Okay, so the sun is finally out in the UK and the littlies are desperate to be outside playing all day long. But how do you keep them safe from the sun? Swimwear for kids gets a bad rep on the design front so we’ve done the research for you to find all the best sun-safe swimwear for kids on the market this year and of course, aesthetics are high on the list of priorities. From high street favourites to gorgeous independent brands, below we’ve got all your sun-safe swimwear for kids covered.
M&S Striped Cherry Print Frill Swimsuit (0-3 Yrs)
This cute striped swimsuit, featuring an all-over cherry motif, is perfect for one of your little one’s first holidays. Fuss-free zip fastening at the neck, with comfy long sleeves and playful frills at the legs. The colour will last swim after swim, thanks to chlorine-resistant fabric. Endorsed by the British Skin Foundation, UPF50+ Sun Smart technology offers sun protection.
UPF 50 1 piece protection suit
This 1-piece UPF 50+ (98% effective at blocking UVA rays) ‘Sun Protection Suit’ will help to protect children from harmful UV rays. Ideal for both playing in the sun and for swimming, it keeps covered areas safe from sunburn, enabling little ones to enjoy playing outside in the sun. Plus, it has been made with recycled plastics, making it a more sustainable choice than those made with traditional materials. Please note, this item will only provide protection to areas directly covered and, to a lesser extent, areas shaded from the sun. 80% Recycled Nylon, 20% Elastane and machine washable.
M&S Daisy Print All In One with Sun Hat (2-8 Yrs)
Get your youngster ready for their day at the beach in this all-in-one swimsuit. Regular fit, with added stretch for comfort. Long sleeves and legs provide good coverage, and there’s a handy zip fastening at the front. The matching sun hat has a wide brim and a flap at the back.
£20.50 at Marks & Spencer
Blue Flower Meadow Swim T-Shirt
Wheat’s summer collection has plenty of beautiful styles to choose from but we’re loving this unisex short-sleeved swimming T-shirt in the Blue Flower Meadow print. The bathing T-shirt has a small collar to protect the neck from the sun and raglan sleeves. The style is with UV 40+/UPF 40+ protection and is OEKO-TEX® certified.
M&S Kids’ Pure Cotton Reversible Sun Hat (1-6 Yrs)
This pure cotton sun hat is a versatile choice for holidays. The fabric is finished with a Sun Smart UPF50+ treatment to help protect skin against harmful UV rays. It’s designed in a reversible style, with stripes on one side and a plain design on the other. Topped off with cute ears.
Liewood Sille Baby Long-Sleeve Swimsuit
Liewood’s Sille Swim Jumpsuit, is a pretty swimsuit made from recycled polyester, adorned with playful prints. Features include long sleeves, ruffles on the shoulders and waist. Whilst the design is decorative and practical, it’s ensures safe and delightful playtime in the sun. Crafted with care, it combines fashion-forward design with sustainable materials for an eco-friendly and adorable swimwear choice.
Floral frilly swim nappy
Taking your baby to the beach or swimming pool has enough challenges without swim nappies to worry about. Jojo have bought out this stylish foral swim nappy which is far more appealing to the eye and provides an extremely practical solution that keeps accidents contained, without the need for another nappy underneath. It has a fully elasticated waistband and leg openings for easy dressing.
Marie-Louise swimsuit by WHEAT
Wheat’s Marie-Louise swimsuit provides style and protection with this design, available in two colour ways. The style is with UV 40+/UPF 40+ protection and is OEKO-TEX® certified. The bathing suit is fitted with a wide ruffle at the neckline and shoulders. It has a lower cut in the back and is made from 83% Recycled polyester.
M&S Frill Waist Palm Tree Swimsuit (0-3 Yrs)
Liewood Amel Short-Sleeve Swimsuit – Shell Pale Tuscany
Dress your little one in style with Liewood’s Amel Printed Swim Jumpsuit, featuring a playful design and offering UV protection factor 40+. The convenient front zipper makes dressing a breeze, while the adorable ruffle detail at the shoulder adds a touch of charm. Keep your child both protected and fashionable during sunny adventures by choosing this delightful swim jumpsuit.
M&S Long Sleeve Sea Life Swimsuit (0-3 Yrs)
With its all-over sea life print, this chlorine-resistant swimsuit is perfect for their next water adventure. Comfy regular fit, with added stretch for comfort and long sleeves to protect against the sun. Fastens with a zip at the back. Our Sun Smart UPF50+ technology is endorsed by the British Skin Foundation, and helps to protect against harmful UV rays.
UPF 50 Surf Suit – Beach Baby Clothing
Devon-based small brand Beach Baby Clothing offers beautifully bright swimwear with UPF 50 in a range of signature prints, including stormy seas, aztec and wild surf boards – taking inspiration from the scenery at the brand’s birthplace – Westward Ho! Perfect for a day on the beach, swimming lessons or just playing in the paddling pool. Additional benefits include a front zip for quick and easy changing, quick-drying fabric and they are machine washable.
Suits from £24.00 at Beach Baby Clothing
M&S 2pc Floral Swimsuit and Hat (0-3 Yrs)
Get little ones ready for the water with this adorable two-piece floral swim set. The all-in-one fastens easily with a zip, while the hat keeps their head and neck covered. Made from chlorine-resistant fabric, with added stretch for comfort. Designed with Sun Smart UPF50+ to help protect against UV rays and endorsed by the British Skin Foundation.
M&S Embroidered Swim Shorts (2-8 Yrs)
Bring a fun feel to their beachwear with these swim shorts, embroidered all over with a friendly octopus motif. The regular-fit style is part lined, with a drawstring waist for easy adjusting. Made with Sun Smart UPF50+ fabric, which is endorsed by the British Skin Foundation for helping to protect against harmful UV rays.
M&S Toucan Print Swim Shorts (0-3 Yrs)
Get your youngster ready for beach days with these cool swim shorts. Neat regular fit, with a drawstring tie at the elasticated waistline. Our Sun Smart fabric gives UPF50+ protection from harmful rays. These shorts are fully lined for comfort, and have an all-over print of toucans sitting among leaves.
