By The Green Parent
21st June 2017
Platypus
Created in one of the most sun-conscious nations in the world, this Australian brand has ultraviolet protection as a big priority, with all of their garments ensuring protection of UPF50+. Every piece meet the strict criteria of both the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and the British Standard for Ultraviolet Radiation. Equally importantly, their costumes and matching rash guards are fun and funky, perfect for stylish kids who like to mix things up. We’re in love with their vintage floral prints for baby girls, their cosy terry cover-ups, and their easy-on sundresses and tunics.
Nipper Skipper
Nipper Skipper clothes are designed for kids who love sailing and boating – but any child who plays hard will love their gear. Their clothes are high quality and will last for many pass-ons, and will survive anything kids can throw at it. As well as their all-season marine clothing and safety equipment, they stock a great range of UV/swim gear that includes Long Wave swim shirts, cropped pants and rash tops, all of which will take them from sand to surf with the minimum of fuss. We also like their exclusive Buddy Bracelets, which are UV active and change colour when exposed to UV light – great for raising kids’ awareness of the danger.
Polarn o Pyret
The Scandinavian company aim to make clothes that are high-quality, unisex, that can stand up to play and adventure, and that can be passed on and worn by as many kids as possible. Their prints make us smile, and this year’s swim collection is particularly grin-worthy. We adore their toucan print swim shorts, their peacock swimsuits and their fun, polka-dot bikinis. They have a great range of basic rash vests to keep vulnerable skin safe, and a fantastic array of hats – you’re sure to find one to suit the pickiest of babies. Add a touch of cool with their ultra-hip, UV sunglasses.
Skin & Bliss
Skin and Bliss have a wonderfully curated selection of clothes perfect for the coolest kids to keep their cool on the sunniest of days. They pick quirky, colourful pieces from some of the hippest children’s designers which will make your family stand out at the seashore – very useful for crowded beaches. Their Mini Rodini frog wing swimsuit is funny and cute, while Indikidual’s funky banana prints are fruity fresh. Got a child with a more minimal aesthetic? Their Nununu Half-and-Half rash guards are cutting-edge hip.
PuddleDucks
Puddleducks have an outstanding reputation for making waterproofs to keep kids warm and dry, but their splashy swimwear is equally outstanding. Their wetsuits are practical and hardwearing, and extend swimming time to chillier days. On scorchers, their striped sunsuits for babies are fun – team one with their baby beach and pool shoes and stay-put sunglasses for maximum protection. Older kids will find rock pooling more comfortable with a pair of Reef Gripper beach shoes – perfect for crab-grabbing and anemone-searching adventures.
