Guest author: Astrid Biemann
Water simply holds a magical attraction for children. When the lake sparkles in the summer sun or the garden sprinkler waters the plants, my kids are never far away. Sometimes they wear their swim shorts all day long – and those become their little summer heroes. They are adventure gear, rain pants, and ice cream shields all in one.
The small catch: the cool water is often in the blazing sun. Risk of sunburn included! So for us, just simple swim shorts aren’t enough. The perfect swimwear for kids absolutely includes a top with UV protection. If you’re wondering now whether that’s really necessary, then definitely keep reading!
UV clothing for kids: Why it’s so important
Sure, a T-shirt or swimsuit might seem enough at first glance – but if your child is playing outside all day in the sun, normal clothes often don’t cut it. namuk’s UV clothing like the Lika longsleeve or Fin rashguard, the Dip swim trunks and the Ray sunshield cap is like an invisible shield – simply indispensable for summer adventures. Why? Because it protects the skin from harmful UV rays – much better than a thin cotton shirt that gets almost see-through when wet.
Instead of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) like in sunscreen, clothing uses the so-called UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Our swimwear has a UPF 50+, which means it blocks more than 98% of harmful UV rays – without any added chemicals.
To truly guarantee UV protection, we test the materials we use every year according to the EN 13758-1 standard. After all, children's skin is super sensitive and never forgets a sunburn. What sets it apart: the protective effect comes from the fabric’s density, color, and processing – not from additional coatings afterward. That way, the clothing stays gentle on the skin and environmentally responsible.
But even the best UV clothing can reach its limits: if it fits too tight, is stretched a lot, or gets wet, protection decreases. Pool chemicals and saltwater can also wear down the fabric over time. Our tip: make sure to choose the right size and replace the clothing regularly. Your little water lovers’ skin will thank you!
Sustainable swimwear for kids with ECONYL®
In searching for a material that protects from the sun, conserves resources, and can keep up with every adventure (climbing, running, swimming, biking…), we felt a bit like Sherlock Holmes. Real detective work!
In the end, we chose a blend of ECONYL® – a yarn made from recycled fishing nets and fabric scraps – and 22% elastane, so the clothing is nice and stretchy without causing any discomfort. Even when little gymnasts are practicing flips at the pool or climbing trees by the lake.
The clever part: ECONYL® saves up to 80% CO₂ emissions compared to conventional nylon, reduces ocean waste, and is a step toward a circular economy. “This exact material combo is also inside our Linn shorts – a true favorite companion for every day by the water or in the forest. A real all-rounder on land and in water, and it never needs to come off,” says Chiara from the namuk Product Team. Okay, maybe for sleeping and washing… but otherwise, really never. If you want to learn more about ECONYL® and the talents of our Linn Shorts, be sure to read on here.
Surfing waves, racing, water fights – The owl swimwear can take it all
Even though it would really be best if our kids avoided the sun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., reality in summer looks different. As soon as the thermometer rises above 25°C (77°F), kids have only one goal: water! A cozy shady spot? That’s for parents only. The little ones dig in the sand, build dams, and hunt for treasures between stones and sticks.
“Because the swimwear not only needs to look good but also has to endure a lot, we modeled the fit after surfer clothes: flexible, durable, with clever details,” explains Chiara.
The kids’ shoulders are always well covered with namuk swimwear, and the neckline sits high – so nothing slips off, not even while running or splashing around. Thanks to a zipper, putting it on and taking it off works easily even when everything is still soaking wet – no tears, no tugging, no frustration.
And if we don't go into the water? UV clothing for adventures on land
Even in high summer, it's not swimming weather every single day (a shame, really!) and our kids have to stay on dry land in cooler temperatures. Nevertheless, the sun should not be underestimated! Sun protection for children is required from a UV index of 3 or higher – and that is reached quickly.
With our Lika tech hooded longsleeve, the upper body is completely protected from the sun – and the head right along with it. Thanks to ECONYL®, it is just as comfortable to wear on slightly cooler summer days as it is in the heat, performing beautifully on land adventures just as it does in the water. So nothing stands in the way of a spontaneous cooldown after a sweaty race!
A wonderful addition to the Lika is the Phos everyday outdoor pants. They are long, which is not only practical on cooler days but also when roaming through the underbrush. Small branches that leave scratches on the skin and painful stinging nettles don't stand a chance.
Now we've got your children's skin well protected from the sun – but what about their eyes? They are also extremely sensitive to UV radiation and need good protection. At the same time, building sandcastles is much more pleasant when you don't have to squint while doing it. That’s why we developed our Tis Sunglasses "Walton" with 100 percent Category 3 UV protection. Why the name Walton? You can find children's drawings from the well-known outdoor family featured as a print on the Tis.
FAQ: Your questions about our UV clothing
What does the protection factor in clothing mean?
UPF stands for "Ultraviolet Protection Factor". A UPF of 50+ means it blocks more than 98% of harmful UV rays – comparable to very strong sunscreen.
Do I still need to apply sunscreen on my child’s skin?
The skin covered by UV-protective clothing does not need sunscreen. Skin that isn’t covered still needs sunscreen protection. Don’t forget to reapply after splashing around!
How often do I need to replace UV clothing?
The protective effect can wear off due to heavy use, chlorine or saltwater, and sand. “If there are thin spots, UV protection tends to be lower,” explains Chiara. “But with this material, I feel confident: the fabric is quite thick, the quality is high, and I don’t expect UV protection to fade before the child outgrows the clothes.” Still, it’s best to check after each season and replace if needed.
How do I properly wash UV swimwear?
Machine wash at max 30°C (86°F) without fabric softener. Dry UV clothing in the shade (not in direct sunlight).
At what UV index do children need sun protection?
Generally, sun protection for children is recommended from a UV index of 3 to 4. An index of 1 to 2 is considered safe. By the way, not only children's skin but also their eyes should be protected from solar radiation. Their lenses are even clearer than those of adults and can be damaged by the sun.
When buying sunglasses for children, always make sure they offer certified 100 percent UV protection. In addition to this invisible UV filter, glare protection (filter categories from 0 to 4) is also essential. While categories 0 to 2 are mostly suitable for cloudy days or moderate sunlight, category 3 sunglasses like our Tis offer optimal protection for bright summer days, by the water, or in the mountains. The even darker Category 4 lenses, on the other hand, are strictly designed for extreme conditions like glaciers and are not suitable for everyday use.
Pack those swim shorts
Whether splashing in the garden, paddling on the lake, or digging in the sand: with our swimwear, every summer day gets a little wilder, a little freer – and a little easier. High UV protection, responsibly made, and comfortable – what more could kids want?
