As temperatures start to climb, a new fashion item is taking over Australian beaches, designed to keep you cool, covered and stylish, while being easy to pack in the car or suitcase.

Dubbed the ‘new rashie’, the Nashie is a sleek, button-up swim shirt that’s quickly becoming this season’s must-have and has seen shoppers scrambling to get their hands on one.

While old-school rashies are still popular for surf kids (and dads who forgot their sunscreen), they‘ve officially entered ‘daggy’ territory for adults, according to the brand.

Tight, clingy and unflattering, they’re hardly the beach look most beachgoers are after – especially those who want to go from the water straight to a café or bar.

Offering UPF50+ protection in a shirt that looks good, Nashie’s breathable, quick-dry fabric protects against 98 per cent of UV rays and dries within minutes.

Retailing for $89.95 for men and $94.49 for women, Nashies come in sizes from small up to 6XL for men and small to 5XL for women, making them one of the most inclusive beachwear brands on the market.

They’re also chlorine and saltwater-resistant, sweat-wicking, non-iron, and stylish enough to go from the pool to the pub.

You can button them up or down, pair them with tailored shorts, or mix and match with your own set.

‘These are such a good idea,’ one shopper raved online.

‘Guys, these are amazing! Any chance you’ll start to do kids’ ones as well?’ Another asked.

Every summer, Australians spend a small fortune on sunscreen, only to end up burnt, sticky and waiting 30 minutes before it’s ‘safe’ to swim, but shirts like this eliminate that problem instantly.

With built-in UPF50+ fabric, they block 98% of UV rays, meaning you can spend all day by the water without constantly reapplying cream.

And with quick-dry material that’s ready to wear again within 15 minutes, you can head straight from the water without the need to change into something more comfortable.

With more than a dozen sunscreens pulled from Australian shelves this year after consumer watchdog testing found many failed to deliver the protection they claimed, shoppers have become increasingly wary and are now turning to alternatives to stay safe in the sun.

Long, hot days at the beach are a fixture of daily life in Australia, famous for its good weather and outdoors-loving lifestyle.

But the country also has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world – almost 19,000 Australians were estimated to be diagnosed with melanoma in 2024, official data shows.

The investigation in June by consumer group CHOICE found that of 20 popular brands of suncream tested, only four accurately matched their Sun Protection Factor (SPF) claims.

In some cases, products that claimed to have sun protection factors of 50+ ‘were unlikely to have an SPF greater than 21’, the group said.

Australia classifies suncreams under therapeutic goods which are deemed health-related products for human use rather than cosmetics, and are therefore regulated to ensure their safety and efficacy.

However, Anne Cust, acting director of the Daffodil Centre cancer research institute and Professor, said suncream was ‘just one form of protection’.

She said people should apply suncream ‘as a last resort’ and use it alongside other protective measures like seeking shade and wearing long sleeves.

Like Cool Cabanas before them, Nashies are shaping up to be this year’s beach essential for all adults.

And as sun safety becomes more of a priority, especially with melanoma still the most common cancer among Australians aged 20–39, it’s a trend that’s both fashion-forward and functional.

With their flattering fit, inclusive sizing and modern design, Nashies are fast becoming a staple for anyone who loves the beach but hates the burn.