Wide Brim Swim Hat - Mermaid Waters
Description
"The Tribe Tropical hats provide such great coverage with the nice big brim and are perfect to wear even when you aren’t at the beach or pool. My daughter wears hers all the time as it is so comfortable.” - Anita F
This beautiful wide-brim beach / sun / swim hat in our Mermaid Waters print is designed to offer full-coverage across the scalp and ears, and is double-lined for extra protection against harmful UV rays.
The polyester-blend fabric is silky-soft, durable for use in chlorine.
An adjustable under-neck tie ensures that the hat will stay on in wind and water!
Designed to match our Mermaid Waters swimsuits, this swim hat offers premium sun protection in style!
Mermaid Waters - Print Background Story
Our Mermaid Waters print is a tribute to Australia's rich cultural diversity.
This print features Australian mermaids of different cultural backgrounds; all wear long-sleeved swimwear and proudly embrace their curves. Our mermaids sit amongst different shells and corals, all inspired by the Great Barrier Reef, on a mint-green background.
We aim to challenge traditional stereotypes by redefining the image of mermaids beyond the typical portrayal of thin figures in bikinis.
This print aims to encourage acceptance and body positivity, while also promoting sun-protective behaviours.
Design concept by Tribe Tropical Founder Emily Gradon; artwork hand-drawn in Brisbane by artist Stacey Bigg of Kalaii Creations.
Features of this sun and swim hat include:
- Full cover across the top of the head – no burnt scalps or little ears!
- Thick and sturdy wide-brim providing shade for the face and back of the neck.
- Double-lining for extra sun protection.
- Under-neck tie with adjustable clasp – won’t fly away in the wind or fall off in the water!
- UPF50+ protection, blocking out 97% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Buttery soft, two-way stretch polyester blend fabric – OEKO-TEX certified for sustainability
- Limited print-run to eliminate waste, environmental strain, and to maintain boutique appeal
- Hand-drawn in Brisbane by artist Stacey Bigg
- Perfect for the beach, pool, park or playground.
SIZING
Sizing for our hats is generally as follows:
Size XS = suitable for approximately age 6-24 months
Size S = suitable for approximately age 1 – 4
Size M = suitable for approximately age 5 – 8/10
Size L = suitable for ages 10+ (can fit adult heads)
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns, we’re always happy to help!
RETURNS / REFUNDS / EXCHANGES
Permitted within 30 days of payment date. Must be unused/unworn with all tags and hygiene stickers still attached.
Refunds are processed less a $5 admin/restock fee.
SHIPPING
Domestic Australia – free over A$150 spend otherwise flat rate of A$8.95 applies.
International – We ship worldwide; discounted rates start at A$12.95.
CARE
To ensure longevity of your swim hats, please:
- Rinse immediately after use to clean out salt and chlorine.
- Ideally hand-wash as often as possible as this will ensure longevity of the fabric
(if machine-washing please use a garment bag, cold water & low spin cycle)
- Do not wring, rub, soak or bleach
- Dry in the shade – never tumble dry.
- Do not leave rolled up wet or store when damp.
- Do not iron or dry clean.
📏 SIZING & FIT
Not sure which size to choose? We're here to help!
Kids & Teens: Our sizing generally corresponds with age — for example, an average 12-year-old will usually wear a size 12. If your child is taller than average, between sizes or has a more solid build, we recommend sizing up.
Please note: We don't manufacture odd-numbered children's sizes 5, 7, 9 or 11. If your child falls between sizes, most families comfortably size up or down depending on their child's height and build.
Women's: If you're between sizes, longer in the torso or larger busted, we generally recommend sizing up.
👉 View our full Size Guide & garment measurements for detailed measurements and fit information.
Still unsure? Please reach out to us with your / your child's age, height and usual clothing size and we'll be happy to offer specific sizing advice.
↩️ RETURNS & EXCHANGES
Returns and exchanges are permitted within 30 days of the payment date, subject to our Returns & Exchanges Policy.
Items must be unused and unworn, with all original tags and hygiene stickers attached.
SALE ITEMS: Items discounted by 25% or more are not eligible for a refund and may be returned for STORE CREDIT ONLY.
Approved refunds are subject to a 10% administration/restocking fee.
Please review our full Returns & Exchanges Policy for all terms, conditions and return instructions.
🚚 SHIPPING & DELIVERY
Goods are sent from our warehouse in Brisbane and are usually dispatched within 1–2 business days.
AUSTRALIA
📦 Standard Shipping — $9.95
FREE standard shipping on orders $150+
Estimated delivery: 2–8 business days*
⚡ Express Shipping — $15.95
Estimated delivery: 1–4 business days*
⚡ Priority Dispatch + Express Post — $19.95
Jump the queue! Your order will be prioritised for dispatch from our warehouse and sent via Express Post.
*Delivery timeframes are estimates and may vary depending on Australia Post operations and other circumstances outside our control.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING 🌏
We ship internationally to destinations within the Australia Post international network.
Shipping rates vary by destination and service, with available options, estimated delivery times and final shipping costs displayed at checkout.
🇳🇿 New Zealand: FREE standard international shipping on orders $200+.
🇺🇸 USA: Shipping includes applicable US tariffs, so there are no additional tariff charges to pay on arrival.
🌎 Other International Destinations: Duties, taxes, customs fees or other import charges are not prepaid by Tribe Tropical and, where applicable, are the responsibility of the recipient. These charges vary between countries and are outside our control.
International delivery timeframes vary by destination.
Questions about shipping? Please reach out to us — we're always happy to help.
🫧 CARE GUIDE
To keep your Tribe Tropical swimwear looking its best:
• Rinse immediately after use to remove salt and chlorine.
• Hand wash whenever possible. If machine washing, use a garment bag, cold water and a gentle/low-spin cycle.
• Dry flat in the shade — never tumble dry.
• Avoid wringing, rubbing, soaking or bleaching.
• Do not iron or dry clean.
• Do not leave wet and rolled up or store damp.
⚠️ A NOTE ABOUT OUR FABRICS & ZIPS
Our premium swimwear fabrics are silky-soft for comfort. Please take care around cement, rocks and other rough surfaces, which can cause pilling or abrasion. Damage caused by contact with rough surfaces is considered normal wear and tear and is not considered a product fault.
Please take care when using zips. Pulling, forcing or over-stretching the garment while fastening or unfastening can cause zip teeth or sliders to become damaged or come off the track. Damage caused by excessive force, over-stretching or incorrect use is considered wear or accidental damage and is not considered a product fault.
This does not affect your rights in relation to products that are genuinely faulty or defective.
My kids wore these swimmers for over 2 years. Not one issue with them, they still have a good year or two in them as well so last 3-4 years. We've had no fade or stretch, no pulling or pilling. Have handed down to friends children as my children outgrew them. Love them so much.
I am really impressed with the level of support the ladies swimsuit provides, even for a larger cup size, which is so hard to find.
Fantastic to wear for any water activity. I love the sun protection and comfort of the swimsuit while surfing, paddleboarding or just chilling at the beach.
Tribe Tropical swimwear is by far the best designed and quality in Australia. The thought process that has gone into these designs, made for comfort, quality and being so sunsafe is a stand out. Each time my daughter wears these they wash up like brand new.
Tribe Tropical™ is an award-winning swim & beachwear label from Queensland, Australia.
With exclusive patterns inspired by some of tropical Australia’s most idyllic destinations, our brand is built around a love of family, adventure and travel to magical places.
All swimsuits & hats are UPF50+, double-lined and chlorine resistant.
Baby / toddler suits feature nappy-change clips and womens suits feature inbuilt shelf bras.
Available for KIDS 0-14 years, and ADULTS XS-3XL.
Hi! I’m Emily, mother of 3 little girls and founder of Tribe Tropical.
Growing up I used to dread beach days!
As a red-head with fair skin, growing up in the tropics, I either had to risk being teased by other kids for covering up in a daggy old t-shirt, or end the day sunburnt & in pain.
Having since suffered with countless skin cancer treatments (and further to the loss of my grandfather due to melanoma), I understand the importance of sun protection - I started Tribe Tropical with a desire to protect my family and yours in beautiful, high-quality sun-protective swimwear that people would feel good in & enjoy wearing.
No-one should dread a beach day! I hope to help you to make them fun & burn-free also.

