UV majice za otroke in malčke z zaščito UPF 50+

Kids Rash Guards & UV Swim Shirts

Kids Rash Guards and UV Swim Shirts – Sun Protection for the Beach and the Water

A kids rash guard is a lightweight, quick-dry UV shirt rated UPF 50+ that lets through only about 2% of UV rays and protects children's skin at the beach, in the water and in the playground. Unlike sunscreen, it doesn't wash off, so there's no reapplying after every swim. Short or long sleeves cover the shoulders, back and arms, the areas that burn first.

Our range includes fitted kids rash vests and loose-fit UV shirts for toddlers from 1 year and children up to 12, including girls' and boys' styles. Every shirt is rated UPF 50+; the differences are in fit, sleeve length and size. For parents and older teens, see our rash guards and UV shirts, and find the rest of your sun gear in sun protection.

Which Rash Guard Should I Choose for My Child?

The right fit mostly depends on whether your child will spend the day playing on the beach or swimming in the water.

Age and activity	What to choose
Toddlers aged 1–3 (beach and shallow water)	long sleeve UV shirt + stretchy fabric for easier dressing
Beach and sandpit play (ages 4–12)	loose-fit UV shirt, short or long sleeve
Swimming and jumping in (mostly in the water)	fitted kids rash vest
Surfing, SUP and lessons (hours on the water)	fitted long sleeve rash guard
Fair skin and a full day in the sun	long sleeves, fitted or loose
Your child gets cold quickly in the water	kids wetsuit

Types of Kids UV Shirts

Kids UV shirts come in three main types: fitted rash vests, loose-fit UV shirts and toddler swim shirts.

Fitted kids rash vests

A kids rash vest is a fitted UV top made from four-way stretch fabric that won't balloon when your child jumps in and doesn't get in the way of swimming. It's ideal for swimming, playing in the waves, surfing and SUP, and a thin one can be worn under a shorty wetsuit. Choose short or long sleeves.

Loose-fit UV shirts for beach play

A loose-fit UV shirt doesn't cling to the body, so children can pull it on and off quickly, even when wet. They wear it like a normal T-shirt all day, from digging in the sand to paddling in the shallows. In deeper water and waves it can balloon a little.

Toddler and baby UV shirts

Toddler styles are available for ages 1 to 3. Stretchy fabric makes dressing easier and flatlock seams won't rub delicate skin. Long sleeves mean fewer areas to cover with sunscreen. For babies under 6 months, dermatologists advise keeping them out of direct sun and avoiding widespread sunscreen use, so shade, clothing and a sun hat are the main protection.

What Does UPF 50+ Mean on Kids Swimwear?

UPF is the sun protection rating for fabric: UPF 50 lets through 1/50 of UV rays, so it blocks around 98% of UVA and UVB. SPF is the rating for sunscreen, so the correct label for a shirt is UPF 50+. Swim fabrics keep their protection when wet; once a shirt turns see-through or loses its shape, replace it.

Children cool down faster in the water than adults. Based on wetsuit manufacturers' recommendations, a rash guard is enough in water above roughly 26 °C. At 21–25 °C, if your child has blue lips or starts shivering, they'll be warmer in a kids wetsuit.

Short or Long Sleeves?

Long sleeves cover more skin, while short sleeves feel cooler on hot days.

Short sleeves – hot days, playing in the shade, shorter time in the sun.
Long sleeves – midday sun, a full day at the beach, fair skin and lots of moles. Fewer areas to apply sunscreen, which parents appreciate most.

Rash Guards for Girls and Boys

Protection is the same across all styles; the differences are in cut and colour. Girls' styles come in fitted and loose fits with short or long sleeves, boys' styles in a loose fit with short sleeves. Our unisex kids shirts suit everyone.

How Should a Kids Rash Guard Fit?

Sizes are labelled by age, but choosing by your child's height, shown in the size chart on each product, is more reliable. A fitted rash vest should sit close to the body without wrinkles and not ride up when your child raises their arms. With a loose-fit shirt you can size up so it lasts another summer, while a fitted swim rash vest should fit right away. You're welcome to try sizes on in our shop in Ljubljana.

Kids UV Shirts for the Sea and SUP

On the water your child is in the sun the whole time, and light also reflects off the water and sand, so they burn faster than in the shade on the beach. For a family SUP trip or a lesson, choose a fitted long sleeve rash guard that dries quickly after a fall and doesn't get in the way of paddling. Bright colours are also easier to spot in the water. Looking for a board for the little ones? See our kids SUP boards.

Who Else Are Kids Rash Guards For?

children with fair skin or lots of moles,
families on holiday in hot and tropical destinations,
kids at swimming lessons, summer camps and nursery by the water,
families out on a boat, kayak or SUP,
parents who know how hard it is to reapply sunscreen every hour.

What to Wear with a Kids Rash Guard?

Bottoms: a swimsuit or swim shorts.
On the head: a wide-brimmed sun hat that shades the face, neck and ears.
Face and hands: a mineral sunscreen for kids, as a shirt only protects the skin it covers.
After the water: a kids changing poncho to dry off and change quickly.

How to Care for a Kids UV Shirt

Rinse it in cool fresh water after every use, especially after the pool, as chlorine is hard on the fabric. Hand wash without bleach or a tumble dryer, and dry it in the shade. That way it keeps its stretch and protection for several seasons.

Related categories
Rash guards & UV shirts · Sun protection · Kids wetsuits · Kids changing ponchos · Kids SUP boards

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Does a kids' UV shirt replace sunscreen?

On the parts of the body it covers, yes — and the protection doesn't wash off there after swimming. You should still apply children's sunscreen to your child's face, neck, ears and hands, ideally one with mineral filters, which lasts longer in the water.

Do kids' UV shirts irritate the skin?

Usually not. The fabric is soft and stretchy, and the flat seams don't rub under the arms. If your child has sensitive skin, rinse the shirt in fresh water after a day at the sea, as salt and sand trapped in the fabric can irritate the skin.

What ages are the kids' UV shirts for?

They're available for toddlers from age 1 and children up to 12, which corresponds to a height of roughly 88 to 155 cm. For taller children and teenagers, check the smallest sizes among our adult UV shirts.

Does a child get hot in a UV top?

Usually not. The fabric is thin, dries quickly and blocks the sun before it heats the skin. On a very hot day, wet it in water before play so it keeps the child cool even longer.

How can I make it easier to put a UV top on a child?

Put a close-fitting rash vest on while the child is dry, as wet skin is harder to pull through the sleeves. A loose top goes on faster, even on a wet child. For toddlers, put the head through first, then the sleeves.

Can a child wear a life jacket over a UV top?

Yes. A UV top is thin, so the child can easily wear a life jacket or swimming armbands over it. On a sup or boat, a life jacket is always recommended for children.