Sun-protective clothing can help reduce the amount of skin directly exposed to sunlight, but clothing is only one part of a complete sun-safety plan. Health Canada recommends using shade, protective clothing, hats, the UV Index, and sunscreen as appropriate for the child’s age and conditions.
For warm-weather shopping, browse Girls Swimwear, Boys Swimwear, Baby Girls Swimwear, and Baby Boys Swimwear.
What Clothing Helps with Sun Coverage?
Health Canada recommends covering skin with clothing when sun protection is needed. For hot weather, choose clothing that also works with the temperature and activity.
What Is UPF Clothing?
UPF is a product-specific ultraviolet-protection rating. Only treat a garment as UPF-rated when the manufacturer states that rating for the exact product. Do not assume ordinary clothing has a particular UPF number.
Long Sleeves vs Short Sleeves
More fabric coverage can cover more skin, but comfort and heat also matter. Choose clothing appropriate for the temperature, activity, shade availability, and UV conditions.
Sun Hats
Health Canada recommends a wide-brimmed, breathable hat for sun protection. When shopping, check fit, brim coverage, breathability, and whether the hat stays comfortably in place.
Browse Kids Hats & Caps.
Swimwear and Rash-Guard Styles
Swimwear with more coverage can be useful for beach and pool days. If the garment has a stated UPF rating, check the exact product specification rather than assuming all swimwear provides the same rated protection.
What About Babies?
Health Canada advises keeping babies under one year out of direct sunlight as much as possible and using shade. For sunscreen use on babies under six months, Health Canada advises asking a healthcare provider.
Use the UV Index
The UV Index helps families plan sun protection. Health Canada recommends protective measures when UV levels are elevated, including clothing, shade, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen as appropriate.
Sun-Protection Clothing Buying Checklist
- Check how much skin the garment covers.
- Verify any UPF claim on the exact product.
- Choose a fit suitable for movement.
- Consider heat and breathability.
- Add a wide-brimmed hat when appropriate.
- Use shade and other sun-safety measures too.
Shop Kids’ Summer Clothing
Browse Girls Swimwear, Boys Swimwear, and baby swimwear collections. For babies, see Best Baby Swimwear: Fit, Coverage & Buying Guide.
Source
Health Canada — Sun Safety Tips for Parents and Sun Safety Basics.
Canadian Sun-Safety References
Use clothing as one part of a broader sun-safety plan. Review Health Canada’s sun-safety tips for parents and the Government of Canada UV Index guidance when planning outdoor time. Product-specific UPF claims should be verified on the exact garment.
How to Shop Clothing for High-UV Days
Start with coverage and the exact activity. A beach day, playground visit and short walk have different clothing needs. Use shade and other age-appropriate sun-safety measures alongside clothing rather than expecting one garment to provide complete protection.
How to Verify a UPF Claim
Look for a UPF rating stated for the exact product. Do not copy a rating from another style or assume that every garment from the same brand carries it. Check whether the rating remains subject to care or use instructions from the manufacturer.
Swimwear Coverage Decisions
Longer sleeves and rash-guard styles can cover more skin, while one-piece and two-piece formats differ in coverage and changing convenience. Compare the actual garment and the child’s activity.
Sun Hat Buying Checklist
- Correct size
- Useful brim coverage
- Comfort in warm weather
- Secure but appropriate fit
- Compatibility with the child’s activity
Sun Clothing Mistakes
- Assuming all clothing has the same UPF.
- Using a UPF claim from a different product.
- Ignoring heat and comfort while maximizing coverage.
- Treating clothing as the only sun-safety measure.
