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Inside Coolibar Sun Protection Clothing What our customers say

Corrine in Her Beach Shirt

A Coolibar customer letter.

8/31/2010

Dear Coolibar:

As a very satisfied first time customer of Coolibar clothing, I wanted to show you that it was a pleasure wearing my [Savannah Wide Brim] hat and outfit [with the Beach Shirt] on a very hot day and still feeling cool!

The material is wonderful even in long sleeves!  So easy to launder and quick drying too.

The hat is great and the ties keep it from blowing away, which I did not know they were for that purpose. My niece showed how to use them!

I advise people interested to request your catalog at coolibar.com as they have clothing for men too.  What a great product!

I talk about my Coolibar outfit often.  It is even casual enough to wear at luncheons with my friends and out shopping.  I cannot praise the product enough and I thank my niece all the time for sending me such a wonderful birthday gift!

She just ordered me one in yellow for this year’s birthday, can’t wait to get it!

I can now enjoy boat rides better without a beach towel and baseball hat to cover me from the sun and wind.  They are so quick drying!! 

Corrine

Delaware, OH

Corrine in her Beach Shirt
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Inside Coolibar Sun Protection Clothing

Gift Ideas

It’s the same battle each year, finding the perfect present for each person on your gifting list. This holiday season, Coolibar has put together an array of healthy, stylish and unique gift options that will please everyone on your list.

 

 

 

 

Fab fashionista: Winter Hats, Jewelry, Scarves, ZnO Sun Wrap, Ruche Top, Travel Tunic

Make an outfit: Wide-Brim Grosgrain Trim Fedora, Ruche Top, and Danon Circle Necklace

 

 

Confident chap: Scarves, Winter Hats, ZnO Long-Sleeve T-Shirt, Sun Shirt

Make an outfit: Bamboo Ribbed Knit Scarf with ZnO Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

 

 

Water cruiser: UV Sunglasses, UPF 50+ Swimwear, Sun Hats, Sunscreen

Perfect pairings: sailing- Barcelona sunglasses;  surfing/swimming – Ladies Water Jacket, Men’s Short-Sleeve Swim Shirt; sandcastle building – Toddler Water Polo Swim Set, Toddler Girls Ruffled Swim Set

 

Outdoor enthusiast: Solar Chargers, All Terrain Sunscreen, Titanium Umbrella, Bird Watching Kit

Camping and hiking: The Solar Charger can keep small electronic devices powered in remote locations.

 

 

Active athlete: Galen Labs Hydrosols, Goji Cookies, Men’s Athletic Jacket, Bike Jacket for Men or Women, SPIbelt, Convertible Polo for Men or Women, Tropical-Weight Polo for Men or Women

Spray for athletes: Galen Labs Hydrosol set includes a Mini Tea Tree Hydrosol that can be used to treat athlete’s foot or eliminate sneaker odors. 

 

Winter wanderer: ZnO Long-Sleeve T-Shirt for Men or Women, Winter Hats for Men or Women, Scarves and Gloves for Men or Women, All Terrain Winter Travel Kit, UV Sunglasses

Layer up: Wear our ZnO Long-Sleeve T-Shirt during the winter months under your clothing as an added layer.

 

 

Green thumb: Garden Gift Set, Aurora Garden Glow Lights, Firefly Garden Light Stake, Garden Hat

From Garden to Kitchen: Garden Bon Bons, prettily boxed like chocolates. Once planted, these nutrient rich seed balls will sprout into gourmet basil, parsley, chive and thyme varietal plants, on-hand for a range of seasoned dishes. To plant, slip on Coolibar sun protective gardening gloves, which are included in the set.

 

Savvy globetrotter: Grid It, Travel Shirt for Men or Women, Men’s Outback Hat, Women’s Packable Wide Brim Hat

Keep organized while traveling: The Grid It is the ultimate organizer. Designed with a firm backing and tight elastic bands, this ingenious travel accessory provides endless configurations to hold digital devices, tools, and personal items firmly in place. Insert it in your briefcase or luggage.

 

Health conscious food lover: Gourmet Gift Sets

Food pairing suggestion: Harvest Song Ventures Classic Preserves Gift Basket holds three award-winning varieties of their artisanal preserves, each crafted from only “sun-drenched fruit and as little as possible of anything else.” Prized both by five star restaurants and home kitchens, their luscious flavors complement conventional or exquisite dishes, cheeses, breads, wine and beer. Sour cherry preserves recommended with sheep’s milk cheese, apricot preserves recommended with mountain unpressed cow cheese, preserved walnuts recommended with hard cheese or blue cheese.

 

Cheery child: Infant Winter Hats, Boy’s Winter Hats, Girl’s Winter Hats, Mittens, and Scarves

Holiday gifting items on sale now! Visit Coolibar.com to see all specials and more gift giving options.

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Inside Coolibar New Products Sun Protection Clothing What our customers say

NEW Coolibar Convertible Polo Review – We’ve got more up our “sleeve”

UPF 50+ Convertible Polos

Over the past months, Coolibar’s merchandising team has been hard at work designing new sun protection apparel, always keeping practicality, purpose and fashion in mind. One of the more exciting parts of creating new products is putting them up to the test!

One of our new developments, the Coolibar Convertible Polo, is an innovative short sleeve golf polo containing separate matching sun sleeves that fit snugly to protect arms from UV rays. This unique polo also contains ZnO SUNTET® fabric which embeds millions of tiny particles of zinc oxide (the same ingredient that is used in better sunscreens) into every fiber.

Recently, we came across the perfect opportunity to obtain some solid feedback on our new Convertible Polo.  Dr. Manju George, a board certified pediatric dermatologist who provides personalized care for children and young adults at her private office in Florida, was excited to be one of the first to try this new sun protection polo and give us her input.

1. What are your overall thoughts on the Coolibar Convertible Polo?

It looks a lot better when you wear it; more appealing on the body 

2. How many times in a wearing did you put the sleeves on and take them off?

Two or three

3. What activities did you partake in while wearing the sleeves?

Outdoor soccer and playing in the park

4. How would you rate the ease of taking the sleeves on and off (Easy, Somewhat Easy, Moderate, Somewhat Difficult, Difficult)?

Somewhat Easy

5. How well did the removable sleeves “stay put” while on your arms?

Stayed well

6. What are your overall thoughts on the ZnO SUNTECT® fabric for this garment?

I love the fabric. Very lightweight and very comfortable!

7. Did the fabric help keep you cool?

Yes!

8. Would you recommend this garment to a friend?

Yes!

9. Any additional feedback?

Love the color!! [She tried our Passion Pink Convertible Polo]

Women's Convertible Polo in Passion Pink

Coolibar welcomes comments and recommendations. If you get an opportunity to try our new Convertible Polo, please feel free to provide us with your feedback on our Blog comments section or on Facebook.

The Coolibar Convertible Polo for Men and Women is now available at Coolibar. Save $10 each when you purchase two or more!

Coolibar’s SUNTECT® brand fabrics have a guaranteed Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50+ for the life of the garment. Remember to avoid unprotected exposure at any time but especially between the hours of peak ultraviolet radiation (between 10:00am and 4:00pm) and seek shade. Wear sun protective clothing, including a long-sleeve shirt, a hat with a three-inch brim, and sunglasses. Be SunAWARE and be safe. 

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What our customers say

Geared Up for Coffee Farming

A few weeks ago we received a message on the Coolibar Facebook page from an enthused Coolibar customer. “I’ve done my share of shopping for your wonderful clothing this year. I wear your long sleeve blouses almost every day. I have a coffee farm in Kona, Hawaii.” This comment from Marian sparked our interested as it’s not everyday you meet a Hawaiian coffee farmer who shares the same passion for sun protection as we do! We decided to contact her and find out more about her Kona coffee farm, Hualalai Mauka, and how sun protection plays a role in her life as a farmer. 

Our farm is 4 acres in the northern end of the Kona district on the Big Island of Hawaii. We live in a little farming and artsy village of Holualoa. We only sell 100% pure Kona coffee. We have customers all over the world including Latvia, England, Australia, Poland, Sweden, France and Finland.

In addition to coffee, we grow pineapples, bananas, papayas, avocados, citrus, sugar cane, macadamia nuts and some other tropical fruit. All of our crops are labor intensive. My husband and I do most of the work ourselves. Neither my husband nor [I] had any prior experience in farming.

We live at 2000 foot elevation. We typically have sunny mornings and cloudy afternoons in this area. Most of the time there is rain for a while in the afternoon. The temperature is in the mid-70s.

We go into Kona for coffee and a walk in the morning. Kona is the hottest area in the state of Hawaii. It is mostly sunny all of the time. I wear long sleeves and pants when I go into town.

I am in and out of the house all day. Whenever I think that I will have a nice shady afternoon in the office, I find myself working outside. I need to be covered up in anticipation of all of the last minute calls to attention for out crops or to show visitors around the property.  Even though it is cloudy in the afternoon, I try to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants.

I was diagnosed with a mild case of Lupus several years ago. I burn easily. I have an ongoing battle with sun problems on my face and arms.

I use Coolibar items almost every day. I mostly wear the shirts. I also use the zip up swimming shirt and long swim pants whenever I go in the water. I wear the long sleeve pull over t-shirts. I [particularly] like the bamboo one (ZnO Long-sleeve T-Shirt). I also like the styling of the Coolibar clothes and the fabric because it looks neat still after washing. The shirts are also nice and cool.

People I see think I am a bit strange for wearing long sleeve shirts when it is 90o in downtown Kona or at the beach especially when they are wearing very few clothes. I do a lot of talking about how good the Coolibar clothes are and the need for sun protection.

Marian

Kona, Hawaii

Marian wearing her Coolibar Everyday Blouse holding Hualalai Mauka coffee
Marian wearing her Coolibar Everyday Blouse holding Hualalai Mauka coffee
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Inside Coolibar

Announcing the 2010 Coolibar Holiday Catalog

Under the Coolibar Tree: Healthy Skin, Stylish Coverage, Relevant Gifts  

It’s here – the 2010 Coolibar Holiday Catalog! Look for it in your mailbox starting this week. 

This special winter catalog offers you the best in sun protective apparel and more! Being sun-aware doesn’t mean giving up style! Our SUNTECT® UPF 50+ fabrics are amazingly versatile outdoors and in. Plus our unique selection of boxed gifts, cool weather options and terrific accessories (from companies whose commitment to quality matches our own,) make the perfect holiday gift for yourself or someone special on your list. Request a catalog or visit Coolibar.com for even more styles and gifts. 

Coolibar Holiday Gifts
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SunAWARE Wear Sun Protection

Shield Your Eyes! 4 Simple Sun Protection Tips

Just like our skin, our eyes are susceptible to damage from the sun. Exposure to intense sunlight for even a short period of time can essentially cause your eyes to develop a “sun burn”. Both short and long term exposure to UV rays could create vision problems and eye damage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Air and Radiation. In light of this, we’ve compiled some simple tips to keep you and your family’s eyes protected.

 

1.     Always wear protective eyewear

Clear skies or cloudy days, the sun’s ultra violet rays still reach the earth’s surface. Bright reflected sunlight from sidewalks, sand, snow and other surfaces can cause UV damage just as easily as direct sunlight. Keeping your sunglasses with you for all sunny and semi-sunny occasions will keep you covered!

 2.       Look for quality sunglasses

Look for lenses that blocks 100% of both UVA and UVB rays (label could also say blocks 100% of harmful UV rays or UV 400 protection). Polarized polycarbonate lenses in particular are usually your best bet for full coverage. Keep in mind that price doesn’t always equate to quality. You can find many stylish yet protective sunglasses at reasonable prices.

 3.       Examine your sunglasses

Before you make a commitment to a pair of eyewear, ensure there is no damage to the lenses. Also, double check that the label clearly states 100% UV protection.  Another thing to consider is that bigger frames mean bigger coverage. Look for wide temples so sunlight doesn’t seep in through the sides of the sunglasses. Go for those Hollywood shades!

 4.       Protect future generations

Detrimental forms of UV-related eye diseases typically stem from accumulated damage, which reinforces the importance of starting good eye protection habits at an early age. Educate your kids about the importance of protecting their eyes. When sending them outside, make sure they wear a pair of broad-spectrum UV sunglasses with 100% protection from harmful UV rays. The younger they develop healthy sun protection habits, the less resistance you’ll get as a parent/guardian. For young children, look for a pair of sunglasses that wrap closely around little heads to minimize unfiltered light and have straps to prevent them from falling off.

Keeping Kids Protected from the Sun!

Don’t forget your Sunglasses and a Wide Brimmed Hat!  By following a few simple steps to protect your eyes, not only will you look great in your shades you’ll help avoid eye problems in the future.

Be SunAWARE and be Safe!

Shop Coolibar Now for Optical Quality Sunglasses with Polycarbonate Lenses that provide 100% UV 400 Protection.

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School sun safety

Sun Protective Creativity

Back to School with Style

This Pebble Beach, California elementary school wanted to incorporate sun hats to their school uniform.  They ordered 250 of the Coolibar Reversible Bucket Hat in the color stone/navy, which perfectly matches their navy school uniforms.

The hats were issued to the entire student body at the start of the school year, with the rule that all students must wear their sun hat while outdoors to protect against the California sun. 

In order to individualize their hats, the teachers and students brought out the magic markers and unleashed their creative energy.  Shown are just a few of the many original sun hats that were created.  The students had an excellent time personalizing their hats and it’s easy to tell whose hat is whose, plus they actually enjoy wearing their new sun hats.

We love this creative approach to promoting sun safety and making sun hats a part of everyday life!

Creative School Sun Hat – “Peace Out”
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Events Videos

Albinism Crisis in Tanzania (Video)

Recently Coolibar was contacted by ABC’s 20/20 about a story on the persecution of those with albinism in Tanzania.  Through this connection Coolibar partnered with a non-profit organization called Under the Same Sun, which provides resources to assist those disadvantaged by disability, discrimination and poverty allowing an increased quality of life.  Coolibar donated sun protective clothing and hats to two schools in Tanzania, a safe refuge for children with albinism.  Tune in to 20/20 on Friday, August 27th to watch the full story.

“Coolibar’s goal is to be the pre-eminent authority on sun protection worldwide.  There is a problem with the people suffering with Albinism in Tanzania.  Albinism is really just a lack of melanin in your skin; it’s the stuff that gives you the natural protection against the sun.  The rate of albinism in Tanzania is significantly higher.  Typically it affects about one person in 20,000 and in Tanzania it’s about one in 4,000.”

 “Specifically what Coolibar is doing to help is we’re donating hats and we’re donating clothing; tops, shirts, blouses and so on.  It’s actually getting bundled up here in Minnesota and is going to be shipped over to them.”

“The main focus of our donation is for students and teachers in a couple of schools.  All together it will be about 500 people that we’ll be outfitting with our products and protecting.  We operate in a space where there is a lot of opportunities for us to work with communities and organizations who are not for profits or are serving people who are in need.  This is one of the first times that we’ve helped people in other countries, so we’re very happy to be doing that.  Coolibar’s mission is to help people enjoy the outdoors and their activities in the outdoors, and this type of work fits in very closely with that.”

Provides resources to assist those disadvantaged by disability.
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Inside Coolibar Videos

Introducing…The Coolibar Blog (Video)

John Barrow - Coolibar President

Over the years, we at Coolibar have been introduced to many “Movers and Shakers” in the world of sun protection and skin cancer prevention.  We also have the most amazing customers who have inspired us with their stories of strength and determination. 

We decided to create The Coolibar Blog as a place to bring all these voices together in one spot to share our collective experience of the best ways to live life safely in the sun.

We hope you enjoy our posts and contribute to the conversation.

Who is Coolibar anyway?

Coolibar is a sun protection clothing specialist.  We see ourselves as an authority on all things related to sun protection, that’s what we do.  We live, eat, sleep, and breathe sun protection.  Essentially what we’re doing is we’re taking sunscreen ingredients and adding them into the manufacturing process, so that we’re embedding the sunscreen ingredients into the fabric.

Most of our customers have some health related reason for purchasing from us.  There is a growing group of customers that purchase from us because they simply want to buy the best sun protective products they can get.

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