Best Kids' Protective Swim Wear

Summer is almost upon us, and that means plenty of time playing outside, soaking up that glorious fresh air. But whether you’re splashing by the pool, hitting the beach or cruising the playground, that hot sun is unavoidable. And for your little ones, this means the sunscreen battle can officially commence. We can’t say we blame them. We don’t particularly like being slathered with white gloppy gunk either, but it is a necessary evil that kids (understandably) can’t quite wrap their minds around, so resistance is almost inevitable.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that SPF 30+ sunscreen should be reapplied every TWO hours, or after a child has been sweating or swimming. This essentially equals a constant battle of sunscreen application. All. Day. Long.

So to alleviate a few tantrums (for your child and yourself), we highly suggest dressing your little ones in as much UV protective clothing as possible. Although those itsy-bitsy bathing suits may look cute, we promise they can look just as stylish covered up a wee bit more. We’ve found some super chic swim wear options that also offer great sun protection, so you and your kids will be happy and sunburn free all summer long.

WE CHOSE OUR FINDS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
  1. UPF 50 protection – think of it as SPF for your clothes
  2. Stylish – goes without saying
  3. Easy to get on and off – we’d rather avoid the my-kid’s-head-is-going-to-pop-off-while-taking-off-this-soaking-wet-swim-shirt effect
  4. Easy to wash and wear – machine washable and fast-drying

Get ready to make a splash!

GIRLS’ RASH GUARDS & SETS
Seafolly Girls' Memphis Meow Rashguard Set

Seafolly Memphis Meow Rashguard Set

Best features: neon colors and super cute boy shorts for extra coverage

Shop here
Available in sizes 2 to 6 years

Cabana Life Girls' 2 piece Azalea Shores Rashguard Set

Cabana Life 2 piece Azalea Shores Rashguard Set

Best features: Fashionable print, embroidered zipper neck, side-ties on rash guard can adjust length to convert to a cover-up

Shop here
Available in sizes 6-12 months to 6 years

Toobydoo Girls' Flamingo Long Sleeve Rashguard

Toobydoo Flamingo Long Sleeve Rashguard

Best features: fun flamingo print, zipper neck

Shop here
Available in sizes 1 to 14 years

J.Crew girls' rash guard in elephant safari

J.Crew Rash Guard in Elephant Safari

Best features: geometric elephant print, zippered neckline

Shop here
Available in sizes 2 to 16 years

Hanna Andersson Sun-Ready Zipfront Rash Guard

Hanna Andersson Sun-Ready Zipfront Rash Guard

Best feature: full-length zipper

Shop here
Available in size 18 months to 18 years

Garnett Hill Girls' Mixed-Print Bikini & Rashguard Set

Garnett Hill Mixed-Print Bikini & Rashguard Set

Best features: awesome boho print; full-zip rash guard can be layered over adjustable halter bikini

Shop here
Available in size 2 to 14 years

Hatley Girls’ Classic Horses Rash Guard Set

Hatley Classic Horses Rash Guard Set

Best features: wider button neckline; fun graphic print

Shop here
Available in size 2 to 8 years

Coolibar Girls’ Zippy Rash Guard

Coolibar Zippy Rash Guard

Best features: Gripper elastic on back hem to keep shirt in place, asymmetrical neckline zipper

Shop here
Available in size XS (4) – L (10-12)

Seafolly Girls' Galaxy Bliss Surf Set

Seafolly Galaxy Bliss Surf Set

Best features: Sporty, graphic design older girls will love

Shop here
Available in size 10 to 16 years

Snapper Rock Girls' Surf Medallion Sports Set

Snapper Rock Surf Medallion Sports Set

Best Features: stylish 3-piece set that isn’t super skimpy

Shop here
Available in size 2 to 14 years

GIRLS’ SWIM SHORTS

Wondering what to pair with some of the above rash guards? Look no further. We advocate a little extra coverage on the other end too! Check out our picks for protective swim shorts below.

City Threads Girls' Swim Boy Short Bottom

City Threads Girls’ Swim Boy Short Bottom

Best feature: super soft fabric and excellent fit for great bottom coverage

Shop here
Available in size 2T to 6 years

Garnett Hill Girls' Wave Rider Ruched Swim Boy Shorts

Garnett Hill Wave Rider Ruched Swim Boy Shorts

Best features: Comfy waist band and great fit for extra coverage

Shop here
Available in size 2 to 14 years

Snapper Rock Girls' Fushia Feathers Swim Shorts

Snapper Rock Fushia Feathers Swim Shorts

Best features: Adorable pom-pom trim, great for cover-up but can also be worn in the water

Shop here
Available in size 2 to 14 years

BOYS’ RASH GUARDS
Hanna Andersson Boys' Sun-Ready Rash Guards

Hanna Andersson Sun-Ready Rash Guard

Best features: available in zip front, long and short sleeves; fun graphic stripes and elbow patches

Shop here
Available in size 18 months to 18 years

Hatley Crab Boys’ Rash Guard

Hatley Crab Rash Guard

Best feature: wider neck line and graphic prints

Shop here
Available in size 2 to 8 years

O'Neill 24-7 Hybrid Long Sleeve Tee

O’Neill 24-7 Hybrid Long Sleeve Tee

Best feature: Super stretchy; looks like a regular shirt

Shop here
Available in size 4 to 8 years

Coolibar Boys’ Zip Rash Guard

Coolibar Zip Rash Guard

Best features: Quarter-zip neckline, gripper elastic on back hem keeps shirt from riding up

Shop here
Available in size 4 to 12 years

Under Armour Slasher Long Sleeve Rash Guard

Under Armour Slasher Long Sleeve Rash Guard

Best Features: ultra-light comfy fabric with anti-odor technology, doesn’t look like a swim shirt

Shop here
Available in size XS-large

Patagonia Long-Sleeved Silkweight Rashguard

Patagonia Long-Sleeved Silkweight Rashguard

Best features: Easy on/off rib-knit; angled side panels to eliminate underarm chafing; light-weight fabric with odor control

Shop here
Available in size 5 to 18 years

whatmomslove

whatmomslove

Similar Posts

One Comment

Comments brighten our day. Leave one here.