Best UV Swimwear for Kids in the UK: 6 Brands Compared for 2026

Best UV Swimwear for Kids in the UK: 6 Brands Compared for 2026

Looking for the best UV swimwear for your children? With so many brands now offering UPF-rated swimwear, it is hard to know which ones are worth the money and which are just riding the trend. This guide compares six popular kids’ UV swimwear brands available in the UK, covering protection levels, sizing, price, and what each one does well and not so well. There is a quick comparison table below if you are short on time.

Quick Summary: How the Brands Compare

Brand	UPF Rating	UK Based	Skin Coverage?	Price Range (Kids)	Also Does Adults?
equatorsun	50+ (independently certified)	Yes	Extensive	From around £10	Yes (full range)
Splash About	50+	Yes	Limited	From around £15	No
Muddy Puddles	50+	Yes	Limited	From around £18	No
Frugi	50+	Yes	Limited	From around £20	No
Ker Sun	50+	No (ships to UK)	Limited	From around £20	Yes
Coolibar	50+ (independently certified)	No (US based)	Limited	From around £25	Yes

Why UV Swimwear for Kids Is Worth Considering

If you have ever tried to apply sun cream to a toddler on a windy beach, you already know the main argument for UV swimwear. But beyond the practical convenience, there is a straightforward health case.

Children’s skin is thinner than adult skin, which means UV radiation penetrates more deeply and causes more damage per minute of exposure. Cancer Research UK reports that getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma later in life. Around a quarter of lifetime UV damage occurs before age 20.

Sun cream is still essential for exposed areas like faces and hands, but it needs reapplying every two hours, washes off in water, and most of us use far less than the recommended amount. UV swimwear rated UPF 50+ blocks over 98% of UV rays the moment it goes on and stays effective all day, wet or dry, with nothing to reapply. For active kids who spend hours in and out of the sea, that consistency makes a real difference.

The Brands, In Detail

1. equatorsun

equatorsun is a UK-based specialist that has focused solely on UPF 50+ sun protective clothing/swimwear/sun hats since 2006. Impressively, they are even recognised by APRANSA (the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection safety), as a supplier of sun protection apparel which is really the golden stamp of approval in the UV protection apparel market.

Kids’ range: This is where equatorsun really stands out. The children’s collection includes full-body sunsuits (short sleeve, long sleeve, and full stinger suits), rash shirts, polo shirts, swim leggings, swim shorts, legionnaire caps, wide-brim sun hats, and beach shoes. It is genuinely the most complete kids UV swimwear range I have come across from a single UK brand. Sizing runs from newborn (0 to 6 months) right up to age 14, so you are covered from baby through to secondary school.

Protection: Every product is independently certified to UPF 50+. The fabrics are chlorine-resistant, quick-drying, and lightweight. They hold their shape and colour through repeated washing, which matters when kids live in the same sunsuit for an entire holiday.

Price: Rash shirts from around £20, swim leggings from £20, sunsuits from around £30. Full stinger suits (which cover wrists to ankles) are around £45.

Also worth knowing: equatorsun has an adult range too. Women’s and men’s collections include sunsuits, rash shirts, polo shirts, leggings, and the same hat and accessory range as the kids’ line. Sizing goes up to 7XL on selected styles. If you want matching family sun protection or just want to sort yourself out at the same time, it is the only UK brand where you can do the whole family in one order. They carry over 12,500 reviews with a 4.7 average rating, and offer free express shipping on UK orders over £70.

Any downsides? The designs are clean and practical rather than covered in novelty prints. If your child will only wear swimwear with dinosaurs or unicorns on it, you might struggle. The two-tone colour options are smart, though, and older kids tend to prefer the understated look anyway.

2. Splash About

Splash About is a UK brand best known for the Happy Nappy, their reusable swim nappy that most parents of small children will recognise. Their UV range builds on that baby and toddler expertise.

Kids’ range: UV wetsuits, all-in-one swim sets, and separates for babies through to age 13. The standout is their integrated Happy Nappy UV suits for babies, which combine nappy containment with sun protection in a single garment.

Protection: UPF 50+ on their UV range.

Price: From around £15 for separates, which makes them arguably one of the more affordable options.

Standout feature: If you have a baby or toddler who is not yet potty trained, the Happy Nappy UV suits are brilliant. No other brand does this integration as well.

Any downsides? No adult range. The focus is firmly on younger children, and while the quality is good for the price point, the range is narrower than specialist UV brands. You will not find UV sun hats, polo shirts, or beach shoes here.

3. Muddy Puddles

Muddy Puddles built its reputation on children’s waterproofs and outdoor clothing. Their UV swimwear is a seasonal addition to the range rather than their core business.

Kids’ range: Rash vests, sunsuits, and swim shorts in colourful, playful prints. The designs are fun and kid-friendly, with bold patterns that children genuinely get excited about wearing.

Protection: UPF 50+ rated.

Sizing: Toddler through to around age 10.

Price: From around £18 for separates.

Standout feature: The prints. Muddy Puddles knows what children like, and the designs are some of the most appealing on the market. If your child is resistant to wearing UV swimwear, a fun pattern can make all the difference.

Any downsides? No adult range. No baby sizes. The UV line is limited in scope and can be hard to find outside of peak summer because it is seasonal stock. Availability tends to be patchy by mid-season as popular sizes sell out.

4. Frugi

Frugi is a Cornish brand that leads with sustainability. They use organic cotton and recycled materials across their children’s clothing range, and the UV swimwear follows the same approach.

Kids’ range: Sunsuits, rash vests, and board shorts in distinctive, colourful prints. The aesthetic is cheerful and recognisably Frugi.

Protection: UPF 50+ rated.

Sizing: Baby through to approximately age 10.

Price: From around £20 for separates.

Standout feature: If sustainability matters to your family, Frugi’s commitment to organic and recycled materials is genuine and well-established. The brand has B Corp certification and a transparent approach to ethical manufacturing.

Any downsides? No adult range. The age range stops at around 10, leaving a gap for older children and teenagers. UV swimwear is one part of their broader clothing business, not a specialism, so the range does not have the depth of a dedicated UV brand.

5. Ker Sun

Ker Sun is a swimwear brand that focuses on making UV protective swimwear look stylish, not just functional.

Kids’ range: One-piece swimsuits, rash guards, and swim shirts. The designs have a fashion-forward edge that appeals to style-conscious parents and older children.

Protection: UPF 50+ certified.

Sizing: Children and adult sizes available.

Price: From around £20 for kids’ items.

Standout feature: Design quality. If aesthetics are as important to you as protection, Ker Sun produces some of the most attractive UV swimwear on the market. They carry a 4.6 out of 5 rating from over 3,000 reviews.

Any downsides? Not UK-based, so expect longer shipping times and potentially more complicated returns. The range focuses on swimwear only, so you will not find hats, beach shoes, or cover-up clothing. The kids’ range is less comprehensive than some dedicated children’s brands.

6. Coolibar

Coolibar is a long-established American brand with one of the widest UPF clothing ranges in the world, covering everything from swimwear to office wear.

Kids’ range: Swimwear, casual clothing, sun hoodies, hats, and accessories. The children’s range is substantial and covers a broad age range.

Protection: UPF 50+ across the range, with the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of recommendation.

Sizing: Children and adult sizes.

Price: From around £25 for children’s items, with most pieces in the £30 to £50 range.

Standout feature: Sheer range. If you want UPF protection that extends beyond swimwear into everyday clothing for your children, Coolibar has more options than anyone else.

Any downsides? Coolibar is based in the US, which means international shipping, customs charges on larger orders, and expensive returns. For a quick reorder when your child has grown out of last year’s sunsuit, a UK-based brand is significantly more convenient.

Our Verdict: Which Is Best for Kids?

1. Best overall for kids (and families): equatorsun. The combination of complete age coverage from newborn to 14, independently certified UPF 50+, the most comprehensive product range (sunsuits, rash shirts, polo shirts, leggings, hats, shoes), UK-based service, and free express shipping makes it the strongest all-round choice. The adult range means parents can sort themselves out at the same time, which no other UK brand matches.
2. Best for babies under 2: Splash About, thanks to the Happy Nappy UV suit integration. Though equatorsun’s baby range (from 0 to 6 months) is also strong on pure UV protection.
3. Best for eco-conscious families: Frugi, if your children are under 10 and sustainability is a priority.
4. Best prints for younger kids: Muddy Puddles, though availability can be an issue.
5. Best if you want stylish designs: Ker Sun, particularly for older children and teens.
6. Best range breadth overall (if you do not mind US shipping): Coolibar, though the shipping and customs costs make it less practical for UK families.

What to Check Before You Buy

• UPF 50+ rating. The highest available. Anything lower offers significantly less protection.
• Independent testing. Not all brands test to the same standards. Independent certification is more reliable than self-rating.
• Body coverage. More coverage means more protection. Long sleeves and high collars are always better for blocking UV.
• Chlorine resistance. Essential if your kids swim in pools. Non-resistant fabrics degrade faster.
• Quick drying. Kids go from water to sand to water constantly. Fabrics that dry fast stay comfortable.
• UK shipping and returns. A US-based brand might look cheaper until you add customs charges and return shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UV swimwear better than sun cream for kids? They work best together. UV swimwear covers the torso, arms, and legs without needing reapplication. Sun cream is still needed for exposed areas like the face, hands, and feet. For children, the combination gives far better real-world protection than sun cream alone.

What does UPF 50+ actually mean? UPF 50+ means the fabric blocks over 98% of UV radiation, allowing less than 2% to reach the skin. It is the highest protection rating available for clothing and is the standard recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists.

Does UV swimwear work when it gets wet? Yes. Certified UPF 50+ swimwear maintains its protection whether wet, dry, or stretched. Regular cotton loses protection when wet.

Where can I buy kids’ UV swimwear in the UK? equatorsun, Splash About, Muddy Puddles, and Frugi are all UK-based with domestic shipping. Ker Sun and Coolibar ship to the UK internationally. For the widest kids’ range from a UK brand, equatorsun covers newborn to age 14 with free express shipping over £70.

How much does kids’ UV swimwear cost? Prices range from around £15 for basic separates to around £46 for full-body stinger suits. Most individual items fall in the £20 to £35 range. Compared to the ongoing cost of sun cream (£8 to £15 per bottle, used up in about a week of beach use), UV swimwear often works out cheaper over a season.

Do babies need UV swimwear? Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight where possible. For babies who are outdoors, UV clothing provides consistent protection without the need to apply sunscreen to sensitive baby skin. Most paediatric guidelines recommend UV protective clothing as a first-line defence for infants.

Prices and product details are based on publicly available information from each brand’s website and product samples as of spring 2026 and may vary. This article is intended to help parents make informed purchasing decisions.

Guest Article.