Platypus Swimwear Review

Nothing clouds a fun day at the beach like a sunburn—double that if there’s sensitive baby skin involved. Platypus Australia, a children’s swimwear shop, takes the worry out of a day in the sun. With an ultraviolet protection factor, each swimsuit made by Platypus has built-in sun-blocking capabilities to ensure that your little one’s skin stays safe, even on a sunny summer day.

Recently, the company sent a complementary swimsuit in exchange for an honest review. My two-year-old test drove the Sunset Swimsuit with Lycra Board Shorts. Coming in a sweet, pastel seashell design, the suit looks as cute as can be. My daughter is on the smaller size (weighing in at 25 pounds), so the size 4 gives her some room to grow for the summer. The top is big on coverage, featuring a high-cut collar and ¾ length sleeves—meaning there’s less skin to slather with sunscreen after a dip in the water.

The swimsuit features UPF 50+, offering the highest level of sun protection and combatting 97.5 percent of the sun’s harmful rays. It’s also designed to hold its shape throughout the season, despite seemingly endless trips to the beach or pool.

My daughter wanted to wear this swimsuit everywhere, nevermind the fact that it’s not exactly beach season just yet. To fully test out the suit, we made a special trip to the pool. There, it was obvious that the material is high-quality and designed with comfort in mind. There are no itchy tags and the material is soft and breathable, meaning she wasn’t sweating in synthetic material while playing poolside. Her suit is easy to clean and quick to dry, two important factors for busy moms and fussy toddlers alike.

I chose the swimsuit design based on fuller coverage, as applying sunscreen on a wiggly toddler is not my idea of a relaxing afternoon. If a high-neck collar and shorts isn’t what you’re looking for, Platypus also designs cute, ruffled bikinis, long sleeved rash guards, and baby suits.

No one knows sun protection like the Australians. So, while we haven’t had the chance to test this suit under the harsh summer sun, I’m confident that the UPF50+ construction will keep my little one cool and safe throughout the season.

By Emme Lukasik

Emme Lukasik is a long-time journalist and new mom. She lives in Los Angeles with a patient husband, wild child of a daughter, and a rambunctious collie named Isla.