Coolibar Sun Protection Clothing
As a baby boomer, I grew up with a generation who never heard of SPF and thought sun protection meant baby oil and iodine. I’ve had more than my share of run ins with skin cancer and over the last three decades, more people have been diagnosed with skin cancer then all other cancers combined. A sobering fact. While you can’t erase damage already done, you can change your habits. That’s why I’m so excited to introduce Coolibar sun protection clothing, the perfect addition to your warm weather travel wardrobe.
Last year I became a strict convert to carry on luggage. With the amount of travel I was doing, it only made sense both for my time and the health of my shoulders. This meant that each piece making the cut into my suitcase had to perform many functions. Coolibar® more then carried it’s own weight and I am so excited to share this hard working brand with all of you. Armed with 2 tops, a swim skirt, a pair of capri pants and a hat, come and take a trip to Colombia with me and Coolibar.
Coolibar swim skirt and Pattern Play swim top on the beach in Palomino, Colombia
The 15 year old company was founded by an Australian very familiar with the harshest of sun climates. Taking its name from the eucalyptus tree native to the Australian outback, Coolibar has evolved to be the leader in innovative sun protection clothing for the whole family. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, their products and fabrics are designed with a guaranteed UPF 50+ protection that will not wash out or fade. Their sun protection clothing was the first to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation and works whether the clothes are wet or dry.
In addition to protection from skin cancer, the clothing is recommended for people with Lupus and patients undergoing chemotherapy. Both groups have a special sensitivity to sun exposure.
Poolside in Cartagena St. Lucia Top in Blue Moroccan Mosaic and White Beach Capris
The white capri pants are like your favorite yoga pant. Comfy, with a drawstring elastic waist, they are at home just about anywhere I needed to go in Colombia. Dressed up or down, the beach capris were a staple of my wardrobe. I’d love a pair in every color!
Facts from Coolibar Sun Protection Clothing
What is the difference between SPF and UPF?
- SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is the rating you’re familiar with for sunscreens and other sun-protective products. It measures the amount of time it takes for sun-exposed skin to redden, while UPF measures the amount of UV radiation that penetrates a fabric and reaches the skin.
If I wear Coolibar sun protection clothes, do I still need sunscreen?
- Sunscreen is always recommended on areas not directly covered by Coolibar’s sun protective fabric, such as your chin, neck, cheeks and hands – this will ensure maximum UV protection.
Coolibar swim skirt and Pattern Play swim top
Can I wear Coolibar clothing in water?
- Coolibar’s sun protective swimwear like their swimming shirts and shorts are the only clothing they recommend wearing into the water. Salt water and chlorinated water will not harm the fabric. Our chlorine resistant sun hats can also be worn in the water.
St. Lucia tunic top in Blue Moroccan Mosaic and shapeable sun hat
The packable hat has a wire rim allowing you to fold the brim in any direction. A chin strap keeps it in place when the wind blows or traveling on a boat. It has a broad 3¾” brim for protection and a moisture wicking terry sweatband for comfort.
My favorite piece in the collection was the St. Lucia tunic top in a blue moroccan mosaic print. It beautifully transitioned from travel during the day to a coverup on the beach and then dinner and drinks at night. It was the one piece I had laundered in Colombia because I wore it so often.
Midway through my trip you can see a perfect example of how well the top traveled for a day-easily from ice cream for breakfast, to interviewing Wayúu artisans for an article, on to some power yoga and then relaxation at the end of a long travel day. Initially I was worried they long sleeves be too warm in Colombia’s hot weather. The temperature outside was in the mid 80’s and humid, yet I never felt hot in the tunic. All the garments provide a comforting stretch and cool breathability.
Coolibar swim skirt and Pattern Play swim top
Another piece from the collection that I know I’ll get a lot of wear from is the swim skirt. The perfect length on me for hiking, swimming, golf or a night on the town; this is one multitasking piece of clothing. I love the fact that there are shorts underneath and the fabric is quick drying. The slight ruffle to the layers is modern and chic.
Coolibar Pattern Play swim top and shapeable travel sun hat in Cabo de la Vela
I’ve been wearing a swim top now for about three years. It’s kind of like using a seatbelt. Once you get used to it, you feel a bit naked without it. I love being active and outdoors, a lot of my time is spent by the water, it recharges me on each and every visit. Knowing I’m protected from the sun allows me to enjoy my favorite destination that much more.
Blending fashion and function is key to everything I put in my suitcase. Clothing is your first line of defense when it comes to blocking the harmful and aging rays of the sun. Coolibar sun protection clothing has a proprietary magic sauce to block 98% of those rays. Wherever your journey may take you, don’t you want to bring Coolibar along?
Pin Me Travel Tips ♥ Coolibar Sun Protection Clothing
Disclaimer: I received samples from Coolibar for this review, but as always, opinions are 100% my own. I would never share or recommend a product to my readers that I would not use myself.
That sounds really cool – I’d never considered sun protection clothing before but as I get older I realise that getting burned is just not worth it. I was talking to my dad this week about his love of sunbathing and discussing how much attitudes to SPF have changed since he was a boy!
So true Jaillan. It’s more important than ever to protect your skin from sun damage. Coolibar’s clothes are a great way to still be able to enjoy so many outdoor activities.
I particularly like the stripy top, what a great brand! I always take bundles of long sleeved top but this looks like it is quick wash and dry so would save loads of packing space!
With all the ailing you do Anna I would think the quick drying black and white swim top would be perfect for you!
Great idea to have stylish clothes that keep you protected from the sun – I love clothes that multi-task!
Coolibar looks both stylish and versatile as well as valuable for health and safety reasons. I spend a lot of time on beaches so I’m always looking for clothes that offer SPF protection yet are breathable too. I’ll definitely check them out!
Coolibar sun protection clothing does sound like a good idea to protect skin. I really like that blue tunic. In fact, thinking along these lines, I’ve been thinking about getting a burkini for swimming.
But the burkinini wouldn’t have the SPF built into the fabric and you might get burned after all. I think Coolibar is a better choice : )
I spend a lot of time in the harsh sun of Western Australia and having just had a melanoma removed, I am more aware than ever of covering up at all times! I have always worn a top swimming but I am now more aware of covering up at all times of the day. Coolibar clothing looks like the answer to take everywhere!
Let me know if you end up purchasing it Jenny. I want to know what you think of the lines versatility.
Love the St. Lucia tunic. All the pieces seem perfect for travel!
That was my favorite too Rossana. I want to get it in another color now!
I’ve always been intrigued with sun protective clothing. I really like the blue tunic. It looks beautiful on you. I still can’t do the carry-on only, as just my tech gear and camera equipment takes up my carry-on backpack. But I tend to pack light and this looks like a great addition to my travel wardrobe.
My carryon concept sounds pretty close to yours. The camera equipment and computer are so heavy, that’s why I decided I had to transition. Coolibar clothing makes it that much easier, as the clothing can be used for all kinds of activities.
Sun protective clothing? Brilliant! The Coolibar pieces look lovely. I also have a history with skin cancer. Recently had Mohs Surgery (my second) and skin graft. But we pay the price for the days of baby oil and suntan oils without any sunscreen. Thanks for the tip.
I know Catherine. At least I feel like my kids have gotten the message. I love the way the clothing transitions to activities and can multi task for events. Really versatile!