We've received a fair amount of sunsafe swimwear for our first test from several suppliers whose products vary a lot in style and function. All cut the UV radiation that causes premature skin aging or even skin cancer. The difference is in the design and target audience or lifestyle.

First there are the Lycra/Spandex swim shirts and bodysuits. The fabric used varies depending which brand the manufacturer uses. Lion in the Sun and Sun-Emporium use a very soft lycra fabric. Solartex/Cwear and Stingray use a more robust fabric.

Bodysuits allow you the most freedom to splash around. Their one piece design ensures total cover without fabric floating up and exposing bare skin. The fairly close fit makes them optimal for endurance training whist loose fitting clothes would be better for resistance training.

Next there was Woven Sun Wear, loose fitting apparel resembles casual clothing. It is made sun safe materials which are quick drying, so it's suitable for water fun. We compared them to regular jeans wear and a poncho. Because the woven wear is more lightweight, it's more comfortable in warmer weather.

Sun-Chasers have the most unusual swim shirt. It is almost transparent, yet tests claim that it blocks 72% of UVA and UVB radiation. Upon closer inspection we've found that it is not woven, but a mesh of very small squares which reflects light like metallic paint. It has a very soft feel to the skin and dries quicky. We hope to show you more of these unique products some day.