KC Company Makes Sun Protection Stylish

It’s the beginning of August, and our family has applied sunscreen no fewer than 2,465 times this summer. Just kidding, we don’t keep count, it’s probably more than that. We liberally apply the good stuff every two hours any time we’re outdoors.

Yet as an active dermatology family, we know that even numerous SPF applications won’t completely shield us from the sun. So we also take other precautions, like limiting sun exposure, seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.

Which is why we were so excited when I ran across SwimZip on Instagram. The Kansas City company was founded by Betsy Johnson, who was diagnosed with skin cancer at the age of 26. As a skin cancer survivor, she understands firsthand the harsh reality of sun damage. And as a mother, Johhson doesn’t want her children and others to suffer the same fate.

SwimZip is a natural choice for our sun-safe family.

SwimZip suits are made with fabrics that block 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Rash guards come in a variety of short and long-sleeved styles and easily zip over our swim suits as a comfy coverup for wear in and out of the water. As a mom, this gives me piece-of-mind when we’re outside at the pool for hours.

My husband, Dr. David Fieleke, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained skin cancer surgeon, appreciates quality sun protection at a good value. He is thrilled that SwimZip makes an affordable ($10!) wide-brimmed hat that he can recommend to patients.

When asked the best type or brand of sunscreen to use, his answer tends to be “One that you’ll use and reapply regularly. Even better is protection you wear continuously!”

SwimZip is stylish sun protection.

 Every mom experiences the annual spring challenge of finding a suit they feel great wearing. Then multiply that feat times 100 to find a suit that’s comfortable, stylish, affordable and sun protective. Seemingly impossible, right?

For me, SwimZip was my hands-down favorite this season for style, comfortability, price and sun protection.

I’m traditionally a black swimsuit gal, so it was fun for me to mix black high-waist bottoms with a peachy pink racerback top. The fabric is great quality – I feel comfortable splashing around with the kids by the pool. I also love that the high waist bottoms hold in my tummy! A crop top black rash guard adds needed sun protection without making me feel matronly.

beautiful mom and daughter wearing swim zip sun protection





The Swim Zip 2018 line comes in prints that both moms and kids will love. My daughter is obsessed with her 2-piece halter suit paired with a cropped UPF 50 wrap rash guard top!  Sometimes it’s a battle to get kids to wear sun-protective suits, especially as they get older, but not these! Our SwimZip suits have been our go-to summer favorites for style, sun protection and versatility.

On sizing, my son was a true size 6. A size 6 halter suit also fit my slender nine-year-old daughter, but I was worried it wouldn’t fit for long, so we sized up to the 8-10. I liked that the board shorts came in a shorter length. It’s nice to have apparel that’s on trend for the little guys. (I also appreciated it because my son is shorter, and I often feel board shorts are way too long and bulky for his frame.)

We received Swim Zip apparel for the opportunity to provide my honest review. I can enthusiastically say that these suits and this company is one that we are proud to enthusiastically support and recommend for their sun protection and style.

Many thanks to Anne Xenos with Xenos Creative, LLC for these images and for her enthusiasm for unconventional photo shoots. To book your own super fun water park mini session on Aug. 12, visit here.

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