Now that resorts and staycation spots are slowly reopening for families, it's time to check out new swimsuits for the kids. Apart from giving them something cute to wear at the beach or pool, swimsuits help your little ones move in the water more easily. It also protects their skin from too much sun exposure and other contaminants. This kind of protection is particularly more important for their sensitive skin.
Apart from choosing an appealing style, you also need to evaluate the material and, of course, get the right fit. These will allow your kids to get more comfortable and enjoy the family outing to the fullest. In this article, we will share a buying guide reviewed by pediatrician Dr. Joey, plus our 10 picks on the best swimsuits for kids that you can score online. Read on below to know more!
Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao is a pediatrician and child health specialist based in Metro Manila. Doc Joey is passionate about health education and empowering families to become informed advocates of their children's health and wellness. She uses social media to educate and raise awareness about important issues and topics in the field of pediatrics and child care.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Like adults, kids also want to feel good about themselves. They also have their style and color preference, even at a young age. Thankfully, swimsuits are available in many cuts and designs your little ones will have many options to choose from. Here are the most common swimsuit styles your kids might enjoy wearing.
One-piece swimsuits will always remain a classic. They are very comfortable to wear, and at the same time, your child won't be bothered with pieces or parts of the swimwear that might fall off. It can also reduce the water drag due to its skin-tight fit, which allows for hassle-free swimming.
Meanwhile, two-piece swimsuits are quicker to put on, which is advantageous for kids who are already excited to start swimming. They are also easier to remove in case your little one needs to go to the bathroom. However, sun exposure is greater, so always remember to apply sunscreen.
A swimwear with excellent body coverage is just one way to protect your little one from sun exposure before letting them enjoy the water activity. You can opt for a bodysuit that offers protection from the upper body down to the crotch.
Other variants of bodysuits sometimes extend to cover the whole arms and legs. This full-body coverage is a great way to reduce the chance of them developing skin rashes.
When going to the beach with your kids, it is advisable to make them wear a rash guard. This type of swimwear provides end-to-end coverage from one wrist to the other. Apart from that, it delivers excellent sun and sand protection that lessens the chance of having rashes.
It can also protect your children from irritation caused by the immediate impact of waves. Additionally, you can also pair a rash guard with swim shorts since regular ones, especially those with pockets, are not advisable for swimming.
As with all kinds of clothing items, one of the main considerations in buying swimsuits is the size, especially for kids. An ill-fitting one may cause discomfort, making your kid uneasy and irritable.
To get the right fit, inspect the exact measurements indicated by the shop or seller and try to compare different size charts because the fit and sizing may vary depending on the brand and swimwear style.
Sun protection in swimwear can be categorized into two— first is body coverage brought by the style or cut of the swimsuit, and second, UV protection offered by a specialty fabric. Choosing between the two would depend on your little one's preference, especially if he's already old enough to voice out what he prefers.
Suppose your kid wants a swimwear with lesser body coverage, applying sunscreen will provide extra protection from the sun. In addition, if you have a toddler who is going through potty training, avoid strappy swimsuits, so you can easily remove them for potty time.
For kids who are attending swimming lessons, opt for a form-fitting suit to maximize mobility. Meanwhile, for outdoor water activities, it is advisable to use a rash guard to protect your children’s skin from damaging sun rays.
Swimsuits are made of various materials that offer different levels of comfortability, durability, and protection. Identifying the material and its characteristics will make your shopping a lot easier. Here are some common materials that kids’ swimsuits are made of.
Polyester is one of the top choices for material for swimwear. Polyester can retain its color while resisting damage caused by chlorine and saltwater. It also offers an adequate softness that's comparable to cotton for more comfortable use. The durability is also exceptional in that it can last for a couple of years.
This lightweight material offers a smooth and soft fit that kids will be comfortable in. It is also durable and can withstand the wear and tear of water activities. However, do note that this coverage or protection feature of this material may quickly disintegrate with long UV exposure. Hence, it makes a great swimsuit for night and indoor swimming.
From ₱999
Let your little one swim in style with this striped bodysuit. The swimwear is designed with a charming combination of pastel colors that adds an extra summer vibe to its overall look. With its high neckline, you're sure that your toddler's neck and nape are protected as well.
Apart from that, this bodysuit offers a slim and snug fit that stems from its blended fabric material, providing comfortability and lightness as your kid swims. It also has a front zip fastening that delivers security and, at the same time, makes the bodysuit easy to remove. Washing this is also a breeze because it is washing machine-friendly!
From ₱2,788
If you are looking for a kid's swimsuit that offers superior sun protection, you might want to try this rash top and brief set from a trusted swimwear brand. Apart from its long sleeves that extend down the elbow, the fabric comes with Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF 40+ that offers defense against the sun's harmful rays. In addition, it covers the tummy, shoulders, arms, and back.
It also has a fun unicorn astronaut character that will surely appeal to your mini-me! Additionally, the swimsuit has higher chlorine resistance than regular swimming fabric and will always fit like new despite multiple times of use. It will retain its shape after being stretched and worn by your little one.
Although they are known for their polo shorts, sarongs, and kimonos, local swimwear brand Guppy makes lovely swimsuits for kids as wellーand this bikini is one example! For one thing, it changes color when submerged in hot and cold water! It turns purple in cold water and pink when it comes in contact with hot water.
Your kid is bound to be surprised at the change happening before their eyes, whether they are splashing at the beach or pool! To care for this swimsuit, it is recommended that only light hand washing be done in cold water using a bleach-free detergent.
From ₱1,999
This long sleeve bodysuit offers full coverage to protect your little one from getting sunburn, as well as rashes, which can be caused by the chlorine in the swimming pool. It is made of a combination of polyester and elastane with a front zipper fastening for easy fitting.
Design-wise, it features an adorable marine life print that perfectly suits any beach adventure, plus it is available in a wide range of sizesーfrom 0-3 months up to 3 years old. This bodysuit is made by Mamas and Papas, a UK-based brand that caters to kids and newborns' essentials, so their safety and the quality of the products are always guaranteed.
From ₱799.75
Prevent your little boy from harmful UV rays and chlorine pool water with this rash guard! It features long sleeves that provide excellent coverage from their shoulders up to their wrists. Aside from that, the fabric also comes with 50 UPF for that much-needed sun protection.
It has a back zipper closure for easy removal, which is handy once the rash guard gets wet. That way, it won’t be as difficult to remove. And it even has a Darth Vader graphic design that is sure to delight any Star Wars fans you may have!
From ₱1,330
These swim briefs are crafted with Primegreen, a high-performance specialty fabric made of recycled materials. The recycled nylon and elastane tricot offers a snug fit that reduces water drag impact, allowing for more mobility while swimming.
To give that marvel-ous appearance, the briefs bear both the cartoon images of Spiderman and Captain America that little boys will certainly love. If you are looking for an earth-friendly and sustainable swimsuit that your little lad will enjoy wearing, this product is a good find!
From ₱1,005
Bring the magic into the pool with this one-piece swimsuit that features Queen Elsa from Disney's Frozen. The swimsuit is designed with thick and splashback straps, plus medium-cut legs, allowing a comfortable fit and full range of movement when swimming. In addition, it provides adequate coverage without straining the shoulder and the legs.
Aside from that, the swimsuit is made of a blend of specialty fabrics, such as Endurance10, that makes it soft and stretchy, as well as CREORA® HighClo™ that guarantees durability and chlorine resistance. The fabric will retain its shape and will fit like it's always brand new.
From ₱999
With its refreshing color pairing and gradient pattern, this two-piece swimsuit will surely match your daughter's style, especially if she's very kikay. It is very much inspired by mermaid outfits with the combination of purple and turquoise.
It is a fully-lined swimwear that delivers comfort- you don't have to worry about the lace irritating your little one's skin. The swimsuit top has adjustable straps, one of which is embellished with a gold seashell made of metal. This two-piece is the perfect outfit for beachside photos and family selfies.
From ₱1,150
First time taking the little out for a swim? You might want to check out this one-piece swimsuit from Old Navy. The swimsuit is made of tricot fabric, which ensures a snug yet comfortable fit for your child. So you won’t have to worry about the fabric scratching or irritating their delicate skin.
It comes in a stylish floral design that doesn’t sacrifice their comfort. This is evident in its elasticized smocked bodice and leg openings, which make it easier to wear or remove. In addition, it is also quick-dry and even comes with built-in sun protection!
From ₱746.25
If your little one loves splashing in the water then this pair of swim trunks ought to make a great addition to their swimwear stash. This is great for any activity whether they are splashing around on the beach or swimming in the pool. It is perfect if they want more coverage without it being too constricting.
You also might be surprised that its material is made of 100% recycled polyester, which makes it environmentally-friendly, soft, and comfortable to wear. Moreover, it has an elasticated waistband and drawstring which makes it great as it can adjust to your kids as he grows up.
Even though summer is officially over, the water adventure never stops. For that, we offer a list of swimming essentials for kids, such as beach towels, sunscreens, and swim floaters that you should bring to your next water activity. Check out our recommended items down below.
Author: E. Hubilla
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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