The intolerable temperature of the harsh summer compels people who could not stay indoors all the time to look for alternatives to guard their skin from the adverse effects of the sun such as sunburn and skin cancer.
One way is to wear protective clothing such as slip on tattoo sleeves, which are fast becoming a fad to some residents.
Available mostly in small ready-to-wear retail stores in souqs, these tattoo sleeves are a hit not only because of their designs which look real but also of the high temperature being witnessed in Qatar as the peak of summer has arrived. “More and more people are buying tattoo sleeves every day since this is good for the summer,” said Geean, a shopkeeper in one of the shops at the National area.
These sleeves made from stretchable washable nylon are priced from QR10 to QR25 depending on the artwork, which have tiger, snake, dragon, celtic and tribal designs, among others. The tattoo patterns are imposed on a flesh coloured fabric matching one’s skin tone which when worn mimics a real tattoo which is a trend many cultures.
“It takes pain and time to have real tattoos which are permanent; wearing slip on tattoo sleeves spares me from these hassles but still look fashionable and at the same time keep away my skin from the sun’s damage,” said a young Filipino professional.
Tattooing has been part of many cultures but people are hesitant to have real ones because of risks such as diseases which could be contracted because of unsafe needle used and the negative impressions of other people in certain occasions such as in a job interview.
The first types of arm sleeves that became available in the market were chiefly made of cotton and have been used by drivers, bikers, golfers and other athletes.
“Previously, this clothing accessory was normally worn while driving or cycling, but now it is used almost anywhere,” said Geean, who said they are mostly sourced from Asian countries like Thailand and the Philippines.
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