Our guide to your child's summer wardrobe

What should I keep in mind when I buy summer clothes for my child?

Your child needs garments that protect them from the sun’s UV rays – this means long sleeves, and a cap or sun hat to protect their head. It’s also important to choose clothes made of cool, lightweight fabrics, so your child can still play and move about freely without getting too hot. Our popular long-sleeved and lightweight tops are comfy to wear when it’s sunny – they keep your child cool and covered.

It’s also a good idea to be prepared for cooler, wetter summer days, and for that we recommend shell garments. They have better breathability than traditional rainwear and are much easier to move around in, which is often more comfortable for a child in summertime.

Sun hat or cap – what’s the difference?

A sun hat gives better protection against the sun and covers your child’s ears too. Sun hats often have ties under the chin to keep them in place. If you want to give your child some extra protection against the sun, a legionnaire-style sun hat covers the neck as well. Older children tend to prefer ordinary caps, but please remember to apply sunscreen to their ears and neck, as the cap won’t protect them there.

How do I wash my child’s UV garments?

To keep these garments in tip-top condition, it’s important that you look after them correctly. This includes rinsing them off after each use, especially if they’ve been worn in a chlorinated pool. Never dry UV swimwear in direct sunlight or a tumble drier – let these garments dry in the shade or indoors.

What’s the best way to dress my baby for maximum sun safety?

As babies are extremely sun-sensitive, the golden rule is to keep your baby out of the sun as much as possible. Dress your baby in clothes that keep their skin covered – that means long sleeves and full-length trousers – and stay vigilant about always keeping your baby in the shade. A sun hat is also highly recommended.

Another good suggestion is to dress your baby in several lightweight layers. Start off with the number of layers that seems right to you, then you can remove or add a layer as necessary. We usually suggest that you gently feel the back of your baby’s neck to find out how warm they are. If their neck feels warm and damp, it will be time to remove a garment.

Read our guide

Must haves in your child’s summer wardrobe

See our checklist here