How to Choose a Kids’ Swimsuit They’ll Love
This summer, give your kids swimsuits they’ll want to wear. The right swimwear keeps kids comfortable while they splash and swim—and with so many colors and prints, it’s easy to find bathing suits that appeal to their preferences. Keep reading for kids’ swimwear shopping tips:
Select the Right Fabric
When shopping for kids’ swimsuits, one of the first things to consider is the fabric. The vast majority of family swimwear is made from either polyester or nylon with spandex. The exception is some styles of men’s and boys' swim trunks—you’ll find certain pairs are made from polyester or nylon without the addition of spandex.
Chlorine-resistant swimwear is made with Lycra® XtraLife™, a type of spandex that lasts more than 10 times longer than regular spandex on average. It holds its shape through plenty of wear and resists fading. A swimsuit made from chlorine-resistant fabric stands up to saltwater and pool water, along with sweat and sunscreen.
If you’re wondering when to choose a nylon suit and when to choose polyester, it’s a matter of preference. Polyester tends to be the more popular fabric and has a semi-matte finish, while nylon is often reserved for sporty suits and is a bit shinier. You’ll find polyester and nylon swimsuits with UPF 50 for covered areas, which provides extra sun protection. Either fabric is a good choice for boys’ and girls’ swimsuits, so let’s move on to discuss how to choose the right swimwear style.
Choose a Fun Style
Kids don’t usually care what kind of fabric you choose for their swimwear—they’re more concerned with style and color. The good news is that there are so many girls’ bathing suits and boys’ swim trunks to choose from that it’s easy to find one or more your kids will love to wear all summer.
For girls, swimsuit styles include one-piece and two-piece options. When it comes to one-piece girls' swimsuits, one option is a racerback style. This type of bathing suit is excellent for all-purpose wear and works well for water sports. There are also traditional one-piece bathing suits in various designs, such as polka dots and seersucker fabric. Some girls’ swimsuits have ruffled details, and some of them have a swim skirt overlay.
There are girls’ tankinis that have all the advantages of a one-piece with more fashion versatility. You can mix and match tankini tops and bottoms to achieve a custom fit and many different looks. Choose from scoop-neck and high-neck tankini tops and tankini bottoms that range from classic bikini styles to retro high-waisted bottoms.
There are plenty of boys' swim trunks to choose from also. They range from color block and striped styles to those with tropical motifs. There are plenty of solid-color trunks in classic hues such as red, black, and blue. When it comes to design, you’ll find traditional trunks and board shorts.
Pick More Than One
It might be a good idea to select several swimsuits for your kids rather than relying on just one to last all summer. Although chlorine-resistant swimwear certainly can last all season and beyond, it’s a good idea to have more than one swimsuit so kids can alternate. You could stock your girls’ swimwear collection with several one-pieces and tankini separates, while boys can have multiple pairs of trunks and swim shorts.
Don’t Forget Cover-Ups
Boys' and girls' rash guards are a must-have for summer. You’ll find sizes to fit everybody, whether you’re shopping for a toddler rash guard or one for an older child. They come in short-sleeved and long-sleeved styles, some of which have hoods for additional coverage. Rash guards provide UPF 50 protection for covered areas like many swimsuits do, and they’re soft, lightweight, and fast-drying. There are solid colors, tie-dye, beach motifs, and many more when it comes to rash guard designs.
A Word About Swimsuit Care
Keep your children’s swimwear in good condition by washing it properly. Rinse swimwear with cool water, then squeeze out the excess. Lay the swimsuit flat on a towel, roll the towel up and squeeze to remove any extra water. You can then lay the suit on the towel outdoors in a shady spot. Keep swimwear out of direct sunlight when drying to keep the color true and vibrant for as long as possible.
A Look at Summer Accessories
In addition to swimwear and rash guards, you’ll want to pick up some warm-weather accessories. There are all kinds of kids' beach towels available, including hooded towels that they can wrap up in. You might also want to get swim shoes for the whole family—this type of footwear is made for use in the water and can be worn in beach and pool area locker rooms. Beach bags are another summer essential. They come in durable canvas cotton fabrics and styles, including zippered and open-top.
It’s easy to find kids’ swimsuits that your crew will want to wear all summer. There’s plenty of family swimwear available—so why not shop for everyone at the same time?