Kids Swimwear

Children's swimwear is specially designed for the combination of freedom of movement, comfort and durability that children need in and around the water. Unlike ordinary clothing, good swimwear for children is chlorine-resistant so that the material does not fade or stretch out with intensive and regular use in the swimming pool, and it has a cut that stays in place during active swimming. Depending on the age and the purpose, this means swimsuits for girls, swimming trunks for boys, or special swimming aid baby clothing with built-in buoyancy elements for the very youngest who are still learning to become comfortable with the water.

The range runs from swimming aid baby clothing and swim jackets for toddlers and preschoolers who learn their first strokes through swimming lessons, via chlorine-resistant training swimsuits for girls in a competition cut, to classic swimming trunks for boys who are in the pool several times a week. For intensive use during swimming lessons or swim training, chlorine resistance is the most important criterion; for outdoor swimming, UV protection is decisive. Depending on the age of your child and what you need the clothing for, the right choice differs considerably.

Which children's swimwear is there?

There are four clear types of children's swimwear, each for a different age and a different use.

Swimming aid baby clothing

Especially for babies and toddlers from a few months old. A swimming aid baby suit combines a swimsuit or shorty with built-in buoyancy elements that keep the child on the surface of the water. The fixed floats in the suit provide structural support without loose buoyancy aids that can slip away or slide off. Swimming aid baby clothing is intended for the first contact with water and for parents who want to keep their baby safe and calm in the pool or the instruction group.

Swim jacket with floats

For toddlers and preschoolers of around two to six years old who are actively learning to swim. A swim jacket, also called a swim vest or learn-to-swim jacket, has removable buoyancy panels that you can remove step by step as the child develops more self-confidence and technique. That makes it a flexible aid that grows along with the child's swimming ability. Swim jackets are intended for swimming lessons in a group setting or for practising in shallow water under supervision.

Training swimsuit for girls (junior)

Competition and training swimsuits for girls are available in versions such as a single strap cut or a diamond back model with crossed straps. They are made of chlorine-resistant material that retains its shape and colour with regular use, and fit more closely than holiday swimsuits to minimise resistance in the water. They are suitable for girls who have swimming lessons or swim training several times a week and want more from their clothing than just basic protection.

Swimming trunks for boys (junior)

Junior swimming trunks come in various versions, from a short boardshort style to more closely fitting classic trunks at knee length that give less resistance when swimming. Classic trunks are made of chlorine-resistant material and, by their cut, are more suitable for active swimming and swimming lessons than wider boardshorts. They are available for boys from around four years up to the early teens.

Which children's swimwear suits you?

The choice depends on the age of your child, how often it swims and what the clothing is intended for.

You want to introduce your baby to the water for the first time or take it safely to swimming lessons: choose swimming aid baby clothing with built-in buoyancy elements. The suit automatically keeps your baby on the water without you having to attach loose buoyancy aids, and it fits so snugly that it cannot ride up or slide to the side. Check whether the size matches the weight of your baby, not just the height, because the floats are tailored to a certain weight range.

You want to let your toddler or preschooler swim more independently step by step: choose a swim jacket with removable buoyancy panels. The advantage of a jacket over an ordinary swimming aid is that you can gradually reduce the support by removing panels: from maximum support at the start of the swimming lessons to minimal support when your child can already float fairly independently. It is best to order the swimming goggles for your child at the same time, so that everything is ready in one go for the first lessons.

You want a durable swimsuit for your daughter who has swimming lessons or swim sport two or more times a week: choose a chlorine-resistant training swimsuit in the right size. Ordinary holiday swimsuits quickly lose their shape and elasticity with intensive chlorine use; a training swimsuit retains its cut and colour considerably longer. A more closely fitting cut such as a diamond back or single strap gives less resistance than a looser-fitting swimsuit and is therefore more favourable for swimming technique. Combine the swimsuit with a swimming cap that protects her hair and gives less friction.

You want good swimming trunks for your son for regular swimming lessons or an active swimming holiday: choose a classic trunk made of chlorine-resistant material. The knee-length cut gives less resistance when swimming than a wider boardshort and stays in place better during active movements. For free play only in the outdoor pool or on holiday, a model with UV protection is a handy addition, so that your child also protects his legs and torso during prolonged time in the sun.

You want children's swimwear for outdoor swimming where UV protection is essential: choose clothing with a UPF value of at least 50. UV-protective swimwear for children offers protection on the covered parts of the body comparable to factor 50 sunscreen. This is especially useful for children who spend hours in outdoor pools, swim on holiday or do water sports. Also take a look at the other swimming accessories for a complete outfit for outdoors.

What to look out for when buying?

Sizing and fit

Children's swimwear is usually offered by age, height and sometimes weight. The size by age is a guideline; it is better to choose the size based on the height measurements that the manufacturer provides. Swimwear with a swimming aid is additionally sized by weight because the buoyancy of the floats must be matched to the weight of the child for safe operation. For swimsuits and swimming trunks without a swimming aid: the clothing must fit closely enough not to shift, but not so tight that it pinches or restricts freedom of movement.

Chlorine resistance

Chlorine quickly affects regular elastane in swimwear: the fabric loses its stretch, the colour fades and the material becomes thin. Children's swimwear intended for regular pool use is made of chlorine-resistant material, recognisable by labels such as Endurance or comparable material specifications. This material is thicker and more durable, but also feels slightly less stretchy than regular spandex. For children who swim more than twice a week it clearly pays off more; for holiday clothing that is used a few times per summer it is less necessary.

Swimming aid versus ordinary swimwear

Swimming aid clothing with built-in buoyancy elements is intended as a training and safety aid, not as a substitute for adequate supervision. They are CE-certified for use in the swimming pool but are not a lifesaving device. Ordinary swimwear without a swimming aid offers no buoyancy support whatsoever and is intended for children who can already swim independently. Choose swimming aid clothing only for children who really need it; do not use it once children can already swim well independently, because that can actually slow down swimming development.

UV protection

Children's swimwear with UV protection has a UPF value that indicates how much ultraviolet radiation the material blocks. A UPF of 50 lets through less than two percent of UV radiation, comparable to a high SPF factor sunscreen. Note that UV-protective clothing only protects the covered skin: exposed skin such as the face, neck and hands still requires sunscreen. UV protection fades with intensive use and washing; check the value and replace the clothing if the material becomes thinner or shows light patches.

Our advice: for intensive use, such as children who have swimming lessons or training two or more times a week, always choose chlorine-resistant material. That pays off in a longer lifespan of the garment. Use swimming aid clothing only as long as the child really needs it and reduce the support step by step, so that the child actually learns to swim. Always combine the swimwear with well-fitting swimming goggles and a swimming cap for complete protection in the pool.

Who is children's swimwear suitable for?

• Babies and toddlers for whom swimming aid baby clothing with built-in buoyancy elements makes the first contact with water safe and relaxed.
• Preschoolers who are learning to swim and benefit from a swim jacket with removable buoyancy panels that offers less support step by step as the technique improves.
• Girls who have swimming lessons or swim sport regularly and need a durable, chlorine-resistant training swimsuit that retains its shape and colour for a long time.
• Boys who swim several times a week and need a chlorine-resistant classic trunk that stays in place well and gives less resistance than a boardshort.
• Children who swim outdoors on holiday or in the outdoor pool, for whom UV-protective swimwear with UPF 50 offers extra protection on the covered parts of the body.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy children's swimwear but are not quite sure yet which type and which size best suit your child? Then we are happy to help you further. You can reach our triathlon specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon shop in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about children's swimwear

What is the difference between a holiday swimsuit and a training swimsuit for children?

A holiday swimsuit is made of regular elastane and is intended for occasional use; it is lighter and cheaper but quickly loses its stretch and colour with chlorine use. A training swimsuit is made of chlorine-resistant material that lasts considerably longer with regular pool use. For children who are in the pool more than twice a week a training swimsuit clearly pays off; for a beach holiday or a few times per summer an ordinary swimsuit is sufficient.

How do I choose the right size of children's swimwear?

Always choose based on the height measurements in the size chart of the specific brand, not on age. Children of the same age can differ greatly in height and build. Swimwear must fit tightly enough not to shift during swimming, but not so tight that it pinches or restricts breathing. With swimming aid clothing with buoyancy elements, the weight of the child is also a sizing requirement, because the buoyancy is matched to a weight range.

How long does chlorine-resistant children's swimwear last?

Chlorine-resistant material can last two to four years with good care and regular use, depending on how intensively the child swims. Rinse the swimwear after every use with cold tap water to remove chlorine from the material, and wash at a low temperature without spinning. Avoid drying in direct sunlight and lay the garment flat to dry. Replace the clothing if the material becomes thin or see-through, even if the appearance still seems acceptable.

Are swim jackets with buoyancy panels safe for children in the swimming pool?

Swim jackets with buoyancy panels are CE-certified as a swimming aid for use in the swimming pool and contribute to safety during supervised swimming lessons. However, they are not a recognised lifesaving device and never replace the supervision of an adult or instructor. Use them only in shallow sections or under direct supervision, never as the only safety measure in deep areas or open water.

What is UPF and how much UV protection does children's swimwear need?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and indicates what percentage of ultraviolet radiation the material blocks. UPF 50 lets through less than two percent of UV radiation and is recommended for children who swim or play outdoors in the sun for longer periods. UV-protective swimwear only offers protection on the covered skin; the face, neck and hands require additional sunscreen. Check the UPF value when buying and replace clothing whose material has noticeably thinned.