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Best Kids Rashguards Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Effectiveness
The Benefits
For Your Skin
In order to prevent irritation to your skin, this type of protective clothing is made from a blend of materials. These material combinations allow the clothing to move right with you reducing the amount of rubbing that can take place. The typical cotton shirt when wet becomes heavy and begins to sag. Eventually, you will notice that the clothing will leave rashes on your skin in the areas that the clothing tends to rub. Not to mention that the added weight can slow you down in the water.
Blocking the Sun
One of the favorite aspects of this apparel is the ability to protect the skin from the sun. Many of these options will come with a higher UPF rating. Now, of course, you should be informed that you will benefit from applying at least one application of sunscreen in combination with using this type of gear. The garments come in such a large variety that some areas may not have total coverage, this is where the sunscreen should be applied. When the material states that it has a UPF factor there are two methods that manufacturers use to achieve this. The material has an added application to provide the UPF factor, this is the more commonly used method. The second will take place during the creation stage, as the protective element is knitted straight into the fabric.
A Layer of Warmth
As we are all aware, just because the sun is shining doesn’t always mean that the water is warm. More often than not you will see children on the beach shivering and blue-lipped. Layering their swimming gear can help keep them warmer when the water is cool. Neoprene is the most common material used to provide the warming characteristic. To be sure you have chosen an option that will be warm, check the tags to see that it says thermal on it. This is a good indicator that the one you have selected will, in fact, do the trick.
The thicker that material is rated the more it will keep you warm. When checking the label for thickness, you may notice that there are two numbers. For example, if you see numbers that look this 3/2, it stands for two separate thickness levels. The first number will be the level of thickness in the chest area, the second will stand for the arms. The arm and side areas will be thinner to provide a better range of motion.
Fit
The Fit
How you want this to fit will depend on what activities will be performed while wearing it. Let’s say your child enjoys paddle boarding, in this case, you will want them to be able to move freely. The more contouring option would be better for them. These are made to move with you instead of against you. When looking for something they can use as a coverup so to speak, there are those designed to be a little more loose fitting. These can be considerably more comfortable for children. In my experiences, most children hate clothing that seems to be tight. Even when you explain to them that this is the way they are meant to be. As for the style of the fit, you have a few options to choose from:
Short Sleeves: One with shorts sleeves seems to offer the most amount of versatility. You can use them on their own or wear one underneath a wetsuit. With the sleeves being shorter, you will have a better range of motion as there will be less restriction. On the downside of things, you may need to put a layer of sunscreen on your arms as they will have more exposed skin.
Long Sleeves: Believe it or not you will see people wearing this version on sunny days. They are popular for use in the water, as they add a layer of warmth with the long sleeves. Some like them for the extra material coverage as you won’t need to slather on the sunscreen with it. You may also notice that these are worn in the gym as well. This style will provide protective properties in the underarm area while working out.
Full Body: This is a one-piece option that extends the protection down to the legs. You will see these being used by those who are active participants in water sports. Others use them as a base layer underneath their wetsuits for warmth when planning to be in deeper water. For children especially, these can come in handy for the inner part of their legs. Countless times I have had my boys at the beach for them to end up miserable at the end of the day. When wearing swim trunks the wet material rubbing their inner thighs has caused plenty of skin irritation. The full body option can prevent this from happening.
Tank Top: These have the same great potential as the short sleeve version. You will have a definite free range of motion in the shoulder area as there is no material there. Depending on the amount of sun you will have exposure to, this might not be the best option for sun defense. Since there are no sleeves your shoulders and arms will be completely exposed to the sunlight.
Materials
Materials
Clothing such as this is typically made from a blend of different materials to achieve the potential benefits that they have. The most popular choices for the material are spandex, nylon, and polyester. Although as we covered earlier, neoprene is the most common choice when warmth is the goal. A good factor that the material should have is the ability to dry rather quickly. This is one of the best lines of defense against skin irritation. Spandex is used due to its amazing capabilities to be flexible. It will contour to your body reducing the amount of friction against your skin. Both polyester and nylon are both quick to dry, whilst the polyester offers a high level of breathability.
Durability
Seam Construction
The seams of the apparel can be the most bothersome when they are not constructed properly. In a traditional shirt, the seams are stitched in a fashion called overlock. Essentially the two pieces of fabric are clasped closed and sewn that way. Leaving a rise in the material, the raised area can cause irritation during movements. You should look for seams that are constructed to be flat. This is where the pieces of the seam are placed one on top of the other. They are then sewn together in this fashion to create a flat seam.
The Collar
Depending on the activity that will be performed while wearing one of these, you may want to be choosing about the fit of the collar. Should you be wearing this while participating in a rigorous activity, you will probably want a collar that allows you room to move. One that is cut lower is the best choice. For some, the added protection of having a higher collar line, like a turtleneck, can come in handy. When spending long periods of time in the sun, we often forget to apply sunscreen to our necklines. Overall this can be a painful lesson to learn.
Top 10 Picks
1. Tatami Fightwear
Another great option for those children who participate in activities meant for the gym. This one is made to provide those who wear it a better movement experience overall.
For Use in the Gym
Whether your child likes to participate in kickboxing, wrestling, or gymnastics this shirt will provide them with a comfortable feel. Made to move with their movements rather than against you will notice less chafing and complaining.
Seams
The seams for active wear should never cause you irritation. When designed incorrectly you get an irritating itch from them. When done as these are, in a flat fashion you won't get that at all.
Cost and Value
This one comes at a slightly higher cost but has been constructed to withstand the punishment delivered. Afterall quality construction does come at a higher overall cost. When it comes to our children, quality is key.
2. Banner Bonnie
Some need an option for reasons other than the beach. Here is a selection that will work great for your active indoor child as well. It can be worn for many active uses to defend against skin irritation.
Uses
Some parents have children who are actively busy with indoor sports as well. Those who do are seeking an option perhaps more for a defense against rashes than the sun. This option has just what you are looking for. Your child can wear this for virtually any activity they are involved in.
Rash Defense
Made from materials that allow for a 4-way stretch potential, this suit will move with your child. The material will do less rubbing reducing the risk of chafing during activity.
Cost and Value
Keep in mind while considering the cost, this is essentially a full outfit for your child. Add up the expense you would pay separately and you will see that you are indeed making out on this option.
3. 7-Mi One Piece
If you are seeking a lighter weight option that keeps your child protected without being long sleeves this one is ideal. It is also ideal for those whose kids are a bit fussy about being fully covered during the warmer months. This specific brand has thought of protection from almost every element your child might come in contact with at the beach or the pool. Not only that, but it’s so cute you might want to stock up on one or two.
Special Protection
As expected this rash guard is perfect for protection against the sun’s harmful rays, with provided UPF 50, UVA and UVB protection while the suit is wet or dry. However, it comes with added protection as its chlorine and saltwater resistant. Having this second layer of protection works excellently when your child is spending an abundant amount of time in the ocean or at the pool as it helps your child’s skin not feel dry and constricted at the end of the day.
Four-way Stretch Fabric
The way an item is constructed is always important as it helps you find the best quality pieces. This particular piece comes with four-way stretch this is perfect for those children that love being active when they’re at the beach. It allows them to have movement while still being protected.
Cost and Value
This one-piece suit is quite affordable. It comes in multiple cute designs, its made out of excellent moveable fabric, and it offers duo protection, you might want to consider having multiple ones at your disposal for those hot summer days.
4. Body Glove
Next comes an option for those who seek this type of garment for both protection and performance purposes. Many children enjoy watersports just as much as adults do. So they will need an apparel line that can work as hard as they do.
Performance
As we stated above, this one was built to perform. With venting to offer better air circulation. This circulation aids in wicking away sweat keeping them both cool and dry.
Durable
Reinforced stitching in just the right areas will allow this shirt to hold up for many activities to come. The fabric used in creating the shirt allow flexibility. The flexible material holds more strength than typical cotton material does.
Cost and Value
Here is a shirt that can get the job one even when your child is giving it their all out on the waves. The amount of durability this one has to offer will seemingly offset the cost by far.
5. Sunbusters
For your child's benefit, this shirt offers a maximum amount of protection to their skin. With the fun colors and animal pictures, they will look cute while remaining safe.
Protection
The manufacturer of this product has stepped up the protection for this selection. Along with the higher UPF rating, they have thrown in some potential for blocking both UVA and UVB rays. This one comes with a promise that it will block 98% of the suns harmful rays.
Fun Colors
For some, dressing their kids in the cutest outfits is a must. With a selection like this, you can surely achieve this goal. There are several color options to choose from. As well as some options with a cute little animal picture on the front.
Cost and Value
Your child can stand out from the crowd as the cute one with this selection. Plenty of options to choose from, you are sure to find one to suit your sense of style for them. Most importantly the high level of sun protection to keep them from getting burned can be your most valuable asset.
6. Tuga
Children can have very sensitive skin bothered by the slightest things. Now here is an option that can help to alleviate some of those issues for you. Plus it can be worn both in the water and out.
Sensitivity
Children have a higher susceptibility to getting rashes on their skin than adults do. This makes applying things such as sunscreen difficult. Other manufacturers will use chemicals to boost their products UPF rating. Not this one, they have provided you with a promise of a chemical free product.
Multiple Uses
While at the beach your child will be in and out of the water. Wet clothing can be irritating to them. With this selection, the materials used have the ability to dry quickly. Allowing them to enjoy some time in the sand as their shirt will not bother them.
Cost and Value
This so far is our most expensive selection yet, with that expense will come the guarantee of satisfaction. You guessed it, this manufacturer will stand behind their product 100% or your money back.
7. Jojobaby 2piece
If you are looking for a cute protective yet versatile, long sleeve two piece rash guard for your daughter this is the way to go. Jojobaby has put together an adorable two-piece bathing suit that was constructed to protect from sun exposure while being an excellent addition to warm, summer days at the beach. Featuring long sleeves, and a high neck the top of this two-piece was intended to keep the sun as far from the skin as possible. Additionally, it offers UBF 50 with duo protection from UV-A and UV-B, so you don’t have to worry about having to apply sunscreen.
Quick Drying Fabric
Children are known to become fussy when they are hot, overly wet, sleepy or uncomfortable. The brand thought of this and created this two-piece set with quick-drying, breathable, lightweight fabric. It’s a form of bringing additional comfort so that they can focus on playing and having fun instead of how their body is feeling. Furthermore, the material is chemical free, making it perfect for children with extremely sensitive skin.
Sizing
While having the proper fabric is important, the sizing is essential, particularly for children. You want to allow them to feel comfortable yet be safe from the sun- this rash guard allows you to do just that. It fits the body a bit more contoured so that there is a feeling of being protected yet the fabric is so lightweight that they can move around and enjoy.
Cost and Value
Having good options for your child to choose from is not only beneficial, but it's convenient. This two-piece set is very well priced, so much so, that you can have more than one on hand.
8. RuffleButts
Here is an option that will keep your little one looking cute while enjoying the day in the sun. Made with the comfort of your child in mind while keeping your worries at bay.
Comfort
Made from fabric that is flexible, this allows it to conform to their bodies. Making for a snug but a comfortable feeling suit. The neckline is made to stretch, perfect for those little ones who hate tight necklines.
Protective
Setting parents minds at ease, this offers a high UPF rating for defense against the sun. With this, they also have added material to the bottom of the shirt to offer the child full coverage.
Cost and Value
Many swimsuit options will cost a pretty penny but this one truly isn't that bad. It gives you the option to protect your child's skin while looking cute doing so.
9. O'Neill
As children grow so should their choices for protective clothing. This selection has you covered when your infant becomes an adolescent. Here is one that will fit in all the right ways so they can use it for all their sporting needs.
Style
With the long sleeves and flat seam construction, your young adult will have an amazing amount of coverage. Since this option is made to fit contoured to them, you will notice the shirt moves with them. Reducing the amount of friction that is known for causing rashes.
Sizing
Infants grow all too quickly into toddlers. From there they hit the young adolescent stage in no time flat. Keeping up with these changes, this manufacturer has sizes to offer your older children. Often times other manufacturers will skip this stage and head right into adult sizing.
Cost and Value
Here is a selection that won't break the bank when it comes to cost. It is a durable and protective element for all your children's sporting apparel needs. Allowing you to give them a line of defense against skin irritation.
10. City Threads
Our first option is one that was made to withstand the punishment that your busy little bee can hand out. Made with their comfort in mind, you can be sure that there will be no struggle in getting them to keep this on.
Durable
The materials used in this particular item are of good quality. Making this one of the more durable options to choose from. Great for parents, as we know that some clothing just doesn't seem to last once the children get their hands on them.
The Fit
The fabric is soft, leaving your child with a comfortable feel while wearing this shirt. The sleeves are long, so you won't need to worry about sun exposure. The seams are constructed to be both strong and non-irritating to the skin.
Cost and Value
This option is valuable to your child's protective needs. Parents get a sound piece of mind with a UPF rating of 50. The child gets comfort while wearing the shirt. That seems like a win-win situation.
