The ‘facekini’ is China’s hottest new beach accessory

There’s a strange new fashion trend that’s making a splash at Chinese beaches this year – swimwear for your face.

The popular nylon mask, dubbed the ‘facekini’,is popular among women who want to enjoy the sun, but don’t want to get a tan.

In China, white skin is highly prized and considered a mark of beauty and wealth. That’s bad news if you’re sporting a golden tan, which is widely believed to signify a person is working class.  

Women aren’t just hiding their faces from the sun, either. Swimming costumes that cover the arms and legs are on the rise, too.  

As an added bonus, the body suits and facekinis are good for protecting the wearer from stinging insects and jellyfish.

If you’re hoping to bring the trend to Australia’s shores, you can buy a Facekini here. They come in stylish patterns like peacock, animal print and aqua hearts.