On the beaches of Qingdao in eastern China, a striking new look began turning heads in the early 2000s. Locals weren’t showing more skin—they were covering it completely. Enter the facekini: a full-face covering designed to shield beachgoers from the sun, jellyfish, and algae.
Invented by a Former Accountant
Zhang Shifan, a retired accountant from Qingdao, created the facekini in 2004. Her goal was simple: protect skin from tanning, which many Chinese consider undesirable. Made of stretch fabric similar to swimsuits, early facekinis covered the entire head with holes for the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Media Spotlight
By 2012, facekini-clad swimmers had caught the attention of international media. Photos circulated globally, showing beachgoers in full-body coverage. In 2014, the facekini appeared in a French fashion magazine, styled alongside haute couture.
Steady Demand
Despite mixed reactions abroad, facekinis remain popular in China, particularly among middle-aged women. Zhang expanded her line to include patterns and accessories, and reported shipping orders internationally. What began as a niche beach accessory became a commercial success.
