These are the sun safe swimwear pieces for kids we rate
Okay, so the sun is finally out in the UK and the littlies are desperate to be outside playing all day long. But how do you keep them safe from the sun? Swimwear for kids gets a bad rep on the design front so we've done the research for you to find all the best sun-safe swimwear for kids on the market this year and of course, aesthetics are high on the list of priorities. From high street favourites to gorgeous independent brands, below we've got all your sun-safe swimwear for kids covered.
Girls' Long-Sleeved Swimsuit in Multi Rainbow Floral - Boden | from £25
Covered in a playful classic print, perfect for the seaside, this swimsuit is stitched with a zip to make changing a breeze, and finished with long sleeves. Available in 9 colourways online and complete with UPF 50+ protection, we love it’s timeless shape and long sleeves for protecting delicate skin on little arms.
Baby Rash Vest Set in Blue Geo Turtles - Boden | £29
A two-piece set comprising a long-sleeve rash vest and fully lined shorts with an adjustable drawstring, in a geo turtle print that sits squarely in Boden's sweet spot. UPF 50+ fabric, machine washable, and available from 0–3 months up to 2–3 years. The slightly higher price point reflects the Boden quality and the fact that the two-piece format covers considerably more surface area than a swimsuit alone. Worth it for younger babies going somewhere particularly sunny.
Jojo Maman Blue Stripe Cherry Frill Swimsuit | £17–£19
The sweet spot between pretty and practical. Blue pinstripes, cherry embroidery, frilled shoulders and a skirt that photographs beautifully poolside. Made from recycled nylon with generous sizing to fit over a nappy up to age 2–3. Machine washable and quick-drying - exactly what you need when you're repacking a changing bag on repeat.
Jojo Maman Bebe Wavy Stripe Swimsuit | £17–£20
Bold, bright and instantly eye-catching. The wavy multicolour print does the talking here, in a stretchy, lightweight fabric that moves well and dries fast. A matching bucket hat is available separately, which makes it an easy holiday outfit.
Jojo Maman Bebe Ditsy Duck Swimsuit with Integral Nappy | £14–£15
The most practical baby swimsuit and currently reduced. A sweet floral print with a duck appliqué on the chest, frilled skirt, and (crucially) a built-in integral nappy that fits over a disposable swim nappy for extra security in the water. Made from recycled nylon and ideal for babies and younger toddlers. A matching hat is available.
Surf Seeker Appliqué Sunsafe Rash Vest Set — JoJo Maman Bébé | £24–£26
This practical pick does the most work for little boys playing in the sun. A two-piece set comprising a yellow surf-print rash vest and blue striped bottoms, made from UPF 50+ recycled nylon that blocks 97% of UVA rays. Lightweight, quick-drying, with a zip back for easy changes and an elasticated waistband on the bottoms. A solid buy for a beach or pool holiday where you want to minimise the sunscreen battle without sacrificing a nice-looking outfit.
Töastie UV Swim Top + UV Swim Bottoms | £36 + £24
The colour-block two-piece that's become something of a Töastie signature. The Lime Zest top is a long-sleeved rash vest cut in bracelet-length sleeves, butter-soft recycled polyester, chlorine resistant and true to size from ages 1–2 up to 13–14. The Navy Sky bottoms are a unisex, relaxed-fit short that pairs well with the top or works on its own - equally good for girls wanting more coverage or boys up to around age six. Both carry SPF 50+ and the brights are designed with water visibility in mind, which is a useful feature.
Töastie UV Protector Swimsuit in Strawberry Fields | £45
For those who want the ease of a one-piece with serious sun protection built in. A long-sleeved all-over swimsuit in a playful strawberry print, made from the same recycled SPF 50+ fabric as the rest of the range. The coverage is thorough; long sleeves, full torso - making it one of the better pieces of sun safe swimwear for a full beach day when you'd rather not reapply suncream every twenty minutes. Chlorine-friendly, hand wash, and available from ages 1–2 through to 13–14. At £45 it's the premium pick, but it’s worth it.
UV Protector Swim Hat in Jewels of the Sea | £16 (reduced from £22)
The finishing touch, and a genuinely useful one. A soft, recycled SPF 50+ swim hat in a jewel-toned print, available for babies from six months up to age six. Currently reduced to £16 and easy to add on when you're already ordering the rest.
Wave Print Swimsuit (2–8 yrs) | £14
A high-neck, long-sleeved swimsuit in a cool wave print. The UPF50+ Sun Smart fabric takes care of the UV protection, while the chin-guard zip makes the poolside change considerably less of an ordeal. For parents who want ‘proper’ sun coverage in a one-piece that doesn't look clinical, this ticks the boxes. Available ages 2–8.
Long Sleeve Round Neck Rash Vest (6–16 yrs) | £12
The older-child rash vest that runs into tween age range. Stretchy fabric, round neck, zip fastening, small chest graphic - nothing fussy, just solid sun safe swimwear that works from age six through to sixteen. Chlorine-resistant for lasting colour, which matters when you're putting it through daily use on a two-week holiday. Worth picking up in two if you find a good fit, given the size range spans so many years.
