High street retailer Marks & Spencer now stocks full-length swimwear, dubbed the burkini.

According to M&S the £49.50 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.

Picture: Marks & Spencer

While the international clothing brand has stocked the pieces in its Dubai and Libya stores for a number of years, it is the first time the three-piece has been available to buy in the UK.

A spokesperson said: "M&S provides a wide range of quality swimwear. We have sold this item for a number of years and it is popular with our customers internationally."

While many have been quick to champion the burkini, saying quite rightly that women should be allowed to wear whatever they want, others have had a hard time coping...