What is a sunsuit?

A sunsuit is a one-piece article of swimwear that provides full-body coverage and protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. It typically features long sleeves, a high neckline, and pants or leggings.

Quick links:

Purpose of sunsuits

What are the benefits of sunsuits?

What are the different types of sunsuits?

Which material do you use?

Features of sunsuits

How to choose?

Sunsuit care

Sunsuits and swimsuits comparison

Check out our collection of cute sunsuits for kids and find the perfect fit for your little ones! Our super cute long-sleeved sunsuits are made with UPF 50+ UV sun protective fabric. Long-sleeve bodysuit swimwear is perfect for the beach, pool, splash park, or backyard. We have sizes and styles for boys, girls, and babies!

For example, our gorgeous Palm Breeze sunsuit for baby girls features a full-length zipper for easy-on and easy-off. It provides nearly full coverage with long sleeves and ankle-length legs. The full-length zipper means easy diaper changing for a happy baby (and happy parents!).

Purpose of sunsuits

The primary purpose of sunsuits is to protect against the sun's harmful UV radiation. UV radiation can be a real health hazard, causing sunburns, premature skin aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Sunsuits act as a physical barrier—they shield the body from direct exposure to UV rays.

Sunsuits cover more skin than traditional swimwear, offering an added layer of protection in sun-intensive environments. This extensive coverage ensures that delicate areas (shoulders, arms, and legs) receive ample protection from sun damage.

Our sunsuits provide stylish sun protection for those long summer beach days!

Benefits of sunsuits

Sunsuits provide a lot of benefits for those who seek an extra level of protection from the sun's rays:

• Comprehensive coverage, shielding vulnerable areas such as shoulders, arms, and legs

• Specialized fabrics with high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) ratings to block up to 98% of UV radiation

• Tightly woven construction to create a physical barrier against UV penetration

• Reduced risk of sunburns and 

  sun poisoning

• Prevention of long-term skin damage and premature aging caused by UV exposure

• Versatile for various outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and beach trips

• Lightweight and breathable materials for comfortable wear in warm weather

• Quick-drying properties for convenience and practicality

• A range of styles and colors to suit personal preferences and occasions

• Reduced risk of skin cancer

What are the different types of sunsuits?

Sunsuits come in a variety of forms, catering to individual needs and preferences. Here are some popular types:

Full-body suits 

Full-body suits provide maximum coverage. These sunsuits feature long sleeves, pants, and often a hood, shielding most of the body from the sun's rays. 

Full-body sunsuits are great for outdoor activities where maximum sun protection is necessary, such as swimming, hiking, or lounging at the beach.

Check out our beautiful color pop sunsuit! With neck to wrist to ankle sun protection, there will be no more sunscreen-slicked wiggly little ones squirming out of your arms. They are protected from the sun’s rays anywhere this sunsuit covers! You can pair it with our sun hats to keep your kid sun-safe from head to toe.

Half-body suits

Half-body sunsuits provide partial coverage. These typically consist of a long-sleeved top paired with swim shorts or capri pants. They shield the upper body, including the arms, shoulders, and torso, while leaving the lower legs exposed. 

Half-body sunsuits offer a balance between sun protection and versatility. They are great for fun in the sun where some leg exposure is desired.

Rash guards

Rash guards are long-sleeved tops designed to protect the upper body. They offer sun protection for the arms, shoulders, and torso; people usually wear them with shorts or swimwear bottoms.

Rash guards are popular among water sports enthusiasts, such as surfers, swimmers, and snorkelers, as they provide essential upper-body coverage for long days in the sun.

We sell rash guards for men, women, and children of all ages. Men's rash guards often feature a more athletic or relaxed fit, while women's rash guards offer more feminine forms and patterns.

What are our sunsuits made of?

Our sunsuits are made from the highest-rated UPF 50+ sun protective fabric. This fabric blocks 98% of the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays, ensuring maximum protection against UV radiation.

Sunsuits from our collections are made of:

• Nylon: a lightweight, durable synthetic material known for its quick-drying properties and resistance to fading and stretching

• Spandex: added to provide stretch and elasticity, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit that moves with the body

Our fabric performs extremely well:

• 4-way stretch for extra freedom of movement during water and beach activities

• Quick-drying and chlorine-resistant for moisture management and durability

• Flat seams to reduce rubbing and chafing against the skin

Features of sunsuits

Our sunsuits offer the following features:

• Nearly full coverage with long sleeves and ankle-length legs for most kids

• Full-length zipper for easy-on and easy-off

• Neck collar for extra sun protection

• Anti-chafing zipper garage 

• Zipper guard behind zipper protects skin from a hot zipper and from rubbing

• Tagless neck for anti-inch comfort

• Large zipper tag makes it super easy for little ones to zip up themselves

How to choose the perfect sunsuit

Here are some tips on how to choose the right sunsuit:

Think about activities

Consider the types of outdoor activities you'll be doing—swimming, hiking, beach days, etc. This will determine how much coverage you need.

Also, think about the level of sun exposure you expect—intense direct sun on long beach days may call for more coverage versus casual walks.

Focus on coverage and fit

Look for sunsuits that cover the areas you want to protect from the sun—arms, legs, torso, etc. Full-body or half-body suits provide different coverage options.

Make sure the sunsuit offers a snug fit while remaining comfortable. It should move with your body without being too loose or tight.

Consider styles, fabrics, and colors

Choose styles that align with your personal preferences and the occasion—sporty, casual, feminine cuts, etc. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics with UPF sun protection ratings. Look for nylon, polyester, or fabrics with 4-way stretch.

Select colors and patterns you like to make the sunsuit your own. Remember that darker colors absorb and retain more heat than lighter colors.

Look for extra features

Consider features such as quick-drying, chlorine-resistance, and moisture-wicking abilities which are great for water sports, beach days, pool parties, and more.

With so many options, take the time to find the perfect match for your body type, coverage needs, and intended activities. The right sunsuit makes any water activity comfortable and secure!

How to care for your sunsuit

Proper care of your sunsuit can significantly extend its life and maintain its appearance. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your sunsuit stays in great shape:

• Wash sunsuits in cold water on a gentle cycle using mild detergent to preserve fabric quality

• Avoid using bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh detergents that can damage sun-protective fabrics

• Air dry sunsuits or tumble dry on low heat to prevent shrinkage or fading

• Avoid excessive heat or direct sunlight exposure during storage to prevent fabric degradation

• Inspect sunsuits regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as loose threads, fading, or damage to the fabric

• Replace sunsuits when they show significant wear or lose their sun-protective qualities over time

• Rinse sunsuits with fresh water after use in chlorinated pools to remove chemicals and prevent damage

• Avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as they can coat the fabric and reduce its breathability and moisture-wicking properties

• Follow the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer for optimal results

Sunsuits vs. swimsuits

The main difference between sunsuits and swimsuits is coverage. Sunsuits are a good choice for those seeking full coverage and protection from the sun, while swimsuits are a good choice for those looking for flexibility and movement in the water.

Sunsuits are designed to cover as much skin as possible to prevent sunburns. They have long sleeves, legs, and sometimes even a hood to protect skin from the sun's rays. The fabrics used in sunsuits often contain UV-protective properties as well. The near full-body coverage offers more protection than a simple swimsuit.

Swimsuits are pieces of clothing made for swimming, with quick-drying, water-wicking fabric technologies that prevent the suit from getting weighed down when wet. Many swimsuits have minimal coverage to allow freedom of movement for swimming and playing in the water. 

There are many types of swimsuits to allow for different styles, tastes, and modesty preferences. Here are some of the main swimsuit styles:

• One-piece swimsuit

   

  (women): long-sleeved swimsuit with a back zipper with a long pull cord.

• Bikinis

   

  (women): top design with an open back and adjustable band for added support and fit. 

• Swim tops

   

  (women): the upper part of the swimsuit comes in different styles and designs to fit any woman’s taste and body.

• One-shoulder tops

   

  (women): a one-shoulder design with adjustable stripes, perfect for all body shapes.

• Halter tops

   

  (women): top design that provides maximum coverage on your chest where you receive the most sun damage.

• Tie tops

   

  (women): top design that features a keyhole front tie, adjustable straps, and removable cups. 

• High-waist bottoms

   

  (women): a type of swimsuit bottom that features an above the belly button high-waisted fit and classic yet comfy leg openings. 

• Swim trunks

   

  (typically for men or boys): a style of swim trunks that is baggy and reaches nearly to the knee.

• Tankinis

   

  (women): top design with a high neckline, built-in bra, and adjustable back closure.

• Swim dresses

   

  (women): a dress design with long sleeves and adjustable ruching on the sides for maximum sun protection of the upper side of the body. 

• Postpartum swimwear

   

  (women): designs for women to feel comfortable and confident going to the beach after having a baby. 

Stay safe with Swimzip’s protective gear 

SwimZip offers a line of sunsuits for children that go beyond ordinary kid’s swimwear to provide exceptional protection from the sun. These sunsuits are crafted using innovative UPF 50+ rated fabrics for maximum UV protection, blocking 98% of UVA and UVB radiation.

SwimZip’s sunsuits offer more coverage than typical swimsuits with their long sleeves, legs, and hooded designs made to protect a child's delicate skin from sunburns. These protective suits come in comfortable styles made of lightweight materials that are non-restrictive to allow kids to play freely.

We offer an amazing collection of baby sunsuits to keep your babies and toddlers safe from the sun!

By choosing SwimZip's kid’s sunsuits, parents can feel confident that their children are getting the best sun protection available, and look cuter than ever! . 

Look what one mom has to say about this fantastic Deep Blue Sharks sunsuit she bought for her son.

Sunsuits FAQ

Can you wear a swimsuit in the water?

Swimsuits are specifically designed to be worn in the water. They are made from materials that are quick-drying, lightweight, colorfast, and shrinkage-resistant.

Can you swim in a sunshirt?

You can swim in a sunshirt. Our sunshirts are made of lightweight, water-friendly fabrics that allow you to take a dip while protecting your skin. They dry quickly too, making sunshirts a practical choice for having sun-safe fun on the beach or by the pool. Just be aware that some sunshirts lack the technical features of competitive swimwear.

Are there clothes you can tan through?

There are clothes designed to allow tanning through the fabric. These garments are made from special materials that have a fine mesh-like structure. This structure enables some of the sun's UV rays to pass through the fabric and allows for tanning while still offering some protection against sunburn.

Do UV rays go through your sunsuits?

Our high-quality sunsuits block 98% or more of the sun's UV radiation, even when wet. They use tightly woven fabrics with built-in sun protection to minimize radiation penetration.

What color sunsuit attracts the sun the most?

Darker colors, including black and navy blue, tend to absorb more heat from the sun compared to lighter colors. A sunsuit in these darker shades may attract more sun and feel warmer to wear than sunsuits in lighter colors, which reflect more sunlight.

Do one-piece swimsuits provide adequate UV protection?

One-piece swimsuits generally offer more coverage than bikinis, but their level of sun protection depends on the fabric and its UPF rating. Ours are designed with UV-protective materials that offer excellent protection against the sun's harmful rays.

What is the best sun protection material?

The best sun protection materials are those with a high UPF rating, typically UPF 50 or higher. These materials are tightly woven and may be treated with UV-absorbing chemicals. Fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are excellent for sun protection due to their resilience and ability to absorb UV radiation.

What are the benefits of sun-protective clothing?

Sun-protective clothing offers several benefits:

• Reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer by blocking harmful UV rays.

• Provide all-day protection (sunscreen needs to be reapplied)

• Offer comfort and convenience, especially for outdoor activities.

• Available in a variety of styles and designs to suit different preferences and activities.

What to wear to prevent sunburn while swimming?

To prevent sunburn while swimming, wear sun-protective clothing such as a long-sleeved swim shirt or rash guard with a high UPF rating, swim leggings, and a wide-brimmed sun hat. You should also apply water-resistant sunscreen to exposed skin to get further protection.

Helpful information

What is a tankini?

What is a swim dress?

What to do for sun poisoning?

What SPF should I use?

What are the best swimsuits for postpartum?

How long to tan in the sun

UPF vs SPF: what is the difference?