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A UV shirt (or swim top, as some might call it) may seem like a fairly simple piece of gear at first glance. And it certainly is simple. But it also offers a range of great benefits that go beyond just avoiding sunburned shoulders.
That’s why I’ve set out in this guide to share a bit about how UV shirts work, the different types available, and why they’re brilliant for both children and adults. Finally, I’ll also give you my clear recommendation on where you should buy your next UV shirt.
👆 Click on each model to jump down to the section where we review each one in depth.
Best UV shirt for kids: Chilton Rashguard 
Best UV Suit for Kids: Fjord Rashguard 
Kids' UV rash vest with the nicest design 
Our favourite of the short models 
Best UV shirt for men 
Best UV rash vest for women 
If you are looking for a versatile UV rash top suitable for playing at the water’s edge, swim training, and plenty of splashing in the pool, this budget-friendly Watery Chilton UV rash vest is an obvious choice. It is affordable yet does the exact same job as the more expensive rash vests from the big, established brands.
It is made from a durable and flexible material, giving it excellent longevity while providing full freedom of movement for play. It fits very comfortably on the child without irritating the skin. At the same time, it offers the highest level of protection with UPF 50+, so you can be confident that harmful rays are kept at bay.
If your child needs a great all-round UV rash top for a bit of everything, the Chilton is a fantastic option!
“Great quality, size as expected and fast delivery! Very pleased!” – (Signe M.)
“Everything was great. Good quality and fit. Super happy” – (Dennis T.)
If you plan to spend hours in or on the water, you know how quickly the sun can catch you – especially on your shoulders and back. Our Watery Talcott UV rash top is the perfect choice for anyone looking for maximum protection without compromising on style or mobility.
Just like our kids’ models, the Talcott top keeps its shape and colour wash after wash. It is built to be used, and we have even had several customers use it as a light workout top for running or cycling on bright, sunny days because it is so comfortable and breathable.
In short, it is a versatile investment in your skin’s health, allowing you to stay in the water for as long as you like.
“Have washed it multiple times, and it is still like new” – (Trine P.)
“Protects effectively. No sunburn after a full day in Tenerife” – (Lars M.)
If you’re looking for an elegant solution for long days on the water where sunscreen just isn’t enough, Watery’s Remington UV shirt is the perfect choice. It’s a long-sleeved rashguard available in three great colours/designs that combines a flattering feminine cut with the highest level of sun protection.
The Remington model is designed for the active woman – whether on a SUP board, out for an open-water swim, or simply playing with the kids at the water’s edge.
Just like our Talcott model for men, the Remington shirt is extremely versatile. The colours hold up wash after wash, and the fabric doesn’t sag or lose its shape over time. It’s the perfect balance of practical sun protection and a style you’ll actually want to wear at the beach.
“Perfect for the beach. Wore it throughout the holiday and have very sensitive skin, which it helped protect brilliantly” – (Cecilie A.)
“Fits well and the fabric feels lovely” – (Nicolai C.)
If you have a real live wire at home and you’re looking for the ultimate protection, this Watery Fjord UV suit is an obvious choice. It is made from a soft, stretchy material with UPF 50+, blocking 98% of the sun’s rays.
The clever thing about this model is that it covers the most exposed areas—like the shoulders, back, and thighs—all in one single suit. To make things easy for both parents and kids, it comes in four great colours, so there’s something to suit every taste. In addition, it’s extremely versatile, available in both a long-sleeved version for maximum protection and a short-sleeved model for those extra warm days.
In terms of both durability and sun protection, it easily matches the models you usually see from the major brands on the market.
“The product feels like premium quality and fits my son really comfortably” – (Kasper N.)
“Looks really nice, and the colours hold up well in the wash” – (Patrick V.)
Sometimes it’s just easier to cover up completely rather than struggling with sun cream every half hour. That’s where our Watery Brandman UV top comes in as the perfect companion for a day by the pool or at the beach. It’s one of our absolute top sellers, and for very good reason.
While many UV tops quickly become heavy and uncomfortable when wet, the Brandman model is crafted from a lightweight, breathable material. This means the kids can move around freely, whether they’re building sandcastles or practising swimming underwater.
It dries in no time, keeps its shape wash after wash, and is actually so cool that we’ve seen several kids wear it as an everyday top during the winter too.
“Really great long-sleeved rashguard in solid quality. The fabric feels comfortable and durable, the colour looks great, and the sizing is as expected. Perfect for sun protection at the beach and pool. Highly recommended.”
– (Evgenia Z.)
“My daughter absolutely loved the top and didn’t want to take it off again after trying it on.” – (Mads K.)
If you are looking for a wetsuit for your child to use either at the beach or at the swimming pool, I would definitely recommend this Watery UV wetsuit for kids – Calypso Shorty. Watery Calypso is a short-sleeved wetsuit with short legs and great flexibility around the shoulders, which will keep your child warm both at the pool and on the beach while protecting them with UPF 50+ against the sun’s rays.
In addition to coming in more than 15 fantastic colour options, the suit is also made from a combination of two materials, neoprene and Polyamide Lycra – which ensures its high quality.
The upper part of the suit (the light blue sleeves) is made of flexible Lycra, giving even the most energetic kids complete freedom of movement while remaining protected from UVA and UVB rays (UPF 50+).
The legs and body, on the other hand, are constructed in 2 mm neoprene, providing both great buoyancy and keeping the body completely warm.
It is clear that the Calypso Shorty UV wetsuit is popular among children – both for use at the beach and at the swimming pool. Many find that it helps keep them warm, even those who normally get cold quickly.
“Really great swimming suit. This is the second one I’ve bought!” – (Anne-Marie T.)
“The suit looks great and fits well. Exactly what we were looking for..” – (Katharina)
Whether you are a child or an adult, sun protection is vital when heading to the beach, the pool, or on holiday abroad. While most people remember sunscreen, keeping your skin protected all day can be a challenge – especially when jumping in and out of the water. This is where UV swimwear in various forms comes into play as your most reliable ally against the sun’s rays.
The unique benefit of UV swimwear is that it provides a constant, physical barrier against ultraviolet rays. All the swimwear you’ll find here on the site has at least UPF 50+, which is the highest rating in sun protection. This means you can enjoy the water and the warm weather with peace of mind, as the fabric blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.
Although all three types offer crucial UPF 50+ protection against the sun, there are significant differences in when they are most practical to use. It mainly comes down to water temperature, the child’s age, and how long you plan on being active.
Best for: Active play, swim training, and the warmest days. The UV swim shirt is the most flexible choice. It is easy to pull on over the head and pair with regular swimming trunks or bikini bottoms. It is made from thin, quick-drying material that doesn’t restrict movement. It’s the ideal choice for a trip to the beach where you switch between swimming and playing in the sand.
Best for: Babies, toddlers, and maximum protection. A full-body UV suit covers both the upper body and thighs in a single one-piece garment. It is the safest option for little ones, as it prevents the top from riding up and exposing the lower back to the sun. This makes things incredibly easy for you as a parent, knowing your child is covered from shoulders to knees no matter how active playtime gets.
Best for: Cooler days, the swimming pool, or long sessions in the water. Here you get the best of both worlds. A UV wetsuit is typically made from thin neoprene (often 1–2 mm), which, in addition to blocking the sun’s rays, also helps retain body heat. It is brilliant for the Irish summer weather, where the water can be chilly, or for children who quickly get blue lips at the pool. It provides buoyancy and warmth while protecting against UV radiation.
In short: If you want something light and breezy, go for a top. If you want full, hassle-free coverage, choose a suit. If your child needs to stay warm for longer, a wetsuit is the way to go.
UV clothing comes in many styles, depending on how much coverage you need:
UV shirts come in many different styles and can be purchased in an incredible number of places – from supermarkets to fashion shops. But if you want to be sure you’re getting a high-quality UV shirt that actually maintains its protection factor after many trips into the water, there is no way around buying it from a swimming specialist.
At Watery.ie, we specialise in water sports equipment – and with former elite swimmers on our team, we have in-depth knowledge of what works and what doesn’t. We know how important it is to have the right fit and materials that don’t get heavy or lose their shape.
Our Trustpilot score is right at the top, so you can shop with confidence, knowing you are getting products that meet the highest standards of sun protection.
We recommend buying your next UV shirt from us at Watery.ie
