With Singapore’s scorching heat these few weeks, has anyone considered wearing a facekini as part of a sun protection plan?

Not a bikini, but a facekini, which could be considered the antithesis of a bikini, really.

The facekini is a bodysuit that covers not just the face. What started out as a UV-blocking hood has now evolved into matching body suits that include jackets, gloves, and pants.

In a video posted to Instagram, a group of women in China dressed in facekinis were seen hilariously posing for the cameras at the beach.

Is it just us or do they look like they are getting ready for a wrestling match at the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)?

One other netizen also thought so, even commenting, “Maybe the WWE will be inspired to have a beach-themed match next?”

Created in 2004 by accountant-turned-sporting goods store owner Zhang Shifan, the facekini is made out of synthetic fabric such as polyester and blocks out UV rays. It's worn over the face with holes for the eyes, nose and ears.

One netizen who saw a similar scene while on holiday in Qingdao, China, even quipped that it looked like a jellyfish infestation at first blush.

Netizens responses to the, er, garment have been mixed. While some are amazed at how the trend is still going strong in China, many still were hesitant to jump on board.

“It’s so ugly. I can’t bear to wear one,” read a comment.

Well, tell that to the people behind Crocs.

One even wrote, “Why go to the beach looking like that? You want a healthy tan, right?”

Yes, it might look hilarious, but the facekini is big business in China, okay? 

According to data from Shanghai-based China Insights Consultancy, sales figures in China alone have shown that facekinis have seen an annual growth rate of 9.4 per cent since 2021.

Sales are projected to hit 96 billion yuan (S$17bil) by 2026.

With the UV index here hitting a high of 10 and above quite a few times in Singapore, would this look take off in Singapore?