Splash pads, pools, water parks — no matter the form, fun in the sun is a cherished part of childhood. In fact, research shows teens and kids list swimming as their number one recreational activity.
Of course, everyone needs the proper equipment before they hit the beach. While one-pieces were once the only choice for youngsters, kids’ bikini styles have become more popular over the years. With the following guide, you can find a trendy swimsuit for children of any age.
Teens
The internet heavily influences teen styles; a brand’s viral moment can ignite a fashion craze out of nowhere. That said, the most important thing is for teens to feel comfortable. Adolescence is a time of personal and physical change, and bathing suits can evoke strong emotions around body image and self-esteem. Luckily, a wide range of bikini styles ensures all teenagers can feel confident in their skin.
Solid black is very in, as it flatters every skin color and is considered a classic. No matter the current trend, a black kids’ bikini will help your teen stand out.
Puffy sleeves are also making a splash in this age bracket, likely due to the popularity of fairycore and cottagecore on Tiktok. Puffed sleeves, ruffled skirts and ruched swimsuits are stealing the spotlight this summer and are commonly paired with floral prints for a magical effect.
Preteens
Ages nine to 12 are a time of rapid growth and awkwardness. While some tweens may be ready for teen styles, others may be more comfortable in a kids’ bikini designed for the younger crowd.
Fortunately, brands offer a wide range of options. Bright colors are extremely trendy, especially combined with patterns:
- Floral prints
- Stripes
- Geometric designs
Rainbows are also popular and appear as gradients and patterns. Pastels provide a great alternative for kids who love color but don’t want to stick out in a crowd.
Kids
For kids under nine, swimwear isn’t just about fashion or even comfort — it also impacts safety. Certain colors blend into the water, making it more difficult to see kids if they go under. According to research, parents should steer clear of these colors for a kid’s bikini:
- Light blue
- White
- Teal
- Dark blue
The best colors are neons, such as lemon yellow, lime green, hot pink, traffic cone orange and magenta.
Of course, kids should still feel comfortable in their swimwear and like how they look. Fun prints are popular for this age group, and many kids like themes from their favorite TV shows.
Toddlers
Kids under four may not have much of a sense of style yet, but parents can still find adorable swimwear for a beach day. Ocean-themed swimsuits, such as whale, sailor boat and fish patterns, are classics.
Tropical and fruit prints are also fun and include lots of vibrant colors. Black is also surprisingly common, but consider choosing a kids’ bikini with bright colors in addition to black, rather than a solid dark color, for safety reasons.
Are your kids ready for the pool? You can find a wide selection of kids’ swimwear at PQ Swim. Take a look online to find cute and trendy bathing suits for all.