Polarn O. Pyret Underwater Animals UV Swim Set Review

Hi, it's Hannah here from The Tiny Caravanner, with a swimming set to review.

My toddler, Luca, aged three, has been putting it to the test both here in the UK during our recent heatwave (where has the sun gone?) and on our week-long holiday to Spain. He's worn it in the paddling pool at home, taken it for a spin in his inflatable aeroplane around the holiday pool, and even worn it while spraying pirates and hunting for treasure in the splash pool.

Review

by Hannah Hey

- June 15, 2026

First Impressions

The swim set arrived in lovely packaging, and my immediate thoughts were how much I liked the underwater animal print and the soft turquoise colour. The material felt really stretchy too, so I had a feeling it would fit Luca well without restricting him while he was busy splashing about.

Fit & Comfort

We went for the 2–4 years size, and one thing I really like is that the shorts and top can be purchased separately. That’s a huge bonus if you have a child who measures differently on their top and bottom half.

Luca has only just turned three, so the shorts were a little on the big side. However, the drawstring waist meant there was no danger of them falling down – and believe me, he put them to the test, repeatedly jumping in and out of the pool! The shorts are mesh-lined, but he never complained about any chafing or itchiness, and there was no sign of a rash when getting changed afterwards.

The top was also a slightly looser fit, but it kept him covered and comfortable. The long sleeves meant I didn’t have to worry about his arms burning in the sun, which gave me real peace of mind. That said, Luca has olive skin and would probably choose to wear just the shorts if given the option. Like many toddlers, the minute he’s out of the pool he’d much rather be in the nuddy!

I found both the top and shorts easy to get on and off, even when damp, which was handy when he suddenly decided he wanted another dip in the pool.

The hat deserves a special mention because I genuinely can’t praise it enough. The peak can be worn pointing upwards, so it didn’t slip down over his eyes, and although it’s usually a battle to keep a hat on him, he wore this one with very few complaints. What I loved most was the extended fabric at the back and sides. It covered all of his neck and most of his shoulders, providing extra protection exactly where children often get caught by the sun.

Performance & Sun Protection

The swim set was quick to dry in the Spanish sun, which was ideal when Luca wanted to alternate between the pool and other activities throughout the day.

Since returning home, I’ve washed it twice and the colours have remained exactly the same, with no fading or signs of wear. Just remember to wash it inside out, as recommended on the care label.

One of the main reasons I was keen to try this set was the UV protection. The fabric is rated UPF 50, which gave me extra peace of mind during some very hot days in Spain. Even though Luca has olive skin, I still worry about him burning, particularly when UV levels are high. We had a couple of days where the UV index reached 8, but he didn’t burn at all while wearing the set.

We didn’t swim in the sea during this trip, so I can’t comment on how it performs in salt water. However, after plenty of time in chlorinated pools, there was no visible damage to the fabric and it still looks as good as new.

Would I Recommend It?

What I liked most about this set was how comfortable Luca seemed while wearing it and the excellent coverage provided by the hat. The long neck and shoulder protection was a real standout feature for me and gave me one less thing to worry about when we were spending hours outdoors.

Even though I really like the underwater animal print, my one criticism would be that I’d prefer the colour to be a little brighter. Luca is a bit of a whippet and, if I had it my way, children’s swimwear would come in neon orange or neon yellow. Not only are they fun colours, but they’re also easier to spot at a glance around busy pools and in the water. That said, I don’t let him out of my sight anyway, so it’s far from a deal-breaker.

Would I buy it myself? Absolutely. Although, knowing Luca, I’d probably stick to the shorts and hat next time. He’s incredibly strong-willed and, once he’d decided he only wanted to wear the shorts, there wasn’t much negotiating to be done! As any parent knows, sometimes it’s best to pick your battles.

As for value for money, I think it depends on what you’re looking for. There are certainly cheaper swim sets available on the high street, and many are marketed as “sun safe”. However, they don’t always provide clear information about their UV protection rating. A UPF 50 rating means the fabric blocks the vast majority of harmful UV rays, which can offer significantly more protection than standard clothing or swimwear.

If you’re simply looking for something for indoor swimming lessons in the UK, this may feel like a more premium option. However, if you’re planning a family holiday abroad, spending lots of time outdoors, or trying to navigate the increasingly frequent UK heatwaves, I think it’s well worth considering for the extra peace of mind.

The sizing also offers excellent longevity. We chose the 2–4 years size and, thanks to the stretchy top and adjustable drawstring shorts, I’m confident Luca will still be wearing it on next year’s holidays. Compared to some high-street swimwear that often feels like a one-season purchase, that makes the value proposition even stronger.

Score Card

Design & Appearance: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Cute underwater animal print and a lovely colour, although I’d personally prefer brighter, high-visibility options.

Comfort: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Luca was happy wearing it for long periods, with no complaints about chafing or itchiness.

Sun Protection: ★★★★★ (5/5)
The UPF 50 fabric and excellent neck coverage from the hat provided real peace of mind.

Durability: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Still looks as good as new after pool use and multiple washes.

Value for Money: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
More expensive than some high-street alternatives, but the quality, UV protection and longevity help justify the price.

Overall Rating: ★★★★½☆ (4.5/5)
A high-quality swim set that offers excellent sun protection and comfort. The hat is a standout feature, and while I’d love brighter colour options for visibility around pools, it’s a set I’d happily recommend to other families.

Final Verdict

A comfortable, well-made swim set with excellent sun protection and a standout UV hat. While I’d love to see brighter colour options in the future, it’s a set I’d happily pack for another family holiday.