I’ll say it: the bathing suit choices for little girls are abhorrent these days–teeny string bikinis, plunging v-necks, high cut briefs, ruching at the “cleavage” presumably to create more of it. It’s making me crazy.

To say nothing of a certain retailer (ahem Abercrombie) that recently introduced–then backpedaled on–padded bras for 8 year-olds.

Still, I do like two-pieces for girls. They’re cute and make changes easy, especially when you’re in the diaper phase.  So I’ve spent a little time tracking down a few picks for summer that will let your little girl look like your little girl for a good long time. I’m thinking 23 years or so. –Liz

The girls tankini from Kids Ink
(at top) looks like Peter Max 70’s pop art. It’s not something an adult
would wear, which is what’s cool about it for kids. If you’re looking
for a 3T you’re in luck–that’s what’s left at The Silly
Wagon for 60% off.

The striped bikini
from Polarn O. Pyret is beautifully constructed, with an athletic style tank top in the label’s trademark stripes.
The sizing covers a span of 2-3 years, and the suits are built to last
that long too. No need to go up a size if you’re on the fence–my 4
year-old fits in the 2-4 size perfectly, with a little room to grow.

At Target lat week, I grabbed this striped tankini
by Circo for just $8. (Whoo!) The top runs a bit big and slouchy–if
your daughter is between sizes, order down and you could still get a
couple of years out of it.

Why yes, I am on a stripe kick. Funny you should ask! I think the stripe bikini set by Mini Boden is so sweet, but I love the same retro cut and button accents of the blue gingham bikini too. At Nordstrom.

For a totally different take, look into a rash guard set which is smart for the sunburn-prone or early season Atlantic ocean dips. This UPF 50+ set from Cabana Life is adorable.

Similarly, I think board shorts
are so fabulous on little girls. The ones from Baby Banz are made with
50+ UPF, and look great whether you pair them with a racer style tank,
or a rash guard top.

If you have a good eye, you can find some cute, age-appropriate suits for kids under 6 at Old Navy. I grabbed this ruffled floral tankini
at a great price, and it claims to have UPF 50 sun protection. I never
would have grabbed it based on this photo, but in person, the cream and
pinks and brows really looks quite elegant.

(And psst…Old Navy recently ran an ad with us promoting 30% off spring+summer baby/toddler clothes, plus an extra 15% off coupon for their Facebook fans.)