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If your kids love to swim, they’ll need a comfortable swimsuit. With so many styles out there, from sporty, trendy, or even family matching sets it can be tricky to choose just one. Use this guide to find the right swimsuit for your lifestyle, needs, and budget.
No matter the type of suit you pick, make sure sunscreen and other sun protection are part of your plan. Sun hats, rash guards, and sun umbrellas or tents are all easy ways to keep your kiddo’s delicate skin protected from the harsh sun’s rays.
Here, the best bathing suits for 12 year olds.
Best for Babies: BONVERANO Sunsuit with Hat
Consider this a wetsuit for the littlest set. Since babies have such delicate skin, nearly every part of their cute little bodies will be covered by this one-piece sunsuit. Made of soft fabric with UPF 50+ protection, the full-body suit has a zipper that can be worn in the front or back.
Available in seven sizes and more than 20 color combinations, your babe will look so cute, will stay comfortable, and will be protected from the sun. An included sun hat completes the set.
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Best for Rash Guards: L.L. Bean Full Zip Rash Guards
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Sun protection that is hassle-free? Yes, please! These full-zip rash guards are super easy to take on and off, even when wet. Made with UPF 50+ fabric that incorporates materials from recycled fishnets to help reduce a negative environmental impact. Unisex sizing makes it a cinch to find the right fit for your kiddo.
Available in both “little kids” and “kids” sizing and three colors, these rash guards are made to last.
Best Swim Gear: UV Skinz
View On Uvskinz.com
If you’re in the market for items beyond, or in addition to, basic swimwear, UV Skinz specializes in UPF 50+ sun wear for the whole family. Outdoorsy families or those that live full-time in warm weather climates will appreciate the wide variety of options for kids (and adults).
Choose from bathing suits, sun leggings, dresses, full-body suits, and more. They’re all made with protective fabric that’s swim-friendly, breathable, and easy to care for.
Best for Big Kids: Primary
View On Primary.com
Opinionated kiddos will love picking their favorite color swimsuit while parents will appreciate the well-priced, well-made basics that are at the heart of Primary. With styles ranging from long and short sleeve rash guards, bathing suit tops, bottoms, and one-pieces, each of these come in a wide range of primary colors, stripes, and is sorted by age.
This brand is also great if you have multiple kids that want to wear matching suits since the sizing goes from 2 to 3 all the way up to 14.
Holiday Savings
Best Budget: Old Navy
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Old Navy is making waves in the fashion world and keeping prices affordable while looking so good. Their swim line is no exception, with swimsuit styling for boys, girls, and an inclusive gender-neutral line that includes items like “Gender Neutral Swim Shorts for Kids.”
Choose between sweet patterns, colorful basics, or bright graphics to outfit your little sun-lover.
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Best Splurge: Maisonette Swim
View On Maisonette.com
For a swimsuit gift, summer party, or if you’re just in the mood for a splurge-worthy suit that is sure to stand out in the crowd, look no further than Maisonette’s sweet choices. With options ranging from board shorts, short shorts, one-pieces, two-pieces, and swim gear like hats, goggles, and more, you’re sure to find some cute options.
Best for Family: Hanna Andersson
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Family matching suits make a great Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or any day surprise. With Hanna Andersson’s stylish options, there are lots of ways to mix and match styles. Choose from sweet and classic patterns like lemons, stripes, watermelons, and more.
The joy of Hanna Andersson’s matching suits is that there’s a choice of either exactly the same suits for everyone or some prints and colors that correspond. The well-made suits are comfortable and made to last.
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Best for Tweens: Billabong
View On Billabong.com
Pickier tweens will love the wide variety of swim options that Billabong offers. With lots of trendy prints, the suits come in a wide range of styles for boys and girls including two pieces, one-piece suits, board shorts, rash guards, and bodysuits.
The one-of-a-kind prints really stand out; they’re not childish, but still on-trend and very cool. An Australian brand that is rooted in surf culture, your tween will love these looks.
Best for CoverUps: Boden
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As the name implies, this cover-up is perfect to “throw on” after a beach day, pool day, swim class, or a wet day outdoors. Comfortable to keep on all day, the long sleeve and hooded cover-up will dry your kiddo off almost instantly and keep them cozy. Choose from five different colors and a wide range of sizes from 2 to 3 all the way up to 11 to 12, so it would be extra sweet for some sibling matching.
Final Verdict
Swimsuits should be comfortable, protective, and made to last. Since kids grow so quickly, it makes sense to choose budget-friendly suits that’ll fit all season long. For a great selection for all kinds of kids, Old Navy swim can’t be beaten. If you’re really focused on sun protection or want some options that provide full-body coverage, check out UV Skinz offerings for sun protection for all sizes.
What to Look for When Buying Swimsuits for Kids
Sizing
Some swimsuit sizing can be confusing. Most children’s sizing is age-based, but your child may be on the larger or smaller end of that age range. Always check a size chart that includes measurements and take the time to measure your kid. The last thing anyone wants is a swimsuit that is too tight.
Sun Coverage
Sun protection is so important, especially for kids who are playing outside and possibly hopping in and out of the water over and over again. Look for fabric with an UPF rating of 50 or more to protect your little ones against the sun's harmful UV rays. In addition to applying lots of sunscreen, the added proper sun coverage will ensure that they enjoy safe playing on sunny days.
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