Last summer, I shopped around for bikinis and two-piece swimsuits for little girls that didn’t make them look like teens before their time. Our readers responded so positively, I thought I’d take a browse around this year and see what looks promising in the swimwear department. Hey, I like a bikini as much as the next diaper-changing mama, but still, I’m okay with a little modesty. At least until they hit, oh, maybe 35.
Honestly, this summer was a little tougher than last, with the teeny triangle bikini tops taking over store shelves big time. Even so, here are a few more modest styles that caught my eye this season.
Lands’ End
I’ll be honest, I was surprised to find swimsuits at Lands’ End that I like so much. I adore this bright stripey girls’ tankini top ($25, seen above) in sizes 4-16, which can pair with either blue or red bikini bottoms
($17) that are modestly cut, but with a fun side-tie. Plus I trust the construction and durability of their clothes.
Mini Boden
There are quite a few cute swimsuits at Boden this season, but I like this girls’ ruffle bikini
which is girlie without being sexy–the flounce on the sports style top
is terrific. It comes in three different colors, for girls 18mo-8y.
($28) This suit is no longer available
Hatley
This pastel whale tankini
is pretty darn cute for little girls because we uh, older girls might be more
wary of a whale motif on our swimwear. It comes in sizes up to 4T. (on
sale for $35.99 at Zappos with free shipping)
Old Navy
Old
Navy can be a little tricky when you get into older girls’ sizes (do
six year-olds really need plunging necklines?) but for kids through
5T, this is a very cute rash guard set at a fantastic price. (on sale for $15)
Polarn O. Pyret
Last year I got this sports style boy short two-piece swimsuit
for my four year-old and I’m so happy to see they’re still carrying it!
Not that we need another–she’s still wearing it this year and probably
will next summer too. It’s held up beautifully with a lot of wear, and
its amazing how many people ask us where we got it. ($29.)
Polarn also offers a cute polkadot bikini
that isn’t so itsy bitsy teeny weeny. The cross-back design can be a
little more tricky for toddlers to get in and out by themselves, but the
styling is adorable. ($28)
Cabana Life
We discovered this great brand years ago, and love their SPF swimsuits and cute styling. There are five styles of girls’ rashguard sets that each include UV protection. ($50) A few styles are also available at Nordstrom for a little less. ($42)
For more UPF swimwear, also check out Girls4Sport which we recently reviewed, and has a nice 15% discount code for our readers through the end of June.
J Crew
I
think J Crew is doing a little better in the one-piece department for
little girl this year than with all those triangle-top bikinis, but they
do have a few very simple girls’ tankinis for girls 2-14 who actually want to swim this summer and not just pose. (This style $29.99)
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