The searing heat in July has led to an increase of swimsuit sales in Pingtan, an island county in Fujian province, the Pingtan Times reported on Wednesday.

Different swimsuit designs and brands are available on the market, with prices ranging from dozens of yuan to a few hundred, according to the newspaper's survey.

One-piece swimsuits are the most popular, said a swimsuit store boss. Many of them have been redesigned with added light fabric and box shorts like other common summer dressings. The materials have also been upgraded to dry more quickly, he added.

Faced with the variety of swimsuit options, how are the customers supposed to choose the most suitable one? A merchant gave his suggestions via the newspaper.

Fit maters most, as tight or loose swimsuits hinder movement in the water, he said, adding that the flexibility of the swimsuit and firmness of joints should also be noted.

A good swimsuit meeting international standards should contain at least 18 percent spandex, he said.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Micheal Thai