Best Skin Cancer Foundation-Approved Swimsuits for 2023

With over 5 million skin cancer diagnoses in the United States annually, it’s important to find ways to protect yourself from UV rays throughout the year. Along with daily sunscreen, the Skin Cancer Foundation also recommends wearing UPF 50 swimwear. These swimsuits are made of materials that are just as effective as SPF 50 sunscreen, which blocks out most of the sun's UV rays. This helps prevent premature aging and skin cancer. Here are some of the best suits to keep you safe from the UV rays and provide hours of sun protection.

What Is UPF 50?

UPF stands for "Ultraviolet Protection Factor." Regarding fabric, a rating of 50 means that only 1/50th of the sun’s rays penetrate the fabric. Therefore, a UPF 50-rated fabric blocks 98% of the sun’s rays when it's in peak condition. This protection is available whether you use sunscreen or not, which makes it a dependable option. UPF 50 follows a rating system that is close to sunscreens, so you can count on it working similarly to a bottle of SPF 50 sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends sunscreen use with your UPF 50 swimsuit for maximum protection.

Modest One-Piece Swimsuits

When it comes to sun protective swimwear, more coverage is a plus. This is why modest one-piece swimsuits rank among the best swimsuits that can help protect you from getting skin cancer. When you pick a modest high neck bathing suit, you get more coverage and protection along with style.

Tankinis also offer a similar amount of coverage for your midsection and back, while still offering plenty of cute style options and convenient clothing changes. Swimsuits of this style that are approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation are made of UPF 50 sun protective material. Pick a suit that is also chlorine-resistant so that it keeps its shape and strength longer, offering maximum protection for the longest time possible.

Rash Guards and Swim Shirts

For anyone who spends a lot of time outside by the water, especially for sports like surfing and beach volleyball, a cover-up rash guard is essential for extended sun protection. Coverings like these can stay on while you’re in or out of the water, which makes it more convenient when compared to traditional beach cover-ups.

Swim tees and rash guards can go directly over your swimsuit top whenever you feel like your shoulders and back need some extra protection. It’s lightweight and quick dry, so that you can maneuver comfortably in the water and yet not feel weighed down out of the water. Having a rash guard with a UPF 50 rating will block out most of the sun, which provides excellent peace of mind on long beach days.

Board Shorts

Who can’t use some extra shorts in the summer? They can double as swimwear and street clothes; you can get maximum versatility from them. Board shorts provide extra coverage so that you don’t have to spend too much time reapplying sunscreen to your legs — giving you more time to enjoy the water.

Instead of a traditional beach cover-up, long women's board shorts are lightweight and made to dry quickly. They allow you to also dress modestly while enjoying the water, which helps if you need to make a quick transition from sea to land. Board shorts are also the perfect piece of activewear for a jog or walk at the park because they can keep you cool and comfortable.

Maintain Your Swimsuits

Keep the level of UV protection at UPF 50 by taking care of your swimsuit and replacing old ones when they stretch out or fade. Though most fabrics have some UV protection, your swimsuit can lose its effectiveness over time. However, through proper care, you can keep your swimsuit in excellent condition for years. It’s also important to note that wet swimsuits typically have reduced sun protection, and darker colors offer more protection than light colors when wet.