Sun Filter

Kids are making cool decisions about the hot sun

Finally, it seems that the messages about the dangers of exposure to the sun’s harsh rays may just be filtering through to those to whom it matters most…kids.
More and more kids are covering up against the sun, with long-sleeved rash tops now more in demand than short-sleeved ones says Julie Wiggins, owner of Perth-based Viva Swimwear, who uses her sales figures of her ultraviolet (UV) resistant swimwear range to back up her claim.The children are taking the initiative and making sure that their parents provide them with swimwear that provides full protection from the sun.” 
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.According to research, children will usually experience between 50% to 80% of their lifetime’s exposure to the sun prior to reaching 18 years, with just one blistering sunburn incident sufficient to greatly increase that person’s likelihood of getting skin cancer in later life. 
According to Julie, it is very important to check the fabric of sun-protective swimwear.”Because 100% polyester has the highest sun protection factor (SPF) of any fabric, it has up to three times the protection of other fabrics.Viva Swimwear sources its fabric in Italy for its children’s range, which is 100% polyester with a 50+ UPF factor.It is safe for use outdoors in the sun but it is also chlorine-resistant – an important factor to consider when choosing your kids’ swimwear.”
As we know, kids seem to spend more time in the pool than out of it during our long hot summer.Sunkins swimwear’s chlorine-resistant fabric won’t fade, droop or disintegrate, keeping its integrity against the sun.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.Viva Swimwear has provided specially-designed rash shirts for the Margaret River Pro Surfing series for the past three years, taking their street cred to a new level.Added Julie : “Kids like to align themselves with sports personalities, so when they see the surfers on TV wearing a cool rash top, they want one too!”
A favourite since its launch in 1991, Sunkins was one of the first Western Australian sun-protective swimwear brands.  Julie has seen swimwear sales rise year-on-year but the recent surge in sales of long-sleeved rash shirts has been the most encouraging indication yet that kids are taking heed of all the warnings about exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.