Ultraviolet Protection Factor (or UPF for short) is protection against both UVA and UVB rays. We LOVE UPF clothing because it means I don’t have to deal with messy sunscreen (as much). I try to look for cooling or moisture wicking tops so we can use them for active things like hiking and biking.
I also only get the rash guard/sun shirt style swim suits for my girls, so much easier to keep them protected playing in the sprinkler, pool, or at the beach.
Note: Rash guards or swim shirts should NOT be used for active play or activities out of the water because they are not moisture wicking and could cause overheating. And some UPF shirts should not be used in pools or salt-water because the chlorine or salt can damage them. Make sure to read labels and check the purpose of the item.
We have compiled some of our favorite sun protection clothing for kids products to help keep you and your family protected this summer! Worried your kiddo might get too warm wearing long sleeves? Light colored, loose fitting, breathable clothing can actually help keep you cooler than no sleeves. Still warm? Toss your UPF shirt in the washer and run for a “rinse and spin” cycle, the damp shirt will feel cool next to the body!
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What Is the Difference Between UPF and SPF
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is the standard that measures the effectiveness of sunscreen against UVB rays only. Higher SPF generally means you can be in the sun longer before getting burned, but that sometimes gives a false sense of security. Learn more on the EWG website and find safe sunscreens for your family.
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is similar to SPF, but it measures the effectiveness of a fabric against both UVA and UVB rays.
UPF and SPF numbers are not exactly equal. A UPF of 30 means the fabric will let 1/30th of UVA/UVB rays through- blocking roughly 96.6% of all UV rays continuously. A SPF of 30 (when applied properly, which most people don’t) means that you can be in the sun 30 times longer before burning than if you were wearing none.
The Skin Cancer Foundation tells us this:
The SPF number tells you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to redden your skin when using the product exactly as directed versus the amount of time without any sunscreen. So ideally, with SPF 30 it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen.
An SPF 30 allows about 3 percent of UVB rays to hit your skin. An SPF of 50 allows about 2 percent of those rays through. That may seem like a small difference until you realize that the SPF 30 is allowing 50 percent more UV radiation onto your skin.
https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-does-a-high-spf-protect-my-skin-better/
UVA and UVB Rays
UVA or Ultraviolet A rays causes skin damage that leads to skin again, wrinkling, and tanning. Some UVA rays can also cause sunburn.
UVB or Ultraviolet B rays are the key culprit of sunburn and are a key contributor to causing skin cancer.
Having a product that protects against both is key to keeping your skin healthy.
Why UPF Clothing?
Better Than Sunscreen
Wearing UPF clothing is way better than sunscreen. Its not messy. It never wears off or washes out. Protection is immediate. If you are wearing the garment, you are protected, simple as that.
Sunscreen must be applied 20-30 min before going outside and be reapplied every two hours, or sooner if you have been sweating, swimming, or toweling off.
UVA and UVB Protection
Unless you have a broad spectrum sunscreen, most sunscreens only protect against UVB rays, meaning your skin is still exposed to UVA rays.
100% Waterproof
UPF clothing can’t wash off when splashing in the pool and it can’t be wiped off when toweling dry. No sunscreen is actually waterproof, just water resistant and it must be reapplied after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Best UPF Clothing for Kids
UPF garments come in a wide variety of products now, from short sleeve tees, hoodies, arm sleeves, shorts, blankets and hats! The hard part is choosing which one to get. Hopefully this guide will help you decide. They are sorted alphabetically by brand.
Read below for sun protective clothing for toddlers, the best sun shirts for kids and sun protective accessories we recommend.
Favorite UPF Clothing Brands A-Z
- Akova
- Columbia Sportswear
- Coolibar
- Hannah Anderson
- Patagonia
- Primary
- REI Coop
- Reima
- Stonz
- Stio
- Swim Zip
- The North Face
- UV Skinz
Sun Shirts for Kids
Akova Graphene UPF 50+ Shirts
From hot weather adventures to winter base layers and everything in between, the Graphene shirts have you covered. They provide UPF 50+ sun protection and are lightweight, quick drying, and moisture wicking. Plus – they are anti-microbial! And with their direct to consumer pricing, they are a decent deal!
They have a few items in the Graphene line – two styles of long sleeve hoodies, one with a logo on the sleeve and one with out. And they have three tee styles – one with a big logo, smaller box logo and one with the logo on the sleeve. They come in two colors- Black and a slate bluish color.
Note on sizing: If you want a looser fitting shirt, size up. If you want a snugger fit, like a baselayer, they are true to size. My daughters are pretty solidly a Small and Medium and thats what we have in these tops, and they are fitting more like a base layer.
- UPF 50+
- Available in kids S-L
- Material: 46% graphene polyester / 46% polyester / 8% spandex
- Features: hood and thumbholes
Valid for any order at full price (not including Outlet and Renewed items that are already heavily discounted).
Columbia Kids’ Fork Stream Hoodie
Moisture wicking fabric will help keep your little cool and dry on the trail. Hood and thumbholes offer extra protection.
- UPF 50
- Available in kids XXS-XL
- Material: 100% recycled polyester
- Features: hood and thumbholes
Coolibar Kid’s LumaLeo Long Sleeve
This Coolibar sun shirt is great for everyday wear. Some of their other products are a bit thicker, like swim shirts, and don’t breathe as well, but this one is designed leisure and everyday wear. Also available in a Hoodie style.
- UPF 50+
- Available in kids XS (4) to L (10-12)
- Material: Cotton/Viscose blend from Bamboo/Elastane blend
- Features: Thumbholes to keep the hands covered and flatlock seams
Hannah Anderson Active MadeForSun Hoodie
This super soft material feels great next to the skin. Material is moisture wicking. This hoodie as a little thicker fabric than the Patagonia, so it also works good as another light layer on cool evenings at camp. It also comes in a variety of colors!
- UPF 35 (website states blocks 97% which is equivalent to UPF 35)
- Available in sizes kids 2-12
- Material: 88% recycled poly/12% spandex UV melange jersey
- Features: Hood, thumbholes, kangaroo pocket.
Patagonia Capilene Silkweight Hoodie
Patagonia’s Capliene Silkweight line is a super soft and dreamy fabric that comes in sizes and styles for the whole family! Hoodies, tees, and longsleeve shirts that all offer some UPF protection. Recently Patagonia removed all the UPF designations from their clothes and hang tags due to some inconsistent readings. At a minimum the shirts are a UPF of 15. Some of the adult shirts also have some odor busting technology. They are very lightweight too!
Available in Kids Hoodies, Long Sleeve T, and Swim Rash Guard. Available in baby/toddler Hoodies, Long Sleeve T, and Short Sleeve T.
- UPF 17-45 UPF Depending on style (learn more here). All the Capilene Silkweight items for kids are UPF40+ on the website.
- Available in baby/toddler 3-6M to 5T and kids XS-XXL
- Material: 94% polyester (35% recycled)/6% spandex jersey
- Features: Some hooded, very lightweight, super soft
Can also purchase at REI Co-op and Backcountry.com.
Primary Stay Cool Pullover Hoodie – BUDGET PICK!
This light weight hoodie is a team favorite at a great price! They are a similar weight to the Patagonia hoodie, but are still soft and feature a stay-cool weave to help wick moisture and dry quickly. They run true to size and have a great hood and pocket. However, they do tend to stretch a bit when wet.
- UPF 50+
- Available in kids sizes 2-3 to 14
- Material: 90% recycled polyester, 10% spandex
- Features: Hood, thumbholes, kangaroo pocket, reflective detail on sleeve
Check out the rest of Primary’s UPF clothing here!
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
This lightweight and soft hoodie is similar to the favorite Patagonia hoody. The lightweight stretch knit wicks away moisture to keep you cool. The Sahara comes in sizes for the whole family and comes in at a great price during their member sales!
- UPF 50+
- Available in toddler sizes 2T-4T, kids sizes XXS(4-5) to XL (18), men’s and women’s
- Material: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex (bluesign approved)
- Features: Hood, thumb holes, kangaroo pocket
Reima Luotaus Hoodie
Reima is a trusted brand for many of the TMM families and their sun protection gear is no exception. The quick dry, stretchy material will keep your little ones protected from the sun.
- UPF 50+
- Available in kids sizes 4T to 14 years
- Material: 90% recycled polyester, 10% elastane
- Features: Hood, kangaroo pocket
Stio Kids’ Hylas Hooded Pullover
A lightweight, stretchy fabric that is UPF 50+. A summer staple for TMM Team Member Mary’s kids. Also available in Men’s and Women’s sizes.
- UPF 50+
- Available in kids sizes 4-14
- Material: 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex
- Features: Hood, flatlock seams, bright colors.
The North Face Amphibious Long-Sleeve Sun Tee and Set
This set is a great pick if you want a shirt and shorts that match! The tops all feature TNF’s FlashDry technology to help keep your kids sweat free. We love that these come in lots of color options and are lightweight. The neck and long sleeves help provide adequate protection. Downside, the shorts tend to run a little big are have been falling off kids who typically wear the same size and they do snag easily.
- UPF 40+
- Available in a set for Toddler sizes 2T-7. Available in Girls and Boys sizes XS (6)-XXL (18-20).
- Material: 90% recycled polyester, 10% elastane with FlashDry-XD™
Can also purchase at REI Co-op and Backcountry.com.
Sun Suits for Babies and Toddlers
Stonz Baby and Kid’s Sun Suit
Stonz full-length zip one-piece suit which is perfect for babies and toddlers to be in the sun safely. The two-way zipper makes diaper changes easy. Lightweight and quick drying it is good for sun play or water play.
- UPF 50+
- Available is baby and toddler sizes 0-6M to 3T
- Material: 85% polyester 15% elastane
- Features: Two way zipper
The North Face Baby Amphibious One-Piece
The super bright colors make sure your littlest is seen. Flash dry material makes it quick to dry and the button crotch helps simplify diaper changes.
- UPF 40+
- Available is baby and toddler sizes 0-3M to 18-24M
- Material: 90% recycled polyester, 10% elastane with FlashDry
- Features: Bright colors and crotch snap
Can also purchase at Backcountry.com.
UV Skinz Baby Hooded Everyday Romper
This full-length zip one-piece romper is great for everyday play. Buttery soft and a full length zipper make for quick changes. If you are looking for something to pull double duty, check out the UV Skinz Sun and Swim Suit instead.
- UPF 50+
- Available is baby and toddler sizes 3-6M to 3T
- Material: Viscose made from Bamboo
- Features: Full zipper, flatlock seams, front pockets for treasures
Sun Protective Accessories
Coolibar Sun Blanket
This blanket was great when our littles were babies. We could cover their legs, drape over the stroller or even swaddle and know they were protected from UV rays. Now, we still use it in the stroller, or out on the boat. Put it in the washer for a rinse & spin before hand and it also works as a great cooling blanket. Soft and stretchy, this blanket has many uses! Perfect gift for new moms with babies!
- UPF 50+
- Blanket is 36″ x 40″
- Material: Cotton/Viscose from Bamboo/Elastane blend
Iksplor Adventure Blanket
Now you might be wondering why I have a merino wool blanket on this list, but this is a multipurpose blanket and merino’s tight weave helps the fabric protect you from UV rays. This is a super soft blanket that can be used all year round! Merino is great at temperature regulation and can also double as a towel in a pinch.
- Iksplor does not have a rating, but most merino wool rates at UPF30+
- Blanket is 48″ x 48″
- Material: 100% Merino Wool
Sunday Afternoons Play Hat
Hands down… this is our favorite sun hat for the girls. For the most part, they know that they aren’t playing outside without it on their noggin. Lightweight, easy care, and tons of fun prints. Grab yours today and get them started wearing it young!
- UPF 50+
- Available baby/kids S (6-24M), M (2-5 years), L (5-12 years). (Adult styles also available!)
- Material: Solids: 100% Nylon / Prints: 100% Polyester
Check out all our recommended sun hats for kids here!
Swimsuits with UPF
There are a lot of choices out there for UPF blocking swimwear. Since its hard to narrow to a single item we are going to give your our favorite brands for UPF swimwear!
- Carters: Baby, toddler, and kid UPF 50+ swimwear
- Coolibar: Baby through adult UPF 50+ swimwear and accessories
- Hannah Anderson: baby, toddler, and kid UPF 35 swimwear
- Reima: Baby, toddler, and kid UPF 50+ swimwear and accessories.
- Target Cat & Jack or Art Class: Baby, toddler, and kid UPF 50+ swimwear
- UV Skinz: Baby through adult UPF 50+ swimwear and accessories
Some Final Thoughts on UPF Garment Care
UPF garments are not invincible and over time can lose their effectiveness as they wear out. Treat them with care by following the instructions on the care label for laundering and replace when they are worn or tattered.
Keeping your body protected from harmful rays requires a multi-level approach. One product can’t possibly protect all of you, so you will need a few different things like… a hat for you head, sun shirt for your body, sunscreen for exposed skin, and sunglasses for your eyes.
Remember to seek shady areas when possible and limit your UV exposure during peak hours, roughly 10a-4p, but if you still want to go have fun in the sun, just check the tips above before you head out.
Related Articles:
- Best Sun Hats for Kids
- Best Sunglasses for Kids
- Natural Sunscreens for Kids
- Outdoor Family Summer Gear Guide
- Best Water Shoes for Kids
Sun Protection Clothing for Kids 2024
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