As a mom, I know a marketing gimmick when I see one; some I’ve rolled my eyes at, while others I’ve totally succumbed to. (And I have every single Velcro swaddle on the market to prove it.)
Whether it’s weighted sleep suits, temperature controlled baby spoons, or angled car seat mirrors—there are a million baby products built on fear-based marketing. These are the things we awkwardly twitch and buy on the off chance we are caught empty handed come major catastrophe. Mommy marketers are a sneaky, sneaky bunch.
Obviously, we all need to draw a line in the sand or go crazy (and broke). Until recently, my line was firmly struck at SPF clothing. I thought it was the biggest crock on the market. Couldn’t we all wear a long sleeved cover-up and be just fine?
Actually, the answer is no.
After doing some research, I learned that dermatologists firmly support SPF 50+ swimwear because it blocks up to 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays versus your kid’s common T-shirt, which only blocks 5%. Oh, and those gauzy linen cover-ups we moms wear at the baby pool? They only block about 2%…yikes.
Still not totally sold, I figured the SPF would wash out, right? Wrong. I’ll spare you the science, but current technology allows SPF-infused sunwear to sustain a summer’s full of washes. Paired with sun-safe accessories like brimmed hats and sunglasses, SPF-based clothing is probably one of the most important products you could buy for your family this summer.
Check out some stylishly safe and inexpensive SPF 50+ sun gear for the whole family in the slideshow.
More Swimwear:
SPF 50+ Sun Swimwear: Gimmick or Great Buy?
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Rio Rashguard for girls
A little glam and a whole lotta cute---your tiny diva will look her beach-chic best in the Rio Rashguard, $50, from Cabana Life.
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Chic Rashguards for Mom
Uber-stylish SPF-laden rashguards by (from left) Cynthia Rowley, Zinke, Nanette Lepore
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SwimZip Rashguards for girls 0--6
SwimZip's Mint Chip Rashguard set, $30, is delicious for little girls age 0--6. Their zip-front rashguards were praised on Shark Tank and are reasonably priced for the whole family.
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UVSkin Long Sleeve Sun Shirts for Boys
UVSkin's Long Sleeve Boys Sun Shirt, $28, comes in an array of colors and patterns, making it an easy addition to your little guy's swim gear.
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Coolibar Pants and Swim Separates for Mom
Innovative Coolibar offers men's, women's, and kids' SPF-based pants, jackets, hats, and swim separates that are styled in countless ways on their site. I loved these ladies' looks!
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Land's End SPF Gear for Dad
You guys, THIS is what Land's End looks like these days. So not nerdy. So inexpensive. So something you should put your hubs in this summer.
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Cabana Life Infant Rashguards
In addition to SPF 50+ sun protection, the pink emblem infant rashguard from Cabana Life, $42, offers easy zip access and extra room for a diaper.
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SwimZip Rashguards for Toddlers
This Shark Attack Swim Set, $29, from SwimZip is the perfect sunsafe gear for vivacious little toddlers on the go.
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Land's End Rashguards for Mom
I love how catalog classic Land's End is embracing the SPF 50+ trend! This sailor stripe rashguard has been recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, and is a preppy-chic steal at only $39!
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Cannolball King Rashguard for Dad
The understated Cannolball King Rashguard, $40, lets Dad channel his inner surfer while he's running laps around the baby pool.
