Our Story

We’re the Hillier family - mum, dad, and four lively boys - living right by the beach at Waipu Cove. For us, summer means salty hair, sandy toes, and endless days in the sunshine.

But there was always one battle we couldn’t win: sunscreen. Our boys love being outdoors, but hate being slathered in lotion every couple of hours. And honestly? We weren’t fans of the constant reapplying either.

When we went looking for kids swimwear that truly solved the problem, we couldn’t find what we needed. There were plenty of rash tops and short suits, but nothing with long sleeves and long legs to keep our kids properly protected. So, we decided to create it ourselves.

After months of designing, testing, and plenty of splashing about at Waipu Cove, we launched Cucumber Cool in December 2024. Our first product: a range of full coverage swimsuits that keep kids sun-safe without compromising on comfort or fun. UPF50+ fabric, retro-groovy prints, and a design that covers from wrist to ankle - everything we wanted for our own family, now shared with yours.

Today, we still spend our summers in the surf, watching our boys play with the confidence that their skin is protected. Cucumber Cool was born out of family life, and it’s for families everywhere who want more carefree beach days and fewer sunscreen battles.

From our family to yours - here’s to all-day fun in the sun.