Sun- safe wear expands in style

COVERING up to protect your skin can still look cool this summer with an increasing number of brands creating stylish and practical pieces for the beach or poolside.

While colourful caftans were once about the only contrast to old- school boring block- coloured sun- smart swimwear to help ward off the sun’s harsh rays, there are bigger and more creative ranges to choose from than ever before.

The Cancer Council of Australia has collaborated with Melbourne- based design duo Bonnie Ashley and Neil Downie to create a vibrant Australian landscape- themed collection of sunsmart swimwear and accessories.

Professor Sanchia Aranda, CEO of Cancer Council Australia, said too many people relied solely on sunscreen to protect themselves against the harmful sun.

“Sunscreen is a great tool to help protect your skin, but it isn’t a suit of armour. The motto remains the same – slip, slop, slap, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.

“Wearing covering clothing such as rashies is one of the simplest and effective ways to protect your skin.”

Myer general manager of merchandise buying Karen Brewster said the chain was seeing a rise in interest from consumers and ranges from swimwear brands.

“This season at Myer we are definitely seeing a surge in fashionable, sun- smart swimwear options,” she said.