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Travel Adventures in Coolibar

Like most companies, Coolibar employees are busy. They devote the majority of their waking hours to Coolibar yet still make time to travel, explore and do the things they love. A true testament to our brand is when an employee takes Coolibar along on their adventure and returns with an even greater enthusiasm for our products and mission. Such is the case with Seth.

Meet Coolibar employee Seth Epstein. Seth has been with us for roughly 8 years in various rolls and currently reports to the Interactive Marketing Department. He recently had the opportunity to not only visit the Philippines but be guided by a resident, a friend serving in the Peace Corps. He took Coolibar with him and shares his thoughts on its usefulness.

My travel buddy (who also happens to be Coolibar’s IT Director) and I packed our favorite Coolibar apparel and even gathered some items to share with my 2 friends living in the Philippines. Despite knowing I work for Coolibar, Gina insisted on reminding me about the importance of sun protection. They had been using massive amount of sunscreen to prevent burning from the intense sun in MogPog.

Considering our Midwestern roots, and my Viking ancestry, the high temperatures and oppressive humidity was almost unbearable. My friends weren’t sure what to expect when I told them I was bringing sun protective clothing. Joe, who had worn cotton shirts with cut off sleeves for 6 months straight to beat the heat, ditched them for a long sleeve UPF 50+ swim shirt. Not having to go through his daily sunscreen ritual to cover his arms was also appreciated. I gave up trying to wear any of my cotton shirts after a couple of days (they were wet and heavy) and lived in my Coolibar the rest of the trip.

Every time I travel with Coolibar, I discover more about the versatility of our fabrics. I spent more time in my aquaSUNTECT clothing out of the water than in. Wearing something quick drying, lightweight, and breathable allowed me to truly enjoy this amazing country, with less distraction from the island heat. I want people to know how amazingly lightweight this stuff is, you can’t go wrong traveling with Coolibar.

-Seth

Follow up note: Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones and are recovering in typhoon-devastated central Philippines. Our friends, who are located north of the damage, survived the typhoon and are currently helping with relief efforts.

Me, Joe, Gina & Oumkarn (fellow Coolibar employee)

Quick-dry Coolibar dries despite the humidity

 

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John Randle Reviews our Cool Fitness Shirt

If you live in the state of Minnesota, Mr. John Randle needs no introduction. For those of you not familiar, Randle is the former defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings and NFL Pro Football Hall of Famer known for his sacks, elaborate black face paint, energy and his mouth. In fact, they say this guy never shuts up, earning him the nickname “Motor Mouth.”

We love a guy with something to say, especially when he’s reviewing our products. Randle has tested almost every athletic shirt on the market and knows a thing or two about workout wear. Because he’s already a fan of our first generation Fitness Shirt we couldn’t wait to get his opinion on our update to the 3D dri SUNTECT® fabric used in our fitness shirts, we’ve added a new cooling feature called COOLTECT™. Our Short and Long Sleeve Cool Fitness Shirts incorporate moisture activated cooling particles that lower skin temperature in addition to a quick dry mesh side panel for improved air flow making the shirts feel ultra cool and lightweight.

John Randle Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2010

Randle, a fitness fanatic, works out 6 days a week – running, walking & resistance training. He had plenty of opportunities to test our Cool Fitness Shirt. Below is our Q&A session.

Coolibar: What’s the most important feature you look for in the fitness clothes you choose to wear?
JR: Comfort, durability, longevity and style – it has to look good!

Coolibar: What are your overall thoughts on our Cool Fitness Shirt?
JR: It works great! The shirt is comfortable, wicks sweat, washes well and looks good, unlike some competitors. Each time I wash it, it Looks Fresh. My body felt cooler and I could concentrate on my workout.

Coolibar: How well did the cooling dots perform?
JR: They worked, I felt cooler, while my body heated up. It felt like a cool breeze was coming over me, or like I was running near a vent. I looked and there wasn’t a vent near me.

Coolibar: Did the fabric meet your expectations?
JR: YES! It’s comfortable, breathable and cool. It’s not just a workout shirt, I wear it on the weekends and sometimes even sleep in it too, it’s that comfortable.

Coolibar: Did the fabric stick to your skin?
JR: No, it’s light & breathable. I loved your fitness fabric before, but the new one is even better. It feels so much lighter.

Coolibar: What score would you give our Cool Fitness Shirt on comfort, scale of 1-10?
JR: 10, I Love it! It’s very comfortable. Sometimes I even wash it when I get home so I have a clean one to wear the next day.

Coolibar: Would you recommend this garment to a friend?
JR: Heck yeah! I want all my friends to try it.

Coolibar: Is sun protection important to you?
JR: Yes, it’s Important for a healthy life. I think about sun protection, but probably not enough. Your clothing has changed my perception of sun protective clothing – Coolibar looks great and feels great. I wish more people knew about Coolibar and your products.

A final piece of advice from Pro Football Hall of Fame Member, John Randle: “Exercise is important to your overall health and you need to keep a positive perspective on it. Look forward to your workout and build it into your daily routine, like brushing your teeth.”

Thanks John for making Coolibar a part of your workouts. Our Cool Fitness Shirts for both men and women are 20% off, now through November 21, 2013.

Shop Men’s Fitness.
Shop Women’s Fitness.

John Randle explains why he likes the Cool Fitness Shirt
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Coolibar Athletes Sun Protection Clothing

Technology for a Cooler, More Comfortable Workout

Our newest fabric, Cooltect, now incorporates sweat-activated, cooling technology into every UPF 50+ Coolibar Fitness Shirt! When the body begins to perspire, tiny dots printed inside the fabric work to absorb moisture and activate a cooling agent that actually lowers the temperature of your skin. Check out this review from Coolibar Athlete Chad Hannon, an adventure race competitor and all around healthy living devotee.

I am the kind of athlete that gets hot when I compete or train. In fact, I get so hot that other athletes regularly notice my lack of clothing. No…I’m not “Shirtless Guy” at your local 5k. Although I understand that guy, I still maintain that a shirt should be worn in races. However, I am the guy that is caught wearing just a shirt in races in January and February. No coat. Remember, I live in Illinois.

For instance, last February, I ran an eleven mile race through Starved Rock State Park. The temperature was twelve degrees at the start, and at times when the course took us right by the ice filled Illinois River the wind chill would drop to zero or less. I ran it in an Old-school Coolibar long sleeve fitness shirt. Yes, I did have a hat and light gloves, I’m not totally nuts. You get the idea how warm my body burns though when I compete.

Fast forward to August of this year, and I’m racing the Thunder Rolls 24 hour Adventure Race and it’s 90+ most of the daylight. The humidity taking the heat index past 100 degrees through the hottest part of the afternoon. What am I wearing? Yep, an Old-school Coolibar fitness shirt. I did opt for the short sleeves. The same guy who only wore a shirt in zero is now wearing pretty much the same shirt in 100.

I can honestly remember saying out loud as I ran along “Coolibar needs a cooling shirt! I mean ‘Cool’ is in their name!”. So, I was excited to find out THEY HAVE ONE NOW!

First, from a style standpoint, I was happy so see they stepped up the style. Coolibar shirts always look nice, but they did the stitching in a more contrasting color and it really looks great. I love it.

Second, they kept it just as comfortable. That is to say, it’s one of the most comfortable shirts you will ever own. I have no idea why Coolibar shirts are so comfy, but they are. The fabric is stretching and soft and just feels awesome. I gave my teammate a Coolibar shirt to run a race with me and it’s become a standing joke between us that it’s all she wears now. I am constantly seeing her on Facebook wearing it to a mountain bike race, a long trek, or even to dinner. She swears by its comfort, and so do I.

So, I really can’t tell you how the cooling works. It’s science beyond me. I can just tell you from experience that it does. It is a welcome addition to an already fantastic shirt.

Let’s face it, the ultimate fitness shirt is one you don’t notice you’re wearing. This is it!

Chad Hannon testing out Cool Fitness Shirt
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Inside Coolibar Sun Protection Clothing

Fit to Wear Coolibar

Lupus Foundation of Minnesota Ambassador Chris Cronick spends a lot of time outdoors, teaching spin classes at the gym and traveling around the community to raise awareness for lupus along with her husband Patrick. Coolibar provided them with a few items to test during their busy month. Chris shares their thoughts on fit and function.

Coolibar is an awesome sun protective clothing line for those with lupus (like me) because we need UV protection, yet want fashion and comfort. My husband Patrick and I had the opportunity to try some fantastic items throughout the past couple of months.

I don’t know about you, but when I shop, I’m always curious to know the size and measurements of the model so I can visualize how it may fit on me. I’ve included some pictures so you can see how Coolibar fits on real people. I’m 5’8” and about 130 pounds. I wear extra small and small sizes.

Chris (pictured middle) wearing the Coolibar Vera Resort T-Shirt

One of my favorite Coolibar items is the Vera Resort T-Shirt (size small). I love this shirt so much that I now have it in Fig and Turkish Blue! It didn’t cling around my waist and was longer for my arms, providing great coverage. It’s the softest (almost silky) long sleeved shirt I have ever owned. I’m all about layering, especially living in Minnesota. This shirt can be worn alone or perfectly layered underneath a short-sleeved t-shirt, under a button-down shirt, a light jacket or vest. In fact, I thought it would make a great Christmas gift so I’m getting a couple more for my family!

I sported the Vera Resort T-Shirt, along with the Fitness Jacket in White/Iron at the most recent Twin Cities Lupus Walk for Hope event. There’s reflective piping which makes this the go-to jacket for walking the dog at night (picture upper left). There’s a zippered pocket perfectly situated on the front chest. I found this to be a nice, handy home for my cell phone. I also like the wrist cuffs which double as gloves. How ingenious is that? This lightweight, breathable jacket provides all the sun protection I’ve come to know with Coolibar with the same fitness savvy details you find in more expensive brands.

Chris and Patrick

_ I also wore the black ZnO Long Sleeve T-Shirt for the Lupus Walk for Hope in Duluth, MN. I like this T-shirt because it has a sturdier cotton/spandex construction perfect for a cooler yet sunny day. Again, the ZnO is another great layering staple. I needed to be comfortable for the two-plus hour ride to Duluth, so I wore the ZnO Long Sleeve T-shirt paired with the ZnO Beach Pants. I like to be comfortable when I travel but still feel put-together. As you can see, these beach pants are also great for doing the elliptical at the gym too! You can wear them for virtually anything. They really are an everyday pant, not just for the beach.

Chris wearing ZnO Beach Pants on elliptical

My husband Patrick does not have lupus but has very fair skin and burns easily. I encouraged him to try Coolibar as well, so he wore a few pieces to each walk. To give you an idea of his stature, he is 6’1”, about 220 pounds and mostly wears extra-large. He is tall with broad shoulders and long arms. He finds Coolibar fits his frame perfectly with a little extra “give” where he needs it. He really liked the Men’s Fitness Jacket in Limelight/Iron and the XL fit him great. The sporty colors combined with the functionality and design of the jacket made it perfect for layering up or down. There is a zippered pocket on the sleeve that conveniently held his cell phone and zippered pockets on the front that held our car keys and some money. Lightweight, breathable 3D dri SUNTECT® fabric makes this jacket sun-protective and the surface grid wicks moisture for quick-dry performance. He wears this to the gym all of the time.

I welcome any comments or questions you may have about the items I mentioned. I also want to extend my gratitude to the wonderful people of Coolibar and the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota who opened my eyes to sun protection clothing. I wish you all the very best of health!

LFM Ambassador Chris Cronick received free sun protective product for the purpose of this review.

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Coolibar Athletes

Sun Gaiter: One Item for Covering It All

Coolibar Athlete Chad Hannon completes endurance events of all kinds, his favorite being adventure races. Chad wishes to share his thoughts on his favorite adventure racing companion – the Coolibar Sun Gaiter.

In adventure racing, this little item (Sun Gaiter) is known as a buff, or a multi-scarf. It is one of the most versatile and essential items a racer can own. Whether I am running, hiking, biking or kayaking you’ll find this piece of equipment either in my pack, on my head, around my neck, or over my face.

The Coolibar website shows this as a neck gaiter. That simply does not do it justice. It can be worn on your head to protect it from the sun, soak up sweat, cushion a helmet, keep you warm, or any combination of that. It can be worn around your neck to keep the sun off your neck. It can be put over your face when it gets cold to instantly warm you up, and/or keep the dust of a road out of your lungs. I even grabbed two of these and put them on my legs to keep the sun off my thighs as I biked a long stretch in shorts. Additionally, it weighs almost nothing. So little in fact that I shove two in my pack before heading out on any adventure or training.

One of the best ways to keep the cold off when you get chilly is to pull one of these over your face. This little piece of gear can warm you up in a big way. On the other side, one of the best ways to cool down is to get wet cloth on your head or around your neck. Guess what…same piece of equipment. So imagine a race that starts at 49 degrees at night and ends in 90 degree heat…bingo, perfect gear piece.

If you’ve read anything I’ve written before, you know I feel sun protection is cancer protection. Walking around (or doing anything) in the sun unprotected is like smoking a cigarette. It will eventually get you. Something I have not shared in the past is that I recently had to go have a “Spot” on my left temple checked out by my doctor. Scary! It turned out to be nothing, but it makes you think.

Shop for the Coolibar Sun Gaiter and other UPF 50+ Accessories

Coolibar athlete Chad Hannon received free sun protective product for the purpose of this review.

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One Item, Five Fashionable Ways: Coolibar Cardigan

Since 2002, Style Expert Bridgette Raes has transformed wardrobes for hundreds of clients. She is president of the Bridgette Raes Style Group in New York and author of the book “Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want”. Bridgette is also Coolibar’s go-to stylist. Each week, she features one closet staple on her style blog and pairs it with five different outfits for her segment: One Item, Five Fashionable Ways. In honor of New York Fashion Week, we asked Bridgette to use her expert eye and style the Coolibar Vera Coastal Wrap.

For this week’s One Item, Five Fashionable Ways, sun protection clothing company Coolibar asked me if I was interested in featuring one of their pieces for this post. The choice was mine as to which item I would showcase and I instantly picked their Vera Coastal Wrap. I own this cardigan and love it because it is not just easy and figure flattering, but it is soft, SO soft, in their modal/spandex SUNTECT® fabric. I’m not kidding when I say it may be the softest, most comfortable fabric I have ever had on my body.

Cardigans are no-brainer pieces that every wardrobe should have as functional outfit finishers. On a cool night they give you warmth. Feel shy showing your arms, they offer shy arms security and for a professional-work environment, they replace a jacket.

To get the most out of a cardigan, I like to make sure I have an ample supply of neutral colored ones which is why I chose to style the Vera Wrap Cardigan in Coolibar’s taupe shade– a versatile layering piece in a versatile color. Check out the five ways I style this cardigan for some outfit inspiration and tips on how to incorporate a cardigan into your wardrobe

Five Coolibar Cardigan Outfits

Look #1

When an outfit is based entirely in neutrals, like this cardigan look with khaki pants by Vince Camuto and a boat neck top by Modcloth, you have free range to bring in pops in any colors you like. Because it’s so trendy and popular at the moment, and because these colors go so well with taupe, I decided to go with pink and tangerine and chose these two-tone Sperry ballerinas and necklace by Stella & Dot. To complete the look, and for some sunny brightness, I chose an orange Fossil handbag and flowery studs also from Stella & Dot.

Look #2

If you’re are going to buy and wear colored casual pants this fall, investing in a neutral colored cardigan is a great idea as it will work with all of the colored bottoms you purchase. Here I chose to pair Coolibar’s cardigan with an eggplant pair of Boden skinny pants and layered an Anthropologie printed tank underneath. The look is finished with a versatile pair of grey rhinestone ballerinas by Sperry, a purple pair of statement earrings by Blu Bijoux and, for a third punch of color, a grey and yellow handbag from R+J Handbags to make the whole look casually colorblocked for fall.

Look #3

To bring your summer tanks into fall, a cardigan is a great choice. Plus, remember, all Coolibar clothing offers 50+ UVA and UVB sun protection. With their Vera Coastal Wrap you can give yourself some coverage while still wearing a flimsier top, like this one by Zara. Once Labor Day arrives, don’t assume that you don’t need sun protection. The sun is still shining and you should still be thinking about shielding yourself from the rays of the sun when necessary.

This cardigan works well with a pair of jeans, like this boyfriend style by Levi’s. Pop the look with a bright shoe, like coral wedges by Seychelles, to pull in the colors of the print, along with Furla’s navy handbag and Privileged Gold coral earrings.

Look #4

A cardigan is a great way to bring a summer dress into fall or to layer some warmth at the office. This flattering print dress by Eliza J. has tones of the taupe right in the print, along with coral. Wanting to maximize all the items used in this post, I chose the same coral wedges and earrings from the previous look. The last component is an off white handbag by Melie Bianco.

Look #5

This cardigan is easy with a pair of camel pants, like these cotton trousers from Ann Taylor. I layered Modcloth’s pink top underneath and used the handbag and shoes from previous looks in this outfit as well. The outfit is finished with a Trina Turk disc necklace, Michael Kors studs and Cole Haan skinny metallic belt.

Learn more about the Bridgette Raes Style Group

Bridgette is hosting a shopping party to benefit the Melanoma Research Foundation, and you’re invited. Learn more.

Shop the Coolibar UPF 50+ Vera Coastal Wrap.

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Coolibar Athletes

Free Diver Ashleigh Baird reviews the Coolibar Quick Zip Rash Guard

Ashleigh Baird’s love for the ocean runs deep, literally.  As a free diver, she diligently trains to reach depths of 60 meters with one breath, sans the use of external breathing devices. She knows the right gear makes a world of difference on, in, and under the water. Read Ashleigh’s review of the Coolibar Quick Zip Rash Guard.

What are you overall thoughts on the shirt? This is a great rash guard with lots of extra features you just don’t see in other brands.

What activities did you partake in when wearing the shirt? Surfing and body surfing.

What are your favorite features? The built in thumb holes, they allow you to keep your hands protected, plus your sleeves always stay in place. I also love the shoulder pocket. You can actually fit an iPod mini with a waterproof housing in it and have your music going while you’re out on the water!

What are your overall thoughts on the fabric? It’s light, breathable and very stretchy. It’s a good combination of strength and softness.

Did the fabric meet your expectations? Yes.

Did the fabric keep you cool? Yes.

Did the fabric stick to your skin? No.

What do you want others to know about this shirt? This is great for in-water use but is equally well suited for running or any other outdoor sports, especially since it has the built in iPod/money pocket.

Please provide any additional comments you would like to share with us! At first I was skeptical of how long it was, but after using it I actually prefer the length to my other standard rash guards.

What advice do you have for other athletes who are debating about using sun protection? Any tips to stay comfortable/safe out in the sun? Preventing sunburn is critical to staying comfortable and safe when exercising outdoors. When you’re focused on the task at hand, re-applying sunscreen is often the last thing on your mind. UV protective clothing like the Quick Zip Rash Guard gives you an easy way to maintain a continuous level of sun protection, even after your sunscreen wears off.

Shop Coolibar Quick Zip Rash Guard

Coolibar athlete Ashleigh Baird received free sun protective product for the purpose of this review.

Ashleigh Baird wearing Quick Zip Rash Guard and Packable Wide Brim Hat
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Partner Athletes Sevve Stember

Six Thumbs Up for the Short Sleeve Fitness Shirt

What does a long-distance runner, kayak instructor and rock climber all have in common besides a passion for fitness? Their love for the Coolibar Short Sleeve Fitness Shirt! Since it’s introduction into the Coolibar UPF 50+ clothing line last season, this sweat-wicking, sun-blocking shirt has received more positive feedback than any other dedicated fitness item in the history of Coolibar!

Here’s what these athletes had to say.

Sevve Stember – Rock Climber

What are your overall thoughts on the shirt? This shirt is an excellent top layer that wicks moisture away from the body.  I’ve used it primarily for rock climbing and trail running.  It has performed well in both situations and I wear it with confidence knowing that it is also protecting me from the sun.

Favorite features: Moisture wicking, sun protection, bright colors so that it’s easy for a camera to pick up or people to see you. I also like the fact that it is so simple.  There isn’t any words on the shirt, so its very understated

Thoughts on the fabric: I like the fabric.  It’s definitely a synthetic, but it wicks well and is comfortable enough. Recently, on a trail run, I submerged the shirt in a creek.  As we hiked, the shirt dried in about a half hour.  It does not hold water very long, but still keeps you cool.  It’s a relatively light-weight shirt.

What do you want others to know about this shirt? Its an excellent shirt for outdoor activity.  If you are in a wilderness setting and you want a bright color so that you are very visible, these shirts work great.  If you want a go to shirt for working out in the city, these shirts are great because they wick moisture while providing solid sun protection.

What advice do you have for other athletes regarding sun protection? Any tips to stay comfortable/safe out in the sun? Getting burned is no fun and it’s super dangerous.  I always wear a shirt when I am working out in the sun, despite hot temperatures.  It’s just not worth exposing that much of my body to the sun.  Additionally, I always wear something on my head like a baseball hat or a “dew rag.”  This helps keep the sun off my body.

Gene Meade – Ultra Runner

What are you overall thoughts on the shirt? Comfortable! The cut and fit felt really good. I wore the shirt during training runs and a segment of a 24 hour race.

What are your favorite features? I love the V-Neck!  The shirt did not rub or chafe, even after several hours. The fabric is nice, soft and breathable.

Did the fabric meet your expectations? Yes. The 24 hour race had temps in the 80’s, did not feel like the shirt “trapped” any heat.

What do you want others to know about this shirt? This is a great shirt to wear for any outdoor activity — lightweight, comfortable plus sun protective! I was really impressed how the shirt remained comfortable even after several hours of running and sweating in it!

What advice do you have for other athletes regarding sun protection? Any tips to stay comfortable/safe out in the sun? Don’t assume you are not at risk from the potentially harmful effects of the sun! Be proactive and sunAWARE. Run early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is not as strong (it will also be cooler)! Apply sunscreen, wear a hat. Take it to the trails if you can. Usually trails are shaded by trees and will keep you out of direct sun.

John Chase – Kayak Instructor

What are you overall thoughts on the shirt? As a kayak instructor, tour leader, and pleasure boater, I spend hours in the sun. Add reflection from the water and you have some pretty powerful rays hitting you.  The Fitness Shirt is one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing I have ever worn. The fabric is soft and it fits just right.  It’s just loose enough to not bind but not so loose to flap in the wind.  Best of all, it looks great and I get compliments both on and off the water.  There aren’t too many pieces that look equally as good in the kayak and at a restaurant with my family.

What are your favorite features? Feel of the fabric; v-style neck; close, but not too close fit

What are your overall thoughts on the fabric? It’s very soft, yet it can handle the demands of hard activity.  It moves with your body and doesn’t rub.

Shop Coolibar Fitness Shirt

Coolibar athletes received free product for the purpose of this review.

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Coolibar Athletes

A Sun Protective Jacket for the Ultra Athlete Mom

Coolibar Athlete Sarah Gay is a lover of marathons and triathlons. She spends hour each week outdoors, not only training for her next Half Ironman, but doing what she considers most important of all — being an active mother. Throughout her career as a  nurse practitioner, she has recognized the importance of sun protection. She also knows moms like her need fashionable, functional clothing that keeps up with a busy lifestyle. That’s why Sarah adores the Coolibar Fitness Jacket. Read Sarah’s review:

What are you overall thoughts on the jacket? This is an excellent jacket; perfect for early morning runs that start before the sun comes up so the reflective detailing was much appreciated. The pockets were great for holding my iPhone and some extra sports nutrition when going long distances. My two recommendations for this jacket would be to add actual “pit zips” for even more ventilation and more color options.

What activities did you partake in when wearing the jacket? I mostly wear this jacket on early morning runs, but it did also get quite a bit of use while I was playing with my kids on the beach during a recent vacation in Florida.

What are your favorite features? The weight of the material, the fact that it “breathes” even while you are working up a good sweat. I also appreciated the deep pockets.

What are your overall thoughts on the fabric? Perfect weight, terrific at wicking moisture keeping you cool and dry.

Did the fabric meet your expectations? Absolutely.

Did the fabric keep you cool? Yes.

Did the fabric stick to your skin? Not at all.

What do you want others to know about this jacket? The other thought I had about this jacket, or the material from which it is made, is that it would be fantastic if turned into a traditional cycling jacket. This material would be perfect for both sun protection and that little extra layer needed for keeping your upper body warm and dry when out riding in weather that is not quite warm enough for just your bike jersey. Triathlon specific gear is difficult to find and even more so if you are looking for apparel that is sun protective. I’d be very excited to see what Coolibar could come up with for tri specific gear!

What advice do you have for other athletes who are debating about using sun protection? Do it! It’s much more fun to participate in your sport when you don’t have to worry about getting sunburned and aren’t in pain because you already are sunburned.

Any tips to stay comfortable/safe out in the sun? Hydrate well and at the very least wear a hat! Listen to your body and rest when you need to.

Shop Coolibar Fitness Jacket

Coolibar athlete Sarah Gay received free sun protective product for the purpose of this review.

Sarah Gay wearing Coolibar Fitness Jacket playing in the back yard with her family
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Wear Sun Protection What our customers say

I’m African-American and Sun Safe

Coolibar was introduced to mom blogger Quiana Agbai of Harlem Love Birds this spring at Getting Gorgeous, an event dedicated to making mom’s feel gorgeous, both inside and out. Quiana learned all about Coolibar Sun Protection You Wear and needless to say, we had a lengthy conversation about the importance of sun protection for all skin types. Mrs. Harlem Love Bird shares her thoughts with us.

Review by Quiana Agbai, Blogger, Harlem Love Birds

As an African-American one of the biggest myths is that we don’t need to wear sunscreen because of the melanin in our skin. This is far from the truth, especially in light of the recent study about prolonged use of sunscreen preventing skin aging. Although the subjects weren’t African-American, it was speculated that outstanding results would have been achieved as well.

While I’ve used sunscreen off-and-on throughout my childhood and now as an adult every single day, especially with my diagnosis of discoid lupus in 2007, it’s been important more than ever to practice being sun safe.

With that in mind when I was introduced to Coolibar at Getting Gorgeous blogger event last month, I knew it was a brand I wanted to learn more about. Sure enough, Coolibar partners with the Lupus Foundation of America to provide education about the importance of maintaining sun safe habits.

The Coolibar Sun Beach Hat I’m wearing (picture left) was included in my Getting Gorgeous gift bag. It’s been a mainstay when I’m out and about especially for prolonged play-dates at the park and pool. Every time I wear it I get stopped by people wanting to know where it’s from.

I’ve noticed my Sun Beach Hat really does keep me cool and because my scalp is most affected by discoid lupus it provides outstanding coverage. It also has an adjustable loop inside to adjust the fit; since the brim is so large I’ve had a few times when it blows away like a sail so making sure the fit is correct is important! It also folds up nicely but retains its shape and structure when unfolded – no floppy hat syndrome.

Guest blogger Quiana Agbai received free sun protective product for the purpose of this review. All opinions are her own.

Quiana and daughter Nia

Shop Coolibar UPF 50+ Clothing, Hats and Swimwear.

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