Certified UPF 50+

Kids' UV clothing and swimwear

UPF 50+ sun protection clothing and swimwear for children aged 4 to 14. Every piece is certified to block at least 98% of UV rays, for school, sport, holidays and the beach.

4.7 average from over 12,500 reviews
Child in a UPF 50+ sun hat and swim top on the beach
  • Dermatologist recommended
  • Free UK delivery over £70
  • 14-day returns

Shop kids' styles

27 products

What customers say

4.7 average from over 12,500 customer reviews

  • “Lovely bright rash vest - keeps my son sun protected and eleviates (some) of the chaos regarding chasing the him round with a suncream bottle. Will be buying a UV suit next!”
    Review pic: child wearing a UV rash vest on the beach GeorgeUV rash vest
  • “This is our second purchase - not because the first uv swimsuit wore out, but because they outgrew them. Still good as new!”
    Review pic: boy wearing full body UPF swimsuit outside SamanthaUV sunsuits
  • “Brilliant quality long lasting caps. Perfect protection for the uva rays. I would recommend these to all with children.”
    Review pic: child wearing UPF 50+ legionnaire cap at the beach JanUV legionnaire cap

How to choose kids' sun protection clothing

Start with how much skin you want covered, then match the piece to school, sport, the pool or the beach.

  1. Short sleeve polo shirt Short sleeve polo shirtShoulders, chest and back
  2. Long sleeve swim shirt Long sleeve swim shirtNeck, arms, chest and back
  3. Long sleeve sunsuit Long sleeve sunsuitNeck, arms, body and thighs
  4. Full-body sunsuit Full-body sunsuitNeck to wrists and ankles

Coverage A full-body sunsuit covers the most and suits long days in and out of the water. A short sleeve polo shirt covers less and works for school and sport, with a legionnaire cap to cover the neck and ears.

Sizes Sizes run by age from 4 to 14 years in most kids' styles. Hats come in 2 to 4 and 6 to 12 year sizes.

Dermatologist recommended

“UPF clothing is an essential part of any sun protection strategy. It offers consistent coverage and long-term UV defence, especially for those at higher risk of skin cancer. equatorsun helps make that protection both effective and practical.”
Dr Dev Shah, Consultant Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon. Read why he recommends equatorsun

Common questions about kids' UV clothing & swimwear

Why choose equatorsun for kids' sun protective clothing?

Ordinary t-shirts and swimsuits are rarely tested for UV and they can let through up to 10 times more UV than UPF 50+ t-shirts and swimsuits. Every equatorsun piece is tested to the AS/NZS 4399 or EN 13758 standard and certified UPF 50+, which means the fabric blocks at least 98% of UVA and UVB rays from reaching the skin it covers, and the protection cannot wash out or wear off. Leading UK consultant dermatologist Dr Dev Shah recommends the equatorsun range. We're a UK family business and have specialised in sun protective clothing since 2006. Customers rate us 4.7 out of 5 across more than 12,500 reviews.

What should children wear in the sun?

Children should wear clothing that is certified UPF 50+ and covers as much skin as the day allows, with a hat that shades the face, ears and neck. For the pool or the beach, a long sleeve swim top or a sunsuit covers the arms and body and can be worn in the water. For school, sport and the park, a UPF 50+ polo shirt with a legionnaire cap or bucket hat does the same job. Sun cream then only needs to go on the skin that is still showing.

At what UV level do children need sun protection?

Ideally as often as possible. It is recommended that children wear sun protection when the UV index is 3 or above, which in the UK is usual from April to September in the middle of the day, and all day on a summer holiday abroad. A child's skin burns faster than an adult's, so on those days cover up with UPF 50+ clothing and a hat, use shade in the middle of the day and put sun cream on the skin that is still exposed.

What are good sun-safe tops for kids?

A good sun-safe top for a child is certified UPF 50+, has a high collar and long sleeves for the most cover, and is comfortable enough that they keep it on. For swimming and the beach, a swim top, also called a rash vest, in chlorine-resistant, quick-drying fabric is the one to choose. For school, sport and days out, a UPF 50+ polo shirt in a light cotton and polyester blend with underarm vents keeps them cool and looks like an ordinary top. All equatorsun kids' tops are certified UPF 50+.

Can kids wear it for school and sport as well as the beach?

Yes. The polo shirts come in school-friendly colours and are made for sports day, PE and the playground, and the legionnaire caps and bucket hats are sized for everyday wear. The swim tops and sunsuits are made for swimming lessons, the pool and the beach, and because the fabric dries quickly they can stay on for the walk home or lunch outside. Every piece gives the same certified UPF 50+ sun protection wherever it is worn.

What ages does the kids' range fit?

The kids' range fits children from 4 to 14 years, with sizes by age in 2-year steps. A few swim tops and sunsuits also come in a 2-year size, and the hats are sized 2 to 4 years and 6 to 12 years. For newborns and children under 2, see the baby and toddler range.

How do I pick a size if my child is between ages?

Check the size guide on the product page, because sizing varies between styles and brands, and go by your child's height and build rather than their birthday. If they are between two sizes, take the larger one. The swim fabrics stretch and hold their shape, so a little room to grow does not affect the protection.

Shop for the family