UV Swimwear

Why Wear Sun Protective Swimwear?

• Sun protection is important (even in the UK), but especially so for children because young skin is thin and can burn in just 10 minutes.  The British Association of Dermatologists has warned of a link between too much sun exposure early in life and the risk of developing skin cancers as an adult.
• The effectiveness of suncreams are measured by the extra time they allow someone to remain in the sun before going red.  UV swimwear simply blocks ultraviolet ("UV") light from the sun and it is the same for everyone regardless of skin type or time in the sun.  The amount of UV light that a fabric blocks is measured scientifically as its "ultraviolet protection factor" ("UPF") and UV swimwear with a fabric rating of UPF50+ (the maximum rating) blocks at least 98% of the sun's UV light when new and unstretched.  To all intents this means that while being worn, UV swimwear acts as a total sun block over the covered parts.
• UV swimwear does not wash away and so it remains a visible, constant and reliable sun protection that also operates in the water (for however long a person stays there).
• Although you must continue to apply a high factor sunscreen to any exposed skin on the arms, legs, neck and face, much less is needed and the risk of adverse reactions from the absorption of chemicals through the skin is reduced.
• A dry T-shirt offers some sun protection but UV swimwear tops have a high neck to protect this vulnerable part of the body at all times.  A wet T-shirt is also heavy, awkward and tiring for swimming and its UV protection is very much reduced.
• Older kids appreciate the fashionable look of our two piece sets.

We have selected our UV swimwear from ranges by Sposh, Lion in the Sun and Gul.  All provide UPF50+ sun protection and the key features are outlined below.

Sposh

UV protective rash shirts by Sposh are made of 82% nylon / 18% lycra and the board shorts are made of Tactel.  Sposh boardie shorts are loose fitting and have an inner lining.  Although designed for boys, we have found many girls are equally keen on this style.

Sposh two piece sun protective sets are available as a top and bottom set in either quick drying nylon lycra, or in a soft, comfortable cotton polyester mix fabric, which makes them ideal to wear all day - in or out of the water.

Children's UV protection swimwear from Sposh can be supplemented with a matching, or co-ordinating, legionnaire cap which maximizes sun protection for the face and neck.

Lion in the Sun

Lion in the Sun UV swimwear is offered as separates and so you mix and match sizes and styles as you wish.  The sun protective swimshirts are made of 80% nylon / 20% elastane and the shorts for both boys and girls are made of 100% polyester.  Both are very quick drying.  Please note that Lion in the Sun shorts are not lined.

Lion in the Sun UV protective swimwear for children has matching, or co-ordinating, legionnaire caps to maximize sun protection for the face and neck.

Gul

New at the Beach Factory this season, are rash shirts by Gul.  These are quick drying and made of 92% nylon/8% Spandex.  The high neck and flatlock seams of the Gul rashguards make them suitable to be worn under a wetuit.  They are also rated at UPF50+ and therefore offer excellent, fashionable sun protection.

Poly Cotton Lycra vs. Nylon Lycra

• Either UV swimwear type can be worn in or out of the water and will offer the same level of protection.
• Poly cotton is thicker, feels soft and clings less to the skin so making these sets ideal for wearing whenever the sun shines: whether at the beach, poolside, or playing in the garden.  However they dry more slowly than nylon which can lead to the wearer feeling cold in a cool breeze.
• Nylon lycra UV swimwear is lighter when wet and faster drying which makes it very practical for anyone frequently in and out of the water.
• Ultimately it comes down to personal preference.

Caring for your UV swimwear

• Hand wash the swimwear in warm water when necessary.  Avoid harsh detergents that can cause lycra to deteriorate and rinse thoroughly.
• Allow the swimwear to drip-dry out of direct sunlight and never leave it wet and rolled up.
• Please note that chlorinated pools will cause colours to fade over time.  To prolong the swimwear's appearance we therefore recommend rinsing it thoroughly in fresh cold water immediately after each use.
• Each item has fully detailed care instructions attached.