New Lee Valley Children’s Hooded Bug-Protection Shirt

While warm weather is prime time for children to get outdoors, that’s also when mosquitoes, ticks, blackflies and other biting bugs are at their worst. This protective shirt has a built-in hood that can be worn with or without a hat underneath, and is made from a matte black mesh that minimizes glare so it won’t significantly obscure vision.

Made in the USA from 100% polyester, the ultra-fine mesh has 2400 openings per square inch, providing a light, unobtrusive barrier that lets the breeze in while keeping even tiny gnats and biting midges out.

It’s also surprisingly tough, with a slightly stiff texture that helps it hold its shape, creating space between the mesh and the child’s skin so bugs can’t bite through it, while helping it resist snagging on branches as a softer mesh would. Sturdy elastic at the bottom accommodates a range of waist sizes, while full-width rib-knit wrist cuffs stretch for a snug but comfortable fit. A zipper at the neck opens for a snack or drink without having to remove the shirt entirely.

Offered in two sizes, each intended to fit loosely over a range of standard children’s clothing sizes. The small fits children’s sizes 4 to 6; medium fits children’s sizes 7 to 10. If in doubt, order the larger size. Machine washable.