With the summer holidays fast approaching, families across the UK will be gearing up for the Big Family Holiday™, which means rifling through the mountains of the previous year's holiday clothes to find that nothing fits your kids anymore, and they need a whole new wardrobe. Sigh. If you're heading anywhere likely to have a pool, you'll know that it'll be the epicentre of your getaway, which means that decent kids' swimwear is a must-have on your packing list.
Whether you're braving the British summertime with an Airbnb in the UK or a family-friendly hotel or are heading further afield (best hotels in Spain, anyone?) for beach days and all-inclusive perks, we spoke to Kirstie Duke, co-founder of Töastie Kids, for some top tips for buying kids' swimwear and have scoured the web to find plenty of options that tick many of the boxes.
What to look for in kids' swimwear:
Bright colours
You might have seen information circulating around the web from water safety experts Alive Solutions, relaying the results of its study on the colour of swimsuits and their visibility in the water. While muted, pastel colours are aesthetically pleasing and look great for your matching swimwear photos on the Insta grid, they aren't the safest when it comes to seeing your children in the water. Instead, it's best to opt for neon or bright colours.
Kirstie says, 'Bright colours are not only super engaging and fun for kids, but a critical consideration for water safety. Where pale colours virtually disappear, and dark colours can be mistaken for shadows, vibrant, contemporary colour-blocking designs give maximum visibility in the water. Being able to immediately spot your little one on land or water is a huge win!'
UV protection
Kirstie tells us, 'UV protection built into their swimwear saves time and stress wrangling with kids for constant sunscreen applications... It's also worth noting that sunscreens often contain toxins that, when washed off into the water, damage our marine life.'
Certain brands, such as Töastie Kids, are 'specifically designed to cover key areas (shoulders, back, chest and arms) and provide an extra layer of protection against the sun's harmful rays. [Its products are] made with a special type of fabric that has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of SPF 50+, the recommended level of protection for children as their sensitive skin is more susceptible to sunburn.'
Not all of the options on our list offer this material, but they're still great swimwear brands, so make sure to invest in a great SPF for kids for when you're by the pool or out and about.
Fit and comfort
It goes without saying that an uncomfortable child is an unhappy one, so selecting swimsuits that don't irritate their skin, with buttery-soft fabrics and practical design elements like zips for easy changing, will all make life easier.
With those factors in mind, we've chosen some of the best options from our favourite brands for kids' swimwear to make packing easier. The countdown to that beach-side cocktail is on...
Shop: The Best Kids Swimwear This Summer
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Available in sizes 6-7 years, all the way up to 15-16 years, this simple crinkle swimsuit from M&S is described by reviewers as high-quality, bright and a good fit. It also washes well and is easy for younger children to put on.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Featuring a sweet turtle design, this M&S two-piece set features a rash guard and shorts, making it great for days at the beach. Made from sun-safe material, it helps to protect against the sun's rays and comes in sizes 2-3 years up to 7-8 years.
H&Mwww2.hm.com
H&M is great for kids' clothes, and its swimwear offering is no different. This lined, textured bikini is available in sizes 2-4 years up to 8-10 years. Reviewers love the soft, stretchy material and bright colour, but they did say that it can run large.
H&Mwww2.hm.com
If you've got a Sonic lover on your hands, these neon green printed swim shorts from H&M will be a real treat. Available in sizes 2-4 years up to 8-10 years, reviewers love the print but noted that they can run small.
Töastiewww.toastiekids.com
All of Töastie's kids' swimwear features UVSPF50+ protection, and this swimsuit is made from soft material and allows for upper body coverage for all-day play. Carbon-neutral and made from recycled plastics, the brand's swimwear is designed to protect the planet while protecting your little one. These colourful swimsuits are available in sizes 3-4 years up to 9-10 years and count Joe Wicks, Vogue Williams and Millie Mackintosh as fans.
Zarawww.zara.com
Zara has plenty of kids' swimwear to choose from, including these quick-drying shorts in a bright neon green. Sizes range from 6-7 years to 13-14 years.
Zarawww.zara.com
For kids ages 6-14, this bright purple swimsuit features a cool motif that's sure to please the fashion-conscious tween in your family.
Bodenwww.boden.co.uk
Boden has an excellent range of kids' swimwear, including these long-sleeved swimsuits in a range of colours and sizes. The clever zip makes changing a toddler as simple as can be, and the bright design means you'll be able to spot your child easily on the beach.
Boden
We love these multicoloured swim shorts and wish they were available in adult sizes, to be honest. Sizes range from 2-3 years to 11-12 years, and there's a selection of other colours available, too.
SpeedoSpeedo is a classic swimming brand, so it's ideal for a first swimsuit. This float suit has foam inserts for buoyancy, is available in two colourways, and is suitable for kids aged two to five.
Georgedirect.asda.com
This cute swimsuit and hat from George has a high neck, long sleeves and full-length leg for sun protection, plus a zip-up back fastening for ease. Available in 3-6 months up to 5-6 years.
Georgedirect.asda.com
This neon kids' swimsuit will have budding mermaids jumping for joy and even comes with a matching scrunchie to complete the look. Available in sizes 3-4 years to 13-14 years, although we'd recommend sizing up as reviews suggest it comes up small.
Matalanwww.matalan.co.uk
Simple and budget-friendly, these neon orange shorts from Matalan are available in sizes 3-4 years to 5-6 years.
Matalanwww.matalan.co.uk
This neon pink swimsuit from Matalan is selling fast, with only a few sizes left. Its long sleeves and zip-front make it protective and easier to get on and off, and the bright colours will help keep your kids visible.
Lindexwww.lindex.com
With UV-protective fabric, long sleeves and a longer leg length, this cute swimwear set from Lindex comes well-reviewed by shoppers, who praise its practicality, design and quality. Ensure you check the Lindex size guide carefully to find the right size.
Lindexwww.lindex.com
Tiny fashionistas will appreciate the adorable watermelon and skirt design of this swimsuit, and its bright colour gives parents peace of mind. Reviewers do suggest it comes up a little small. Ensure you check the Lindex size guide carefully to find the right size.
Jade Moscrop is the Commercial Content Editor for Grazia, specialising in lifestyle topics. When she isn't writing about beauty products, gym leggings and chic homeware items, she can usually be found on a hot girl walk, buying houseplants or listening to female-fronted rock bands.