6 Best Kids Swimsuits With Built In Upf That Last All Summer Long

You’re set up for a perfect beach day: the cooler is packed, the towels are ready, and the kids are buzzing with excitement. But an hour in, you realize you’re spending more time chasing them with a bottle of sunscreen than actually relaxing. Keeping kids safe from the sun’s harsh rays without constant reapplication is a major challenge, turning a fun day into a stressful chore. The right gear can change that, allowing for longer, safer days of play.

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Why UPF 50+ and Durability Matter in Kids’ Swimwear

When you’re looking at a rack of colorful swimsuits, it’s easy to focus on the design. But the two most critical factors for a suit that will protect your child and last the season are its UPF rating and its construction. Think of UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) as SPF for fabric; it measures how much UVA and UVB radiation the material blocks from reaching the skin. A standard cotton t-shirt might have a UPF of only 5, which drops even lower when wet.

A UPF 50+ rating is the gold standard. This means the fabric blocks over 98% of the sun’s harmful rays, providing consistent, reliable protection that doesn’t wash off or need to be reapplied. This is especially crucial for kids, whose skin is thinner and more susceptible to sun damage. When you pair a high UPF rating with durable materials that resist degradation from chlorine, saltwater, and sand, you get a piece of gear that performs reliably from the first splash in June to the last cannonball in August.

Investing in a quality suit often means a higher upfront cost, but it pays off. A cheap, thin suit might stretch, fade, and lose its protective qualities after just a few trips to the pool. A well-made garment not only holds its shape and color but, more importantly, maintains its UPF integrity, giving you peace of mind all summer long.

Hanna Andersson Rash Guard for Play-Proof Durability

If your kids treat the backyard like an adventure park and the beach like a construction site, you need gear that can keep up. Hanna Andersson’s rash guards are legendary for a reason: they are built to withstand relentless play. The fabric is a dense, high-quality nylon/spandex blend that resists pilling from rough pool decks and snagging on driftwood.

This is the suit you buy if you value longevity above all else. Many families find these rash guards last long enough to be handed down to younger siblings, still looking bright and feeling substantial. The tradeoff for this incredible durability is that the material is a bit heavier than some competitors and may take slightly longer to dry.

For the family that wants a "buy it once" solution for the season (or two), the investment is easily justified. It’s a workhorse piece of gear designed for kids who are truly hard on their clothes, ensuring protection and performance don’t fade after the first few weeks of summer.

Coolibar Sunsuit: Maximum UPF 50+ Sun Coverage

For those long, exposed days on the boat, at the splash pad, or for children with particularly sensitive skin, maximizing coverage is the primary mission. Coolibar specializes exclusively in sun-protective clothing, and their expertise shows. Their one-piece sunsuits are designed to cover the torso, arms, and thighs, drastically reducing the amount of skin that needs sunscreen.

Coolibar’s proprietary fabrics are engineered to be lightweight, breathable, and chlorine-and-saltwater resistant, all while guaranteeing a UPF 50+ rating for the life of the garment. This isn’t just a feature; it’s the entire purpose of their gear. They focus on creating a physical barrier to UV radiation that is both effective and comfortable for all-day wear.

While a full sunsuit can feel like a bigger commitment, the convenience is undeniable. You eliminate the worry about missing a spot with sunscreen on a squirming toddler’s back or shoulders. For ultimate sun safety without compromising comfort, a dedicated sunsuit from a protection-focused brand like Coolibar is the most direct solution.

Patagonia Baby Baggies for Eco-Conscious Play

For the family that integrates their outdoor ethos into every gear choice, Patagonia offers a solution that is both functional and environmentally responsible. Their Baby Baggies shorts are not a full-coverage option on their own, but they represent a durable, versatile foundation for a summer kit. Made from 100% recycled nylon with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, they are tough, quick-drying, and built for a wide range of activities.

These shorts are perfect for days that might involve a hike to a swimming hole, playing in the sand, and then heading into town for ice cream. Paired with a quality UPF 50+ rash guard, they create a system that is adaptable and long-lasting. Patagonia’s commitment to ethical production and their Ironclad Guarantee adds significant value, ensuring the gear is supported for its entire lifespan.

The decision here is less about all-in-one convenience and more about building a versatile, sustainable wardrobe for an active outdoor kid. It’s a choice that prioritizes multi-use functionality and environmental values over single-purpose design.

L.L.Bean Sun-and-Surf Shirt for Classic Quality

Sometimes you don’t need the most technical, specialized piece of gear; you just need something that works, day in and day out. L.L.Bean’s Sun-and-Surf Shirt is that reliable, no-nonsense choice. It’s a classic for families who spend their summers moving between the lake house, the local pool, and the coastal beach.

The shirt’s fabric is a proven blend that offers UPF 50+ protection, dries quickly, and is specifically designed to resist fading from both sun and chlorine. The fit is comfortable and unrestrictive, perfect for everything from learning to swim to building sandcastles. L.L.Bean has built its reputation on straightforward, durable goods, and this rash guard is a perfect example.

This isn’t the flashiest option, but it’s a dependable performer from a brand with a long history of quality and customer satisfaction. It strikes an excellent balance between performance, durability, and cost, making it a smart and practical choice for almost any family.

SwimZip Long Sleeve Sunsuit for Easy Changes

Anyone who has tried to peel a wet, tight swimsuit off a tired and sandy toddler knows the struggle is real. SwimZip was founded by a parent to solve this exact problem. Their signature feature is a full-length zipper that runs down the front of their sunsuits, transforming frustrating changes into a quick, simple process.

This design is a game-changer for diaper changes and potty breaks. Beyond the brilliant zipper, the suits provide excellent UPF 50+ coverage with long sleeves in soft, stretchy fabric. They prioritize both sun safety and parental sanity, a combination that is hard to beat during the little years.

The primary tradeoff is that the focus on comfort and convenience might mean the fabric isn’t quite as ruggedly durable as some thicker, heavier options. However, for parents of babies and toddlers, the sheer practicality of the easy-on, easy-off design often makes it the most valuable feature a swimsuit can have.

Lands’ End Rash Guard for Chlorine Resistance

If your summer days are measured in swim lessons and trips to the community pool, your main adversary isn’t just the sun—it’s chlorine. The chemical that keeps pools safe is notoriously harsh on fabric, breaking down spandex and causing colors to fade and material to lose its shape. Lands’ End specifically tackles this problem with their chlorine-resistant rash guards.

They use fabrics like LYCRA® Xtra Life™ spandex, which is engineered to last up to 10 times longer than suits made with ordinary spandex. This means the rash guard will maintain its snug, comfortable fit and, most importantly, its tight weave necessary for UPF 50+ protection, even after a full season of pool use.

While these rash guards perform perfectly well in saltwater, their true advantage is for the pool-centric family. By investing in a suit designed to withstand chemical wear, you ensure that the gear’s protective qualities and comfortable fit won’t degrade halfway through the summer.

How to Care for UPF Swimwear to Make It Last

You’ve invested in a quality piece of gear; now you need to make it last. The sun, salt, chlorine, and sunscreen that your child’s swimsuit endures are tough on technical fabrics. Proper care is simple and can dramatically extend the life and effectiveness of the garment.

Follow these steps to keep your UPF swimwear in top condition:

• Rinse Immediately. As soon as you’re done swimming, rinse the suit in cool, fresh water. This is the single most important step to remove damaging salt, chlorine, and mineral residues.
• Wash Gently. Hand wash in cool water with a mild soap designed for delicates. If you must use a machine, place the suit in a mesh lingerie bag and use the gentle cycle. Never use bleach or harsh detergents.
• Don’t Wring It Out. Squeezing and wringing stretches and damages the delicate fibers, especially the spandex. Gently roll the suit in a towel and press to remove excess water.
• Dry in the Shade. Lay the suit flat to dry away from direct sunlight. The same UV rays you’re trying to block can fade colors and degrade the fabric over time. Never put a swimsuit in a machine dryer, as the high heat will destroy the elastic fibers.

Ultimately, the best swimsuit is the one that keeps your child safe and comfortable, allowing your family to stay outside longer. Don’t get paralyzed by the options. Pick a durable, high-UPF suit that fits your family’s summer plans, take good care of it, and then get out there. The goal isn’t perfect gear; it’s making memories in the sun.