Facekini

The facekini (Chinese: 脸基尼; pinyin: liǎnjīní) is a mask designed for swimmers and beachgoers which covers the head and reveals only the eyes, nose, and mouth.[1][2][3] It was invented by Zhang Shifan in 2004, a former accountant from the coastal Chinese city of Qingdao[4] which became the hometown of this fashion trend.[5]

A woman wearing a facekini

The mask is popular in Qingdao, where it is used by people for protecting themselves from tan-inducing ultraviolet rays while in direct sunlight and from jellyfish, insects and other irritants while at the beach.[1][6][7] The mask is made of a stretchy fabric that is commonly used in bathing suits,[8] and comes in different colors and patterns.[9] They are often worn in combination with various sun protecting clothing such as body suits with long sleeves, sunglasses, visors, or umbrellas.[10][11]

The facekini hit the Western press and attention in 2012, and its creator Zhang Shifan has also focused on the development of high-fashion masks.[12] In 2019, its creator launched new models that cover the whole body, not just the face and neck.[13][14]

A standard model costs $2 to $4, while fancier models are $16 to $24. In 2014, the fashion magazine CR Fashion Book published several sets of photos with models wearing facekinis paired with fashionable Alexander Wang and Michael Kors swimwear and jewellery.[15]