Solarveil is a patented synthetic fabric, made in such a way as to provide sun protection (it blocks 70% of UV rays). Its weave is so open that it lets air circulate freely while at the same time being very cool.
It is ideal for use in the water (e.g. with your baby at the sea, so that your little one feels safe in your arms), because it doesn’t “soak up” water, it is lightweight and it dries very quickly.
Please note that it is not particularly soft to the touch (it’s not “rough”, but if you are especially sensitive to whatever touches you, or if your baby has very sensitive skin, you may feel it when you wear it). It certainly softens a lot with use and with washing, though.
It can be machine washed normally (preferably with cold water) and can be tumble dried (although it dries so quickly that you probably won’t need to). Its sun-protection properties are not lost with washing.
In 2008 the manufacturers of the fabric decided to stop producing it (apparently the cost was too high). In the international babywearing community, this news was disappointing, as it is one of the most suitable fabrics for slings in hot weather. At that point, several manufacturers came together so that they could buy a large quantity of the fabric wholesale (and then “shared it out”). Right now there are slings (and clothes) made of solarveil for sale on the international market, but the fabric itself is no longer sold by its producers (and it will soon run out, if it hasn’t already). (Note: Solarveil should not be confused with solarweave, a fabric that also has sun-protective properties but is much stiffer and with a denser weave).
read more: With your baby at the sea, in the summer