Kids are making cool decisions about the hot sun

Posted by writer on August 27th, 2009 at 04:37pm

It appears that finally, the warnings about dangerous sun-exposure may just be reaching their target..the children.
Owner of Perth-based swimwear retailer, Viva Swimwear, Julie Wiggins says sales figures for her ultraviolet (UV) resistant rash shirts and bodysuits reflect the fact that more and more kids are covering up, with long-sleeved rash tops becoming in demand than short-sleeved ones.  “In many cases, it’s the kids who are taking the initiative and demanding full sun protection from their swimwear.” 
Each year, 1 600 Australians die from skin cancer – a disease which the Cancer Council says is ‘almost entirely preventable’ – yet Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world.Research shows that just one incident of blistering sunburn greatly increases a person’s likelihood of getting skin cancer later, with children generally experiencing between 50 to 80 per cent of their lifetime exposure to the sun before they reach 18. 
Julie says the fabric of sun protective clothing is all-important.  “100% polyester has the highest SPF (sun protection factor) of any fabric, giving wearers two to three times the protection of other fabrics.Viva Swimwear manufactures its children’s range from 100% polyester fabric from Italy, which has a UPF of 50+.This makes it safe for use in the sun but also means it is chlorine-resistant, which is an important factor in selecting appropriate swimwear for children.”
As we know, kids seem to spend more time in the pool than out of it during our long hot summer.  The chlorine-resistant fabric of the Sunskins swimwear won’t fade, lose its shape or disintegrate which means it also retains its effectiveness as sun-protection.The swimwear will last,even though extended periods in chlorinated water, which means it is a value-for-money choice.
Sun-proof swimwear is becoming increasingly popular which may have something to do with endorsements from sports stars and personalities.Since 2006, Viva Swimwear has been contracted by the Margaret River Pro Surfing series to provide custom-made rash shirts for the event, adding a new dimension to their range.Julie adds : “When kids watch the surfers on TV, they see their rashies and want to look like them!”
Since its 1991 launch as one of Western Australia’s first sun-protection swimwear brands, Sunskins has been a favourite.Sun-protective children’s swimwear has been selling well for years, but there has been a recent increase in demand for long-sleeved rash tops which could mean that children are finally listening to all the warnings about exposure to the sun.

Tags: children's swimwear, chlorine-resistant swimwear, kids swimwear, sun-proof swimwear, swimwear, swimwear retailer

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