Made in Taiwan, it is a modified version of the bikini - a tank top combined with a bikini bottom - and is one of the latest fashion statements. You can wear a tankini with a blouse, a cardigan or a sarong, and even go shopping or attend a beachside cocktail party.

Taiwan's swimwear manufacturers are finding it hard to keep their heads above the water in the current circumstances. Due to water restrictions over the past two years and the Sars outbreak, many swimming pools on the island have been closed. Last month, swimwear sales dropped by 70 per cent. To counter the downturn, the industry had to come up with provocative, practical designs.

Last year, bikinis cornered just 10 to 20 per cent of the swimwear designs that came on the market. But this year, the figure has risen up to 30 per cent and, together with two-piece swimwear and tankinis, the market share is a healthy 70 per cent.

This shows that, apart from practical concerns, consumers tend to purchase swimwear with daring designs.

Chinese translation by Paggie Leung Pui-kie