How to Dress Your Kids
 for the Summer 2024

Estimated Reading Time: 10 Minutes

It’s finally summertime!

Summer is a time for vacations, fun, and celebrations. The kids are out of school, and the weather is warm. But before you can enjoy lazy days at the park or pool, you have to get dressed—and that includes your kids. Naturally, dressing them in summer outfits is a delightful experience. Choosing the right materials, layers, and combinations for your kids' summer clothes will ensure they stay safe and comfortable under the sun, whether they are at summer camp, summer school, or playing summer sports.

Summer Clothing for Kids with Sun Protection

Splash into sun-safe fun with our UPF 50+ clothing! Our fabrics keep your kids safe from the sun, wet or dry, with protection that never washes out or needs to be reapplied. Our UPF 50+ fabrics are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for all summer activities.

Importance of Sun Protection

Enjoying time outdoors is good for our mental and physical health. However, when out with your children, it is important to protect them from sunrays on sunny and cloudy days. Every sunburn increases a person’s risk of having skin cancer later in life. Practicing sun safety can prevent skin aging and cancer.

The sun produces two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays, UVA and UVB, that are responsible for most sunburns. These rays are strongest between 11 am and 3 pm, making this the most dangerous time to be exposed to the sun. While melanin in darker skin tones can help protect against sun damage and sunburn, it's not completely impervious to UV rays. People with darker skin tones, including Black and Hispanic individuals, can experience severe sunburns and sun damage, leading to hyperpigmentation, age spots, and wrinkles. All skin types, regardless of color, are at risk for sun damage.

Tips for Choosing Summer Clothes with UPF Protection for Kids


Go for Breathable and UPF-rated Fabric

When selecting summer outfits for children, fabric is key. Babies' and kids' summer clothes should be made of 100% cotton or other breathable materials and ideally have a UPF rating. UPF clothing blocks out a significant amount of harmful UV rays, offering better protection than regular fabrics. For example:

  • Kid's Coco Plum Everyday Long Sleeve T-Shirt UPF 50+: This shirt provides superior sun protection that doesn’t wash out, thanks to its ZnO™ fabric, which is lightweight, cool, and comfortable.

  • Kid's Monterey Summer Leggings UPF 50+: These leggings infuse zinc oxide into the gentle cotton blend fabric to provide ultra-soft comfort and lasting sun protection for delicate skin. They are lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for beach vacations.

  • Kid's Landon Reversible Bucket Hat UPF 50+: This versatile bucket hat features a completely crushable construction, making it great for travel or storage. The elastic draw cord ensures a secure fit during active play. Made from Lite™ fabric, it is ultra-soft, lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying.

Coolibar's research, experience, and dedication to the science of sun protection clothing, UV performance fabrics, and styles are the basis for all our products. Our UPF sun protective clothing, sun hats, and sun protective swimwear provide the highest UV protection available to keep you cool, comfortable, sun-safe, and looking good. It's like effortless sunscreen you wear.

Coolibar Summer Collection

Splash into sun-safe fun!

Choose Loose-Fitting, Protective Clothes

Avoid figure-hugging and skin-tight styles. Loose-fitting clothing allows for unrestricted movement, allows the skin to breathe, and provides better coverage against the sun. Look for clothing with long sleeves and longer pants made from lightweight, UPF-rated materials to protect your child’s skin without overheating.

Try Matching Your Outfits!

Some kids prefer to dress differently from their parents, but others might enjoy matching outfits. This can be a fun and stress-free way to decide what to wear. For example, a matching set of UPF-rated long-sleeve shirts can keep both you and your child safe from UV rays while looking stylish.

Choose Refreshing and Light Colors

Light and bright colors are the best choice for summer days as they reflect sunlight and keep the body cool. Opt for UPF-rated clothing in these colors to combine fashion with function. Avoid dark colors as they absorb heat and can make your kids too hot.

Ensure Sun Protection with Swimwear

It's also important to ensure your kids wear swimwear that provides sun protection. Swimwear designed with UPF 50+ fabric ensures they stay safe from UV rays even while enjoying water activities. For example:

  1. Kid's Barracuda Neck-to-Ankle Swimsuit UPF 50+: This surf suit offers full-body sun protection with its soft, comfortable Aqua Juno™ fabric that resists chlorine and saltwater. The zip front makes it easy to put on and take off, providing convenience along with superior sun protection.

  2. Baby Swimsuit UPF 50+: Designed with mom in mind, this baby swimsuit blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays and features a zip front for easy on/off, a snap-close bottom for easy diaper changes, and flatlock seams to prevent chafing. The Aqua Juno™ fabric is quick-drying, soft, and durable, making it perfect for splashing around.

  3. Baby Finn Hooded One-Piece Swimsuit UPF 50+: This hooded swimsuit provides complete coverage and comfort. The hood offers added sun protection for the baby's head and neck, while the zip front and snap-close bottom make it easy to put on and take off. Made from Aqua Juno™ fabric, it is quick-drying, soft, and durable, perfect for protecting your baby in the water.

  4. Boy's Ultimate Long Sleeve Rash Guard UPF 50+: Durable enough for all-day surf and sand, this rash guard is crafted from silky smooth 4-way stretch, water-repelling fabric. It provides UPF 50+ sun protection and features gripper elastic at the back hem to keep it in place. The zip pocket at the back right is perfect for storing small items.

Additional Sun Safety Tips

  • Always have a skin-safe sunblock lotion or cream on hand.
  • Use UV-protective eyewear to shield their eyes from harmful rays.
  • Cotton and other lightweight fabrics are good options for summer.
  • If you're headed to the beach, ensure your child is adequately protected with appropriate swimwear.
  • Choose comfortable and flexible clothes that allow for active play.

What to Avoid

  • Avoid tight clothing that restricts movement and doesn't offer adequate sun protection.
  • Avoid using dark colors that may absorb more heat from the sun.
  • Never put your kids in the sun without sunscreen, even if they're wearing UPF clothing.
  • Ensure their clothes are made of breathable, UPF-rated fabrics.
  • Don't over-accessorize with jewelry or hair clips that can heat up in the sun.

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your kids. Dressing them appropriately for the weather with UPF and UVA protective clothing ensures they stay safe and comfortable. Whether they are heading to summer camp, attending summer school, or participating in summer sports, these tips will keep them protected. With these tips in mind, you'll be ready to dress your kids for all their summer adventures!

Coolibar rigorously tests and recommends its products, ensuring UPF 50+ protection for the life of the garment as set by ASTM/AATCC standards. This commitment to quality ensures maximum protection and comfort for your little ones. Enjoy a sun-safe summer with confidence, knowing Coolibar has you covered!