most affordable model in the range, without compromising on the essential features. The size guide available on the product page helps you make the right choice, which is a real bonus for this type of garment.
If you’re torn between the Haytam and a Qaba’il, here’s how to decide: if you’re looking for understated style and proven durability → Qaba’il. If you’re looking for a modern look, original colours and better value for money → Haytam.
View the Haytam Beige Harem Trousers
5. Aswaf children’s swim harem trousers
Price: €29.90, Sizes: 6 to 14 years
The issue of awra for boys is often overlooked. This is a mistake. Young boys grow up with a sense of modesty that develops from childhood onwards, and dressing them in swimming harem trousers from a very young age is a simple and natural way of introducing them to this concept, without making it a heavy-handed issue.
The Aswaf is the model designed especially for them. Available in blue, black and light green, in sizes from 6 to 14 years, it has exactly the same features as the adult models: 100% polyester, integrated awrah cover, suitable for swimming, quick-drying. The fit is tailored to children’s body shapes – neither too loose nor too tight – and the bright colours (particularly the blue) appeal to boys.
The price of €29.90 is reasonable for children’s swimwear of this quality. It is cheaper than many mainstream sports brands, for a product that meets additional standards.
For families going on holiday with children aged between 6 and 14, the Aswaf is the obvious choice. It allows the whole family (father and son) to swim whilst wearing appropriate Islamic swimwear.
View the Aswaf children’s harem trousers
Summary table of the 5 models
| Model | Price | Fabric | Awra cover | Sizes | Key strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qaba’il Midnight Blue | 42,90 € | 100 % polyester | ✅ | S → XXL | A tried-and-tested, very understated choice |
| Qaba’il Etniz Kaki | 42,90 € | 100 % polyester | ✅ | S → XXL | Best for water sports |
| Wassat Noir | 39,90 € | 100 % polyester | ✅ | S → XXXL | Large size, better price |
| Haytam Beige | 37,90 € | 100 % polyester | ✅ | S → XXL | More stylish, original colours |
| Aswaf as a child | 29,90 € | 100 % polyester | ✅ | 6–14 years | Introducing boys to the sport from an early age |
How to choose the right pair of harem-style swim shorts?
A few quick questions to help you make your choice:
Do you swim a lot or take part in water sports? Go for the Etniz – its slightly slimmer fit around the lower leg allows for greater freedom of movement whilst swimming.
Are you a larger size (XXL or above)? The Wassat is your only option in this range that comes in size XXXL.
Are you looking to spend as little as possible without compromising on the essentials? The Haytam, at €37.90, ticks all the boxes (modest, polyester) and is the cheapest option in the selection.
Are you looking for a reliable model that’s well-regarded within the community? The Midnight Blue Qaba’il remains a safe bet. It is the most popular model, with several seasons’ experience to draw on regarding the durability of the fabric and the awra cover.
Are you buying a present for a boy aged between 6 and 14? That’s what Aswaf is for. Look no further.
Where are swim harem trousers allowed?
At the beach, there are no restrictions on Islamic swimwear. You can wear whatever you like, and swim harem trousers are ideal (sea, sand, sun – no problem at all).
In some private swimming pools Holiday resorts, hotels, campsites and private water parks may have different or less strict rules. Some establishments accept more modest swimwear or apply their own criteria. Please check directly with the establishment before you go.
At community swimming pools or during reserved sessions, some organisations run dedicated sessions where the dress code is adapted. If you live in a town or city with an active Muslim community, sessions of this kind are sometimes available – do check with local organisations.
Before heading out with your child or the family, a quick phone call to the swimming pool will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises. In the vast majority of cases, chlorine-resistant polyester harem trousers are perfectly fine. But it’s best to check.