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.

Rash Guards vs. Bamboo Sun Shirts: What’s Best for Your Kids' Summer Skin?

I used to think all sun protection shirts were basically the same. If it had long sleeves and said “UPF 50+” on the tag, I threw it in the beach bag and hoped for the best.

But after dealing with eczema, heat rashes, and sunscreen sensitivities in both of my kids, I started noticing a huge difference between the clothing we used for water and what we needed for dry land.

That’s when we decided to offer two distinct options at Play Outside:

The Bamboo Sun Shirt (lightweight, breathable, everyday protection)
The Rash Guard (built for swimming and water play)

We also added adult rash guards, because honestly, we needed them too. Here's how I explain the difference to parents who ask which one is right.

When We Choose the Bamboo Sun Shirt

This is our go-to for everyday outdoor play, especially in the heat.
It’s made from super-soft, thermo-regulating bamboo viscose that’s:

Naturally hypoallergenic and breathable
Moisture-wicking and temperature regulating
Perfect for kids with sensitive skin or sensory sensitivities

We wear the ONE bamboo sun shirt for:

Hiking and biking
Playground time
Backyard messes (it makes a great mud or garden shirt)
Car rides or day trips when sun protection is still a priority

My toddler even wears it as a pajama top in summer because it’s that soft. Bonus: the long hem and thumb holes mean no mid-back sunburns or sleeve creep-ups while they climb or dig.

It’s what we reach for when we’re outside but not in the water.

When We Opt for Rash Guards

A rash guard is designed to handle swim time—salt, chlorine, and full submersion. It’s made from a quick-dry synthetic blend that resists drag in the water and holds its shape after hours of play.

We use the Kids Rash Guard and Adult Rash Guard for:

Beach days
Pool sessions
Sprinklers or splash pads
Kayaking, paddle boarding, or water play

They’re fitted, so they don’t balloon in the water, but still soft enough that my eczema-prone son doesn’t complain. Just remember to rinse off after swimming—chlorine can irritate sensitive skin, even with protective layers.

For more skin-protective tips, read our blog on how to help kids with sensitive skin enjoy the outdoors.

Which One Is Best for Sensitive Skin?

Honestly? Both, depending on the activity.

If your child struggles with itchy, reactive skin like mine, here’s what I recommend:

Situation	Best Option	Why
Dry land play	Bamboo Sun Shirt	Soft, breathable, reduces sweat irritation
Water play	Rash Guard	Quick-drying, designed for full immersion
Long car rides or travel days	Bamboo Sun Shirt	Comfortable for all-day wear
Water park or beach	Rash Guard	Chlorine- and salt-safe protection
Eczema flare-up	Bamboo Sun Shirt	No tags, soft seams, no cling

We have also user the ONE Bamboo sun shirt in the water on especially hot days. Mostly because having a cool wet shirt on helps keep up cool for longer.

Final Thoughts from a Mom Who’s Tried It All

Sensitive skin doesn't mean you have to stay indoors. It just means being intentional about what touches your child's skin.

Some days, that’s our cool, cozy bamboo shirt. Other days, it’s our snug-fit rash guard for cannonballs and underwater adventures.

We created both options because our family needed both. I didn’t want my kids’ comfort or their skin, to be the thing that kept them from falling in love with the outdoors.

Love,
Adriana
Founder of Play Outside