Image: MomJunction Design Team
Let’s admit it, summer is incomplete for boys without splashing about and paddling in a pool. And the best swimsuits for boys are a must-have for a beach holiday or staycation during the summer break. So whether your little man prefers a wetsuit, an all-in-one swimsuit, or a pair of shorts, there’s something for everyone. You could also pick the most suitable swimwear based on their features, such as quick dry or skin-friendly swimwear.
Sofia Darkmoon, a fashion designer and illustrator, says, “Wearing a quality swimsuit is crucial to maintain the fun quotient. The swimsuit should be comfortable and trendy and meet the child’s preferences, or they will not be able to fully enjoy the time spent on the beach or in the pool.”
If you’re confused about the latest trends in swimwear and what your little guy might prefer, we have done in-depth trend analysis to curate this list comprising the best swimsuits for kids to help you make the right pick.
Top Picks
11 Best Swimwear For Boys
Are you ready to hit the pool or beach? Here are some swimsuit options that you would like buying.
1. Best Quick-Drying: Kanu Quick-Dry Beach Swim Trunk
This swimsuit with an elastic closure is made of 100% polyester and offers 50 UPF sun protection. Its quality craftsmanship includes pockets on both sides, providing enough space to carry the essentials for a swimming trip. Available in a wide variety of 24 different shorts, these widely tried-and-tested swim shorts with mesh lining are made of quick-dry microfiber. It is also lightweight, durable, and can be matched with any swim top.
Pros
- Triple-needle side seams
- Available in various sizes
- Long-lasting design
- Breathable
Cons
- Mesh lining may be rough
"Having these trunks available in a variety of sizes was a delightful surprise. Despite some questionable stitching, their durability for my active toddler was commendable. These lengthy trunks also worked great for my junior guard son. Overall, a satisfactory purchase."
2. Best Skin-Friendly: Kute ‘n’ Koo Swimming Trunks
Worried about rashes while swimming? This colorful bathing suit for boys has a triple-layered soft inner lining that is gentle on the skin. The swim jammers with drawstring closure are made of 100% polyester and sun protection fabric, making them perfect even for those hot summer days. A unique feature of this trusted trunk is the lightweight fabric that is 20% lighter even when you are inside the water. Less absorption of water reduces the drying time.
Quick tip"I am very pleased with these swim shorts for my tall ten-year-old. I opted for a size bigger for future use, and I'm satisfied. He likes the vibrant colors and the cool design. After several wears and washes, no color fade or wear was noticed. Seems they'll outlast the prior swim shorts."
3. Best Lycra: Speedo Swimsuit Jammer
Get your child to love swimming as he takes his first lessons in this highly comfortable swimsuit jammer boasting quality craftsmanship. This trunk for boys allows for swimming freestyle and is designed with Lycra Xtra Life fiber, which adds durability to the swimsuit. Made of UPF 50 plus protective fabric, the chlorine-resistant swimsuit for boys offers protection from sun rays and resistance from skin oils and suntan lotions.
Pros
- Pull-on closure
- Stretchable
- Offers freedom of movement
- Available in several colors
Cons
- May stretch out over time
- May not be fade-resistant
"I found these swim shorts a good choice for my kids, fitting well and holding up under frequent use and washes. The fabric is pleasantly soft and stretchy but requires careful rinsing and drying to maintain its longevity. It offers a comfortable yet snug fit."
4. Best Trendy: Ingear Beach Shorts
Ingear beach shorts are colorful and vibrant with playful prints that make swimming a lot more fun. Made of fine polyester, these boys’ swim trunks in bright colors are comfortable and long-lasting. The printed swimsuit for boys also provides sun protection, and the inner mesh lining makes the shorts very soft and breathable.
Pros
- Elastic waistband for optimal comfort
- Four-way stretchable
- Wrinkle-free
- Water-resistant material
Cons
- May run small
- May be longer than you expect
"My kids adore these beach board shorts' vibrant prints and top-notch quality. They're hardy, surviving a whole summer of rough play. My boys find the size slightly larger but this hasn't deterred their love for these shorts. The fabric is not quite stretchable but it doesn't compromise comfort."
Point to consider5. Best Polyester: Pokemon Pikachu Pullover Swim Trunks
Crafted from 100% polyester, this pair of Pikachu two-piece bathing suits for boys is one of the coolest and most stylish swimwear. Besides the awesome graphics, the swim set for boys features a high-quality material that provides UPF50+ protection from UVA and UVB rays, keeping children safe from sunburn, rashes, and excessive tanning. It includes a boys’ swim brief with elastic waist to fit different sizes and a mesh lining to eliminate the hassle of fit assessment and keep your little one cool at the beach.
Pros
- Four-way stretch fabric
- Pull-on closure with drawstring
- Machine-washable
- Quick-drying material
Cons
- Seams may come apart
- Size of the top may run small
"I got this swim set for my slender eight-year-old son. The fit is excellent, and the trunks stay up. He loves it, particularly the working drawstring. While the initial chemical smell was intense, the durability and fade resistance impressed me."
6. Best UV-Resistant: TFJH E Swimsuit
Want something that’s full body or up to the knee? Here you go! These boys’ swim onesies come in five different shades of blue and several prints, and are highly resistant to chlorine and saltwater, unlike most swimwear available in the market. The time-tested one-piece design makes it very convenient and easy to wear or take off. The patterned bathing suit for boys also blocks 97% of the harmful UV radiation, and there are no chemicals added to the fabric, making it safe for the skin. This swimwear with UV protection can be hand-washed.
Pros
- Four-way stretchable
- Quick-drying material
- Zipper closure
- Soft and comfortable
Cons
- Might run small
- Color may fade after a few washes
"I got this suit for my son, and it fits nicely on his tall frame. I found the material a bit too thin, but it offers a comfortable fit. It is easy to wear as my son can zip up the suit himself. For my child, it offered complete coverage and no sunburn worries! It is surprisingly easy to remove, even when wet."
7. Best Moisture-Wicking: Baleaf Boys Athletic Swim Jammer
These boys’ swimming trunks are available in seven variants. The swim shorts are made of polyester, nylon, and spandex, and offer up to 50 UPF protection from the harmful rays of the sun. This sun-protection swimwear is lined with moisture-wicking material, and the quick-drying fabric ensures the shorts remain light even underwater. The flatlock seamless design makes it smooth and non-chafing.
Pros
- Chlorine-resistant material
- Elastic closure
- Adjustable drawstring
- High-performance design
Cons
- Might become loose
- May not be very durable
"Ordered these jammers for my son's swim practice. I like the thicker material, and the fit is better than our previous buy. They run a bit small, so best to order a size up. They have lasted well, my son finds them comfortable and they've held up through regular washes."
8. Best Compression: Arena Powerskin Swimsuit
With eighteen different options, these tried-and-trusted swim pants are ideal for high-performance activities like racing. The beachwear for boys is made of 71% polyamide and 29% elastane, which makes it durable and long-lasting. The superior, long-lasting fabrics that go into the construction of these shorts for boys provide a comfortable stretch, optimal compression, and flexible body movement that gives access to swimming freestyle. Swimmers can also feel enhanced core support and body comfort.
Pros
- Ergonomic seam placement
- The flatlock seams for a perfect fit
- Offers unrestricted biomechanical movement
- Key muscle support
- Helps reduce drag
Cons
- Not machine-washable
- May not be very durable
9. Best Comfortable: Flow Swim Gear
Made with a combination of polyester and spandex, these boys’ swim jammers will hug the body tight. And if you are looking for something more comfortable, you might want to order the next size. The fabric is a nice blend of chlorine-resistant polyester spandex, and the V-panel crotch gives increased comfort and a sporty look. Available in lots of designs and funky prints, these shorts in fun patterns have flatlock stitching, creating the perfect fit.
Pros
- Drawstring closure
- Helps enhance water flow over the swimmer
- Breathable and quick-drying
- Fade-resistant
Cons
- Sizing may not be accurate
- Color may fade after a few washes
"I adore the print on these jammers. They retain their shape even after multiple washes, and the vibrant colors are easy to spot. The size may run a bit large if your kid is lean, so consider ordering a size or two smaller for a perfect fit."
Do remember10. Best Chlorine-Resistant: Happy Cherry Full-Body Swimsuit
This quick-dry, full-body swimsuit comes in five color options. It is made of 82% nylon and 18% spandex. The sporty swimsuit for boys with a zipper closure is convenient and easy to wear, and it blocks 95% UVA and UVB rays, providing maximum sun protection. The fabric is also soft, stretchable, chlorine-resistant, and quick drying, making this swimsuit the ideal swim accessory for boys. It is recommended to hand wash the garment.
Pros
- Suitable for professional training
- Breathable lining
- Protects against sea lice
- Easy to put on and take off
- Available in various patterns and colors
Cons
- Might run large
- May not be machine-washable
11. Best Fade-Resistant: Flow Accelerate Swim Briefs
Swimming briefs are another good option if you are looking for something simple. This boys’ swim brief has polyester and spandex blended fabric that dries quickly. Being chlorine- and fade-resistant and durable are the key benefits of swim trunks.
Pros
- Inner lining on the front panel
- Flat drawstrings
- Suitable for competitive swimmers
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Might run small
- Low drawstring
"These are not just for swimming—they make good undershorts too. The material seems durable and doesn't get too hot, even when used under a full-body swimsuit. They have held up well for my son, even after repeated washing and multiple uses."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do we call a swimsuit for boys?
Boys swimsuits come in different designs and models. They are called by different names, such as trunks, jammers, and swimming briefs, based on the style and coverage they offer.
2. What size swimsuit should a 12-year-old wear?
You should choose a swimsuit for your 12-year-old based on your child’s height and weight. A tight swimsuit may cause irritation or a rash, while a larger size will require continual adjustment. So let your child try a swimsuit and make sure that it doesn’t ride up or slip down while being comfortable to move in all directions.
3. Why is there a net in boys swim trunks?
The purpose of mesh lining in the swim trunks is to make them more breathable. The lining also makes the trunks fast drying and feels soft and comfortable on the skin.
4. Should boys wear swim briefs?
Swimming briefs are ideal for boys who know all four strokes of swimming. These are for advanced swimmers to offer good chlorine resistance and good support without dragging. Swim briefs are designed to fit tight and expose the legs and thighs, and they also help to swim smoothly.
5. Why do swimmers wear two suits?
Competitive swimmers may prefer to wear two swimsuits to get more resistance from the water and to reduce the drag.
6. What materials are best for children’s swimsuits?
Choose swimsuits made of nylon and polyester, as they are pretty lightweight, do not weigh as much when wet, and do not require a long time to dry.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a seasoned product writer and reviewer specializing in the beauty, fashion, and personal care niche. She has a passion for researching various innovative and essential products, and she aims to make sure her readers have a stress-free shopping experience. Her review process involves extensive research into the pros and cons of each product and consumer reviews. She has also done a trend analysis to offer a comprehensive buying guide that will assist you in choosing the right swimsuit for boys.
The Bottom Line
The best swimming suits for boys protect them when they want to splash into the water. They are made of durable, quick-drying, lightweight, and comfortable materials. Whether you want swimming trunks or a wetsuit, the style and design options are plenty. The Kanu Quick-Dry Beach Swim Trunk offers 50 UPF sun protection and features pockets. You can also consider the Kute ‘n’ Koo Swimming Trunks with a triple-layered inner lining for comfort and the Pokemon Pikachu Pullover Swim Trunks, which offer a stylish twist with cool graphics and a mesh lining. Regardless of the type of swimsuit you choose for your child, ensure it is waterproof, soft, and chlorine-resistant. You could choose a swimsuit made of stretchable material for flexible movement and one that offers sun protection.
Infographic: Things To Consider When Getting Swimsuits For Boys
Swimming is a fun way to stay fit and cool during summer days. However, not wearing the right swim clothes can make one uncomfortable and cause skin inflammations, rashes, sunburn, and other issues. The infographic lists some factors you can consider when getting a swimsuit for your child.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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