Sun-kissed skin may make you look healthy but as we know, excessive exposure to the sun can cause irreparable damage. As a parent, I try my best to protect my children’s skin from the sun by using highly rated EWG sunscreen and SPF clothing, which is why Waterhoody is now one of my essential summer items.
What’s better than using a dermatologist recommended product? A dermatologist designed product! Dr. Rebecca Schpall, a Stanford trained dermatologist who practices in the San Francisco Bay Area created Waterhoody with three goals in mind: make it feel great, make it look great, and make it functional.
When I first received my Waterhoody, I was impressed with the quality of the material. It is imported from Italy and is thick but breathable and extremely soft. I also noticed the quarter-zip, which is a major selling point for me. The process of putting other sun shirts on our kids looks like this: I stretch out the neck of the shirt until a few stitches pop, then I reassure my kid that her ears and nose are not going to rip off while I force the shirt over her head. But with the Waterhoody, there are no tears or fears of facial injuries. I simply unzip, toss it over her head, zip, and we are ready to go.
We tested the Waterhoody on our vacation on Long Beach Island, NJ. I ordered a size 5/6 because the summer was almost over and I wanted to squeeze another year or two of use from it. The shirt is definitely large on my almost four year old, but due to its lightweight, she was not bothered by the size. We rolled up the sleeves and she was ready to go.
Goal 1: make it look great. The shirt looks awesome. It’s stylish yet understated. The design and colors are unisex and I will definitely be able to use it again for my son when he is older. The hood is also adorable. I also liked that the Waterhoody brand name is on the tush.
Goal 2: make it feel great. My daughter did not ask to take it off the entire day, which means goal 2 was a success. She was in and out of the ocean, the sand, and the pool and never complained. The shirt never got too heavy, it dried quickly, and the sand slid off effortlessly.
Goal 3: make it functional. My daughter spent the entire day in the sun and despite her red cheeks and forehead, her arms, back, and chest did not get any color, which means the shirt did its job. The hood is also a great addition to add additional protection.
Overall, this shirt is a winner. My only suggestion is to design the shirt with more designs and colors that appeal to preschool girls. Otherwise, I highly recommend this sun shirt for all parents and adults who want a sleek, stylish, and effective sun shirt.
You can purchase your Waterhoody directly from Waterhoody.com starting at $45.
Source: The Waterhoody was a manufacturer supplied review sample.
What I Like: Well designed, aesthetically pleasing; Dermatologist designed to protect skin; Quarter-zip makes it easy to put on.
What Needs Improvement: More color options.