Swimwear

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and shows how much UV radiation a fabric blocks. UPF 50+ is the highest class: the fabric blocks more than 98% of UV radiation. Almost all Swim Essentials UV swimwear has UPF 50+, so covered skin is protected while your child plays in and out of the water. Uncovered skin still needs suncream.

They work best together. UV swimwear protects the skin it covers all day and does not need reapplying. Suncream protects the face, hands and other uncovered skin, but has to be reapplied after swimming and towelling off. Long sleeves, a sun hat and shade in the middle of the day add extra protection.

Rinse the swimwear with fresh water after every swim to remove chlorine, salt and suncream. Then wash it according to the care label and let it dry flat or on a hanger, out of direct sunlight. Avoid wringing it out hard. That way the fabric and the prints keep looking good for longer.

Our swimwear sizes follow your child's height in centimetres, for example 86/92 or 110/116. Our UV swim shirts run from 62/68 to 146/152, roughly 3 months to 12 years. Measure your child and choose the size that includes their height. If your child is between two sizes, the larger size gives more room to grow.

Yes, for part of the range. Several Swim Essentials swim boxers and swim diapers have an outer layer of 82% recycled polyester and 18% elastane, and those swim boxers have UPF 50+. The long-sleeved Crabby UV swim shirt is also made from recycled materials. Each product page lists the material under the key features. Sturdy swimwear that is rinsed and washed with care also lasts longer.

Most of our UV swimwear is made from a stretchy blend of polyester and elastane, usually 80% polyester and 20% elastane or 82% polyester and 18% elastane. The fabric is soft, fits snugly and dries quickly. For part of the swim boxers and swim diapers the polyester is recycled. The exact material is listed under the key features of each product.

Yes, that is exactly the idea. Many prints come back on several products: the Seastar print, for example, is available as a UV swim shirt, swim shorts, swim boxer, sun hat and water shoes. Green Leopard, Jungle and Crabby also appear on swimwear, accessories and shoes. That makes it easy to put together a complete summer look for your child, or to dress siblings in the same print.