A Guide to Sun Protection Swimwear Brands for Children (UK)
Children's skin burns faster than adult skin. The outer layer is thinner, produces less melanin, and is far more vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. A single bad sunburn in childhood significantly raises the risk of skin cancer later in life. This guide will help you navigate the best UV swimwear options available in the UK.
Read Time: 6 minutes
Sun protection swimwear, sometimes called UV swimwear or UPF swimwear, is designed to block ultraviolet rays. Unlike regular swimsuits, which offer little UV resistance (especially when wet), UPF swimwear is made from tightly woven fabrics that physically stop UV radiation reaching the skin.
The gold standard is a UPF 50+ rating, meaning the fabric allows less than 2% of UV rays through. That protection doesn't wash off in the sea, doesn't need reapplying, and doesn't rely on a wriggling toddler standing still while you smother them in suncream.
Quick take for parents
- Children's skin is highly vulnerable; UPF 50+ swimwear blocks over 98% of UV rays.
- Maximise coverage: long sleeves, high necklines, and longer leg coverage offer the best defence.
- Look for chemical-free fabrics that achieve UPF ratings through tight weaves rather than applied finishes.
- Specialist sun protection brands offer certified UV protection in their swimwear.
- Always apply a high SPF suncream to any exposed skin not covered by UPF garments.
What to Look For in Sun Protection Swimwear for Children
Not all UV swimwear is equal. A few things are worth checking before you buy.
UPF Rating
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it measures how much UV radiation a fabric allows through. A UPF 50+ rating, the highest available, blocks over 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Some swimwear marketed as "sun safe" carries a lower rating or no certified rating at all, so look for confirmed UPF 50+ on the label.
Coverage and Design
The more skin a garment covers, the more protection it offers. Long sleeves, high necklines, and longer leg coverage all reduce exposed skin. Full-body suits (sometimes called stinger suits or surf suits) offer the most coverage.
For babies and toddlers, all-in-one suits with zip fronts tend to be the most practical.
Fabric Quality and Durability
UPF swimwear is only effective if the fabric holds up over time. Chlorine, saltwater, and repeated washing can degrade cheaper fabrics, causing them to stretch or lose their protective properties. Look for chlorine-resistant fabrics that retain their UPF rating across the garment's life.
How a fabric achieves its UPF rating matters. Some brands rely on chemical treatments that can wash out gradually. Others engineer protection into the weave itself, through fibre selection, fabric density, and construction, which tends to offer more consistent, long-lasting performance.
Comfort and Fit
Children will only wear swimwear they find comfortable. Flatlock seams reduce chafing, four-way stretch fabrics allow freedom of movement, and quick-drying materials help when children move between swimming and sand play. A close but not tight fit is ideal. Loose fabric creates gaps where UV penetrates.
Sun Protection Swimwear Brands Available in the UK
The UK market for children's UV swimwear has grown considerably. Some brands specialise in sun protection as their core focus, while others have added UPF swimwear to a broader children's clothing range. Both approaches have merit, though each brings different strengths.
Below are several children’s sun protection swimwear brands available in the UK.
Tip: swipe left/right to view the full table.
| Brand | UK availability | Best for | Common product types | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stingray | Yes | Maximum UV protection & durability | Full-body suits, rash vests, leggings, shorts | Chemical-free UPF 50+ woven fabric |
| Töastie Kids | Yes | Eco-friendly materials & bright designs | Swim tops, shorts, swimsuits | B Corp certified, recycled polyester |
| Muddy Puddles | Yes | Outdoor-focused families | Swimsuits, rash vests, shorts | Made from recycled fabrics |
| Splash About | Yes | Babies and swim lessons | Rash tops, legionnaire caps | Famous for the Happy Nappy |
Stingray
Stingray is an Australian brand that has focused exclusively on sun protection clothing since 1986, making it one of the longest-established specialist UV manufacturers in the world. Unlike brands that have added UPF swimwear to a broader clothing range, Stingray's entire operation is built around UV protection.
The company uses Italian-made, chlorine-resistant fabrics engineered to achieve UPF 50+ through fibre selection and weave density alone, without chemical additives. This means the protection is permanent, rather than an applied finish that may degrade over time. The brand is available in the UK through selected retailers like equatorsun.
Töastie Kids
Töastie is a British, B Corp-certified brand that made its name in children's outerwear before expanding into swimwear. Their swim range carries a UPF 50+ rating and is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric gives a notably soft finish.
Designs feature bright, high-visibility colours to help parents spot their children in the water. The collection includes swim tops, swim shorts, and long-sleeve swimsuits for ages from around six months to 11–12 years.
Muddy Puddles
Muddy Puddles is a UK brand whose core expertise lies in children's outdoor clothing: waterproofs, puddle suits, and wet-weather gear. More recently, the company has added UPF 50+ swimwear made from recycled fabrics.
Their collection includes full-body suits, rash vests and swim shorts in unisex prints for ages six months to 12 years.
Splash About
Splash About is a British company founded in 2005 whose primary expertise is in baby swimming products. The brand is best known for inventing the Happy Nappy, a reusable swim nappy used by the vast majority of baby swimming schools in the UK.
Alongside its nappy range, the brand offers UV-protective swimwear including rash tops, swimsuits, and legionnaire caps.
Choosing the Right Brand for Your Child
The right choice depends on your child's age, how they'll use the swimwear, and what matters most to you. Parents who prioritise UV protection above all else will naturally gravitate towards brands whose primary specialism is sun safety.
- For Babies and Early Swimmers: Stingray and Splash About both offer strong options. Stingray's full-body coverage suits, with their chemical-free fabric construction, are ideal for beach holidays and outdoor water play, particularly for fair-skinned babies. Splash About's integration of swim nappies with UV suits is hard to beat for pool sessions.
- For Toddlers and Primary-Age Children: Töastie and Muddy Puddles offer appealing ranges with sustainability credentials. Stingray remains the go-to for parents whose primary concern is maximum UV protection and long-term fabric performance; its chlorine resistance is notably strong for hand-me-downs.
- For Swimming Lessons: A close-fitting rash vest and swim shorts or a slim all-in-one works best. Bulkier suits create drag, so check with your swimming school.
- For Beach Holidays Abroad: Full-coverage suits from a dedicated sun protection brand are worth prioritising. UV levels in southern Europe and the Caribbean are significantly stronger than in the UK.
Whatever you choose, UPF swimwear works best alongside suncream on exposed areas, a wide-brimmed hat, and shade during peak UV hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UPF 50+ actually mean?
UPF 50+ is the highest sun protection rating a fabric can receive. It means the material blocks at least 98% of both UVA and UVB radiation. Only 1/50th (or less) of the sun's UV rays pass through to the skin.
Is sun protection swimwear necessary in the UK?
UV levels in the UK can be high enough to cause sunburn primarily from April through September, particularly during midday hours. For children with fair or sensitive skin, or for any child spending extended time outdoors near water (which reflects UV rays), UPF swimwear offers reliable protection that doesn't wash off.
Does UPF swimwear lose its protection over time?
This depends on the fabric and how the UPF rating is achieved. Swimwear from specialist sun protection brands, particularly those that engineer protection into the weave rather than applying chemical treatments, tends to retain its rating reliably, even after repeated washing and chlorine exposure. Cheaper alternatives may degrade faster.
Can my child wear UPF swimwear for swimming lessons?
Yes. Most UPF swimwear performs well in chlorinated pools. Rash vests and fitted swim shorts are widely accepted at UK pools and swim schools.
Do I still need to use suncream with UPF swimwear?
Yes, on any skin not covered by the garment. Faces, hands, feet, lower legs, and other exposed areas still need suncream with a high SPF, reapplied regularly.
What age can children start wearing UPF swimwear?
UPF swimwear is available from newborn sizes upwards. For babies under six months, health guidance advises keeping them out of direct sunlight entirely, and protective clothing is recommended as the primary form of sun protection rather than suncream.