UPF 50+ is non-negotiable for kids' rash guards.

Yes, get UPF 50+ and a snug but not tight fit. Sunscreen fades, washes off, gets rubbed away. A good rash guard is the stubborn backup that doesn’t complain.

Comfort and protection come from the same thing: fabric that’s dense enough to block UV without being stiff or hot. Look for nylon or polyester blends with a little spandex for stretch. That gives you coverage that moves with a kid who refuses to stand still. Avoid cotton — it blocks almost nothing when wet and takes forever to dry.

Check the label for a specific UPF rating. “UV-blocking” or “sun-protective” without a number is marketing fluff. UPF 50+ blocks 98% of UV rays. That’s the standard. Anything less and you might as well put them in a regular T-shirt.

Fitting matters too. Too loose and the fabric lifts up when they swim, exposing skin. Too tight and they’ll fight you. Sleeve length is your call — long sleeves give more coverage but get hot on land. I lean toward short sleeves and reapply sunscreen on arms.

Don’t skimp on sun protection for the ones who can’t read sunscreen labels.