Young person wearing navy cap and T-shirt with colorful printed shorts sitting on bench in tropical park.

Trending kids swimwear for 2026

This season’s cutest swimwear? Check.

As the temperature rises, so does the excitement for pool days and beach adventures with your little ones! This season, let the memories begin with our must-have swimwear and beach essentials for kids. From those first tentative paddles to full-on splash sessions, choosing the right kids swimwear isn’t just about cute prints (though we’ve got plenty of those). Comfort, coverage, durability and sun protection are at the heart of our design process. Keep reading to unveil our trending swimwear styles for kids, and the beach accessories that make vacation packing easier…

Types of kids' swimsuits

When browsing kids' swimwear, it helps to know which styles suit different ages, activities and comfort levels…

One-piece swimwear

Best for: Babies, toddlers and younger kids (approx. 0–8 years)

A classic swimsuit style, the one-piece is a go-to for swimming lessons, family vacations and splash parks. Designed for secure coverage, they stay in place during active play and are easy to layer under a kaftan or shorts.

Key benefits:

Full torso coverage.
Secure fit for swimming lessons.
Easy to slip on and off.
Great for pool days and beach trips.

For parents looking for practical yet playful kids swimsuits, one-pieces balance comfort with fun prints and colors.

Two-piece swimsuits

Best for: Older kids (approx. 5+ years)

Two-piece swimsuits for kids are ideal for independent dressers. They make potty breaks easier and offer flexibility. From sporty crop-top styles to frill-trimmed sets, they’re a popular pick for vacations.

Key benefits:

Easy to put on and take off.
Breathable in hot weather.
Mix-and-match potential.
Great for beach lounging and paddling.

They’re perfect for kids who want a little more freedom while still feeling secure.

Rash guard swim sets

Best for: Babies to pre-teens

Rash guard sets combine a top (usually long-sleeved) with coordinating bottoms or shorts. They’re a smart choice for extended time in the sun and sea.

Key benefits:

Extra coverage on shoulders and arms.
Ideal for surfing, sea swimming or water parks.
Often made with quick-drying fabric.
Comfortable enough to wear all day.

For active families, these are some of the most practical kids swimsuits to pack.

Child wearing teal and white zip-up rash vest with dinosaur design and matching swim hat at the beach.

Young girl smiling on beach chair wearing pink heart-shaped sunglasses, pink ruffled swimsuit and denim shorts.

Swim shorts

Best for: Toddlers to teens

A summer staple, swim trunks are a versatile kids swimsuit option. Available in bold prints, color-block styles and character designs, they work for beach games and poolside play alike.

Key benefits:

Elasticated waist for comfort.
Lightweight and quick drying.
Easy to pair with rash vests.
Great for vacations and swimming lessons.

Patterned shorts are especially on-trend this year (more on that below).

Swim dresses

Best for: Toddlers and younger kids

A swim dress blends the look of a dress with the function of a swimsuit. With built-in briefs or shorts underneath, they offer coverage while still feeling playful.

Key benefits:

Added coverage.
Cute and practical.
Ideal for beach days and kiddie pools.
Designed for comfortable, active movement.

They’re a sweet alternative to traditional girl’s swimsuits.

UV protection swimsuits

Best for: Babies and younger kids

Sun-safe swimsuit styles are designed with added UV protection. Many of our styles also come with a co-ordinating sun hat for extra protection.

Key benefits:

UPF-rated fabric.
Added coverage.
Quick-drying materials.
Ideal for vacations abroad.

For babies, our sun protection options bring cuteness and functionality to their summer essentials.

Young girl in yellow swimsuit playing with colorful beach toys including bucket and spade on sandy beach.

Trending swimming suit styles for kids

This year’s kiddies swimwear trends mix playful details with practical design.

Ruffled details

Frills and ruffles add texture to one-pieces and two-piece sets, creating a fun twist on classic kids swimsuit silhouettes. They’re especially popular in pastel and bright summer shades.

Patterned shorts

From tropical prints to graphic stripes, patterned swim trunks are leading the way for boys and unisex kids' swimwear styles. They’re bold, expressive and easy to pair with plain tanks and T-shirts.

Character designs

From superheroes to ocean-inspired favorites, character prints make getting dressed for swimming lessons far more exciting and are a firm favorite across kids swimsuits.

Kids' all-in-one swimwear

The all-in-one swimsuit (sun-safe) is perfect for younger kids. Offering extra coverage across arms and legs, it’s great for beach vacations where sun protection and warmth matter.

Four children sitting together by a pool wearing colorful swimwear and smiling at the camera.

What swimsuits keep kids warm?

Swimsuits made with thicker, close-fitting fabric and long sleeves (like rash guard sets or all-in-one styles) can help reduce heat loss after swimming. Darker colors may also absorb more warmth in sunny conditions.

However, standard swimsuits are designed primarily for swimming comfort rather than insulation. For cooler water, layering with a towel, poncho or cover-up immediately after swimming helps maintain warmth.

Do kids stay warmer in swimsuits?

Not necessarily. Swimsuits dry quickly but don’t trap heat in the way regular clothing does. That’s why quick-drying fabrics and having a towel or robe ready is key for post-swim comfort.

Sun-safe swimsuits to keep them protected

For babies, our sun protection options aren’t just cute but functional too. Providing UVA and UVB protection at UPF+ 40, our sun protection swimsuits are the ideal extra layer for particularly sunny days, not to mention the array of options available, from ocean-themed styles to superhero designs.

The quick-drying materials are another bonus, making transitions from the water to playtime a breeze. But remember they still need sunscreen, too.

Does UV swimwear work?

Yes, UV swimwear is made from tightly woven fabrics that reduce the amount of UV rays reaching the skin. When labeled with a UPF rating, it indicates how effectively the fabric blocks ultraviolet radiation.

What makes a swimsuit UV-resistant?

Tightly woven fabric.
Special fiber blends.
Darker or more saturated colors.
Built-in UPF rating.

A sun-safe swimsuit works best when combined with sunscreen and shade.

Seven children standing on a lifeguard tower at the beach wearing colorful summer clothing and swimwear.

Young girl smiling outdoors wearing a yellow tank top and straw sun hat with light blue jeans.

Cool character-inspired kids beach towels

Whether it’s sand in-between their toes or chlorine in their hair, our range of kids hooded beach towels and accessories are ready to fend off any mid-afternoon meltdowns.

Children’s hooded towels are especially useful for:

Wrapping them up quickly after swimming.
Keeping heads warm in breezy seaside weather.
Encouraging faster drying.
Helping little ones feel cozy and secure.

For the little fashionista, why not pick up one of our kids kaftans or beach coverups? Finish off with sun hats, sandals and a beach bag for a mini-me chic vacation outfit that transitions effortlessly from sand to snack bar.

Kids beach accessories

The right extras turn simple kids swimwear into a full beach-ready setup.

Consider adding:

Collapsible beach bucket: Our beach toys are easy to pack and perfect for sandcastle building.
Bucket hat: Essential sun protection for poolside days.
Swim shoes / water shoes: Protect their feet from hot sand and pebbles.
Swimming caps: Ideal for lessons or regular pool visits.
Swim vest: Supports early water confidence (always under supervision).