The 8 best places to buy kids' bathing suits
Fashion-forward swimwear for kids of all ages
Credit:
Minnow
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Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means: plenty of time spent at the beach, pool, or running through the sprinkler—all activities that require wearing a bathing suit. Chances are the swimsuits your kids wore last summer are too small, totally stretched out, or completely devoid of elastic. Don't let the first truly hot day of the season catch you unprepared. Nab some cute bathing suits now while there's still plenty of selection, and stock your kids' closets with a veritable wardrobe of swimwear.
Not sure where to start? We've rounded up eight of our absolute favorite places to buy kids' swimsuits—and shared our top style picks.
1. J.Crew
J.Crew has a great selection of long-sleeved swimsuits for kids.
Our favorites: Girls' rash guard one-piece—$30 and Boys' colorblock rash guard—$33
Price: $$
Sizes: 2-16
Return/Exchange Policy: 30 days
If you have not yet discovered the glory of putting kids in long sleeve swimsuits and rash guards, let me be the one to tell you that it will make your life so much easier by cutting down on the amount of sunscreen you have to slather on their bodies. J.Crew excels at the selection of long sleeve swimwear, and they come in colorful, whimsical prints that my own kids love. Stock up during one of their sales, so that you always have plenty of cute swimsuits on hand for all of your summer activities.
2. Maisonette
Maisonette is one of my favorite places to shop for unique clothes.
Our favorites: Girls blue gingham rash guard one piece—$68
Price: $$$
Sizes: 2-10
Return/Exchange Policy: 14 days
As previously reported, I'm a sucker for everything Maisonette, and their kids' swimwear is no exception. The retailer's swimsuits are super chic with gorgeous prints on long-sleeve one pieces and rash guards. It's also some of the most durable swimwear I've ever purchased, so if you want something that will last all summer long—and possibly into next year—you can't go wrong with a few of their suits.
3. Minnow
Minnow's bathing suits feature muted colors and classic cuts.
Our favorites: Girls wild bloom floral rashguard one piece—$68 and Unisex peri blue rash guard—$54
Price: $$$
Sizes: 1-12
Return/Exchange Policy: 30 days
For swimwear that's classy enough for a mansion in Newport or a day at the yacht club, you can't beat Minnow. The muted colors and charming designs are flattering on babies and big kids alike, and the well-made suits hold up to even the most rambunctious beach goer.
4. Boden
Boden's bathing suits are great quality and last a long time.
Our favorites: Boys swim shorts—$32 and Girls cross-back printed swimsuit—$28 Price: $$
Sizes: 2-12
Return/Exchange Policy: 3 months
Boden's apparel for kids is incredibly well-made—it's a British company—and their swimsuits are no exception. My kids have gotten a year's worth of really hard wear out of their Boden swimsuits, and they could've worn them for longer if they hadn't grown so much between seasons. One thing to note is that sizing runs big, so buy a smaller size than you normally would to ensure a proper fit.
5. Amazon
These full-body suits are great for kids who hate sunscreen.
Our favorite: Color-block one piece swimsuit—from $13
Price: $-$$
Sizes: 2-8
Return/Exchange Policy: 30 days
If you have a kid who simply refuses sunscreen of any kind, you need a full piece swimsuit that they can just step into and zip up. These unisex full-body swimsuits are easy to put on and take off, and especially practical for long days spent at the beach or the pool. The wetsuit-like design keeps sand from getting into bathing suit bottoms, so they're great for kids who boogie board.
Shop Idopip swimsuits at Amazon
6. Nordstrom
Nordstrom almost always has a great selection of bathing suits for kids.
Our favorites: Girls' long sleeve two piece rash guard swimsuit—$34 and Boys' two piece rash guard swimsuit—$52
Price: $$
Sizes: 2-8
Return/Exchange Policy: Open ended
For a selection of children's swimsuits that are high quality as well as fashion forward, you can't go wrong with Nordstrom. I'm especially partial to their in-house kids line, Tucker + Tate, because it's reasonably priced and the patterns are cute, but their site has a great selection of swimsuits to fit kids of all ages and personalities.
7. Target
Target is a great place to shop for affordable swimsuits.
Our favorites: Boys' checkered smile swim trunks—$13 and Girls' retro rash guard one piece swimsuit—$20
Price: $
Sizes: XS - XL
Return/Exchange Policy: 90 days
What parent doesn't love Target?! You can purchase everything you need from there—including super cute budget-friendly swimsuits for your kids. Target always have a great selection of suits in all sorts of colors and patterns, so even the choosiest kid should be able to find something they like.
8. Tom and Teddy
Tom and Teddy makes great swimwear for kids.
My Favorite: Blue and white flag swim trunks
Price: $$$
Sizes: 2-12
Return/Exchange Policy: 30 days
Tom and Teddy's matching swim trunks for fathers and sons are one of the best purchases I've made. The Australian brand offers an impressive selection of prints and colors, and most of the designs are available in a matching set so that your kiddo and his dad can rock a coordinated beach look. I'm impressed with the quality of the fabric as well as the vibrant colors, but the kids' sizes do run slightly large, so you may want to size down if your child is in between sizes.
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