Images of Chinese children wearing watermelons in a variety of styles have gone viral on social networking sites such as China’s Weibo and even made their way to the country’s TV news.

According to the state news agency Xinhua, the trend started in July in the city of Wenzhou when pictures of a small child in a watermelon suit appeared online. Others then followed as parents tried to outdo each other with elaborate watermelon designs.

Watermelon armour, watermelon bikinis and hula-style outfits have all made an appearance online.

Users of social media sites have embraced the idea that the fruit’s refreshing qualities when eaten could also be effective when used as an outfit.

However experts have said it is not a good idea to wear a watermelon suit for extended periods. A dermatologist told People’s Daily, that although few people are allergic to watermelon, sensitive baby skin could become irritated.

Photos of toddlers and babies dressed in empty watermelon rinds are popping up on China’s blogs and new sites. Jen Markham has the story and the adorable photos in the video below:

Source: The Telegraph – The Chinese craze for ‘watermelon kids’