Suncheeter makes swimwear for all kinds of water sports using UPF50+ fabric, in items such as swim dresses, rash tops and swim leggings. Garments that give you more protection from ultraviolet rays which are responsible for 95% of skin cancers according to Cancer Council.
5 benefits your swimwear should deliver for water sports.
Does cool water feel like shade? Well it is not, don't be fooled. Do you think, "I'm under the water so I can't get burned" - think again.
40% of UV penetrates the surface of water to a depth of 50cm, so even if you're under water, you'll need protection from the sun, especially if you love it and you stay in the water for long periods. Summer, when the UV is at its peak, is also when the water is nicest, which makes swimmers particularly vulnerable to UV exposure.
There are FIVE benefits swimwear needs to give you when you're participating in active water sports such as surfing, paddle boarding, snorkelling, out on a boat, even walking along the shore:
☑️ Firstly, it has to give you UPF50+ sun protection
☑️ It has to stay in place to protect the areas you want protected and not stretch out of shape
☑️ It should never get heavy and drag in the water as this can be dangerous
☑️ To ensure a perfect all-day beach experience, it needs to dry quickly
☑️ Ideally you need to look and feel great in your swimwear so you can relax and just enjoy the day
Suncheeter swimwear does all of these things. It is designed to cover the body and stay in place even when you're wet and moving in the water, It doesn't slip out of place and covers the back, shoulders, back of the legs, and back of the neck, which are the hot spots when snorkelling or enjoying water sports. It is made from quick dry, chlorine resistant, easy care fabric and the styles are designed to give you cover-up and confidence on the beach.
The Rash Top in Amalfi Green is the perfect rash top to pair with the Swim Short in black, or you might like to try our Swim Set in blue which comes as a three piece set: cropped leggings, a supportive crop top with sewn in bust pads, and the classic A-line Swim Dress
Why does fabric and coverage matter?
Sun protection starts with the fabric. SunSmart advises looking for bathers and rashies labelled UPF50 to help block UV. It also says clothing with a UPF rating of UPF50+ provides excellent protection.
Suncheeter fabric is UPF50+ and has a dense weave. If you want to check for coverage hold a garment up to the window, if the fabric doesn't let much light through, it won't let much UV through either, as stated by Sun Smart. A see-through open, or old fabric isn't likely to cut it when it comes to sun protection, and regular clothing such as tee-shirts and shirts when wet get heavy and uncomfortable, plus they cling to the body.
How do rash tops and leggings suit snorkelling, paddling and surf?
If you are choosing swimwear for water sports, it helps to think about the motion first. Snorkelling is slow and mostly face down. Paddling is all shoulders and arms. Surf means getting knocked about in the waves and standing up again. SunSmart recommends swim gear such as a rashie, wetsuit or t-shirt for sun protection when swimming. Our Rash Top in Thai Pink and Boy Leg Leggings in Black work well as a stylish water sport outfit that fits well, doesn't drag in the water, and stays in place. They are made in quick dry, UPF50+ fabric, which is also chlorine resistant, so great for the pool or sea.
How does sun protective clothing rank in Sun Smart's five step advice?
Clothing comes first. The first of the five sun-safety steps is to slip on sun protective clothing. Wearing well fitting, sun protective clothing goes a long way and is super easy to ensure sun protection.
SunSmart also suggests a broad-brim or bucket hat to shade the face, neck and ears when you are back on dry land, and swimming goggles that have some UV protection for your eyes. It also suggests seeking shady swimming spots or taking some shade, such as a beach umbrella or sun shade with you, but when you are in the water the best option is swim leggings and UPF50+ rash top.
So dive in and try a swim wear outfit for UPF50+ protection & the perfect fit for all-day comfort.
What if the size or the set is not right?
Our sizes run from size 10 to size 22 across swim dresses, rash tops and swim leggings. If you are familiar with Country Road in Australia, sizes are similar. I wear a size 14 in both labels. Our size guide will help too. The fabric is stretchy so our measurements in the chart show you the range of body measurements that will fit if you choose a particular size.
For example if you're a size 14 the key measurements are:
- Bust between 103cm and 108cm,
- Waist between 91cm to 96cm,
- Hips between 110cm and 115cm.
If you are at the top end of the measurements, and like something looser and comfortable go up a size. If you like firmer fitting and even if you're at the top end of the measurements, go for the size that seems the best fit.
If it still is not right, we offer 30-day exchanges, or you can reach out via email and chat with me about sizing. Suncheeter is Australian owned, with shipping out of Melbourne. We will help you sort out sizing as a priority and ship goods fast.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rash top enough, or do I need a wetsuit?
SunSmart lists a rashie, a wetsuit or a t-shirt as swim gear for sun protection, with a rash top at the top of the list. I make rash tops, swim dresses and swim leggings in UPF50+ fabric, and which one you pick comes down to how much skin you want covered and how you like to move.
Is a t-shirt as good as swimwear in the water?
SunSmart does state that a t-shirt can be used as swim gear. But be careful, threadbare or older tee-shirts will let light through, it which potentially means UV as well. Also if tee shirts get wet they can get heavy and drag in water, which not only makes swimming and water sports potentially harder, with potential for more skin exposure and sun damage.
Do swim leggings matter if my legs are under the water?
Water does not stop UV. SunSmart says 40% of the sun's UV can penetrate water up to a depth of 50cm. That is why I make leggings as well as tops because your legs lie just below the surface when you're snorkelling or paddling.
Can I swim in a piece first and still exchange it?
No, I can only exchange or refund garments that come back unworn with the labels still attached, within 30 days. Make sure you're happy with it before you take the labels off.
References
- What is UV https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/sun-protection/understanding-uv-radiation/what-is-uv-radiation/
- Protect your skin. SunSmart. https://www.sunsmart.com.au/protect-your-skin
- Sun protection tips for swimming. SunSmart. https://www.sunsmart.com.au/advice-for/sports-groups/top-sunsmart-tips-for-your-sport/swimming
- 5 S's of Sun Safety. Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek & Slide. https://www.cancer.org.au/save-your-skin/five-sunsmart-steps
