We're going to break down the best UV swimwear for kids so you can build a sun-safe kit that actually works for your family.
Here's the good news: every product in our sun protection range carries a UPF 50+ rating, blocking over 98% of harmful UV rays. So you don't need to worry about which one protects best. They all do. The real question is: which one fits the way your child swims, plays and explores?
The UV Sun & Sea Wetsuit pairs warmth with full body coverage for beach days and cooler water. The Sleeved Floatsuit adds a 16-piece adjustable buoyancy system for little ones learning to swim, with sun, wind and sand protection built right in. Rash vests give lightweight, quick drying upper body coverage that layers over any swimwear. The Happy Nappy™ Sunsuit gives babies UPF 50+ coverage with built-in leak protection: one less thing to think about. And the Legionnaire Hat covers the head, neck and ears: the spots sun cream so often misses. Just remember to apply sun cream to any exposed skin, even when your child is wearing UV swimwear.
Best UV swimwear for kids at the beach
Wind, sand and hours of sun: beach days ask a lot of swimwear. Here's what works hardest.
UV Sun & Sea Wetsuit
Strengths: We've made this from 1mm neoprene with UPF 50+ polyester/elastane side panels and sleeves. It covers the neck, back, shoulders, arms and legs. A back zip makes changing easier, even when wet (because let's be honest, getting a soggy child out of swimwear is never easy).
Impact: The neoprene keeps children warm in the water, so they can keep swimming and playing for longer without the shivers cutting things short. The stretchy panels allow freedom of movement without overheating on land. And when the wind picks up or the sand starts flying? They're covered.
Short Sleeve Rash Vest
Strengths: Same UPF 50+ fabric as the long sleeve version. Cool, lightweight and quick drying. Protects the torso and shoulders. Available in fun, coordinating prints.
Impact: This one's for hot days when your child wants maximum freedom of movement. It covers the areas most vulnerable to burning across the core body. Sun cream should be applied to the arms and any other exposed skin. Ideal for quick dips, sandcastle building and pairing with board shorts.
Legionnaire Hat
Strengths: UPF 50+ Nylon Lycra fabric. A peaked front protects the eyes. An extended back flap covers the neck and ears. Elasticated for a secure, comfortable fit. Quick drying. Ages 1 to 6 years.
Impact: It protects the areas you're most likely to miss with sun cream: the back of the neck, the tips of the ears, the top of the head. Your child can wear it in and out of the water. It coordinates with the full Splash About swimwear range, so you can put together a head-to-toe sun-safe outfit they'll actually want to wear.
Best UV swimwear for kids at the pool
Whether it's a local leisure centre or an outdoor pool on a sunny afternoon, these are the ones to reach for.
Sleeved Floatsuit
Strengths: Quick drying Nylon/Elastane fabric covers the legs, back, neck, shoulders and upper arms. Features our 16-piece adjustable buoyancy system that holds children in the correct swimming position. You can remove floats in pairs as confidence grows. Suitable for ages 1 to 6 years.
Impact: This is where sun protection meets genuine learn-to-swim support. No more bulky armbands: the floats encourage a natural horizontal swimming position instead. It's a lovely one for outdoor pool sessions where your child is finding their feet (and their kick!) in the water. All swimming aids must be used under constant adult supervision.
Premium Rash Vest
Strengths: We've made this from 92% polyester and 8% elastane with a fully lined interior to prevent chafing. UPF 50+ rated. Zip front for easy changes. Available in bright neon colours that help you spot your child in a busy pool.
Impact: That soft lining is what sets this apart from our standard rash vests. It's comfortable enough for all day wear, in and out of the water. And the zip front? A real time saver with wriggly toddlers who've got places to be.
Long Sleeve Rash Vest
Strengths: A lightweight blend of 50% nylon, 30% polyester and 20% elastane. UPF 50+ protection across the shoulders, arms and torso. Quick drying and chlorine resistant. Coordinates with our Happy Nappy™ and Splash Jammers™ ranges.
Impact: You get noticeably more coverage than a short sleeve version, protecting the upper arms and shoulders where little ones tend to catch the sun first. It's light enough to wear comfortably all day and layers easily over any swimwear.
Best UV swimwear for kids on holiday
Packing for a trip with little ones? These earn their place in the suitcase.
Happy Nappy™ Sunsuit
Strengths: Combines our award-winning Happy Nappy™ with a UPF 50+ Nylon-Lycra rash top. High neck and three quarter length sleeves. Available in sizes 0 to 3 months up to 2 years.
Impact: This is the only piece in the range that gives you sun protection and faecal leak protection in one go. Perfect for babies at the beach, outdoor pools or paddling pools. Lightweight and cool on warm days, but versatile enough for indoor lessons too. One outfit, two big jobs done. Apply sun cream to any exposed skin.
Sleeved Floatsuit
Strengths: Sun, wind and sand protection with built-in buoyancy. Quick drying Nylon/Elastane fabric. 16-piece adjustable buoyancy system. Ages 1 to 6 years.
Impact: If your child is still building water confidence, this is a holiday must-pack. It gives them support in unfamiliar pools, protects them from the sun and dries quickly between swims. All swimming aids must be used under constant adult supervision.
UV Sun & Sea Wetsuit
Strengths: 1mm neoprene with UPF 50+ polyester/elastane panels. Full body coverage. Back zip for easy changes.
Impact: Whether it's a breezy morning by the hotel pool or a day trip to the coast, this wetsuit keeps children warm and sun-safe without needing to layer up. It handles pool, beach and everything in between.
Children's skin is far more sensitive to UV radiation than ours. It can burn much more quickly, too. And because little ones are usually having far too much fun to notice, it's down to us to make sure they're properly covered.
That's why choosing the right UV swimwear isn't just about picking a pattern they love (although that helps!). It's about matching the product to how and where your child swims.
When you know what each product does best, you can build a sun-safe swimming kit that works for every scenario. Warm, full coverage wetsuits for breezy beach days. Lightweight rash vests for garden play. A Legionnaire Hat for the spots sun cream can't quite reach. And don't forget: no single product covers everything. Pair a rash vest or wetsuit with a Legionnaire Hat and sun cream on exposed skin to give your child the best protection you can. Then sit back and watch them splash.
Ready to sort your little one's summer kit? Browse our full Sun Protection Swimwear collection and find the right UV swimwear for your child's next splash.
Lesley Beach
Splash About has been developing ground breaking swimming products for babies and children for over 20 years. With its invention of the first float jacket through to the award winning Happy Nappy range of products, Splash About is now a world class supplier to thousands of swim schools, leisure complexes and parents in over 45 countries.
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