Kids' UV T-shirts
Children’s UV-protective T-shirts, UPF 50+ and 80 – short-sleeved and long-sleeved
Comfortable and protective UV-protective T-shirts for children
Our UV-protective T-shirts for children are designed to feel like a second skin: a close-fitting cut to prevent snagging, stretchy fabric that moves with the body, and a material that dries quickly after swimming. They slip into the beach bag just like a hat — built-in sun protection, no extra steps required.
Why choose a UV-protective T-shirt for children?
A child’s skin is up to three times thinner than an adult’s — it burns in a matter of minutes under the summer sun. The UV-protective T-shirt covers the most exposed areas (shoulders, back, arms) without the need to reapply sun cream every two hours. It’s protection you don’t have to reapply.
Short sleeves or long sleeves: how to choose?
The short-sleeved version is ideal for mild days and for children who run, jump and play. The long-sleeved version extends coverage to the forearms — perfect for long afternoons at the beach, snorkelling or picnics in the bright sunshine. Both offer the same UPF rating.
UPF 50+ and UPF 80 protection for children
Our range of children’s T-shirts is available in UPF 50+ (over 97% of UV rays blocked) and UPF 80 (SHIRO fabrics tested to the UV Standard 801 method). This dual offering allows you to choose the level of protection depending on the activity, geographical location and skin sensitivity. All our garments are tested when wet, when stretched, when worn and after washing.
A zip that changes colour in the sun
All our long-sleeved T-shirts feature a photochromic zip: a photochromic slider that changes colour when exposed to UV rays. Green when the UV index is low, purple when it is high. It serves as both a visual indicator for parents and a fun detail that children love — sun protection becomes a game.
For the beach, the pool and holidays
The children’s UV-protective T-shirt is perfect for all summer outings: the beach, the pool, the park, a boat trip, or simply a bike ride at the end of the day. It can be worn just as easily on wet skin by the water’s edge as it can when dry as part of an everyday outfit. Designed to last — the UV protection comes from the fabric itself and does not wash out, so the garment can be passed down from one child to the next.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose a UV-protective T-shirt for children?
Children’s skin is up to three times thinner than that of adults and particularly vulnerable to UV rays. A UPF 50+ or UPF 80 rated UV-protective T-shirt blocks over 97% of harmful rays on the shoulders, back and arms — the areas most exposed and hardest to cover with sun cream. Unlike sun cream, it doesn’t wash off in water or sweat.
Short-sleeved or long-sleeved T-shirt: which one should you choose?
Short sleeves are suitable for mild weather and active pursuits (games, running). Long sleeves extend coverage to the forearms and are ideal for prolonged exposure (beach, boat, snorkelling). Both offer the same UPF rating and the same second-skin comfort.
What is the difference between UPF 50+ and UPF 80?
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures the proportion of UV rays blocked by the fabric. UPF 50+ means that less than 2% of UV rays pass through the fabric (over 97% blocked). UPF 80, rated according to the UV Standard 801 method, offers even higher protection, tested under demanding conditions — wet fabric, stretched fabric, worn and washed fabric.
Is the UV-protective T-shirt suitable for the swimming pool?
Yes. Our children’s T-shirts are designed for the pool and the sea. The recycled Italian technical fabric is resistant to chlorine and salt, dries in a few minutes and retains its elasticity. They are accepted at most French municipal swimming pools.
How do you care for a UV-protective T-shirt?
Wash at 30°C, do not tumble dry, do not bleach, do not iron directly. Simply rinsing with fresh water after swimming in the sea or pool will extend the garment’s lifespan. UV protection comes from the fabric itself and does not wash out — the garment can be passed from one child to the next without any loss of performance.
Does the fabric irritate sensitive skin?
No. UVEA fabrics are OEKO-TEX certified — free from substances harmful to the skin. The seams are extra-flat (flatlock), which prevents any rubbing against sensitive areas. Some families dealing with specific dermatological conditions wear our T-shirts every day — a testament to their skin-friendliness.
How do I choose the right size?
Measure your child (chest circumference, height) and consult the UVEA size guide on each product page — it is given in ages and centimetres. If you’re unsure between two sizes, choose the larger one: the stretchy fabric will fit perfectly without feeling tight. For a close-fitting look, stick to your usual size.