High-tech bikini combats sunburn

DESCRIBING ITSELF as Canada's premier swimwear catalogue supplier, Solestrom had added an interesting item to its collection. A woman's bikini with a built-in UV meter.

The company's SmartSwim UV bikini features a digital UV meter built right into the garment. The idea is to warn the wearer about the dangers of sunburn and how long you should stay in the sun without getting hurt.

With interest in the risks from skin cancer high, this little number should sell well. Apparently it is made out of 100 per cent top quality Lycra and available in three colours - Techno Silver, plus black or white.

Not only is the meter itself waterproof, it should last for years on its CR2025 batteries. On more moderate days, the belt onto which the meter is mounted can simply be removed. You can also have the meter facing inwards - just in case you don't want to look too nerdy.

The good news is that as an introductory offer, Solestrom is taking 26 per cent off the normal asking price of $109.99. The INQ calculates that to be $81.43 not $139.99 as the site currently states.

The INQ volunteers to road test the bikini. Size 14 please. µ

L'INQ
Solestrom