Summer means beach trips, pool days and tons of outdoor fun! But, before you can head out and enjoy the great outdoors for that summer fun, you will have to think about one thing first: girls swimsuits. Whether she’s jumping in the waves, building sand castles or just enjoying the sun, having the perfect swimsuit will make all the difference and create memories she will never forget.
Comfort Comes First
The right swimsuit for your daughter should be as comfortable as possible. You don’t want her to worry about it or feel restrained and confined when she’s running around.
You want to look for material with airflow, stretch, and fast drying capabilities. Typically, nylon or spandex is your friend because it moves and dries properly. When the fabric dries, so does the swimsuit and leadership in style points. However, focus also on the fit. A suit that is way too tight will result in chafing, and a suit that is way too loose will result in a fair bit of riding up. The perfect fit will have a little give and take and be uniform, airy, and stretchy for her to play in.
Durability Matters
Kids are hard on their clothes. There’s rough play, grass stains, and all the sun, chlorine, and sand. It’s not going to take long to wear that little swimsuit out.
Look for suits with reinforced seams that will move, stretch and be pulled without all the pulling and adjusting later (plus the hurt feelings to your daughter). She’s in chlorinated water for hours on end? You may want to pick a chlorine-resistant suit.
When she is finished wearing her swimsuit, hand wash it in cold water to get rid of the saltwater, sand and chlorine. Squeeze out as much water without causing too much pulling to the seams and fabric, and lay flat to dry. (Note: Hanging it from straps can lead to stretching and distorted shape.)
Style and Personal Preference
Because, as we know, style matters. Yes, comfort and long-lasting are great features, but if she loves it, really, she will feel her best and still be able to wear it all summer. With so many options and styles, you will have lots of options to show her unique personality.
Traditional one-piece swimsuits are always a great choice; they generally offer good coverage and a snug and secure fit, which makes running, jumping and playing that much easier. Tankinis offer that same coverage and benefit but in two separate pieces, which can be great for ease of wear. For younger children, these types of suits can be easier when it comes to going to the bathroom, as they are essentially two pieces.
Whether she’s all about bright, bold solids or prefers whimsical patterns and pictures (unicorns? Rainbows? Mermaids? Tropical flowers?), there is definitely a swimsuit that will speak to her.
Safety First
Style is fun, but safety is important. Here, too, there are a lot of options. Many swimsuits come with built-in 50+ UV protection, which can be as simple as a quick way to limit exposure and can be particularly useful on those all-day getaways to the beach or pool.
Match the Swimsuit to the Activity
Also consider the potential dangers in the clothing itself. Think about how toddlers explore the world: Everything goes directly into the mouth. So anything like a hook or bead that could be a choking danger would likely be a less-than-optimal choice for at least one, if not both, of you, even if it is so cute.
You might find that different swimsuits are appropriate for different activities (we may or may not own too many swimsuits). For example, suppose your daughter is taking surfing lessons in the summer. In that case, an “activity suit” with a tighter and more snug fit is probably ideal, but for hanging by the pool or playing jump rope in the front yard, a tankini or one-piece is the way to go.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Finding the perfect girl’s swimsuit doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. With a bit of creativity, there are still lots of wonderful budget-friendly choices out there. Discounted swimsuits can be found at sales events and in clearance sections after summer is over.
Be part of a parent’s group or community and see if anyone is doing a girl’s swimsuit swap. Parents that are tight on money will be grateful and another girl’s swimsuit will find another beach to call home!
Conclusion
You don’t just buy a girl’s swimsuit just because you have to buy something for summer. Your little girl or tween having a fun summer depends on it. If she’s going to be at the beach playing in the sand or hanging out with her friends for a pool party, we’ve made finding the suit to perfectly complete her summer lifestyle.
So, shop early and get ready to make this summer one to remember. Happy swimming!
