Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Natalie
We like spending time outside swimming. Children’s rash guard shirts are great for helping protect their skin from the harsh rays of the sun. Even if your kids don’t mind using sunscreen, rash guards can allow people to stay outside longer, without fear of getting burnt or forgetting to reapply the sunscreen. Let’s find some of the best rash guards for kids!
Best rash guards for kids
When it’s time to swim, sun protection is so important. In addition to using a safe sunscreen, kids can wear a rash guard to protect them from the harsh rays. We use both when we are going to be around water. With the use of a rash guard, we can use a lot less sunscreen. My children aren’t huge fans of sunscreen, being able to use less while still keeping them protected from the sun makes us all happier.
We used ours daily when we visited Cozumel, Mexico and Playa del Carmen. We currently use them all the time when we visit our neighborhood pool, too.
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Kids rash guard 2024
Please follow manufacturing instructions for washing and caring for your kids rash guards.
Amazon Essentials Boys’ UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Rashguards
I ordered the Amazon Essentials brand swim shirts in two colors as gifts for my nephews. They loved them! I liked the quality. These shirts do run small, so size up at least one size. I ordered a large for a smaller (short and slender) 8 year old and it fit well, just a little loose. I bought an x-large for a slender 10 year old and that also fit well. Since I bought them in December for the following summer’s use, the shirts being a little oversized were perfect.
These shirts are on the thin side and still manage to offer a UPF rating of greater than or equal to 50. These shirts are 100% polyester. My nephews both wore these as regular shirts before using them in the pool and they’ve been able to stand up to daily use in both places for several months.
Best for: Budget
Amazon Essentials UPF 50+ Girl’s Long-Sleeve Rashguard
This is the rash guard shirt I bought for my 11 year old niece. Again, on the shorter side, muscular but slender, I purchased an x-large that fits perfectly. This one runs smaller, too, so consider sizing up for children with a different build. As it’s the same brand as the above shirt, it also has a UPF rating of equal to or greater than 50. It’s made from 82% polyester and 18% elastane. I’m really happy with this purchase!
Best for: Budget
O’Neill Youth Basic Skins UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt (Unisex)
The O’Neill Youth Sun shirt is made of 89% polyester ad 11% elastane. It has UPF 50 UV protection. Please note that this shirt is slim fit, so check the sizing chart to find the best fit for your child. Please note that the white version stains easily (which isn’t a surprise), so avoid that color if you’re hoping it will remain stain-free. I really like the blue. O’Neill is a great brand and this is a great swim shirt.
Best for: Durability, thicker material
LAPASA Easy-Wear Zipper Rash Guard Long Sleeve (Unisex)
The LAPASA unisex rash guard is made from 86% polyester and 14% elastic spandex. This one has a zipper closure, for easier on and off. It has a UPF of 50+. The material is pretty thin, but it still protects kids from the sun. It also runs big, so use the size chart to help choose the best fit for your child. I really like the zipper front because it is so much easier to get on and off.
Best for: Zipper closer, thinner fabric
SwimZip UPF 50+ Kids Long Sleeve Zipper Rash Guard Swim Shirt
The SwimZip Rash Guard for kids (of Shark Tank fame) is rated SPF 50+ and claims to block 98% of UVA and UVB rays. It features a front zipper for easy on and off and other features, like have a tagless neck, and a no-pinch zipper flap. Sizes range from 0-3 months all the way up to a big kid 12/14. The fabric, which is 86% polyester and 14% spandex, on some becomes see through when wet. As always, check the sizing chart before ordering.
Best for: Zipper front, Sizes 0-3 months up to 12/14
RuffleButts Girls Long Sleeve Rash Guard 2-Piece Swimsuit Set
This Rufflebutts two piece rash guard swimsuit is made from 80% nylon and 20% spandex. It has a built-in UPF 50+. It is really cute and durable. Please note that they fade quickly. This doesn’t bother me, since kids grow so fast. I also love that these suits start at 2T and go up to size 10.
Best for: Great colors, sizes 2T to size 10
RuggedButts Boys Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Shirt
The name is pretty cute, but be warned: Ruggedbutts is written along the arm of the shirt. This shirt is 80% nylon and 20% spandex, with built-in UPF of 50+. With sizes 6 months to 24 months, it’s a good option for a baby or toddler long sleeve rash guard.
Best for: Cuteness, sizes 6 months to 24 months
Best rash guard swimsuits
Karrack One Piece Rash Guard Swimsuit kids
If you want rash guard swimsuits for kids, this is great one. It’s short sleeved and shorts, so it’s not too hot. Plus, it has a zipper closure! The zipper closure also has a zipper flap for protection. It’s 82% polyester and 18% spandex. It’s an awesome option for both girls and boys. This one is a UPF 64+, blocking more than 98% UV rays. Sizes start at toddler size and go up to size 11/13. As always, consult the size chart in order to find the correct size for your child.
Best for: One piece rash guard suit (short sleeves & zipper)
Coolibar UPF 50+ Kid’s Barracuda Neck-to-Ankle Surf Suit
If your child really dislikes sunscreen, this neck to ankle surf suit might be an easy solution to protect their skin. This suit, a polyester/spandex blend with a zipper closure, blocks 98% of UV radiation. It has a UPF of 50+. The fabric is quick dry and chlorine and saltwater resistant (follow care instructions for longest life). The front zipper makes getting it on and off easier. It’s also comfortable for the kids.
Best for: Full protection (long sleeves and long pants), all day protection
Can rash guards be used for swimming?
Yes, kids rash guard shirts can be used for swimming and other water activities.
Should you buy rash guard swimwear for kids?
Rash guards have quickly become essential for swimming and all kinds of water activities for us. They are easy to use and efficient. They are especially helpful if your child prefers to not use sunscreen. I especially like the long sleeve rash guards for kids because they cover the arms. My kids love wearing their rash guards, too, because it means they don’t have to wear sunscreen where they are covered. I love that I don’t have to apply sunscreen all over a child who hates sunscreen.
Do you have feedback on rash guard shirts for kids or kids rash guard swimwear? The best recommendations come from readers like you! Please leave a comment.
