I recently pulled out our swimwear from last season, eager for warm weather and those long-awaited beach days. As I sorted through the suits, one thing caught my eye: my daughter’s rash guard still looked practically brand new.
I know we use high-quality fabric, but I was surprised. I hadn’t exactly followed care instructions (do as I say, not as I do!). I didn’t rinse it after chlorine dips. I left it to dry in the sun. I tossed it in the washer with regular clothes, then tumble-dried it on medium or high heat. Despite all that, her rash guard still looked as bright and vibrant as the day I bought it.
Curious, I grabbed a brand-new rash guard and laid it beside my daughter’s. They were identical—no fading, no discoloration.
"This is a high-quality, well-made rashguard. My son has other bright rashguards but this one is by far the brightest. He has worn it to the beach at least 20 times and it still looks brand new!"
Impressed, I wondered how the color had held up so well, so I soaked her rash guard in a glass of water to see if any of the dye came out. The water remained crystal clear; not a hint of dye seeped out.
The Swimwear Dye Bleed Test
Curiously, I grabbed a random piece of other neon swimwear—not HiViz, just your average nylon swimwear but neon. I dropped it in a separate glass of water.
Within minutes, the water was turning pink. My stomach dropped.
We already have dye allergies and sensitivities in our household.
I couldn’t help but think:
• What if that dye had been leaching onto my child’s skin in the pool? Or in warmer water, where pores open wide?
• What chemicals were in that dye?
• What if we're allergic to this dye?
I looked it up. That random suit had no OEKO-TEX certification—no safety guarantee that harmful substances weren’t present. The reality hit hard: that dye was designed to look bright, but it wasn’t designed to stay put. Instead, it was quickly breaking down in the water and would be seeping into whatever (or whoever) was nearby.
Yes, it also bleeds all over other fabric too.
Safe Swimwear For Kids
As parents, we go above and beyond to protect our kids—from sunscreen to snack choices. Swimwear shouldn’t be any different, and it shouldn't be a hidden risk.
When we say HiViz is a swimwear company that puts safety first, we mean it. Our neon swimwear gives you "Safety Through Visibility." We also provide safety through quality materials. Our vibrant neon colors are bright swimwear colors that stand out—but not at the cost of your child’s health.
OEKO-TEX Certified Swimwear
So what's the skinny on chemical-free certification?
As mentioned, we use REPREVE® Recycled Polyester for all our current swimwear except the swim shorts. REPREVE® is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified. Additionally, our new girls' and women's swimsuits and our new swim shorts are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified!
So what does having OEKO-TEX® Certified swimwear mean? It means that the entire product has been tested against a list of over 1,000 harmful substances!
"OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a label for textiles tested for harmful substances. It sets the benchmark for textile safety, from yarn to finished product. Every item bearing the STANDARD 100 label is certified as having passed safety tests for the presence of harmful substances."
Choosing the right swimwear for your child isn’t just about style or durability—it’s about their safety, both in visibility, and the materials that touch their skin. The reality is that not all swimwear is created equal, especially neon swimwear where the color is of significant importance, and if the dyes in your child’s suit are leaching into water, they could also be absorbed into their skin.
At HiViz, we refuse to compromise. Our commitment to “Safety Through Visibility” extends beyond bright colors; it’s about using high-quality, OEKO-TEX® Certified swimwear fabrics that you can trust. When it comes to your child, you should always have the option of products that bring you peace of mind.
