Swim shirts are mostly sun protection.

Yes. The main reason is UV blocking — sunscreen alone isn’t enough for a wiggly toddler who hates reapplying. A good swim shirt (UPF 50+) covers their torso and arms while they splash, dig, and refuse to sit still.

They also help with chafing against inflatable pool toys, keep sand off their belly when they roll around, and make it easier to spot your kid in a crowd. But don’t overthink it: buy one for the sun, everything else is a bonus.

You still need sunscreen on their legs, face, and ears. The shirt just buys you a little peace of mind.