Make A Splash: Kids’ Swimwear For A Sun-Safe Summer

Look for swimsuits with full coverage.

A swimsuit with full coverage for little ones is your best option for sun-safe swimwear. Kids’ swimwear comes in adorable shapes and sizes, but not all swimwear is equally sun-safe.

The best swimwear style for children offers the most coverage, preferably with long sleeves and a high neck. You will need a one-piece with arm and shoulder coverage for tiny infants. 

Ensure that the swimwear has a UPF50+ certification.

While maximum swimwear coverage is important, a swimsuit can only be truly sun-safe if it carries a UPF50+ certification.

The way UPF50+ works is that most fabric is woven from fibres. The weaves of these fibres are where sneaky UVA and UVB rays peek through. A swimsuit with UPF50+ certification can help to prevent up to 50x more rays from making it through the fabric. Most children’s swimsuits will have a UPF50+ certification clearly marked, but if in doubt, you can always check the label.

Choose a swimsuit that fits properly.

Kids grow up quickly, and what might fit them this week might be too small the next. As tempting as it is to purchase a size up for little ones or squeeze them into a too-small swimsuit, both leave your child’s skin unprotected from the sun. 

If the swimsuit they’re wearing is too small, it causes the fibres to stretch out even further, leaving more of a gap in between the weaves and letting in more UV rays. When the suit is too big and bulky, sunshine peeks through and can lead to nasty burns. This is why it’s important to get the right size for your little one for a protected day in the sun.

For girls aged 2-7 years old, look to stylish swimwear that offers maximum coverage to help protect their skin from harsh UV rays. The One-Piece With Frill Strap or the Neck Frill One Piece from Camilla make a compelling case for one-piece swimsuits that look extra cute. Or, the Minihaha Lena Swimsuit and matching Lena SunHat will help to keep the rays away. If the day calls for a full-sleeve swimsuit, the Roxy Beach Day Together Onesie and matching towel will always come in handy.

For a girls’ swimsuit designed for versatility, style and comfort, lean into multiple-collection pieces like the Ripcurl Sun Catcher 3 Piece Set. Colourful and fun, this swim set also offers UPF 50+UV sun protection. For a swimsuit with sleeves, Seafolly‘s Palm Springs Spliced Paddlesuit or Zimmermann‘s Raie Zip Front offer protection from the sun, with stylish colours and prints to boot.

For boys aged 2-7, this summer is all about playful prints and beach-inspired colours. Quiksilver’s Next Gen Volley Shorts and Long Sleeve Rashie are designed for a sun-safe summer of splashing and fun. For a sun-smart, surf-ready option, Speedo’s Tbys Digi Printed Rashtop and Printed Jammer will keep them protected all through the summer, whether they’re in the ocean or pool.

Keep them sun-safe with room to play and splash with these summer-ready picks. If you’re looking for a comfortable tee fit with an iconic graphic, the Ripcurl Icons Surflite rash vest provides UPF 50+ UV sun protection to keep them safe while they catch waves Why not pair it with their colourful Dawn Patrol Boardshorts for a fun matching set?

Or, if colourful swimsuits aren’t their style, Quiksilver‘s All Time Long Sleeve Youth Apac Rashie and matching shorts will keep them comfy, stylish and safe from the sun, whatever wave they catch.