a very serious investigation into shark fashion
because every shark deserves a thoughtfully curated look
My daughter came to me a few weeks ago in sheer panic, asking me with her full chest:
“SO MOM, DID YOU KNOW WHALE SHARKS ARE ENDANGERED?”
I shared with her that I wasn’t exactly up to date with the most recent (ish?) whale shark news, and I was sad to hear this.
We went to the library and checked out some books on whale sharks. We read about why they are becoming endangered and what sweet, incredible creatures they are. She even made her grandfather read the book, and let’s just say she dropped a banger of a reading comprehension quiz on him.
She asked me, “What can we do to help?”
Well, as you know, I’m an Aquarius, and we are the humanitarian sign of the stars. So I said, “Let’s continue making our fuse bead art and have an end-of-summer sale. We can then donate our money to the Galápagos Whale Shark Project.”
While walking the beach together after she crashed out on a wave and swore she’d never enter the ocean EVER again (only to do it five minutes later), we started collecting shells.
We had the genius idea that we could make shell ornaments to add to our end-of-summer sale in hopes of making even more money to donate!
In honor of our love and desire to help whale sharks, and the upcoming phenomenon that is Shark Week (July 26–August 1), I told her we could create a blog post about “Outfits Inspired by Sharks” — but only if she would do the research and I would do the outfits.
She agreed, and here we are.
100% of our affiliate commissions from this post, along with proceeds from our shark-inspired creations, will be added to our donation to the Galápagos Whale Shark Project.
If you are not feeling in the shopping spirit and would like to donate on your own, please let us know and we’ll add it to our total!
Lastly, if you're local and would like an ornament, please feel free to DM or text me. If you're not local but would like one shipped, send me a DM and we'll see what we can work out!
Without further ado… the shark fits have arrived.
Some affiliate links are used below.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered1
Shark Bites: The biggest fish in the ocean! These guys are true gentle giants. They don’t hunt big animals — they swim around peacefully, filtering tiny plankton from the water. Each whale shark has a unique spot pattern kind of like a fingerprint!
We designed this fit to have a calm, gentle energy, with polka dots to represent the white spots on their dark gray bodies.
OOTS (Outfit of the Shark): The Whale Shark
CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulernable
Shark Bites: Great white sharks are famous for being scary (thanks a lot, Hollywood), but we could argue they’re quite intelligent and curious animals. They use their senses to investigate their surroundings.
We designed this outfit to emphasize the confident CEO of the ocean vibe.
OOTS (Outfit of the Shark): The Great White Shark
CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable
Shark Bites: If sharks had a personality, the nurse shark would be the pal cancelling all plans to stay home. They spend most of the day resting on the ocean floor (my kinda shark). They are gentle creatues and some even seek out human affection!2
We styled this outfit to feel like a deep sigh of relief. A relaxed fit with absolutely nowhere to rush off to.
OOTS (Outfit of the Shark): The Nurse Shark
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
Shark Bites: Mako sharks are one of the fastest sharks in the ocean. Think the sports car of the shark world. They’re built for speed and can chase quick-moving prey.
We put together this fit to feel fast and energetic, just like the mako shark — a look prepared for velocity!
OOTS (Outfit of the Shark): The Mako Shark
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
Shark Bites: Hammerhead sharks have eyes on the sides of their wide heads, giving them a massive field of vision. Their unique head shape helps them pin stingrays to the ocean floor before chowing down.
For this outfit, we leaned into the hammerhead’s unique look with a little extra funk, adding fun details inspired by this one-of-a-kind shark.
OOTS (Outfit of the Shark): The Hammerhead Shark
CONSERVATION STATUS: Near Threatened
Shark Bites: Tiger sharks are the explorers of the ocean. They travel long distances and are famous for investigating almost anything they come across.
For this outfit, we decided to use a tiger pattern to represent the bold and curious nature of this shark.
OOTS (Outfit of the Shark): The Tiger Shark
Hope this post made a splash!
Remember small changes in our daily lives can help these sharks such as choosing sustainable seafood, reducing plastic use, respecting local beaches, and learn the facts!
We’re definitely not perfect over here, but we’re trying our best! We’re researching and absorbing it all. The local library may fine us for overuse at this point.
Which shark fit do you identify with the most? Let us know in the comments!
This is what happens when your kid loves sharks and you love a theme. What started as a fun little outfit investigation turned into a reminder of how much these incredible creatures need our help.
And just to be clear: this isn’t a “look at me, mom-ing” moment. I don’t need a parenting trophy. This is simply what happens when you follow your kid’s interests and lean into the weird ass things they love.
A very fashionable little conservation mission, if you ask us!
Love ya, mean it!
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Conservation information was gathered from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
If you need a reminder that there is good in the world please watch this video about “Relentless” and Jim! Please don’t randomly hug sharks and say, “Traci said they like human affection.”
An inspiration my friend - I love how ready you always are to help your kids with their passions while threading it with the things you love, too. A very fun and SERIOUS post!
This is such a fun post -- not only did I love the outfits, but I feel like I learned so much!