With Zika virus in the news, insect repellent is more important than ever this summer. I was offered the opportunity to try the Haeleum Gleam Insect Repellent Shirt. Haeleum offers technical apparel with insect repellent technology, moisture wicking and 40+ UPF sun protection. They state that the insect repellent technology “protects against insects including mosquitoes & ticks known to transmit Zika Virus, Lyme Disease, Dengue Fever, West Nile virus and other diseases.” The men’s t-shirt was rated “Best Bug Repelling Tee” by Outside Magazine!
There is an FAQ page on Haeleum’s website with the full 411 on Haeleum’s Insect Shield. The key bit is that “Insect Shield apparel provides effective, built-in and odorless protection against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges including those that can carry dangerous diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Insect Shield Repellent Apparel is EPA-registered and has been tested and proven to last through 70 launderings – the expected lifetime of a garment.”
The Gleam top is cut for women and is semi-fitted and light weight. The material is 100% DryTru polyester which is moisture wicking. The top comes in sky blue, gray and “rhodonite red” a/k/a pink!
I took the Gleam top for a spin at the buggiest place around here – Waterfall Glen. It was quite warm and I would typically wear a tank top, so I was testing the insect repellent, UPF and sweat wicking. We started at around 7:20 AM and it was nearly 75 degrees. We ran 9 miles and worked up quite a sweat. We did hill repeats so we stopped a few times so I could judge my bugginess versus my friends.
The run was terrific and as you can see, we worked up quite a sweat! I found the shirt to be very comfortable and the material breathed well. I liked the UPF protection and I did not feel overheated. We noticed that it seemed the bugs were more attracted to my running partners than me, too! This was obviously not a scientific experiment. I will say that I am a fan and was glad to hear from Kelly (via my instagram post) that her Haeleum shirt has worked and worn really well.
The Gleam shirt is $49.99 on the Haeleum website. For a limited time, they have a “Zika Awareness” sale on last year’s items including the Oretta (only $14.99!) and the long sleeve Lyft. In addition to the women’s shirts, there are a large variety of options for men and children. You can follow Haeleum on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Have you tried any insect repellent clothing? What was your experience?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the Haeleum Insect Repellent Shirt for free from Haeleum as coordinated by Deep Creek Public Relations in consideration for review publication. All opinions are my own.