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.

How to Handle Mosquito Season Naturally (Without Dousing in Chemicals)

Summer means longer days, muddy adventures, and lots of time outside. But it also brings the less-welcome arrival of one thing: mosquitoes. If you want to protect your kids without reaching for harsh sprays, we’ve got you covered. From natural repellents to smarter clothing choices, here’s how to stay bite-free and worry-free.

Why Skip Harsh Chemicals?

While DEET and traditional insect repellents are effective, they aren’t always ideal for young kids—especially those with sensitive skin. Many families are looking for safer, more natural ways to prevent bites while still enjoying the outdoors.

Check out the CDC’s guide to insect repellents for options that are both effective and family-safe.

Tip 1: Dress Smart for Mosquito Season

What your child wears can make a big difference:

Long sleeves + long pants: Cover up with breathable, lightweight clothing.
The ONE Shirt (made with bamboo): Our bamboo sun shirt is soft, breathable, and gives full-coverage protection from both sun and bugs. The fabric’s natural properties make it ideal for hot, humid days—and it’s quick-dry, so it can handle water play too.

Add a wide-brimmed hat and keep ankles covered with socks or light gaiters in wooded areas.

Shop the ONE Shirt

Tip 2: Use Natural Repellents That Actually Work

There are plant-based options that pack a punch without the chemicals:

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil – CDC-approved and effective (not for under age 3)
Citronella, Lavender, and Geranium Oils – Often found in kid-safe repellent blends
Witch Hazel or Coconut Oil Base – Dilute essential oils before applying to skin
Repellent Wristbands or Stickers – A fun, no-mess solution for short trips outdoors

Always test natural products on a small patch of skin first, and consult your pediatrician if unsure.

Tip 3: Keep Bugs Away From Your Play Space

Make your home base less appealing to mosquitoes:

Eliminate standing water – Buckets, planters, toys
Use citronella candles during meals or quiet time outdoors
Plant mosquito-repelling herbs – Think lavender, basil, rosemary, and mint near your patio or entryways
Run a fan – Mosquitoes are weak flyers and avoid breezy areas

Tip 4: Time & Location Matter

Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Plan your outdoor time around that when possible.

Mid-morning or early afternoon are great for adventures
Stick to open, breezy spaces instead of dense woods or stagnant water

If you are hiking or camping, bring a mesh bug net or canopy for play and rest areas.

Tip 5: Treat Bites Naturally When They Happen

Even with the best planning, a few bites happen. Here’s how to soothe them naturally:

Cold compress for swelling
Aloe vera gel or a dab of honey to reduce itching
Banana peel (yep!) rubbed on the bite can help with inflammation
Baking soda + water paste to neutralize the itch

Read more about outdoor first aid must-haves.

Final Thoughts: Skip the Spray, Not the Adventure

Mosquito season doesn’t have to mean staying inside or overusing chemicals. With a bamboo sun shirt like the ONE Shirt, natural repellents, and a few clever tweaks to your routine, you can enjoy all the fun of summer—without the bites.

For more gear tips and summer survival strategies, visit the Play Outside blog.