What makes Play Outside different from other outdoor clothing brands?

Play Outside creates comfort-first outdoor essentials designed to work across real life, not just one activity or season. Our clothing is sun-safe, versatile, and built to perform from beach to snow while remaining soft, flattering, and easy to wear.

Is Play Outside clothing flattering on real women’s bodies?

Yes. Our clothing is designed for real women’s bodies, not idealized or Instagram-perfect fits. We prioritize movement, softness, and ease so pieces feel comfortable, drape well, and look great throughout the day.

Is Play Outside clothing made for outdoor performance?

Absolutely. Our pieces are built to perform outdoors in changing conditions including heat, wind, cold, and movement, while still being suitable for everyday life, travel, and time outside with kids.

What is sun safe apparel?

Sun safe apparel is clothing designed to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Play Outside uses UPF-rated fabric so sun protection is built directly into what you wear without extra layers or chemical treatments.

What’s the difference between UPF and SPF?

SPF measures how sunscreen protects your skin, while UPF measures how much UV radiation a fabric blocks. UPF clothing provides consistent protection that does not wear off or require reapplication.

Why do you use bamboo fabric?

Bamboo fabric is naturally soft, breathable, temperature-regulating, and gentle on skin. It stays comfortable in warm weather and layers well in colder conditions without stiffness or itch.

How can the same clothing work in both summer and winter?

Play Outside clothing uses temperature-regulating bamboo fabric and layer-friendly construction. It stays breathable in summer and retains warmth when layered in winter, allowing the same piece to work year-round.

Do you release new styles every season?

No. We focus on timeless, versatile pieces that remain in our collection year after year. Each iteration is refined using real customer feedback to continuously improve performance, comfort, and fit.

Bug & Sun Protection in One: How to Protect Kids from Both

Keeping kids safe outdoors means protecting them from both the sun’s harmful rays and pesky bug bites. But layering sunscreen and bug spray can get tricky. Here’s how to ensure your little adventurers stay safe from UV rays and insects—without the hassle.

Why Dual Protection is Essential

☀️ Sunburn Risks: UV exposure can cause immediate sunburns and long-term skin damage.

🦟 Bug Bite Concerns: Mosquitoes and ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile virus.

🧴 Layering Matters: Applying sunscreen and bug repellent in the right order ensures maximum effectiveness.

Check out Play Outside’s sun-protective clothing for extra coverage without extra layers of lotion.

Read the CDC’s guide to insect repellent use.

Step 1: Choose the Right Sunscreen & Bug Spray

Not all products play well together. Use safe and effective options:

✅ Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (mineral-based for sensitive skin).

✅ Bug Spray: DEET-free or picaridin-based repellents are safest for kids.

✅ 2-in-1 Products: Some natural options combine SPF and bug repellent, but reapplication is key!

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid combining DEET-based bug sprays with sunscreen, as it can reduce SPF effectiveness.

Step 2: Apply in the Right Order

The sequence matters when layering sun and bug protection:

1️⃣ Apply Sunscreen First – Let it absorb for about 15 minutes.

2️⃣ Follow with Bug Spray – Spray lightly on exposed skin and clothing.

3️⃣ Use Protective Clothing – Hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated gear reduce sun exposure and bug bites.

Step 3: Reapply Without the Fuss

Sunscreen and bug spray wear off with time and activity. Here’s how to keep protection going:

🕒 Reapply Sunscreen Every 2 Hours – More often if swimming or sweating.

🦟 Reapply Bug Spray as Directed – Some last 2-6 hours, depending on ingredients.

🧴 Use Spray for Touch-Ups – Mineral sunscreen sprays and bug mist make quick applications easier.

Check out Play Outside’s blog post on easy sunscreen reapplication for kids.

Final Thoughts: Stress-Free Protection for More Outdoor Fun

Balancing sun and bug protection doesn’t have to be complicated. The right products, correct application order, and protective clothing make it easy for kids to stay safe while exploring the outdoors.

For more outdoor safety tips, visit our Play Outside blog.