High-waisted, skimpy bikinis are out and rashies are back in

It’s the fashion trend that might just save your life. Rash vests, once reserved for surfers and kids, are becoming the swimwear of choice for mums and millenials who want to look like a babe while beating the sun.

• Is this tiny bikini too much for the beach?
• Skimpy bikini trend ‘sends dangerous message’

It’s the fashion trend that might just save your life.

Rash vests, once reserved for surfers and kids, are becoming the swimwear of choice for mums and millenials who want to look like a babe while beating the sun.

While high-waisted bikini bottoms and ultra-skimpy 80s-style swimwear have had their day in the sun, “rashies” are flooding the market as covering up becomes cool.

The vests were originally invented in the Seventies to prevent surfers from chafing.

But cult activewear brands like The Upside, P.E Nation and Une Piece are changing the mindset about the once daggy beach attire by creating styles that get the fashion tick of approval.

Australia’s Next Top Model runner-up Lucy Markovic wearing the new look “rashies” which are flooding the market. Picture: Tim Hunter

MORE FROM BRIANA DOMJEN

HOW UNI STUDENTS ARE LEARNING FROM MAFS

BLOGGER APOLOGISES AFTER WAR OF WORDS WITH PAL

SAM ARMYTAGE SINGLE AGAIN AFTER SPLIT WITH MILLIONAIRE BEAU

The Upside founder Jodhi Meares, who says she can’t visit the beach without spotting one of her rash vests or paddle suits, puts the trend down to women wanting to look stylish while being sun smart.

“Rash vests have become a very important part of women’s wardrobe,” Ms Meares said.

“I wish these types of rash vests were around a decade ago. I remember I would wear one when I went water skiing but the minute I got out of the water I would strip it off.

“Now we are developing styles that are just as cool as swimsuits.”

Ms Meares, who launched The Upside in 2014 after selling her Tigerlily brand to Billabong for $60 million, added: “In Australia we grow up in the sun, it is part of our heritage. So we need to find solutions which still make us feel really gorgeous and glamorous while protecting ourselves against cancer.”

The Cancer Council are encouraging people to buy a fashion rashvest and are excited to see the change in fashion. Picture: Supplied by Une Piece

Cancer Council NSW, which has its own range of rash vests, is urging beachgoers to grab a fashion rashie from a local designer.

“We couldn’t be more excited about getting the fashion industry and designers on board,” Cancer Council NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Manager Liz King said.

“We have retail stores across NSW that sell a variety of rash vests, but to see that being done in other areas by other designers is a really exciting change.”

E-tailer Stylerunner, the go-to store for women wanting all things beach and gym, is proof covering up is cool, with the company growing by 1736 per cent within its first three years. Julie Stevanja, who is on Australia’s Young Rich List, said: “We grew close to 100 per cent last calendar year again. Women are owning their strength and fitness more than they ever have.”

Originally published as High-waisted, skimpy bikinis are out and rashies are back in