The summer maybe coming to an end, but still doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still keep ahead of the latest trends for next year. While the summer is renowned for stripping down, covering up is officially the new way to hit the beach, well according to the Chinese anyway.

The ‘face-kini’ beach balaclava has become a hit across Chinese shores more for its practicality rather than its fashion taste.

The ‘face-kini’ is seen as the most efficient way to avoid the damaging effects of the sun. The full body suits and protective head masks are proving extremely popular with visitors to beaches across Qingdao, in north-east China’s Shandong province.

The beach balaclavas were initially designed to combat sunburn, but are also extremely effective at repelling insects and jellyfish.

Chinese media outlets have likened people wearing the colourful suits, which feature mouth and eye holes, to characters from a sci-fi movie.

Shops across the province have stocked up on the sun protectors with demand for the suits continuing to grow steadily.

Who knows if the warm weather ever decides to return to Ireland, the ‘face-kini’ could catch on here too.