Having good swimwear for your kids that lasts through the summer is always the top of my summer gear list. Having cute, stylish swimwear that lasts through the season while protecting your kids from the harsh UV rays isn’t the only thing to think about. It’s important to make sure the swimwear isn’t filled with toxic chemicals. The brands in this guide have fun, sustainable, non-toxic swimwear for kids.
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It’s important that chemicals aren’t added to the swimwear to make them UV resistant. In addition, you also want to make sure that the dyes and fabrication of the swimwear and rash guards aren’t using toxic chemicals.
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Chemicals in Swimwear and Rash Guards
Sadly there are lot of chemicals in some swimwear. As you wear and wash, these chemicals break down and release into our environment, waterways, and into your body (our skin is our largest organ). There are some very simple steps you can take to avoid these chemicals.
UV Protection / UPF Rating Without Chemicals
Fabrics have a UPF rating which is the amount of UV protection on swimwear. This rating lets us know that these fabrics will provide a barrier against the sun’s harmful UV rays. There are two ways to achieve the UPF rating.
One way is using harsh, toxic chemicals that are embedded in the fabric or coated onto the fabric. As the fabric breaks down the chemicals release into our bodies and environment.
The second way to achieve the UPF rating is through the weave of the fabric. By creating a tight weave fabric, you can achieve UV protection with no chemicals. This is what you want to buy.
Manufacturing Without Toxic Chemicals
The other consideration is how these fabrics are produced. The textile industry is a notoriously toxic industry that impacts not only our health but also our earth.
Clothing can contain (to name a few):
- AZO dyes (which contain heavy metals)
- PVC & BPA
- Formaldehyde
- Durable Water Repellants (DWR)
By looking for swimwear that is Oeko-Tex certified you are buying swimwear that is free from hundreds of toxic chemicals.
What You Should Look For in Sustainable, Non-Toxic Swimwear for Kids
You want to look for several things when looking for non-toxic swimwear:
- UPF rated rash guards and swimwear that is achieved through the weave of the fabric and not through the use of chemicals.
- Clothing manufactured according to Oeko-Tex standards which means it’s free from hundreds of harmful chemicals.
- Some people prefer to not buy things made in China. If that is important to you, it is harder to find all three for swimwear but it can be done.
Ways to Protect Your Children from the Sun
Using a long sleeve rash guard provides protection for your kids along with their swimsuit. This also helps minimize the number of times you reapply sunblock to their entire body. We always use a long sleeve rash guard when at the beach or when we are spending long periods of time in the sun.
Using natural and non-toxic sunblock is also very important, see my recommendations for the best natural sunblock here.
Alternating sun and shade is always a good idea as well as a good sunhat that fits the criteria above.
The Best Brands of Sustainable, Non-Toxic Swimwear for Kids
There are several great sustainable, non-toxic rash guards and swimwear brands for kids.
Frugi
Frugi is primarly an organic clothing company for babies and kids. They also make rash guards and swimwear.
We love Frugi swimwear. They have fun designs and plenty of full coverage options.
UPF Rating: UPF 50+ achieved through weave of fabric
Clothing Certification: Oeko-Tex
Made in: China
Where to Buy: Frugi’s website
Primary
Primary has a great selection of mix and match rash guards and swimwear for babies and kids (and a small selection for adults too).
We love our Primary swimwear and the variety of selection that they have.
UPF Rating: UPF 50+ achieved through weave of fabric
Clothing Certification: Oeko-Tex
Made in: Vietnam & China
Where to Buy: Primary’s website and Amazon
Hanna Andersson
Hanna Andersson has a large selection of rash guards for babies and kids. You can mix and match many different types of styles.
UPF Rating: Achieved through weave of fabric
Clothing Certification: Oeko-Tex
Made in: China
Where to Buy: Hanna Andersson’s website and Amazon
City Threads
City Threads is one of the only swimwear companies made in the USA. They have a wide selection of rash guards and swimwear for babies, kids, and adults. They are not Oeko-Tex certified, however.
UPF Rating: UPF rating 50+ achieved through weave of fabric
Clothing Certification: None
Made in: USA
Where to Buy: Amazon
Other Sun Essentials
Make sure you head outside for fun in the sun with:
- Eco-friendly beach toys
- Natural and non-toxic sunblock
- Your reusable water bottles
- An organic cotton tote to carry your supplies
- A garden hose free of toxins and heavy metals for your sprinkler
Final Thoughts
Buying sustainable, non-toxic swimwear for your kids does not need to be hard or expensive. All of these brands have a great selection, and you can be ensured your children won’t be exposed to toxic chemicals found in other swimwear brands.
Have you tried these swimwear brands? Share your favorites in the comments below.
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Hello, Do you know of any non toxic, pvc free, made in USA option for life jackets? Thanks,claudia