Ocean & Earth Girls Oceana Long Sleeve Back Zip Lycra Suit Apparel

This isn't a rash vest and it isn't a wetsuit — it's the thing in between: a one-piece swimsuit cut like a wetsuit. The point is coverage: back, shoulders, arms and thighs, which is everything a board puts under the sun.

The fabric is 79% recycled polyester and 21% elastane. Polyester here isn't a cost saving but a choice: it dries faster than nylon and holds its shape after a hundred soakings.

The back zip is water resistant and full length, so a child can get in and out without arm gymnastics. The pull cord matters — without it, reaching a slider between the shoulder blades is impossible. Panelling is contoured, seams are flat locked, protection is UPF 50+.

Who it isn't for. No warmth at all — this is lycra, not neoprene, and a child will get cold in cool water. It doesn't work under a wetsuit either: the back zip ends up under the suit's own zip. And for a swimming pool it's more suit than anyone needs.