The 10 Best Kids’ Swimsuit Brands, All Vetted by Editors (and Actual Parents)
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Parents shopping for a swimsuit are often looking for three key features: fit, sun protection and, of course, style. Kids have major preferences after all—they span the gamut from patterns to color selects—while mom and dad are looking for a swimsuit that won’t rub, chafe or ride up, but also ample coverage.
Paula Brown, director of marketing for Reima, a brand that’s renowned for its functional kids’ wear (swimsuits included), says, “The most important feature when buying kids’ swimwear is sun protection since young skin is more sensitive to sunlight.” (Ideally, you want a UPF rating of 50+ in a kids’ bathing suit, which means it blocks over 98 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays.)
Both Brown and the parents we chatted with—many of whom live in warm climates with nearby beach access year-round—agree: Comfort is also critical. Think about how kids play in the water. They’re racing around, getting covered with sand and splashing about. “You want a suit that makes it easy for them to move and play,” Brown adds. As for a style, a bright color or bold pattern never hurts since it makes it easier to spot your kid in the water or in a crowd.
So, what swimsuit should you choose? We tested a bunch of swimsuits, polled parents and asked the experts about the brands they go back to again and again.
How We Chose the Best Swimsuits
We chatted with parents, experts and tested several of the swimsuit brands on this list ourselves, trying them out at the beach, the pool, even in the bath. Our goal was to learn about the swimwear brands that families rely on again and again along with the use cases (a swimsuit that holds up in a weekly swim class is just as important as one that can withstand the wear and tear of summers at the beach).
The Best Swimsuits for Kids at a Glance
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1. Mini Boden
Mini Boden
The print selection is adorable, the sun protection even better. With its UPF 40+ rating, parents can rest assured that their goal of coverage is being met. Still, the benefit of a rashguard is two-fold: It’s not just a cover-up, it also helps your kids stay comfortable and warm at the beach. (For example, the longer sleeves help minimize chafing as they dig in the sand.) And the moms we spoke with rave about the fit: If you size up, this rash guard will last you two seasons—always a win. Mix and match with a range of swim trunk designs (we love the jellyfish) and your kid will be a stand-out on the shore.
2. Reima
Reima
Check the UPF 50+ rating: It’s the highest you can get. That means that parents can rest assured that young kids’ skin is properly protected (sunscreen still required for any exposed bits, of course). Beyond that, and based on our personal experience wearing Reima swimwear over the years, the suits hold up—not just to beach activity, but to multiple washes as well. The suit we had—a rashguard style—lasted more than one season, but it also still looks new enough to be passed on as a hand-me-down. Add to that the cute patterns (Moomin anyone?) and the Finnish brand, which is also known for its sustainability, delivers on multiple fronts.
3. Tea Collection
Tea Collection
Whenever we’re in a swimwear slump, our first stop is Tea Collection, mainly for the vast array of interesting styles for all genders. There are bright and tropical patterns, unique species of sea creatures, fresh florals, fruit, even a simple stripe design if that’s what you prefer. But truly, the bold designs are only matched by the quality: Zipper closures, ample coverage, buttery soft material—parent testers (including us) can’t help but rave about the options.
4. Minnow
Minnow
Yes, the prices are on the higher end (swim shorts and a rashguard-style shirt will run you $100+), but Minnow delivers on quality, style and cuteness over and over again. Based on our experience with the brand—and according to other parents we chatted with—it’s worth sizing up to get more use out of whatever suit you choose. But once you invest, you can expect a swimsuit that will stay in rotation for a season or two. (One parent tester we chatted with also shouted out Minnow’s terry pool robes: “I love that they’re unisex, which means ours has lasted through two kids!” she said.)
5. Crewcuts by J.Crew
Crewcuts by J.Crew
It’s hard not to be influenced by the Crewcuts swimwear page—the designs are Instagram-worthy and chic, but beyond that, they feel totally stand-out and unique. For example, this one-piece design featuring ruching and a creatively placed cut-out (parents, don’t forget the SPF!). It’s sleek and special, but also the entire selection feels a bit more mature for tweens and teens. Our parent testers brought up Crewcuts’ quality, too, and how the swimwear is a go-to for things like vacations when they want something that’s great for photo opps and durability, too.
6. Cat & Jack by Target
Cat & Jack by Target
Bold designs, a 50+ UPF rating, machine washable styles—Cat & Jack swimwear from Target offers all that and at a super affordable price point. (Pricing hovers in the $10 to $20 range on average for swim trunks, one-pieces and rashguards, too.) One of the parents we talked with admits that the quality may not always be the best, but Cat & Jack always lasts at least a season. “It’s perfect for little kids who tend to outgrow their suits—and all clothes for that matter—quite fast,” she says.
7. Primary
Primary
Like Brown said: Bright and sunshiny colors matter at the beach. That’s why parents can’t beat the rainbow selection offered at Primary. (Even after multiple washes, our testers report that the vibrant colors stay vibrant.) The price point is also affordable, which means you can buy multiples of your kids’ favorite style and cut, then mix and match throughout the season. More features to love: The UPF 50+ sun protection rating, the comfortable fit and true-to-size fit.
8. Swim Zip
Swim Zip
Efficiency while taking a pee break matters—and while it may seem like a silly rubric to measure a swimsuit against, these are the details that make a difference to parents. That’s where Swim Zip’s two-piece options come in. One mom tester reports: “We always opt for rashguard/bottom combos—especially for my daughter who pees every 15 minutes—but I love that Swim Zip offers girls’ two-piece options that still offer a ton of coverage.” Not only that, the styles are affordable, too, and come in a range of cute styles for boys and girls. Add to that the UPF 50+ rating and it’s a good deal all around.
9. Seaesta Surf
Seaesta Surf
A California-based parent introduced us to this cool and nostalgic-feeling swimwear brand: They love it for the muted and retro styles, but also the cool and throwback-feeling collabs (ranging from Peanuts to TMNT). Designs that include ‘70s-inspired florals, gingham prints, even neon color combos nod to an era gone by, but one that will look adorable on your kids. Add to that a commitment to using eco-friendly fabrics and focusing on performance and fit first and this swimwear brand is tough to beat.
10. Hanna Andersson
Hanna Andersson
This swimwear brand came up again and again when we polled parents about where they love to shop. It’s not just the vivid colors and patterns that make Hanna Andersson a stand-out—parents mentioned the comfort and chafe-free fit, the sun protection, the hand-me-down potential as well as the price. There’s more: One parent tester mentioned the durability against multiple machine washes. Also, the sustainability. (Hanna works with Global Recycled Standard to certify that their swimwear is not only earth-friendly, but chemical-free.)
$58; $41 at hanna andersson
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