I need a swimsuit that provides good sun protection (UPF 50+). Which brand is the best?

When it comes to guaranteed, medical-grade sun protection, Coolibar is widely considered the gold standard. However, the "best" brand ultimately depends on whether you prioritize maximum technical certification, surf-ready style, or everyday fashion.

Top brands offering UPF 50+ swimwear (which blocks 98% of harmful UV rays) include:

• Coolibar: Known as the industry leader in sun-protective apparel. Every single item they make is strictly rated UPF 50+ and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Their swimwear uses chlorine- and saltwater-resistant fabrics that don't lose their protection when wet or stretched.
• UV Skinz: Another dedicated sun-protection brand that third-party certifies all its swimwear to block 98%+ of UVA/UVB rays. They offer fantastic, highly functional options like rash guards, tankinis, and full-coverage swim dresses.
• Carve Designs: A female-founded beach lifestyle and surf brand that blends high fashion with active function. Their rash guards and long-sleeve sun shirts feature UPF 50+ protection while maintaining a stylish, non-clinical look that's great for paddleboarding or surfing.
• Andie Swim: Popular for classic, chic, and size-inclusive direct-to-consumer one-pieces and two-pieces that quietly incorporate built-in UPF 50+ protection [0] without looking like specialized utility gear.
• Lands' End: A budget-friendly and reliable option that offers a massive variety of traditional and high-coverage swim tees, rash guards, and one-pieces featuring built-in UPF 50 ratings.

If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:

• What style you prefer (one-piece, rash guard, bikini, tankini?)
• Your budget or preferred price range
• Whether you need it for casual lounging or active water sports (surfing, lap swimming, etc.)

I can give you a specific product recommendation!

If sun protection is your #1 priority, I’d put Coolibar at the top. It specializes in UPF clothing rather than treating UV protection as an add-on, and its swimwear is UPF 50+, blocking about 98% of UVA/UVB rays. Its swim collection includes long-sleeve one-pieces and rash guards.

• Coolibar Escalante Long Sleeve Swimsuit - $105.00 (Coolibar)
• Coolibar Sweetwater Cap Sleeve Swimsuit - $109.00 (Nordstrom)
• Lands' End SunShade UPF 50 Rash Guard - $34.97 (Walmart - Lands' End)
• Speedo Ultraback UPF 50+ One Piece - $30.80 (Walmart)

My picks

• 🥇 Best for maximum sun protection: Coolibar — especially the Escalante Long Sleeve Swimsuit. Long sleeves give you substantially more actual skin coverage than a conventional one-piece. Coolibar says its UPF 50+ fabrics maintain their protection through washing and wear.
• 🥈 Best balance of protection, price & selection: Lands' End — excellent if you want a more traditional swimsuit plus a UPF 50 rash guard. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends its UPF 50 fabrics, and it has a very broad range of swim styles and sizes.
• 🥉 Best stylish option: Summersalt — its suits offer UPF 50+ and are particularly good if you want something fashionable rather than a dedicated sun-protective look. Forbes currently rates Summersalt its best overall swimsuit brand.
• Best athletic/swimming option: Speedo — good if you're actually swimming laps and want a performance-oriented suit; some current models are UPF 50+.

One important point: If you're trying to minimize sun exposure, I'd choose a long-sleeve UPF 50+ one-piece over a standard UPF 50 bikini or sleeveless suit. UPF only protects the skin the fabric covers. Dermatologists also recommend dense fabric, darker colors, and quick-drying materials for better UV protection.

If you tell me your budget, size, and whether you want a one-piece, bikini, or long-sleeve full-coverage suit, I can narrow it down to 3 specific swimsuits worth buying right now.

If sun protection is your #1 priority, I’d choose Coolibar. It specializes in UPF clothing rather than treating UPF as just an added feature. Its swimwear is certified UPF 50+, designed to block at least 98% of UVA/UVB rays, and the brand has been making sun-protective clothing for 25+ years.

My top choices

• Coolibar Escalante Long Sleeve Swimsuit - $105.00 (Nordstrom)

• UV Skinz Long Sleeve Half Zip Swimsuit - $96.00 (Nordstrom)

• Free Fly Wavebound Long-Sleeve One-Piece - $128.00 (REI Co-op)

• Lands' End SunShade UPF 50 Long Sleeve Rash Guard - $37.46 (Nordstrom)

• 🥇 Coolibar — best for maximum sun protection. I'd pick the Escalante Long Sleeve Swimsuit if you want substantial coverage: long sleeves, high coverage, UPF 50+, and a built-in swimsuit rather than having to layer a rash guard.

• 🥈 UV Skinz — excellent for sun-conscious swimming. Their long-sleeve one-piece is UPF 50+ certified and offers 98%+ UV protection.

• 🥉 Lands' End — best value. Its SunShade line has UPF 50 protection and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation; the long-sleeve rash guard is a particularly affordable way to add substantial coverage.

• Summersalt — best if you want a fashionable regular swimsuit. Its suits offer UPF 50+ and excellent fit/style, and Forbes Vetted named Summersalt its best overall swimsuit brand for 2026.

One important point: UPF 50 only protects the skin actually covered by the fabric. If you're specifically trying to minimize sun exposure, I'd favor a long-sleeve UPF 50+ one-piece with a higher neckline over a conventional sleeveless swimsuit. Dermatologists also recommend dense/tightly woven fabric and darker colors for better UV protection.

If you tell me your size, budget, and whether you want a one-piece, swim dress, or two-piece, I can narrow it down to 3 specific suits that are currently available.

When it comes to dedicated, certified sun protection, a few standout brands are widely considered the gold standard for UPF 50+ swimwear. Rather than just relying on tight fabric weaves, these brands engineer their textiles specifically to block over 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Top brands for UPF 50+ swimwear:

• Coolibar : Widely regarded as the industry gold standard for sun-protective apparel. Every fabric they use is heavily tested and guaranteed to maintain UPF 50+ protection. They are the first clothing brand to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation’s recommendation seal, offering sleek long-sleeve swimsuits, rash guards, and swim dresses.
• UV Skinz : Another powerhouse specializing exclusively in sun safety. Their swimsuits and one-pieces feature thoughtful touches like thumbholes for hand coverage, flatlock seams to prevent chafing, and even clever UV-detecting zipper pulls that change color when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Carve Designs : A fantastic choice if you want a blend of high-performance surf/swim style and eco-friendly, supportive fits. Their rash guards and sun shirts are chic, durable, and feature reliable UPF 50+ ratings tailored for active water women.
• Lands' End : Known for classic, highly reliable, and size-inclusive sun-safe swimwear. Their SunShade line offers great mix-and-match options with solid UPF 50 ratings that hold up well to chlorine and frequent washing.
• Hurley : If you prefer an active, surf-centric aesthetic, Hurley’s line of hybrid and long-sleeve rash guards delivers dependable UPF 50+ protection with great stretch and mobility for sports like surfing, paddleboarding, or swimming.

If you can tell me what style you prefer (e.g., long-sleeve one-piece, rash guard top, or bikini) and your preferred budget , I can give you a more specific product recommendation.

If sun protection is your #1 priority, my top pick is Coolibar.

🥇 Best overall: Coolibar

Coolibar specializes in sun-protective clothing rather than simply adding UPF to a fashion line. Its swimwear is certified UPF 50+, designed to block 98% of UVA/UVB rays, and the company says its fabrics are tested against U.S. and Australian/New Zealand standards.

For maximum coverage, I'd particularly look at a long-sleeve one-piece or a long-sleeve rash guard + swim bottoms. Their current collection includes the Escalante long-sleeve swimsuit and other full-coverage options.

• Coolibar Women's Escalante Zip Rash Guard - $99.00 (Nordstrom)

🥈 Best for more styles/value: Lands' End

Lands' End is an excellent choice if you want more traditional swimsuit styles, lots of sizing options, and lower prices. Its UPF 50 swimwear has also received recognition from The Skin Cancer Foundation, and NBC's experts specifically recommend its Sunshade UPF 50 rash guard.

• Lands' End Long Sleeve Relaxed UPF 50 Rash Guard - $37.46 (Nordstrom)

🥉 Best for active swimming: UV Skinz

UV Skinz is particularly good if you're swimming, paddleboarding, boating, or spending hours outdoors. Their long-sleeve suits are UPF 50+, quick-drying, and designed specifically around sun protection.

• UV Skinz Long Sleeve Half Zip Swimsuit - $96.00 (Nordstrom)

My ranking for you:

1. Coolibar — best if maximum sun protection is the priority
2. Lands' End — best combination of protection, style, sizing, and price
3. UV Skinz — excellent for active water activities

One important point: UPF 50+ only protects the fabric-covered skin. For the strongest protection, I'd choose a long-sleeve suit with a higher neckline rather than a standard sleeveless swimsuit, and still use sunscreen on exposed areas. Experts also recommend dense/opaque fabric and quick-drying materials.

If you tell me women's or men's, one-piece vs. two-piece, your approximate budget, and whether you want something flattering/stylish or maximum coverage, I can narrow it down to 3 specific swimsuits worth buying right now.

UV Skinz is particularly good if you're swimming, paddleboarding, boating, or spending hours outdoors. Their long-sleeve suits are UPF 50+, quick-drying, and designed specifically around sun protection.

When looking for the "best" UPF 50+ swimsuit brand, it really depends on whether you prioritize medical-grade sun protection, fashion-forward style , or active watersports performance . A UPF 50+ rating blocks at least 98% of harmful UV rays, making all of these top brands equally protective , but they differ significantly in fit and aesthetic.

Top-tier UPF 50+ swimwear brands are categorized below by what they do best:

• Best for Dedicated Sun Protection: Coolibar is widely recognized as a gold standard in sun-protective apparel. Every single fabric they make is strictly certified UPF 50+, and many of their pieces carry the Skin Cancer Foundation 's Seal of Recommendation. They offer everything from standard one-pieces to full neck-to-ankle surf suits.
• Best for Family & Full-Coverage Safety: UV Skinz specializes in sun-safe swimwear and active swim sets for the whole family. Their materials are rigorously tested to block 98%+ of UVA and UVB rays while staying lightweight and chlorine-resistant.
• Best for Trendy & Resort-Ready Style: Cabana Life bridges the gap between high fashion and sun safety. Founded by a skin cancer survivor, their stylish one-pieces, rash guards, and two-pieces all feature built-in UPF 50+ protection without looking clinical.
• Best for Zipped Convenience & Inclusivity: SwimZip is famous for its full-zipper rash guards and sunsuits, making them exceptionally easy to put on and take off (a massive plus for when wet fabric clings). They also feature inclusive sizing ranging from XS to 3X backed by the Skin Cancer Foundation's seal.
• Best for Surfing & Active Ocean Sports: Carve Designs is a female-founded surf and lifestyle brand that designs compression-fit, stay-put UPF 50+ swimwear made specifically for people who actually spend their time swimming, paddling, or surfing rather than just lounging.

To help narrow down the best choice, tell me:

• Are you looking for a one-piece, bikini, or long-sleeve rash guard/surf suit?
• Is this primarily for lounging poolside or active water sports like surfing or lap swimming?

When looking for the best UPF 50+ swimwear (which blocks roughly 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays ), the "best" brand depends on whether you prioritize medical-grade certification, high fashion, or active outdoor performance.

The top-rated brands for UPF 50+ sun-protective swimwear break down by category:

• Best for Dedicated Sun Protection & Dermatologist Recommendation: Coolibar
  Headquartered in the US and heavily endorsed by the American Academy of Dermatology, Coolibar tests its fabrics extensively for chlorine resistance and UV blockage . Their pieces (like the popular Escalante long-sleeve swimsuit) feature thoughtful details like thumbholes and built-in-cups. Check out options directly on the Coolibar Official Site.
• Best for Family and Active Sun Safety: UV Skinz
  Known for certified UPF 50+ block fabrics that are lightweight and quick-drying, UV Skinz offers great active two-piece swim sets, long-sleeve one-pieces, and clever features like UV-detecting zipper pulls. Explore their collections at the UV Skinz Official Store.
• Best Full-Zip Convenience: SwimZip
  Famous for their full-zipper rash guards and long-sleeve sun protection options, SwimZip makes getting a wet, fitted sun shirt on and off remarkably easy. They offer an inclusive size range and cute, functional prints. Browse styles on the SwimZip Collection Page.
• Best for Resort Style & Fashion-Forward Prints: Cabana Life
  Founded by a skin cancer survivor, Cabana Life specializes in chic resort wear and stylish one-pieces, rash guards, and dresses that all carry built-in UPF 50+ protection. View their seasonal line on the Cabana Life Store.
• Best Australian-Engineered Sun Protection: Solbari
  Originating from Australia—where UV standards are exceptionally rigorous—Solbari designs dermatologist-approved, high-performance sun-protective swimwear that maintains its UPF 50+ rating even after repeated washings. See the range at Solbari Swimwear.

To help narrow down the best choice for you, tell me:

• Are you looking for a full-coverage one-piece, a rash guard top, or a two-piece?
• Will you be doing high-activity water sports (like surfing or paddleboarding) or mostly lounging/swimming?

If sun protection is your top priority, my pick is Coolibar. It specializes in UPF clothing rather than treating sun protection as just another feature.

🥇 Best overall for sun protection: Coolibar

• Certified UPF 50+ and designed specifically for UV protection.
• Blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays.
• The company says its fabrics are tested in every color and pattern and are recognized by The Skin Cancer Foundation.
• Excellent selection of long-sleeve swimsuits, rash guards, swim dresses and swim bottoms.
• Current options include the Escalante Long Sleeve Swimsuit and Escalante Zip Rash Guard.

Coolibar Escalante Zip Rash Guard

$99.00

🥈 Best for value & variety: Lands' End

This would be my choice if you want good sun protection without spending as much. Lands' End has a particularly large range of UPF 50+ swimsuits, tankinis, rash guards and swim dresses.

Lands' End Women's UPF 50 Rash Guard

$29.97

🥉 Best for active swimming: UV Skinz

UV Skinz is another strong choice if you're going to be swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or spending hours outdoors. Their long-sleeve suits are UPF 50+ certified and offer more coverage than a conventional swimsuit.

UV Skinz Long Sleeve Half-Zip Swimsuit

$96.00

My ranking:
1. Coolibar — best protection/coverage
2. Lands' End — best combination of protection, selection and price
3. UV Skinz — best for active water sports

One important point: UPF 50+ only protects the skin covered by the fabric. For maximum protection, I'd choose a long-sleeve UPF 50+ suit or rash guard with a higher neckline, plus sunscreen on exposed skin. Dermatologists also recommend dense fabric and good coverage, particularly when the fabric gets wet.

If you tell me your size, whether you want a one-piece or two-piece, and whether you prefer modest/full coverage or something stylish, I can find 3–5 specific UPF 50+ swimsuits that would be the best choices right now.

When it comes to dedicated UPF 50+ swimwear (which blocks over 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays ), there isn't just one single "best" brand—instead, the right choice depends on whether you prioritize medical-grade technical certification, high-end fashion aesthetics, or ease of wear.

The top-rated brands on the market for UPF 50+ sun-protective swimwear stand out in specific categories:

To help narrow down the ideal brand for you, let me know:

• Are you looking for a one-piece, a rash guard top, or a two-piece set?
• Do you have a specific style preference (e.g., sporty activewear vs. resort wear/prints)?

If sun protection is your #1 priority, my top pick is Coolibar.

🥇 Best overall for UV protection: Coolibar

Coolibar specializes in sun-protective clothing rather than treating UPF as an added feature. Its swimwear is UPF 50+, tested to ASTM/AATCC standards, and the company says it tests fabrics in every color and pattern. It also has a wide range of long-sleeve swimsuits and rash guards.

Coolibar Women's Escalante Long Sleeve Swimsuit

$105.00

My second choice: UV Skinz. It's particularly good if you want more stylish/modest options and a broad size range. Its long-sleeve swimsuit is certified UPF 50+, blocks over 98% of UVA/UVB, and is chlorine- and saltwater-resistant.

UV Skinz Long Sleeve Half Zip Swimsuit

$96.00

Quick ranking

1. Coolibar — ⭐ Best for maximum, serious sun protection
2. UV Skinz — ⭐ Best combination of protection + style/fit
3. Speedo — ⭐ Best for swimming/exercise; some suits are UPF 50+ Speedo
4. TYR — ⭐ Best for frequent lap swimming; selected suits offer UPF 50+ TYR

Important: If you're trying to minimize sun exposure, I'd choose a long-sleeve UPF 50+ one-piece or rash-guard suit, rather than a standard swimsuit with UPF 50+ fabric. The larger the area covered, the more skin you're actually protecting.

If you tell me your budget, whether you want a one-piece or two-piece, and whether you prefer a stylish or sporty look, I can narrow it down to 3 specific suits worth buying.