The best sun protection clothing for kids is all about keeping them safe while they play outdoors, splash in the pool, or tag along on sunny errands.
Since their skin is still developing, kids are extra sensitive to the sun’s rays—and that’s where UPF clothing comes in. UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, is like SPF for fabric, and a rating of 50+ blocks 98% of harmful UV rays.
Unlike regular clothes, which can let some rays through, sun-protective fabrics are specially made or treated to offer extra coverage.
Unlike sunscreen, they don’t wear off or need reapplying—perfect for active, wiggly kids.
Beyond preventing sunburn, these clothes help reduce the risk of long-term skin damage and even skin cancer.
Teaching kids to wear sun-protective clothing from a young age builds healthy habits—and means more carefree, sun-safe adventures!
Recommended Reading: The Best Sun Hats For Kids: Fun And Functional Designs For Every Age
Choosing the Right Sun Protective Clothing for Your Child
Choosing the right sun protective gear means balancing safety, comfort, and style—because when kids feel good in what they wear, they’re more likely to keep it on.
Jan & Jul makes some really cute sun suits for babies and toddlers that are not only stylish, but naturally block 98% of the sun’s rays to keep kids safe.
Kids One Piece UV Sun Suit | Pink Daisy
The Jan & Jul Kids One Piece UV Sun Suit – Pink Daisy offers all-day UPF 50+ sun protection without harmful chemicals.
This adorable sun suit features a fully separating zipper for easy changes, and is made from soft, quick-dry fabric.
The high neck, long sleeves, and knee-length legs offer full coverage for fun in the sun.
Where To Buy: Jan & Jul
Here is another sun suit that comes in a Lavender ice cream pattern.
Kids One Piece UV Sun Suit | Lavender Ice Cream
The Jan & Jul Kids One Piece UV Sun Suit – Lavender Ice Cream provides all-day UPF 50+ sun protection and is made without harmful chemicals.
This adorable sun suit features a high neck, long sleeves, and knee-length legs for full coverage.
Crafted from ultra-soft, quick-drying fabric, it ensures comfort for active toddlers, while the fully separating zipper allows for easy dressing and diaper changes.
The playful Lavender Ice Cream print adds a FUN touch, making it perfect for beach days, pool parties, or backyard play.
Where To Buy: Jan & Jul
This next UV sun suit for babies and toddlers is really cute in a ‘Pink Strawberry‘ print.
Kids One Piece UV Sun Suit | Pink Strawberry
The Jan & Jul Kids One Piece UV Sun Suit in Pink Strawberry offers all-day UPF 50+ sun protection without the use of harmful chemicals.
Crafted from ultra-soft, quick-drying fabric, it features a high neck, long sleeves, and knee-length legs for full coverage.
The fully separating zipper allows for easy dressing and diaper changes, while the stretchy, flatlock-seamed design ensures comfort for active toddlers.
The playful Pink Strawberry print adds a fun touch to this practical swimwear, making it perfect for beach days, pool parties, or outdoor play.
Where To Buy: Jan & Jul
When deciding on sun suit for your child, choose one with tightly woven fabrics to keep the UV rays at bay.
Choose Tightly Woven Fabrics
When it comes to sun protection, tightly woven fabrics are best—they block more UV rays. A quick test: hold the fabric up to the light; if you can’t see through it, it likely offers strong UV protection.
Jan & Jul’s sun protective clothing for kids combines 50+ UPF all-day protection with breathable, chemical-free fabrics—perfect for safe and comfortable outdoor play.
Kids UV Rashguard Set | Dinoland
The Jan & Jul Kids UV Rashguard Set – Dinoland is a two-piece swimsuit designed to keep your little one protected and comfortable during sunny adventures.
Made from soft, quick-dry knit jersey, it offers 50+ UPF sun protection without any harmful chemicals.
The set features a high-neck, long-sleeve top and long shorts with an elastic waistband, ensuring easy on and off for active kids.
The playful Dinoland print adds a fun touch to this practical swimwear, making it perfect for any outdoor activity.
Where To Buy: Jan & Jul
I really like this next UV sun suit from Jan & Jul for baby and toddler boys.
Kids One Piece UV Sun Suit | Dino Buddies
The Jan & Jul Kids One Piece UV Sun Suit – Dino Buddies offers all-day sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating, blocking 98% of harmful UV rays.
Made from ultra-soft, quick-drying fabric, this suit ensures comfort for active toddlers.
Its high neck, long sleeves, and knee-length legs provide full coverage, while the full-length zipper allows for easy dressing and diaper changes.
The fun Dino Buddies print adds a playful touch to this practical swimwear, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
Where To Buy: Jan & Jul
The ‘Blue Whale‘ design is really cute for baby and toddlers too!
Kids One Piece UV Sun Suit | Blue Whale
The Jan & Jul Baby Rash Guard offers full-body UPF 50+ sun protection, blocking 98% of harmful UV rays without the use of chemicals.
Made from ultra-soft, quick-drying fabric, it features a high neck, long sleeves, and knee-length legs for maximum coverage.
The fully separating zipper allows for easy dressing and diaper changes, while the stretchy, flatlock-seamed design ensures comfort for active babies.
The playful Blue Whale print adds a fun touch to this practical swimwear, making it perfect for beach days, pool parties, or backyard play.
Where To Buy: Jan & Jul
UV SKINZ also makes sun and swim suits for kids that are designed with tightly woven fabrics with a rating of SPF 50+ (UPF 50+ Fabric).
UV SKINZ Boys 3 Piece Sun and Swim Set with UPF 50+ Sun Protection – Boys Swimsuit, Toddler Swim Suits
The UV Skinz Boys’ 3-Piece Sun & Swim Set offers certified UPF 50+ protection, blocking over 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
This matching set includes a short-sleeve rash guard with a mock neck, board shorts with an elastic waistband, and a reversible sun hat, all crafted from quick-drying, breathable fabrics.
Designed for comfort and durability, it’s perfect for active play at the beach or pool.
Where To Buy: Amazon
Here is another 3-piece sun and swim set from UV SKINZ that is really cute.
UV SKINZ Boys 3 Piece Sun and Swim Set with UPF 50+ Sun Protection – Boys Swimsuit, Toddler Swim Suits
The UV Skinz Boys’ 3-Piece Sun & Swim Set offers certified UPF 50+ protection, blocking over 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
This matching set includes a short-sleeve rash guard with a mock neck, board shorts with an elastic waistband, and a reversible sun hat.
All 3-pieces in this set are crafted from quick-drying, breathable fabrics.
Designed for comfort and durability, this sun and swim set is perfect for active kids to wear at the beach or pool.
Where To Buy: Amazon
Recommended Reading: Toddler Boy Bucket Hats: A Must-Have For Summer Adventures
Different Brand Options
Some tried and tested names in the kid’s sun protective clothing world include Coolibar, UV Skinz, and i play.
Brand – UV Skinz Kids
UV Skinz kids’ clothing offers stylish, comfortable sun protection with buttery-soft, quick-dry fabric and 4-way stretch—perfect for pool, beach, and active play.
UV SKINZ – Baby Boy Swimsuit & Sunsuit – One-Piece Full-Body Swimsuit for Toddlers with UPF 50+ Sun Protection & Rash Guard
The UV Skinz Baby Boy’s UPF 50+ One-Piece Swimsuit in Navy Blue/Orange offers full-body sun protection with a certified UPF 50+ rating, blocking over 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Designed for comfort and convenience, it features a full-length front zipper for easy dressing and diaper changes.
This sun suit also features a mock neck for added coverage, and flatlock seams to prevent chafing.
The quick-drying, 4-way stretch fabric is chlorine and saltwater resistant, making it perfect for both pool and beach adventures.
Where To Buy: Amazon
This next long sleeve sun and swim shirt is available in an array of colors and sizes for kids of different ages.
UV SKINZ Kids’ Long Sleeve Sun & Swim Shirt, UPF 50+ Sun Protection – Fast Drying
The UV Skinz Kid’s UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun & Swim Shirt in Ocean Blue offers certified UPF 50+ protection, blocking over 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Crafted from lightweight, quick-drying fabric with 4-way stretch, it ensures comfort and freedom of movement for active kids.
The shirt is chlorine and saltwater resistant, maintaining its vibrant color and shape after multiple washes.
Flatlock seams prevent chafing, and the relaxed fit allows for easy layering over swimwear. Ideal for beach days, pool parties, or any outdoor adventure, this swim shirt combines style, comfort, and sun safety.
Where To Buy: Amazon
UV Skinz makes matching long swim shorts to go with the shirt above.
UV SKINZ UPF50+ Boys Swim & Play Jammerz
The UV Skinz Kid’s UPF 50+ Swim Jammerz in Navy/Ocean Blue are designed to keep active kids protected and comfortable during all their water adventures.
These long swim shorts offer certified UPF 50+ sun protection, blocking over 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Crafted from buttery-soft, quick-drying fabric with 4-way stretch, they ensure freedom of movement and all-day comfort.
Features include a fully lined interior for modesty, flatlock seams to prevent chafing, and an elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring for a secure fit.
These UV shorts are also chlorine and saltwater resistant– perfect for both pool and beach play.
Where To Buy: Amazon
UV Skinz also makes sun and swimsuits for baby and toddler girls.
UV SKINZ Baby Girls’ Sun and Swimsuit with UPF 50+ Sun Protection – Full Body Swimsuit for Baby, Baby UV Protection Clothing
The UV Skinz Baby Girls’ Sun and Swimsuit offers certified UPF 50+ protection, blocking over 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Crafted from buttery-soft, quick-drying fabric with 4-way stretch, it ensures comfort and freedom of movement for active babies.
The swimsuit is chlorine and saltwater resistant, making it ideal for both pool and beach adventures.
Parents LOVE this sun suit because it offers:
- Full Coverage from the sun
- Easily facilitates diaper changes
- Easy to put on and take off – even when wet
- High quality and comfortable
- Dries quickly and the fabric is lightweight
- Super cute!
Its full-body design provides comprehensive coverage, keeping your little one safe and stylish under the sun.
LOTS of colors to choose from including Bubblegum/White as shown above.
Where To Buy: Amazon
You can also get this adorable sun suit in ‘Starfish Party.’ SO cute!
UV SKINZ Baby Girls’ Sun and Swimsuit with UPF 50+ Sun Protection – Full Body Swimsuit for Baby, Baby UV Protection Clothing
Shop On Amazon
Coolibar is another brand that offers dermatologist-recommended UPF 50+ clothing with built-in sun protection, combining style and comfort.
As the first brand to earn the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, it’s trusted for blocking 98% of UVA/UVB rays.
Coolibar UPF 50+ Baby LumaLeo 360 Coverage Bodysuit – Sun Protective
The Coolibar Baby LumaLeo Bodysuit provides UPF 50+ sun protection, blocking 98% of UVA and UVB rays.
Crafted from soft, breathable ZnO™ fabric—a blend of cotton, bamboo, and spandex infused with zinc oxide—it ensures comfort for your baby’s sensitive skin.
Features include a lapped shoulder neckline for easy on/off, full-length sleeves with fold-over cuffs for added coverage, and a snap-close bottom for convenient diaper changes.
Ideal for everyday outdoor play, this bodysuit combines safety and comfort for your little one.
- NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: swimming, not chlorine and salt water resistant or water repellent.
Where To Buy: Amazon
Coolibar UPF 50+ Kid’s Barracuda Neck-to-Knee Surf Swimsuit- Sun Protective
The Coolibar Kid’s Barracuda Neck-to-Ankle Swimsuit – Tropical Orchid offers UPF 50+ sun protection, blocking 98% of UVA and UVB rays.
Made from soft, breathable Aqua Juno™ fabric, it ensures comfort and quick-dry performance, wet or dry.
The half-zip front allows for easy dressing, and the vibrant Tropical Orchid print adds a fun touch to this practical swimwear.
Where To Buy: Amazon
Coolibar also makes sun protective swimsuits for girls in sizes extra small to large.
Coolibar UPF 50+ Kid’s Barracuda Neck-to-Knee Surf Swimsuit- Sun Protective
The Coolibar Kid’s Barracuda Neck-to-Ankle Swimsuit – Tropical Orchid offers UPF 50+ sun protection, blocking 98% of UVA and UVB rays.
Made from soft, breathable Aqua Juno™ fabric, it ensures comfort and quick-dry performance, whether wet or dry.
The half-zip front allows for easy dressing, and the vibrant Tropical Orchid print adds a tropical touch to this practical swimwear.
Where To Buy: Amazon
Check For A Certified Rating
Look for a certified UPF rating, and match that with reviews from other parents who’ve been there, done that. It’s a call worth making to keep your kid’s skin healthy and sunburn-free!
Darker & Brighter Hues Offer Better Protection
Now, color isn’t just about fashion. Darker and brighter hues tend to offer better protection than lighter ones. I know those neon green swim shirts might look wild, but hey, they’re actually doing a real important job while your kid’s making waves at the pool.
Fit is Crucial Too
Sun protective clothing that’s loose-fitting provides a little more coverage and comfort. Nobody wants to feel trapped when they’re outside having fun. Also, don’t forget details like long sleeves and high collars that add extra coverage without needing more fabric or layers.
Recommended Reading: Protecting Your Child’s Skin: The Benefits Of UV-Protected Sun Hats For Kids
Tips for Encouraging Kids to Wear Sun Protective Clothing
Getting kids to wear their sun protective gear without a fuss can be a bit of a trial. But with a dash of creativity, we can totally turn this routine into something they actually look forward to.
Choose An Outfit That Reflects Their Personality
Start by letting them have a say. Kids are more likely to wear something if they’ve picked it out themselves. Look for clothes in their favorite colors or with fun patterns—things that scream their personality. If they feel like their input is valued, they’ll be more inclined to put their gear on without a fight.
Jan & Jul makes sun suits in some really FUN prints that kids will LOVE.
Kids UV Rashguard Set | Watermelon
The Jan & Jul Girls Rash Guard – Watermelon is a two-piece swimsuit designed to keep your little one protected and comfortable during sunny adventures.
Made from ultra-soft, quick-drying fabric, it offers UPF 50+ sun protection without any harmful chemicals.
The set features a high-neck, long-sleeve top and long shorts with an elastic waistband, ensuring easy on and off for active kids.
The playful watermelon print adds a fun touch to this practical swimwear, making it perfect for beach days, pool parties, or backyard play.
Where To Buy: Jan & Jul
More Helpful Tips For Encouraging Sun Safety
- Turn Sun Safety into a learning adventure: There are tons of fun, child-friendly activities that can teach kids about the importance of sun protection. Something as simple as a craft project where they design their own “superhero” sun shirt can make the concept of sun protection more relatable and enjoyable.
- Don’t underestimate the power of role models: Seeing their favorite characters or the older kids next door rocking sun protective gear can do wonders. Consider involving them in group outings where sun safety is the norm, so they’re encouraged to imitate what other kids are doing.
- Integrate wearing sun protective clothing into your family’s usual routine: When sun-safe dressing becomes a non-negotiable part of getting ready, kids start expecting it, just like brushing their teeth. The less fuss made, the more habitual it becomes, paving the way for a lifetime of healthy sun habits.
These little strategies can make a huge difference, helping to weave sun protection seamlessly into your child’s routine. Healthy outdoor play then becomes all about fun memories with less worry about harmful sun exposure.
