As the sun beats down on the scorching city of Beijing, residents and visitors alike are clamoring for innovative ways to stay cool and protected from the blistering heat. The air temperature often rises above 35C (95F), while the ground surface temperature soars as high as 80C in some parts of the country, making it imperative to take extensive precautions to avoid getting burned. In response, the city’s fashion scene has witnessed a surge in the popularity of facekinis, full-face masks with holes for the wearer’s eyes and nose. These ingenious designs, often accompanied by separable sleeves to cover arms, wide-brimmed hats, and lightweight jackets made from UV-resistant fabric, have become an essential fashion staple for those seeking to remain comfortable and safe in the sweltering heat.
Wang, a salesperson at a local hat shop, noted that sales have increased significantly this year compared to pre-pandemic times. “Compared to before the pandemic, two or three years ago, this year is much, much better than previous years. Sales volume is definitely up a lot this year,” she said. Her comments reflect the growing demand for sun-protective fashion items, particularly among female consumers in east Asia who prioritize fair skin.
Facekinis and UV Gear Surge in Popularity as Beijing Battles Scorching Summer HeatLi Xuyan, a 17-year-old student, echoed these concerns, stating, “The main concern I have is potential skin diseases, or developing sunspots.” Her mother, accompanying her on a visit to a popular tourist area in Beijing, also wore a mask that covered most of her face, highlighting the growing trend of taking sun protection seriously.
In fact, Chinese state television recently broadcast footage of tourists taking selfies next to a 12-metre-tall thermometer displaying a real-time surface temperature of 80C at the Flaming Mountains in Xinjiang. This stark visual reminder of the scorching temperatures has only added to the urgency for residents and visitors to adopt clever and fashionable ways to beat the heat. As the summer wears on, it’s clear that facekinis and other innovative sun-protective fashion items will remain an integral part of Beijing’s summer style.