The Australian sun is relentless, and a regular swimsuit does very little to stop it. Our women's sun safe swimwear is cut from UPF 50+ fabric that blocks around 98 per cent of UV rays, and unlike sunscreen it will not wash or sweat off through a full day at the beach or pool. This DeBra's swimwear collection brings together covered, sun-protective styles, from long-sleeve rash vests and higher necklines through to covered one-pieces and swim dresses, so you decide how much skin to cover. And because we fit fuller busts, these are supportive, cup-sized styles, not flat, shapeless rashies.
Why Sun Safe Swimwear Is Worth It
The UPF rating on a garment tells you how much ultraviolet radiation the fabric lets through to your skin. UPF 50+ is the highest rating, blocking about 98 per cent of UVA and UVB rays. The advantage over sunscreen is consistency: sun-safe swimwear does not need reapplying, will not rub off in the surf, and keeps protecting the skin it covers all day.
That matters more here than almost anywhere. Australian UV levels sit at burning strength for much of the year, and a standard swimsuit leaves your shoulders, chest and back exposed for hours. Sun-protective swimwear closes that gap without you having to think about it.
Coverage and Support in the One Suit
Sun protection and genuine bust support rarely arrive in the same swimsuit, which is the gap this collection is built to fill. A long-sleeve rash vest or covered one-piece keeps your shoulders, chest and back protected, while cup-sized construction gives a fuller bust the lift and hold a plain rashie simply cannot.
You choose how much you cover. Long-sleeve rash vests give the most upper-body protection and layer neatly over bikini bottoms or swim shorts. One-pieces and higher-necked tankinis suit everyday sun cover. Swim dresses and skirted styles add coverage over the hips and thighs. We stock the labels known for both protection and fit, including Sea Level and Artesands, alongside Panache, Miraclesuit and Zoggs, and you will find true cup sizing right through the plus size swimwear range.
How to Choose Your Style
Sun-safe swimwear only does its job when it fits closely and stays put, so getting the size right is the whole game. Look for a secure band and straps, cups that hold you without gaping, and fabric that sits flat against the skin. A piece that is too loose lets in both sun and water and shifts as you move.
If you are caught between a rash vest, a covered one-piece or a higher-necked tankini, this is exactly what our fitters help with every day, in store, over the phone or by Zoom. You can also browse the full swimwear range to compare cuts and coverage levels side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UPF 50+ mean? UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, which rates how much UV a fabric blocks. UPF 50+ is the highest rating and stops around 98 per cent of UV rays. Unlike sunscreen, it does not wash or rub off, so it keeps protecting the skin it covers all day, even when wet.
Is sun-safe swimwear better than sunscreen? They work best together. Sun-safe swimwear gives constant protection to the skin it covers, while sunscreen looks after exposed areas like your face, hands and lower legs. Using both is the most reliable way to get through a long day outdoors.
Which styles give the most sun coverage? Long-sleeve rash vests and higher necklines cover the most, followed by one-pieces, then tankinis and swim dresses paired with shorts or a skirt for the hips and thighs. Layering a rash vest over bottoms or a beach cover-up gives you close to full coverage.
Can you get sun-safe swimwear that supports a fuller bust? Yes. Unlike most flat rash vests, our sun-safe range includes cup-sized and underwired styles built to support a fuller bust while keeping you covered, in sizing made for larger cups. A quick fitting will point you to the most supportive option.
Get Fitted at DeBra's
Sun-safe swimwear is far easier to buy when someone who fits fuller busts for a living is helping you weigh coverage against support. Our team offers free in-store fittings and virtual Zoom appointments, so you can settle your size and style before you commit. Book a free fitting appointment and we will help you find a sun-safe piece you actually want to wear all summer.
