Keeping kids safe in the sun isn’t always easy—especially when sunscreen wears off, kids are constantly in and out of the water, and reapplying every hour isn’t realistic.
That’s why many parents look for the best sun protection clothing for kids to add an extra layer of reliable UV protection.
Designed with built-in UPF, these clothes help block harmful rays while keeping babies, toddlers, and older kids comfortable outdoors. For complete sun protection, accessories like hats also play an important role—see our picks for the best sun hats for kids.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll discover the best sun protection clothing for kids, including UPF 50+ swimsuits, sun hats, and lightweight outfits for everyday wear.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, the park, or just spending more time outside, these picks make it easier to protect your child’s skin without the constant struggle of reapplying sunscreen.
Not sure what clothing provides the best protection? Start with our guide on what kids should wear in the sun to learn about UPF clothing, breathable fabrics, hats, sunglasses, and other essentials for keeping kids comfortable and protected outdoors.
Quick Picks: Best Sun Protection Clothing for Kids At A Glance
If you’re short on time, these are some of the best sun protection clothing picks for kids, including full-coverage swimwear, lightweight rashguards, and everyday UPF outfits for outdoor adventures.
- Best Overall: Jan & Jul One-Piece UV Sun Suit – Full-coverage UPF protection for babies and toddlers during beach days, splash pads, and pool play.
- Best Two-Piece Set: Jan & Jul UV Rashguard Set – A flexible, easy-to-move-in swim set for active kids who love beach and pool adventures.
- Best Easy-On Toddler Option: Hatley Boys Long-Sleeve Rashguard – A lightweight pullover rashguard with comfortable UPF 50+ coverage for water play and outdoor fun.
- Best Value Set: UV SKINZ 3-Piece Sun & Swim Set – A practical multi-piece swim set designed for comfortable all-day sun protection.
- Best Full-Coverage Pick: UV SKINZ One-Piece Sun Suit – Ideal for toddlers who need extra coverage during swimming, splash pad play, and long outdoor days.
- Best Premium Pick: Coolibar Barracuda Surf Swimsuit – Premium UPF 50+ swimwear with extended coverage for beach vacations and sunny outdoor adventures.
- Best Everyday Baby Option: UPF 50+ Bamboo Sun Protection Romper – A lightweight soft bamboo fabric with full-body coveragefor walks, park outings, and everyday outdoor wear.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’d focus on UPF 50+ coverage, long sleeves, quick-dry fabric, and easy-on designs—especially for babies and toddlers.
Best Sun Protection Clothing for Kids Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Coverage | UPF | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan & Jul One-Piece UV Sun Suit | Best Overall | High | UPF 50+ | Great for babies and toddlers |
| Jan & Jul UV Rashguard Set | Best Two-Piece Set | Medium-High | UPF 50+ | Easy for active kids |
| Hatley Boys Long-Sleeve Rashguard | Best Easy-On Toddler Option | Medium | UPF 50+ | Easy pullover style for active water play |
| UV SKINZ 3-Piece Sun & Swim Set | Best Value Set | Medium | UPF 50+ | Includes hat |
| UV SKINZ One-Piece Sun Suit | Best Full-Coverage Pick | High | UPF 50+ | Great for toddlers |
| Coolibar Barracuda Surf Swimsuit | Best Premium Pick | High | UPF 50+ | Excellent coverage for longer water play |
| UPF 50+ Bamboo Sun Protection Romper | Best Everyday Baby Option | High | UPF 50+ | Soft bamboo fabric with full-body coverage |
Looking for the best overall option? The Jan & Jul One-Piece UV Sun Suit offers excellent UPF protection, comfortable coverage, and easy wear for babies and toddlers.
How to Choose Sun Protection Clothing for Kids
If you’re shopping for sun protection clothing for kids, a few key features can make a really big difference in both comfort and coverage:
- UPF 50+ fabric: This is the gold standard for strong built-in sun protection.
- Long sleeves and higher necklines: These styles usually offer better coverage for shoulders, arms, and upper chest.
- Quick-dry materials: Especially helpful for beach days, pool time, and splash pads.
- Easy-on designs: Full zippers and stretchy fabric can make dressing babies and toddlers much easier.
- Comfortable fit: Soft, flexible fabrics help kids move, play, and stay comfortable longer.
For many families, sun protection swimwear and beach-friendly UPF clothing are some of the easiest options because they combine coverage with practicality for summer outings.
For water play and beach days, choosing the right swimsuit is just as important—explore these baby girl swimsuit ideas.
Best Sun Protection Clothing for Kids: Parent-Approved Picks
1. Best Overall: Jan & Jul One-Piece UV Sun Suit
Parents looking for easy, full-coverage sun protection for babies and toddlers may love the Jan & Jul One-Piece UV Sun Suit.
Designed for beach days, splash pads, pool play, and vacations, this lightweight UV suit combines comfort and UPF 50+ protection for active little ones.
Why Parents Love It:
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Long sleeves for extra coverage
- Quick-dry fabric
- Front zipper for easier changes
- Fun prints and colors
Best For:
- Beach vacations
- Splash pads
- Pool days
- Outdoor summer play
Choose the print your little one loves best and enjoy easier, sun-safe summer adventures.
Check price at Jan & Jul
Use code PEACHCOBBLER for 10% off
2. Best Two-Piece Set: Jan & Jul 2-Piece Rashguard Swimsuit Set
If you’re looking for a flexible swim option that still offers great coverage, the Jan & Jul 2-Piece Rashguard Swimsuit Set is a strong pick for sunny beach days, pool time, and splash pad fun.
This UPF 50+ swimsuit set gives kids the comfort of a two-piece design while still helping protect more skin during outdoor play.
Why parents like it:
- UPF 50+ sun protection for sunny outdoor days
- Two-piece design makes it easier for active kids to move comfortably
- Rashguard-style top offers extra coverage compared to standard swimsuits
- Great for the beach, pool, splash pads, and vacations
- Available in fun colors and prints for kids
Best for: Kids who prefer a comfortable two-piece UPF swimsuit set for beach days, pool time, and water play.
Check price at Jan & Jul
Use code PEACHCOBBLER for 10% off
Best Short Sleeve Rashguards for Kids
Because it gives you a nice mix alongside your long-sleeve UPF options, a short sleeve rashguard is a good choice for parents who want some sun coverage but prefer more freedom of movement in warmer weather.
3. Best Easy-On Toddler Option: Hatley Boys’ Colourblock Dino Short Sleeve Rashguard
Make sunny beach days and pool adventures more comfortable with the Hatley Boys’ Colourblock Dino Short Sleeve Rashguard.
Designed with a fun dinosaur-inspired colourblock style, this rashguard provides extra coverage while allowing kids to move freely during swimming, playing, and outdoor activities.
Key Features:
- Fun dinosaur colourblock design that kids will love wearing
- UPF 50+ sun protection blocks harmful rays
- Short sleeves provide comfortable coverage while allowing easy movement
- Designed for swimming, beach days, pool trips, and summer adventures
- Soft, comfortable fabric helps keep kids feeling great during active play
- Easy-to-wear design that pairs well with swim trunks and board shorts
Best For: Beach days, pool swimming, vacations, and active summer play
Whether your child is splashing at the pool or exploring the beach, this colourful rashguard is a fun and practical addition to their summer swim wardrobe.
Where To Buy: Hatley
4. Best Value Set: UV SKINZ 3-Piece Sun & Swim Set
If you’re looking for a practical set that gives you multiple sun-safe essentials in one purchase, the UV SKINZ boys 3-Piece Sun & Swim Set is a great value pick.
This UPF 50+ boys swim set includes a short sleeve rash guard-style swim shirt, board shorts, and an adjustable bucket hat, making it a convenient option for beach days, pool time, vacations, and outdoor water play.
Why parents like it:
- UPF 50+ fabric helps block 98% of UVA and UVB rays
- Includes a 3-piece set with swim shirt, board shorts, and bucket hat
- Quick-drying, breathable fabric for comfort during active play
- Saltwater and chlorine resistant for beach and pool use
- Raised mock collar adds extra neck coverage
- Raglan sleeves allow easier movement
- Flatlock seams help improve comfort and durability
Best for: Parents who want a convenient UPF 50+ swimwear set with built-in sun coverage and great value for beach and pool days.
See available sizes and prints on Amazon
5. Best Full-Coverage Pick: UV SKINZ One-Piece Sun Suit
If you’re looking for more coverage for long beach days, pool time, or splash pad play, the UV SKINZ One-Piece Sun Suit is a great full-coverage option for babies and toddlers.
This UPF 50+ one-piece swimsuit features a long-sleeve rashguard-style top with full-leg coverage, helping protect more skin during sunny outdoor play.
Why parents like it:
- UPF 50+ fabric helps block 98% of UVA and UVB rays
- Long sleeves and full-leg coverage offer extra sun protection
- Quick-drying, breathable fabric for comfort during water play
- Saltwater and chlorine resistant for beach and pool use
- Full front zipper makes it easier to put on, remove, and change when wet
- Raised mock collar adds extra neck coverage
- Soft, tag-free design helps reduce irritation for little ones
Best for: Babies and toddlers who need a full-coverage UPF swimsuit for beach days, pool time, vacations, and extended outdoor play.
See available sizes and colors on Amazon
6. Best Premium Pick: Coolibar Barracuda Surf Swimsuit
If you’re looking for a more premium full-coverage option, the Coolibar Barracuda Surf Swimsuit is a standout pick for sunny beach days, pool time, and family vacations.
This UPF 50+ kids surf swimsuit is designed to help protect more skin with its elbow-length sleeves and knee-length coverage, making it a great choice for parents who want extra sun protection during water play.
Why parents like it:
- UPF 50+ fabric helps block 98% of UVA and UVB rays
- From Coolibar, a leading sun protection clothing brand
- Dermatologist endorsed and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
- Zip-front design makes it easier to get on and off
- Elbow-length sleeves and knee-length coverage help protect more skin
- Great for beach days, pool time, vacations, and water play
- Available in colors and prints for both boys and girls
Best for: Parents who want a premium UPF 50+ surf swimsuit with extra coverage for long sunny days near the water.
See available sizes and colors on Amazon
7. Best Everyday Baby Option: Bamboo Baby UPF 50+ Sun Protection Romper
Keeping babies protected from the sun can be challenging, especially during beach days, outdoor play, and family outings.
This UPF 50+ bamboo romper offers comfortable full-body coverage while helping protect delicate skin from harmful UV rays.
Key Features:
- UPF 50+ certified fabric blocks over 98% of UVA and UVB rays
- Made from soft, breathable bamboo viscose for lightweight comfort
- SGS safety tested for quality and peace of mind
- Full-length 2-way zipper makes dressing and diaper changes easier
- Long sleeves, fold-over mittens, and built-in foot coverage provide extra protection
Why Parents Like It:
- Parents really appreciate the built-in sun protection that gives them peace of mind of not having to apply sunscreen on a small baby.
- They also appreciate the how incredibly soft the bamboo fabric is on a baby’s sensitive skin. The zipper design down the front makes changes quick and convenient. 🙂
Best For: Beach days, outdoor play, family vacations, stroller rides, and everyday sun protection.
This lightweight sun protection romper is a practical choice for keeping babies comfortable, covered, and ready for summer adventures.
Where To Buy: Amazon
Recommended Reading: Toddler Boy Bucket Hats: A Must-Have For Summer Adventures
Do Kids Still Need Sunscreen with UPF Clothing?
Yes — even with UPF clothing, kids still need sunscreen on exposed skin like the face, ears, hands, feet, and any uncovered arms or legs.
UPF clothing works best as part of a layered sun-safety routine along with hats, shade, and sunscreen.
Recommended: Best Sun Protection Clothing for Kids: What Parents Need to Know
Tips for Getting Kids to Wear Sun Protection Clothing
Sometimes the best sun-safe outfit is simply the one your child will actually keep on. These simple tips can help:
- Let them help choose fun colors or prints
- Look for soft, quick-dry fabrics that feel comfortable
- Make sun-safe clothing part of your normal outdoor routine
Related Summer Sun Protection Guides
If you’re building a complete sun-safe summer wardrobe, these helpful guides can make it easier:
- Best UV Protection Rashguards For Kids And Toddlers
- Best Sun Hats for Kids: Fun and Functional Designs for Every Age
- Best Toddler Boy Bucket Hats for Summer
- 5 Must-Have Features in Sun Hats for Baby Girls
- Best Water Shoes for Kids: Quick-Dry Picks for Summer Fun
Final Thoughts
The best sun protection clothing for kids combines comfort, breathable fabrics, and reliable UPF coverage for safer outdoor summer adventures.
Whether you choose lightweight sun shirts, long-sleeve rashguards, full-coverage swimsuits, or protective accessories, the right sun-safe clothing can help kids stay comfortable during beach trips, pool days, vacations, and everyday outdoor play.
Planning a family beach day? Be sure to read our guide on what kids should wear to the beach for outfit ideas and packing tips. Parents can also explore our guides to baby swimwear, kids water shoes, and sun hats for even more summer essentials designed for active outdoor fun.
