One of the things that my family looks forward to most during the spring season, is getting back outside! By March, I am totally over winter, in April, I am busy in my garden, in May, I am ready to hit the beach, and in June, I am ready to enjoy summer in its fullness. Springtime doesn't come without its major headaches for moms, though... getting out to play often means getting dirty! I am very active with my son, and we play outside together a lot. We love running, jumping, playing soccer, playing in the sandbox, and sometimes tackling one another and rolling around in the grass. My little man plays rough and tough, so I need his clothing to be tough and stain resistant, yet gentle and comfortable for him to wear. Finding the right pieces keeps B comfy, keeps his clothing lasting all season long, and keeps me from spending hours in the laundry room, which means I get to spend more time with my family.

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I was recently introduced to Nanotex and its parent company Crypton Fabrics. Nanotex was founded in 1998, by Dr. David Soane, former polymer chemist and Vice Chairman of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California at Berkeley. Today, Nanotex is a leading fabric innovation company providing nanotechnology-based textile enhancements to the apparel, home and commercial/residential interiors markets.

When I heard that Nanotex was being integrated into apparel from some of our favorite children's clothing brands, I was really intrigued. There are so many brands that claim to be tough on dirt, easy to clean, etc., but really don't live up to the hype. Nanotex is being used in select pieces of apparel from Gymboree, one of brands of children's clothing we really love, because of the way they work for B's tall, broad structure. We were sent a couple of pieces to try out from Gymboree, that were made with Nanotex, and I couldn't wait to see how they would perform.


Play proof pieces from Gymboree, using Nanotex technology!



We were sent a lovely Green Polo Shirt, and Light Twill Shorts, both pieces Play Proof with Nanotex.

This would be our first experience with Nanotex in the clothing. B is like his daddy, and is very picky about the fabrics that touch his skin- he's a tad bit sensitive. I was pleased to see that these are still 100% cotton, of of the same, if not even better quality than the polo shirts we were used to from Gymboree. We went with a size 6 in both the polo and the shorts. I knew the polo might be a bit large on B, but at the rate he has been growing, I'd rather have his clothing be a little loose than take the risk of something running too small.

I'll admit that the polo shirt felt different, but not at all in a bad way. It seemed more durable, and breathable. I worried that B might react adversely to the change in feel of the shirt, but I didn't mention to him that anything was different about it. I just laid it out as part of his outfit, as I normally do.


The Twill Shorts were an instant hit!

I love the inner lining of the twill shorts. They have an adorable nautical themed inner waist band, which B also loved. The shorts did feel a bit stiffer than usual, but hey- if we're going for durability, that's okay. The length was perfect for B, not too short, and they gave him plenty of room to sit, stand, play and jump in. Plus, these shorts have an adjustable waist- perfect for growing boys!



The shorts also came with a corresponding belt.

B wasn't so sure about the belt, but because the pants were a tad loose on him, I was happy that we had it. One he got used to the belt being there, he had no problem with it. I love that the belt sort of pulls the whole look together, and helps keep his shorts where they belong.

When it came time for us to try this whole outfit out, we decided to wear it on a Sunday. B wore both the shorts and polo to church. It was a great choice, because it's nice, but not too dressy, and B could sit and move comfortably in these pieces. We have refreshments before the worship service, and B loves to dive right into the orange juice, fresh fruit, and mini powdered sugar donuts. We had have a little spill with the juice, and of course, the powdered sugar went everywhere- including all over the green polo shirt, but I wasn't worried or upset about his clothing, because I knew they were going to wash well, and look as good as new again.