Why do people make so much fuss over kids swimsuits? It’s simple… Swimming lessons are one of the first things we arrange for our children – and with good reason. Swimming is not only a great sport, it’s also an essential life-saving skill. After all, swimming can save your child’s life and prevent your kid from drowning.
Kids swimsuits: facts
Kids need swimsuits to swim in. And swimming clothing is on sale in various iterations. Here’s a selection of swimming facts:
· To swim your kid needs a swimsuit, a necessary outdoor item of clothing for swimming.
· Twenty-first century childrens swimming clothing is a far cry from the swimwear range of old that used to be on sale. These days we concentrate on choosing clothing made from strong, durable materials. We look for items that stretch to fit the body well, are comfortable and treated to prevent sun damage.
· Swimming garments you find on sale are often lined with fabric that stops it from being see-through when wet.
· A swimming costume is also designed to fit snugly (tight fits make movement easier) and help the child swim more efficiently, by eliminating friction and drag (this is when water slows down the movement of the body).
· Children should have at least 3 regular swimming costumes so that they can alternate these items of clothing when one is wet. And, as we all know, accidents do happen. So always pack a second swimsuit.
What to look for when choosing kids swimwear
Be careful of cheap and cheerful childrens swimming clothing that you’ll find on sale… there’s a reason that you need to buy top quality swimming gear that fit well and will last the kids all summer long, whether they’re swimming in a pool or the sea, playing on the beach or on your garden lawn whilst running through a sprinkler.
1. Proper sun protection
We all know that when they’re in the pool or the sea, your children are even more susceptible to the sun’s rays, which reflect off the water. The idea is to protect your child’s body from the sun as much as possibly. Concentrate on areas of the body that are most sensitive, like shoulders, arms and backs.
There’s a wide variety of swimming gear on sale for children, including an item that offers sun protection. We’re talking about swimming clothing for girls and boys’ swim shorts that you can pair with swim shirts with sleeves. Look out for UPF50 stickers or labels to show they provide some protection. maake's swimwear bases - Active Eco Lycra and Recycled Eco Lycra along with the Heavy Lycra 210 all have UPF50 certification.
And remember: it’s not only the style of the swimwear that will protect your kid from the sun. Many a swimming costume brand offers items for sale they make from specially treated fabric. The fabric used for swim shirts, for example,also offers sun protection.
After all, having fun in the water is what kids love best. As parents, we need to make sure the clothing they are wearing protects them from harsh elements whilst swimming.
2. Special swimming fabrics
As we mentioned above, swimming costume fabric has to tick a number of boxes. It needs to be:
- Comfortable
- Hard wearing
- Flexible so that the body can move whilst wearing it
- Lightweight
- Able to wick away moisture
- Resist fading
- Can withstand sun exposure, chlorine and salt water
- Stops water drag (see above).
3. The right fit
Your kids are going to be running around or swimming constantly in their swimsuits, so when you shop, make sure their selected swimming items fit their bodies well. No sagging or loose fabric, as this will make them feel uncomfortable – and this includes swim shirts and swim shorts for sale, too.
There are specific size charts for kids, which will make it easier for you to buy the right size for your child. (Take a look at our info on Sizing, below.)
Of course, sizes vary according to brands, so you need to measure your kidbefore you shop to make sure the garment will fit them snugly. If possible, choose a shop or view online and then order from a store that has an exchange policy in case you choose the wrong size when you shop.
One question we want to answer emphatically now – should you shop for a bigger size so that your kid can grow into its swimwear? We don’t recommend this.
But when you find a swimming costume that your kid loves, we suggest buying two – one in a larger size, for when the current one gets too small. You’ll thank us later!
4. Colours, styles and patterns in kids swimsuits
With the above in mind, do make a point of taking your kid’s personality, likes and dislikes into account when you shop for colours, patterns and designs for swimming gear and accessories.
Once they reach an age where they have decided likes and dislikes, it’s a good idea to let them check out online stores to get an idea of what they prefer that is on sale before you shop.
But don’t forget when you shop online: what we see on sale on screen isn’t necessary what will arrive on delivery day. Computer screens show colour deceptively.
What are popular kids’ choices of swimming garments and accessories on sale right now? It really is kid-dependent: let your kid dictate what they would prefer to wear and then shop what’s on sale accordingly.
There’s a wide variety in every shop to keep every kid happy, from floral prints for girls to stripes and tie-dye, colour-blocking, single shades, sea and beach themes, and everything in between.
As for styles, before you shop, check out what their school friends are wearing, especially if you’re dealing with little girls. They may well want to have the same style or similar.
5. Swimming accessories
When you take your kid to swimming lessons, or on a pool play date, or on holiday to the sea, you don’t just take their swimsuit. That bag is full of all sorts of other accessories, too. Let’s take a look at necessary accessories to take with you in a bag or basket to the beach or the pool…
· Flipflops for the sand and other beach-appropriate shoes to play in (sandals or sneakers are the best shoes for the beach and by the pool)
· Sunscreen: No matter how much the swimming costume protects your child, you also need plenty of sunscreen that you apply often
· Sunhats: Even when they’re in the pool, unless they’re confident swimmers, make them keep a hat on
· Water bottles: Make sure they drink plenty of water when it’s hot
· Snacks: Fresh fruit and vegetables cut up small, sandwiches, etc
· Beach balls and other toys
· Beach towels for the pool and the beach: Choose a soft, absorbent cotton towel that dries fast and is breathable
· Sunhats
· Sunglasses
· Multipacks of wet wipes
· Cover-ups for over their swimwear, as we mentioned above.
5 important questions to ask when you shop for kids swimwear
1. Can your kid swim in the suit?
Is the swimwear easy to swim in? Make sure that swimsuit is easy to move in. It needs to be a quality fabric, and if it’s a one-piece, the mid-section needs to have mobility.
2. Is the swimwear hard-wearing?
Pool chlorine can wear out swimwear – another reason to look for quality fabric that is resistant to chemicals and is long-lasting. Choose a nylon or Poly/spandex fabric with a polyester lining for swimsuits and swim trunks that resists both chlorine and saltwater.
3. Is the swimwear quick drying?
Wet swimming clothing is likely to be heavy and uncomfortable. Kids love to spend hours in the water, so the fabric used to make the swimming costume should be quick-drying. Don’t forget: after use, rinse the swimsuit, dry and store away till next time.
4. Does the swimsuit fabric have UV protection?
Water reflects the sun, so your child’s skin is extremely vulnerable whilst swimming. A swimming costume made of fabric with a UPF50 rating will block 98% of the sun’s harsh rays. To get the best sun protection, make sure you also apply sunscreen to your child’s skin.
5. Does your kid have a cover-up?
It’s great choosing a swimming costume that ticks all the boxes, but make sure that when you kid gets out of the water, you add a protective cover-up to put on them.
For these important swimwear accessories, comfort is most important and if the fabric has sun protection, that’s a big plus.
We make many cover-ups out of polyester and spandex. But whichever type of accessories you choose, do check the labels carefully to see how effective they will be.
For trends in swimsuits and accessories like cover-ups, take a look at Australian brands: they are very conscious of protecting their kids’ skin from the sun and come up with innovative garments and accessories for them to wear that not only do the trick, but look great as well.
Why kids swimsuits size is so important
Ill-fitting swimwear and accessories will make swimming uncomfortable and unenjoyable for kids. So make sure kids swimming clothing fits well. First step is to measure your child:
· Sizing for girls: Measure under the arms and around the back and bust, as well as the waist, hips and inseam. Also measure weight and height, as tall or bigger children may need a longer suit, and small girls may need to go down a size. For swimming shorts for girls, see ‘sizing for boys’ below.
· Sizing for boys: Measure around the waist to get the perfect fit. If the kid is between sizes, or the waist is too tight, rather go up to the next size. Make sure that the waist is comfortable (this applies to girls’ swimming shorts, too). Remember: elasticated waists can be comfortable for both boys and girls swim shorts, but a drawstring waist on a pair of shorts will give a custom fit.
Quick tips to get correct sizes when you shop
Check out these size guidelines for swimwear and accessories. Note: Some brands offer size guidelines based on age, while others offer sizing from extra-small (XS) to extra-large (XL).
Here’s a rough sizing guide:
(The list includes junior girls sizes and junior boys sizes.)
- XS – 4 to 5 years with a 20 to 21.5-inch waist
- S – 6 to 7 years, with a 22 to 23.5-inch waist
- M – size 8 yrs and sizes 9 to 10 years with a 24 to 25.5-inch waist
- L – 11 to 12 years with a 26 to 27.5-inch waist
- XL – 13 to 14 years with a 28 to 30-inch waist.
Selected prints, patterns and colours
Children often have very decided opinions about what type of swimwear and accessories they want to wear, depending on their personality and the latest trends. But there are those who don’t care at all. Here we offer some popular choices:
· Navy and black are ideal for school swimwear.
· Bright red and orange, or a pattern using cheerful summer colours, are very popular.
· Blue is another very popular choice, especially blue shades that match the ocean and turquoise.
· Designs include plenty of sea creatures, beach scenes, stripes and spots. Colour-blocking is a major trend right now.
· Children love bright colours, especially neon orange, green and yellow.
Shop for these common types of kids swimwear
· Rash vests: Often made from spandex and nylon, these kids’ swim shirts are used to protect against chafing and sun exposure.
· Wetsuits and dry suits: Commonly made out of neoprene, shop for these close-fitting suits if you need one for snorkelling and board sports.
· A one piece swimsuit: This collection is often made out of technologically advanced fabric that withstands the elements (salt water, sun and chlorine), keeps the suit’s shape and comes in various styles.
· Boys’ swim briefs: Often called a Speedo, because the brand is so popular, this type of swimming collection is usually made of a blend of nylon and spandex, although some brands use polyester, which is longer-lasting. They usually feature a lining on the inside front made of a similar fabric.
· Boys’ boardshorts: A longer version of a swimming trunk, these reach over the knee or even past the knee. Preferably have a non-elastic waistband. Shop for these particular shorts when you kid partakes in board sports like paddle-boarding, wake-boarding and surfing.
· Boys swim trunks: Commonly known as board shorts in the UK, these shorts are designed to be slightly longer than boxer shorts. Swim trunks are loose shorts and reach mid-thigh. These shorts often have a polyester inner lining. They are extremely popular boys’ swim shorts to shop for.
· Swim shirts: These protective shirts are worn by both boys and girls when they swim. Parents choose to buy these shirts for their kids to wear when the sun is at its most deadly (11am to 2.30pm) or when the kid has sensitive skin and is prone to sunburn.
The best kids swimwear to shop for, for each age, from baby to teen
· Baby swimwear: This depends on whether the baby is still wearing nappies. For instance, if your baby girl is still wearing nappies instead of knickers, you would need to buy swim nappies, which baby can wear on its own or under baby boys or a baby girls swimsuits.
When wet, these nappies do not swell. We also design them with special elastic side guards and side flaps that are easy to remove.
Baby boys can wear cute board shorts, and for baby girls, choose bikini bottoms. If your kid is going to be having swimming lessons when it’s cold outside, wetsuits are ideal for both baby boys and baby girls.
· Toddler swimsuit boy and girl 3 to 5 years: It’s time to invest in swimming trunks for the boys and a one-piece swimming costume for the girls, especially if they’re learning to swim. Swim shirts are important if the child’s skin is fair and sensitive to the sun.
· Kids aged 5 years and upwards: Childrens swimming clothing comes in various styles, colours and patterns. Girls are luckier, as there are so many girls styles to choose from when you shop, including 1- and girls 2-piece swimsuit, whilst boys have to stick to swim shorts, briefs or trunks. Also note: young teens will need a swimming costume with bras. And as we mentioned in a previous point: swim shirts may be ideal if your kid’s skin is sun-sensitive.
The business side of swimwear
The swimwear market in the UK
According to Statistica:
· Most of the revenue in this niche market is generated in the United States (UK Pound Sterling 9.67 billion in 2023), but the UK is also doing very well, with UK Pound Sterling 749 million.
· It’s expected that the swimming and sports segment of the market will grow 3.3% in 2024 and will amount to 41.4% in 2027.
The bottom line:
Although kids swimsuits are considered a saturated market, they can be very lucrative for small niche businesses. The secret to success? Make sure you do extensive research about fabric, design and what boys and girls want. And be sure you don’t make the garment too expensive and outprice yourself.
Remember:
· Concentrate on providing a quality product.
· Become an expert in your field. This will set you apart from the rest.
· Focus on giving customers something different from your competitors.
· Be innovative and think out of the box.
· Deliver what you promise every single working day.
How to make kids swimwear
Choose your maake fabric
· Active Eco Lycra: A beautiful eco blend of recycled polyester and elastane, this mediumweight lycra fabric is ideal for kids swimsuits, with its smooth surface and excellent stretch. One can pull this fabric in any direction and it will spring right back every time. Both sides of the fabric are identical; it prints vibrant, strong colours. UPF50 certified and chlorine and pill-resistant, this is one of our most popular swim fabrics.
· Eco Lycra: A very popular high quality, eco blend of recycled polyester and elastane, this medium weight lycra fabric has a little less stretch than the Active Eco Lycra for a taughter body contour, and a slightly glossier finish. One can pull this fabric in any direction and it will spring right back every time. Both sides of the fabric are identical; it prints vibrant, strong colours. UPF50 certified and chlorine and pill-resistant, this is a popular swim fabric.
· Anti-Microbial Agilo Lycra: A beautifully soft Anti-microbial lycra fabric that weighs 195gsm. Its special quality is the SILVERPLUS finish that keeps the fabric smelling fresh for longer. We often choose it as the fabric for kids swimsuits. This polyester fabric prints beautifully – at maake we print all polyester fabrics without using any water, and all the inks meet Oeko-tex requirements and pass EN71-3 certification.
· Eco Glitter Dot Lycra: We make it out from a blend of recycled polyester and elastane with a glittery multi-coloured foil dot effect to make your swimwear shine and shimmer in the sun. We use this stretchy eco lycra fabric widely for swimwear. Eco-conscious business owners find it ideal, as they can use recycled polyester. The material prints beautifully and vibrantly.
· Scuba BodyFit: A special combination of polyester and elastane fibres, this soft double-knit fabric is very similar to neoprene. Composition: PES EL Scuba BodyFit is a double knit fabric similar to neoprene. It’s ideal for thicker swimming as it’s easy to care for and long-lasting with a springy, smooth feel.
· Eco Sprint Knit : A mid-weight 100% recycled polyester wicking sports jersey. Fantastic for rash vests, swimming shirts and more. Its a very popular fabric for the summer sports and outdoor market, and prints fantastically.
Get creative with maake
We have an exceptional 15,000+ exclusive designs and patterns to inspire you for kids swimsuits.
Independent designers have created every single pattern. When you choose one of these designs, we pay the designer.
Alternatively, you can design your own fabric. Follow the link below and see how easy it is to upload your own creation.