Sunbathing carries a cost that is invisible while it is happening. The Smart Swim UV Intensity Bikini, made by the Canadian company Solestrom, makes it visible.
How it works
The bikini strings carry beads that change color with the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. At low UV the beads stay white or light purple. As UV intensity rises they darken, turning deep purple at the highest levels.
The mechanism gives you a continuously updating reading of actual conditions, rather than a forecast made that morning. UV intensity varies with time of day, cloud cover, altitude and reflection off water and sand, all of which change while you are lying there.
The reference chart
The bikini comes with a chart translating the color reading into the standard UV index bands:
| UV index | Level |
|---|---|
| 0 to 2 | Low |
| 3 to 5 | Moderate |
| 6 to 7 | High |
| 8 to 10 | Very high |
| 11 and above | Extreme |
The chart carries the full color code and guidance on choosing a sunscreen to match the reading, which is the part that turns an indicator into something actionable.
Sizes
The bikini was made in sizes 0 to 18 and cup sizes A to DD.
Why an indicator helps
Sun damage has no immediate sensation. Burning is felt hours after the exposure that caused it, which is precisely why people overexpose. A visible signal that changes in real time supplies the feedback the body does not give.
Frequently asked questions
How do the beads work?
They change color with ultraviolet intensity, staying white or light purple at low levels and turning dark purple at the highest.
What does the chart show?
The UV index bands from low to extreme, the corresponding colors, and sunscreen guidance for each.
What sizes were available?
Sizes 0 to 18 and cup sizes A to DD.
This report dates from 2009. See also our swimwear guide and beach essentials.
