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

If sun protection is your #1 priority, I’d put Coolibar at the top of the list. It specializes in sun-protective clothing and swimwear, with certified UPF 50+ fabrics designed to block about 98% of UVA/UVB radiation.

• Coolibar Escalante Long Sleeve Swimsuit - $105.00 (Coolibar)
• UV Skinz Long Sleeve Half Zip Swimsuit - $81.00 (Nordstrom)
• Lands' End SunShade UPF 50 Rash Guard - $37.46 (Nordstrom)
• TUTUBLUE UPF 50+ Full Body Swimsuit - $165.00 (SwimOutlet.com)

My ranking

1. Coolibar — Best overall for maximum sun protection

• Excellent choice if you want a dedicated sun-protection brand.
• Their Escalante Long Sleeve Swimsuit gives substantial arm/shoulder coverage while still looking like a conventional swimsuit.
• UPF 50+, quick-drying options, and chlorine/saltwater-resistant fabrics are available.

2. UV Skinz — Best for active swimming

• Their long-sleeve one-piece is UPF 50+, has full sleeves and thumb holes, and is specifically designed for activities such as snorkeling, surfing and paddleboarding.

3. Lands' End — Best value

• Great if you don't necessarily need a full long-sleeve one-piece.
• Their SunShade UPF 50 rash guards are relatively affordable and the brand has a recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation.

4. TUTUBLUE — Best for maximum coverage

• Their full-body UPF 50+ suits cover the arms, torso and legs, making them particularly good for prolonged outdoor exposure.

If I were buying one specifically for strong sun protection, I'd choose the Coolibar Escalante. If you tell me your size, approximate budget, and whether you want a one-piece, tankini, or swimsuit + rash guard, I can narrow it down to 3 specific suits that would be best for you.

When looking for the "best" UPF 50+ swimsuit brand, it really depends on whether your priority is medical-grade sun protection, active water sports, or everyday fashion and flattering fits.

The top-rated brands specializing in certified UPF 50+ swimwear break down by category:

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Andie If you want a stylish, trendy, fashion-forward suit (like a classic one-piece) that also happens to feature built-in UPF 50+ eco-nylon, Andie Swim is a top direct-to-consumer favorite.

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Carve Designs Perfect for active beachgoers, paddleboarders, and surfers. They focus heavily on high-performance athletic swimwear and rash guards with UPF 50+ that look chic and hold up well to active movement.[1][2][3]

To help me narrow down the best specific option for you, could you share:

• Are you looking for a one-piece, rash guard, two-piece, or swim dress?
• Do you plan on doing active water sports (like surfing/paddleboarding) or just lounging/swimming?

The definitive top-tier options for UPF 50+ sun-protective swimwear are Coolibar, UV Skinz , and Tutublue , each leading the market in certified ultraviolet protection and specialized fabric engineering.

Coolibar is widely considered the gold standard for medical-grade and dermatologically recommended sun protection. Every fabric they make is strictly tested and rated UPF 50+, offering stylish options like the Coolibar Breakwater Wrap Swimsuit Go to product viewer dialog for this item. that combine chlorine-resistant 4-way stretch with elegant resort wear aesthetics.[1]

UV Skinz specializes in family-friendly, highly functional active sun wear that blocks over 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Their sets, such as the UV Skinz Women’s 2PC Long Sleeve Active Swim Set Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , stand out for thoughtful details like thumbholes for hand coverage and UV-detecting zipper pulls.[1]

Tutublue is exceptional if you are looking for maximum, full-coverage suits (including full-body or long-sleeve short options) designed for extended, intense outdoor water exposure. You can explore their robust line directly on the Tutublue Store.[1]

If you tell me whether you prefer a one-piece, a two-piece, or a full-coverage rash guard set , I can help you narrow down the exact style and brand that fits your needs.

If UPF 50+ sun protection is your top priority, the “best” brand depends on whether you want maximum coverage, style, swimming performance, or everyday comfort. UPF 50+ is the highest commonly used rating for sun-protective clothing and blocks about 98% of UV radiation when the garment is properly worn.

My top picks:

Best overall sun-protection swimsuit brands

1. Coolibar — Best for maximum UV protection

Best for: people who prioritize skin protection, long beach days, boating, swimming, or sun sensitivity.

Why it stands out:

• Specializes in UPF 50+ clothing and swimwear.
• Offers full-coverage rash guards, swim tops, swim dresses, and one-piece suits.
• Good fabric quality and coverage options.

Good choices:

• Long-sleeve rash guards
• Full-coverage swim dresses
• Zip-front swim tops

My pick for: the strongest sun-defense option.

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2. Lands' End — Best balance of protection, comfort, and price

Best for: families, vacation wear, and everyday beach use.

Why it stands out:

• Many swim pieces have UPF 50 protection.
• Comfortable fabrics and inclusive sizing.
• Great rash guards that layer easily over a swimsuit.

Good choices:

• SunShade UPF 50 long-sleeve rash guard swim tee
• Long-sleeve rash guard one-piece styles

My pick for: most people who want reliable protection without spending a lot.

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3. Solbari — Best for serious sun protection with lightweight fabrics

Best for: hot climates and people who spend many hours outdoors.

Why it stands out:

• Focuses almost entirely on UPF clothing.
• Swim tops are designed for UV protection, stretch, and quick drying.

My pick for: tropical vacations and long outdoor days.

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4. Cabana Life — Best stylish UPF swimwear

Best for: someone who wants sun protection but still wants a resort/beach look.

Why it stands out:

• Known for fashionable UPF 50+ swimwear.
• Offers more “vacation style” pieces rather than purely athletic rash guards.

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5. Summersalt — Best stylish one-piece option

Best for: a flattering swimsuit that still offers UPF 50 protection.

Why it stands out:

• Some suits use UPF 50 fabric.
• More fashion-focused than technical sunwear.

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If I had to choose only one:

• Maximum sun protection: Coolibar
• Best value for most people: Lands’ End
• Best for tropical vacations: Solbari
• Most stylish: Cabana Life
• Most flattering fashion swimsuit: Summersalt

A few shopping tips:

• Choose long sleeves + higher neckline if sun protection is the main goal.
• A rash guard top with UPF 50+ often protects better than a standard swimsuit because it covers shoulders, chest, and arms.
• Look for a tight weave, darker colors, and a snug (not stretched) fit—stretching fabric can reduce coverage.

If you tell me women’s/men’s/kids, your preferred style (one-piece, bikini + rash guard, swim dress, etc.), and your budget, I can narrow it down to the best specific suits.

When it comes to dedicated UPF 50+ sun protection, a few standout brands lead the industry by combining rigorous ultraviolet blocking with chlorine-resistant, high-performance fabrics.

The top brands for sun-protective swimwear include:

• Coolibar : Widely considered the gold standard for medical-grade sun protection, Coolibar was the first clothing company to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation's recommendation. Their swimwear (like the [Coolibar Breakwater Wrap Swimsuit Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.coolibar.com/products/womens-breakwater-wrap-swimsuit-black?variant=49211234386234&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOoq-W6x0fKAPLl02st39N-X10qy13CVJs4MYeRWmffHXq_dwtpTJwZ0) ) uses specialized fabrics like Aqua Classic and Aqua Helios that block 98% of UV rays and maintain their rating even when wet or stretched.
• UV Skinz : Another powerhouse recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, known for creating stylish, highly functional pieces like the [UV Skinz Active Swim Set Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.uvskinz.com/products/womens-2pc-long-sleeve-active-swim-set?variant=52341723758773&srsltid=AfmBOooEaGSmrMBYtL2wM_ETLyCXrR5wcNDpyhAfVhr8VOgnzJf4stLz7TA) . They focus heavily on comfort, flatlock seams to prevent chafing, and thoughtful details like thumbholes and high necklines for extra coverage.
• Carve Designs : If you want something tailored more toward active watersports (like surfing or paddleboarding) without sacrificing aesthetics, Carve Designs makes beautiful rashguards and one-pieces with strong UPF 50+ ratings that lean into a chic, West-Coast surf style.
• Athleta : Known for inclusive sizing and supportive activewear, Athleta frequently incorporates UPF 50+ rated materials into their swim line, making them a great option if you prefer mix-and-match separates or sporty, multi-use pieces.

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

• Are you looking for a one-piece, a rash guard, or a two-piece set?
• Will you be swimming casually or doing active water sports (like surfing or lap swimming)?

If sun protection is your #1 priority, I’d put Coolibar at the top of the list. It specializes in UPF clothing/swimwear, and its swim collection is built around certified UPF 50+ protection; the company says its fabrics block at least 98% of UVA/UVB rays and are recognized by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

My top brands

1. Coolibar — Best for maximum sun protection ⭐
Best if you want substantial coverage and don't mind a more protective/sporty look. Its Escalante Long Sleeve Swimsuit is a particularly good option for swimming, paddleboarding and beach days. Current price is around $105.

Coolibar Women's Escalante Zip Rash Guard

$99.00

2. UV Skinz — Best full-coverage swimsuit
Its Long Sleeve Half-Zip Swimsuit has UPF 50+, full sleeves, thumb holes and a built-in shelf bra. Travel + Leisure specifically rated it its best sun-coverage swimsuit for 2026.

UV Skinz Long Sleeve Half Zip Swimsuit

$96.00

3. Lands' End — Best value / everyday option
A very good choice if you want UPF 50 protection without spending $100+. NBC Select specifically recommends its SunShade UPF 50 long-sleeve rash guard, and it has lots of sizing and style options.

Lands' End SunShade UPF 50 Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Tee

$37.46

4. Summersalt — Best if you want fashionable rather than sporty
Forbes Vetted named Summersalt its best swimsuit brand overall in 2026. Its swim fabric provides UPF 50 protection, although its suits generally expose more skin than Coolibar/UV Skinz.

What I'd choose

One important point: UPF 50 protects only the skin covered by the fabric. For serious sun exposure, I'd favor a long-sleeve, high-neck one-piece over a traditional bikini or low-cut swimsuit, plus sunscreen on exposed skin. Dermatologists also recommend looking for tightly woven fabric and a good fit.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. under $75/$100/$150), one-piece vs. two-piece, and whether you want long sleeves, I can search the current options and pick the 3 best swimsuits for you, including prices and where to buy them.

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.[1]
• 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.[1]
• 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.[1][2]

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.[1]
• 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.[1]
• 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.