Kids’ swim shorts for the pool, beach and water play

Swim shorts are a practical choice for children who want to move freely in the water and then carry on playing at the beach, by the pool or in the garden. In this category, you’ll find kids’ swim shorts in different lengths, colours and fits – from shorter styles for little ones to longer boardshorts for older children.

When choosing swim shorts for your child, three things often matter most in everyday use: they should fit well, dry quickly and feel comfortable, even when worn for several hours. Some parents prefer styles with UV protection for long days outdoors, while others simply need a pair of shorts that work just as well at the swimming pool as they do on summer holiday. If you’re unsure, start with your child’s age, how active they are, and whether the shorts will mainly be used in the pool, the sea or a bit of everything.

Which swim shorts suit your child’s age and activity level?

For the youngest children, a simple style with an elasticated waist is often the most practical option. They should be easy to take on and off and stay in place, even when your child is running between water, sand and play. For children aged 2–6, shorter swim shorts are often the easiest choice, as they don’t feel bulky and allow plenty of freedom of movement.

Older children often choose longer swim shorts or boardshorts, especially if they are used a lot for beach days, swimming and holidays. A little extra leg length can feel comfortable, and an adjustable drawstring at the waist makes it easier to get a good fit without feeling tight.

It can be a good idea to look for:

• an elasticated waist that makes them easy to take on and off
• a drawstring or other adjustment if your child is between sizes
• a fit that sits securely at the hips while leaving room around the thighs

If the style is too loose, it can easily slip down during play and swimming. If it is too tight, it may quickly become uncomfortable once the fabric gets wet.

Swim shorts materials make a big difference in everyday use

Most kids’ swim shorts are made from polyester or nylon, often with a little stretch. That makes sense for active days by the water. These materials are lightweight, hold their shape well and dry faster than cotton, so your child doesn’t have to walk around for long in swimwear that feels cold and heavy.

Quick-drying materials are especially useful on holidays, beach trips and warm summer days, when swimwear often gets wet several times throughout the day. Many styles also have a mesh lining, which can make them more comfortable to wear and help reduce irritation against the skin. This is especially noticeable if your child wears their swimwear for many hours at a time.

If the swim shorts will be used a lot in both chlorinated water and salt water, it is also worth considering the quality of the material. This can affect how well they keep their look when worn again and again throughout the summer.

Swim shorts with UV protection and other details worth looking for

For outdoor swimming, many parents choose swim shorts with UV protection because they provide a little extra help against the sun on the areas they cover. This is especially useful for beach trips, paddling pools and long days close to the water. If your child will be spending a lot of time in the sun, the swim shorts can be paired with UV swimwear on the upper body and a swim hat for more shade.

There are also small details that can make a noticeable difference in use:

• fabric that does not become transparent when wet
• a light lining for better comfort
• a drawstring waist for children with a slimmer waist
• quick-drying quality, so your child does not stay in wet swimwear for too long

If the shorts will mainly be used at the swimming pool, fit and freedom of movement are usually more important than sun protection. For summer days outdoors, it often makes sense to think about both.

How to make the swim set more practical

Swim shorts rarely stand alone when you’re heading to the beach or going on holiday. Many families add swim sandals, which are useful on hot sand, slippery pool edges or stones by the water. After swimming, it is also nice to have a soft bathrobe or towel ready, so your child can dry off quickly and warm up again.

If you would like to find everything in one place, you can also explore our other swimwear. It makes it easier to find what suits your child’s age, needs and the way your family enjoys summer.