Key Takeaways
- Kids bathing suits for the whole family are easier to shop when prints and colorways coordinate across boys, girls, baby, and adult swim
- One-pieces are the most practical choice for active girls; banded-hem boardies are the go-to for boys
- Baby and toddler swimwear should prioritize easy on/off, soft waistbands, and good coverage
- Rash guards are worth it for full beach days, lake trips, or kids with sensitive skin
- When in doubt on sizing, go up — swim fabric runs snug and kids grow fast
- Rinse suits in cold water after every swim to extend the life of the fabric and keep colors bright
Shopping for kids bathing suits sounds simple until you're actually doing it. One kid needs a new one piece, another wants a bikini, the baby needs something with snaps, and somehow you're also supposed to find something for yourself that doesn't feel like an afterthought. Add dad to the mix and suddenly what started as a quick online order has turned into a full afternoon.
It doesn't have to be that way. The SGK swim collection is built so that everyone in the family can be covered in one place, with bathing suit prints and colors that actually work together without requiring a color wheel and a lot of patience. This is the guide that keeps it simple. We're walking through all the kids bathing suits in the kids swimwear collection this season, from girls bathing suits and boys bathing suits to baby and toddler swim, rash guards, cover-ups, and yes, something for the adults too. Because getting everyone ready for summer shouldn't require a spreadsheet.
What to Know About Girls Swimwear This Season
The girls swimsuits and swimwear collection this season has a lot going on, in the best way. One-pieces, bikinis, smocked suits, rash guard sets, and girls beach cover ups are all here, so you can put together a full summer swim situation without searching across three different sites.
One pieces are genuinely the most practical choice for little girls. No top floating away during a cannonball, no bottoms slipping mid splash. Styles like our girls one pice bathing suits or this girls sardine print one piece bathing suit have ruffle details that look adorable without getting in the way of playing in the pool.
Bikinis are a big part of the girls collection too. The smocked styles, like our Girls Smocked Bikini, are worth calling out because that smocked band actually stays put. No gaping, no shifting. For older girls who want a two piece, the Boca Blue Bikini and the Summertime Sharks Bikini are fun and age appropriate with good coverage.
For girls who are going to be in the water for hours, our rashguard bathing suits in the Summertime Sharks print give full coverage sun protection without sacrificing any of the fun. More on rash guards in a minute!
Boys Bathing Suits, Board Shorts, and Swim Shirts
Our boys board shorts are having a moment in the boys swimwear collection this season, and it totally works. We've got the Tangerine Tide Boardies, the Sardine Stripe Banded Boardies, the All American Stripe for a classic patriotic look, and the Shark Banded Boardies for boys who want something with a little personality. Not too long, not too short, just the right length for cannonballs, wave jumping, and everything in between.
The Ocean Explorer Performance Swim Shirt rounds out the boys swim lineup nicely. It's a long sleeve swim shirt that functions as a rash guard for long beach days, or as an extra layer for kids who run cold in the water. Parents who spend full days at the beach and don't want to reapply sunscreen every hour will appreciate it.
Terry cloth cover ups exist for boys too, which not everyone thinks to grab. The Blue Terry Coverup is a hooded pullover that goes on easily over wet boys board shorts. Practical, cozy, and it actually gets used instead of getting left on a beach chair.
Baby and Toddler Bathing Suits
Baby swimwear and toddler bathing suits have their own set of priorities, and they're different from what you'd think about for bigger kids. Easy on and off is at the top of the list. So is coverage, because baby skin is sensitive and long days in the sun add up fast even with sunscreen.
The baby and toddler girls suits this season are genuinely so so sweet. The Red, White & Bloom collection comes in both a one piece and a bikini with ruffle detail. The Coastal Cove print follows the same formula. Both have that classic, photo ready look without being fussy. The Pink Seersucker Splash styles are another standout, with a ruffled hem that is peak baby adorable and holds up through a full day of play.
For toddler boys, the same boardie styles from the big boys line come in smaller sizes, so brothers can coordinate without any extra effort on your part.
When a Rash Guard Is Worth It
A baby rash guard or kids rash guard isn't just for surfing. Any time children are going to be outside in the water for a long stretch (a full beach day, a lake weekend, a resort vacation with multiple hours of pool time) a rash guard takes the pressure off constant sunscreen reapplication on their torso and arms.
The girls rash guard set styles this season include both the Seaside Petals and Summertime Sharks prints, which coordinate with other pieces in the girls collection. If you have a baby in the Coastal Cove one piece and a bigger sister in the Seaside Petals rashguard suit, they look intentionally put together without anyone having to overthink it.
Cover Ups the Kids Will Actually Wear
The terry cover ups deserve some credit. Our unisex kids white beach cover up are hooded pullover styles that go on over a wet suit in about three seconds, which is the whole point. For girls, our Pink Terry Cloth Coverup is a sleeveless zip front style, and the Girls Romper in Boca Blue Terry is a step up if you want something that works from the pool to lunch without a full outfit change.
A good cover up is what makes the transition from pool to restaurant actually work. Worth grabbing one.
How to Coordinate Kids Bathing Suits for the Whole Family
This is honestly where our family swimwear collection and family matching swimwear shines. The prints and colorways this season are designed to cross over between the kids and adult collections, which means pulling together a coordinated family look is less of a project and more of a happy accident.
The Sardine print, for example, shows up in both the girls one piece and bikini and the boys boardies. The Pink Petal colorway runs through the girls smocked bikini, the toddler suits, and the women's bikini. The warm coral and tangerine tones in the boys board shorts echo the colorblock styles in the women's and men's swim. None of it is matchy matchy in a way that feels costume-y. It just looks like a family that has their act together.
The easiest thing to do is pick one print or color you love and build from there. If your daughter is in the Sardine Stripe, grab a pair of our boys board shorts in the same print. If you're starting with a color, choose suits for everyone else that has that color in it. The result is sibling matching swimsuits that look intentional without anyone having to think too hard about it.
Mom and Dad Belong in This Conversation Too
The women's swimsuits this season are the kind you'll actually want to wear. Ribbed one-pieces in a bold Sunset pink with orange trim, a soft Cabana Blue, and a colorblock style with tie shoulders. Bikinis in Pink Petal. One shoulder styles in deep navy Maritime and the light blue Skye. These are suits a mom can actually chase kids in while still feeling like herself.
The mommy and me swimsuits moment is real here. The Sunset colorway shows up in both the girls bikini and the women's one-piece. The Pink Petal print runs across the girls smocked bikini and the women's bikini. Coordinating is easy when the color stories already line up.
For dads, our men's board shorts are colorblock styles in coral and mint. The Sorbet Swim Men's Board shorts and the Sorbet Colorblock Board shorts have a relaxed fit with a drawstring waist, and the coral and mint colorways tie right into what the kids are wearing. A family beach photo ends up looking cohesive without anyone having to try.
Sizing and Fit Tips for Kids Bathing Suits
Kids swim sizing is less consistent than regular clothing, so checking the size chart for each specific style before you order is worth the extra thirty seconds. Two suits from the same brand can fit differently depending on the silhouette and fabric, so don't assume last year's size is this year's size.
For babies and toddlers, sizing up is almost always the right call. Swim fabric has stretch, but a bathing suit that's too snug is uncomfortable fast, and kids that age grow quickly. A little extra room won't hurt anything. For older kids, think about how the suit will actually be worn. A one piece that fits great standing up should also feel comfortable when they're moving, bending, and swimming. If it pulls across the shoulders or gaps at the bottom, it's not the right size regardless of what the tag says.
For women, fit priorities are personal and that's completely valid. The ribbed one pieces in this collection have a classic scoop neck and clean lines that work across a range of body types. The one shoulder styles have a relaxed fit through the body. If you're between sizes, sizing up gives more coverage and comfort, especially for a day of actually being in the water with your kids rather than just sitting poolside.
For men, the board shorts in this collection have an elastic drawstring waistband, so fit is forgiving. The banded hem sits at a classic mid thigh length that works for most builds.
How to Make Your Swim Last All Summer
A little care goes a long way with swimwear. Rinsing suits in cold water after every swim (whether it's the pool, the ocean, or the backyard sprinkler) helps remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen that break down fabric and fade colors over time. It takes about ten seconds and can extend the life of the suit.
When it's time to wash, cold water and a gentle cycle are your best bet. Avoid the dryer if you can. Laying suits flat to dry keeps the elastic and fabric in better shape longer, which matters when you're talking about suits that might get worn multiple times a week all summer. Bright prints and colors especially benefit from gentle washing since it keeps them looking fresh all the way through Labor Day.
A Few Things to Know Before You Shop for Kids Bathing Suits
Popular sizes do sell out, and swim season has a way of arriving faster than expected. If you see something you love in the right size, grab it.
If you want the family to look coordinated without doing full matching outfits, pick one color that threads through everyone's suits. The coral, pink, and mint tones running through this collection make it easy to pull off naturally.
One more thing - if you're shopping for multiple kids at different stages, start with the baby or toddler first since that's usually the trickiest fit, and work everyone else's suits out from there. It makes the whole process a lot less chaotic.
Browse the full kids bathing suits collection, or jump straight to girls swimwear, boys swimwear, or baby swimwear to find exactly what you need.
And, don't forget to check out our entire kids spring clothing collection! From girls bubble rompers and dresses to boys graphic tees and shorts, we've got you covered!
Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Bathing Suits
What are the best kids bathing suits for active play?
One pieces for girls and banded hem boardies for boys are the most practical choices for active kids. They stay put during cannonballs, wave jumping, and everything in between. A built in liner and a drawstring waistband make a big difference in fit and comfort.
How do I choose the right size in kids bathing suits?
Always check the size chart for each specific style before ordering. Swim sizing varies even within the same brand. When in doubt for babies and toddlers, size up. Swim fabric has stretch but a suit that's too snug is uncomfortable fast.
At what age can babies wear swimsuits?
Babies can wear swimwear from newborn on. Look for styles with snaps or easy closures, soft waistbands, and good coverage. Our baby swimwear starts at xxs which fits 12 to 18 months.
Do kids need a rash guard for swimming?
Not always, but they're a smart choice for full beach days, lake trips, or any extended time in the sun. A rash guard reduces how often you need to reapply sunscreen and is especially helpful for babies and kids with sensitive skin.
How do I coordinate kids bathing suits for family photos?
Start with one hero print or color and build everyone else's suits around it. Look for collections where the same prints or colors run across boys, girls, baby, and adult swim so coordinating is natural without full matching.
How do I make kids bathing suits last longer?
Rinse in cold water after every swim to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle and skip the dryer. Laying flat to dry preserves the elastic and keeps colors bright longer.
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