Comfortable and durable swimwear ensures children enjoy sunny days at the beach, pool, or lake safely. With various factors to consider, finding the right swimsuit can feel overwhelming. This guide highlights top-performing options while emphasizing fit, protection, quality, and style. Expert picks were determined based on testing, reader reviews, and safety features to keep little ones protected and playing without restrictions.
What to Look for When Buying Children's Swimwear
Protection from sun and chlorine preserves skin throughout busy days. Experts advise opting for:
- UPF Rating: International SPF scale rates effective UV blocking. No rating means no tested coverage – choose UPF 30 minimum for a full-body treatment. UPF 50 blocks 98% of rays.
- Chlorine Resistant Fabrics: Nylon-spandex mixes shed pool chemicals, avoiding rashes or sun sensitivity. Avoid cotton absorbing chemicals into pores.
- No Itchy Seams or Tags: Raw edges may irritate tender skin. Consider tag-free or tag-taped seams for total relaxation.
- Breathable Touch: Mesh panels prevent overheating on hot afternoons. Avoid vinyl clinging unpleasantly.
- Room to Move Freely: Spandex makes stretching for waves or building sandcastles effortless. Avoid binding tightness hindering play.
- Easy On, Off Access: Front zippers aid independent dressing – crucial for potty breaks or post-swim snacks. Adjustable closures accommodate changing sizes throughout the summer.
Top Picks for the Best Children's Swimwear Brands
Several reputable brands consistently deliver swimwear, meeting high standards. Consider the below overview when shopping for suits that last.
- Mixie Rash Guard Top & Short Set
- Price ranges from $32.00-$79.00
- Sizes ranges from 2-16 US size
Hanna Andersson creates swim essentials parents adore for quality and charm. Their rash guard suits embrace sun safety in versatile styles – both short and long-sleeved options are digitally printed on recycled polyester for a gentle touch.
Sizes range from newborn to size 12. Fun prints like tropical florals or shark graphics energize water time. Built-in UPF 50+ fade-resistant fabric withstands chlorine without pilling to deliver value.
- Boys Chlorine Resistant Long Sleeve Mock Neck UPF50 Rash Guard (on pic)
- Sizes from XXS 2-3 to XXL 18-20
- Price ranges from $15.00-$60.00
Lands’ End establishes trust through durable swim separates. Rash guards and shorts pair for comfort, plus easy bathroom breaks. Softly substantial performance fabric stretches for an ideal fit.
Bold, solid hues and cheeky prints suit active days. UPF 50+ protection repels rays across a size range from 12 months to size 16. Free returns back reliable construction through multiple seasons of fun.
- SwimZip UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard
- Sizes ranges based on the kid’s age. (6-12 months to 14 years old)
- $24.99 on Amazon
The long-sleeved SwimZip rash guard swimsuit layers sun protection from morning laps to evening wildlife spotting. Full UV blocking and zipper access mean seamless wear from dawn through dusk aquatic adventures.
Breathable mesh panels prevent overheating on muggy beach vacations. Youth and toddler sizes accompany teens for family matching sets.
- unisex pacific blue stripe long sleeve rashguard one piece
- $66 on Minnow
- Size ranges from 1-6T
Sustainable suits from Minnow pair breezy silhouettes with quality lasting years. Gentle elastics avoid red marks as classic prints energize days on the shoreline. Hand-picked hues complement anyone’s seashore style.
Spandex mixes lend shape retention wash after weekly wear. Parents appreciate thoughtful longevity through size-inclusive collections.
- Lands’ End Kids Long Sleeve UPF 50 Sun Protection Rash Guard
- $20.47 on Target
- Available in all sizes
Affordable selections at Target fit most budgets for fun at the creek. Online, in-store fittings trial swim favorites tried and returned risk-free. Separates pair or layer for custom coverage preferences. Bright solids withstand splashing better than muted tones. Matching goggles complete the vision.
- Baby One-Piece Rash Guard In Waves, Cornflower Waves
- $25.88 on Maisonette Swimwear
- Sizes available for 3 months to 3 years old
Luxe styling at reasonable costs defines Maisonette swim options. Durably fitted nylon fabrics flatter bodies naturally. Stay-put ruffle accents indulge inner mermaids. Thoughtful prints entertain young imaginations like coral reef jungles or starry nights. Easy ordering starts in the summer.
The Importance of UV Protection in Children's Swimwear
Unprotected skin stands nearly no chance with the sun’s intense rays. While brief intervals cause no physical harm, studies show heightened skin cancer risks later in life arise from as few as five bad burns by age 18. Children’s thin skin absorbs over 80% of UV exposure worse than adults. Seek swimsuits rated UPF 50, filtering 98% of UV radiation, for true peace of mind during fun in the sun.
Price vs. Quality: What's Worth the Investment
Opting for affordability naturally turns heads first. Yet choosing outfits engineered to outlive one season spares repurchasing repeatedly and proves more frugal in the long run. Carefully constructed from non-abrasive fabrics standing up to harsh conditions, they deliver value exceeding their price tags.
Well-made separates withstand repeated wear and washing without pilling, shrinking, or losing shape over ownership, easily transferring between siblings. Factor expected longevity comparing initial outlay against costs, replacing flimsier versions shortly. Quality often proves cheaper eventually.
Rash Guards: The Comfy Companion for Sun-Safe Fun
Half-sleeved or long-sleeved rash guards layer extra protection against the sun and scrapes atop swimsuits. Make an excellent compromise between full coverage and breathability as temperatures rise. Splash-ready nylon-spandex blends repel pool chemicals and saltwater naturally for worry-free enjoyment.
Many brands like SeaSesta make matching tops and bottoms mix-and-matching possibilities for personal flair. Others, like Janji rash short options, bring activity ashore with built-in UPF 50. Remember to match toddler rash shirts to youth swim trunks for coordinated active play days!
Swim Trunks: Breezy Style for Boys
Comfortable boys flock toward swim trunks, letting their legs kick freely in the waves. Well-fitted board shorts from brands like Keahi refresh hot days with ample sun blocking. Wide-legged cuts like Koala Kids’s offerings fit growing frames for extended wear.
Keen also makes mesh-free lightweight nylon choices, preventing clinginess too closely, hugging kids’ bodies, and hampering movements. Whether poolside or boogie boarding, look for breathable fabrics and prints to keep little guys smiling all afternoon. Accents like contrast stripes add nautical flair, capturing island vibes perfectly.
Conclusion
Summer fun lasts much longer, so choose well-constructed swimwear thoughtfully. Prioritizing fabrics resisting wear from sun, salt, or chlorine saves continuously repurchasing replacements. Styles suiting body types and play styles encourage confident water activities.
Consider size needs in youth versus toddler years, and find options that suit bodies throughout predicted growth. Protection against sun damage delivers lasting value for all. Matching the guide’s recommendations empowers kids to dash into each wonderful beach day safely without worries about grasping their swim wardrobe!
FAQs on Finding the Best Children's Swimwear
When should I start looking for children's swimwear?
Though summer is foremost, planning allows time to compare options. March through May gives leeway for seasonal or flash online sales. Orders arrive prepared for Memorial Day through Labor Day delights. Signing up for retailer emails alerts deals year-round, so being ready makes sense anytime.
How many suits does my child need?
Demand depends on how often you swim. Infrequent dippers may fare with one reusable suit. Semi-regular soakers likely benefit from two or three options. Competitive team members or triathletes training may require six suits rotating between washes. Toddlers especially may favor several suits accounting for accidents or dirtiness.
How long do children's swimsuits usually last?
Fabric quality highly influences lifespan. Less expensive items typically last one summer before replacement. Premium brands like Hanna Andersson promise two to three years against weekly wear, barring unpreventable rips or stains. Suits cared for gently on delicate cold cycles generally outperform single-season alternatives more cost-effectively.
Do you have tips for keeping swimsuits clean?
Hand washing in a sink or bag using cool water alongside gentle detergent extends fabrics. Avoid line drying in sunlight, exacerbating fading. Air drying flat lessens bunching, risking puckering or snags. Some parents store items sealed between seasons. Regular cleaning prevents stains from setting, requiring the premature scraping of suits.
How can I get the best fit for a growing child?
Measuring the waist, hips, and chest accommodates varying body types. Elasticized panels give leeway preempting tightness. Buying the next size up leaves room ahead of bursts outpacing predictions. Waiting until end-of-season sales capture deals stretching fits further. Rechecking sizes periodically ensures lifespan-matching wearer conditions as youth changes swiftly.
Is it better to buy swimsuits online or in-store?
Stores permitting returns deliver peace of mind when trying various sizes. Yet fitting areas overwhelm picky kids, rebelling against options. Ordering multiple combos online allows home fittings in preferred swimwear with calm. Established brands facilitate free, guaranteed returns, providing flexibility across seasons. Measuring with care offsets fit uncertainties shopping sight unseen. Reading reviews aids informed choices, too. A little of each approach maximizes selection and convenience.
