Being (or having) a tween is pretty tough. The transition from being a child to becoming a teenager comes with a lot of changes in the social, emotional and especially physical departments. For this reason, pre-teens face a challenge in choosing swimwear that’s appropriate for their age, since most bathing suits in the market are either too revealing or childlike.
But there’s no need to panic — hope is finally here. In this article, we’ll tackle 13 swimsuits that will fit young ladies’ fashion needs so they feel less conscious about their bodies. They’re modest, comfortable, and made with beautiful designs girls of all ages will surely adore!
Top 13 Best Swimsuits for Tweens
In choosing the right swimsuit for girls who are 8-12 years old, you must consider coverage, practicality, and versatility. It must fit them just right to avoid accidents like wardrobe malfunction and is versatile enough so it can match other swimming pieces like cover-ups.
Check out the brief summary of our lineup:
- Moon Tree Two-Piece Rash Guard Swimsuit with UPF 50+ Sun Protection
- Kabety Two-Piece Boyshort Tankini
- Roxy Girls’ Love is Big Flutter Swim Set
- Arshiner Girls’ 3-Pcs Floral Tankini Swimwear
- Xunyu Falbala High-Waisted Halter Neck Bathing Suit
- Kanu Surf Daisy Beach Sport Two-Piece Swimsuit
- Tommy Bahama Girls’ Two-Piece Rashguard Swimsuit
- Talgat One-Piece Swimsuits for Big Girls
- Speedo Girls Swimsuit Two-Piece Tankini
- Moon Tree Girls One-Piece Hawaiian Ruffle Swimwear
- Billabong Girls’ Lil Love Palms One-Piece Swimsuit
- Kanu Surf Girls’ Alania Flounce Bikini
- Hurley Girls’ Long Sleeve Rash Guard Two-Piece Swimsuit
#1: Moon Tree Two-Piece Rash Guard Swimsuit with UPF 50+ Sun Protection
Specifications:
- Price: $20.99 – $26.99
- Material: 82% Nylon and 18% Spandex
- Sizes: 5 to 16 Years
- Features: UPF 50+ protection, Fully-lined, Removable bra paddings
Developing girls need to have extra support in their chest areas. That’s why their swimwear needs to have bra cups or paddings for extra layers and protection in case they get wet.
Thankfully, Moon Tree is way ahead of its game and has already thought of this feature for its pre-teen swimwear. Their two-piece swimsuit includes removable bra pads for girls ages 12-16. It also features a rash guard top and modest bottom (that isn’t too cheeky) so the girls will feel comfortable wearing and moving around with it.
This swimsuit is made by combining spandex, polyester, and nylon material to create a thick and durable fabric that’s breathable and stretchable at the same time. It’s also fully stitched to the seams so it won’t tear or rip when swimming or doing other water activities. By integrating this swimsuit with UPF 50+, their skin is protected for longer days in the sun.
Lastly, it has aesthetically pleasing patterns and colours, so it’s great to give as a present for young ladies this summer!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides coverage in the upper body area | Doesn’t give lower body coverage |
| Comes with a built-in bra for larger sizes | |
| True to size, good fitting | |
| Cheap | |
#2: Kabety Two-Piece Boyshort Tankini
Specifications:
- Price: $21.99
- Material: 82% Nylon and 18% Spandex
- Sizes: 3T to 15 Years
- Features: Shelf bra with removable paddings
Pre-teen girls often feel conscious about the changes in their bodies. That’s why they need swimsuits with good coverage in both upper and lower areas so they can enjoy their time in the water to the fullest. The problem is, some stores offer skimpy bathing suits for girls this age. For this reason, we searched high and low for this next swimsuit the parents will surely approve of and tweens will feel comfortable wearing.
The Kabety Tankini is a two-piece swimsuit that has a tank top and boy shorts bottom. Its top offers a full-frontal cover that doesn’t rile up when worn, with sewn bra shelves where pads can be inserted for added bust support. The bottom provides a sporty look that’s not too tight and constrictive.
It’s made with durable and non-fading fabric, so it can endure days of swimming in a chlorine-treated pool or saltwater beaches. Since this swimsuit looks like regular clothes and is fast-drying, too, it’s perfect for quick runs at the store or restaurants post-swim. The best part is there’s no need for a cover-up with this modest swimsuit because it doesn’t show too much skin in the belly, bum, and chest area!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Modest swimwear that doesn’t show much skin | Sizing discrepancies |
| Comes with light and removable bra pads | |
| Excellent value for money | |
#3: Roxy Girls’ Love is Big Flutter Swim Set
Specifications:
- Price: $30.81 – $45.00
- Material: 82% Polyester, 18% Elastane
- Sizes: 7 to 16 Years
- Features: Removable bra paddings, Fixed straps and closure
Roxy has been making girls’ and women’s clothing and accessories since 1990, but did you know that this brand is also from Quiksilver? Based on this fact, it isn’t surprising that their swimsuit line for tweens is all pretty and functional!
The Love is a Big Flutter bikini set may not be for everyone (especially conservative parents), because this swimsuit shows some skin; however, it’s flattering for all body types without being too revealing.
It features a top with a ruffled hemline for a ladylike touch, with removable bra pads to give that extra coverage for developing girls. The bottom, on the other hand, is fully lined; therefore it doesn’t become sheer or transparent when wet. To prevent accidents like unclasping, this swimsuit has non-adjustable straps and zero hook closures. It’s also comfortable to wear and it doesn’t scratch the skin.
The Love is a Big Flutter is a refined mix of cute and feminine designs — ideal for little ladies looking for swimsuits that’ll boost their confidence!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The actual size and colors match the listing | Slightly expensive than other swimsuits |
| Made with good and thick fabric | |
| Cute and stylish design | |
#4: Arshiner Girls’ 3-Pcs Floral Tankini Swimwear
Specifications:
- Price: $20.99 – $22.99
- Material: 85% Polyester,15% Spandex
- Sizes: 5 to 14 Years
- Features: Removable bra paddings, Adjustable straps, UPF 50+ protection
If you’re looking for real value for money, we recommend going for the Arshiner three-piece tankini swimwear. This versatile swimsuit comes with a bikini set and a flowy skirt cover-up — ideal for both swimming at the beach or lounging by the poolside.
It’s made with a stain-resistant and stretchable fabric that’s easy to put on and gives a snug fit. It also features removable bra pads without underwires to provide sufficient support on the bust area, with adjustable straps for a secure fit.
The top covers most of the front torso and ends just above the belly, which is appropriate for conservative little ladies. Finally, this swimsuit has built-in UPF 50+ protection to shield the skin from harmful sun rays.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Gives good coverage for the lower and upper body area | Bikini top and bottom may have different sizes |
| Straps are adjustable for better fit | |
| Affordable, value for money | |
#5: Xunyu High-Waisted Halter Neck Bathing Suit
Specifications:
- Price: $9.99 – $22.99
- Material: 80%Polyamide, 20% Spandex
- Sizes: 2T to 12 Years, S to XL
- Features: Ruffled top, High-waist bottom; For larger sizes: Removable bra paddings, push-up bra
The next product we have on this list is a Xunyu swimsuit that features a high-waist bottom and a halter-neck bikini top with ruffle details. But before purchasing, hold that wallet for a minute, for this one isn’t just your ordinary tween swimwear — it also comes in women’s sizes for that adorable mother-and-daughter tandem!
This line comes in various styles and patterns, but we’re going to focus on this specific swimsuit. Women of all ages won’t have a hard time wearing this swimsuit, as it comes with a tie-end at the back for easy adjustment and bra paddings without the wires for bust support.
Though it comes as a two-piece swimwear, it doesn’t show much skin in the tummy area because the high-waist bottom starts at the belly button. It is, however, a bit cheeky.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes in different styles and sizes | Doesn’t provide much coverage in the butt area |
| True to size | |
| Cheap | |
#6: Kanu Surf Daisy Beach Sport Two-Piece Swimsuit
Specifications:
- Price: $18.99 – $40.67
- Material: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex
- Sizes: 2T to 14 Years
- Features: UPF 50+ protection, Fully-lined
Since 1997, the company of Kanu Surf has been in the business of creating and selling boardshorts in NYC, and now they’ve branched out to making affordable swimwear that’s available nationwide.
For Kanu Surf’s girls’ swimwear line, we have the Daisy Beach Sport — a two-piece swimsuit that comes with a stylish halter-neck tankini and a swim brief with a tie-end design. It features different chic and playful designs that are fitting for tweens. It’s not too cutesy so the girls won’t look too young, and it’s not too revealing so they won’t feel body-conscious wearing it.
The tankini top is fully lined for added coverage for developing girls; however, it doesn’t come with bra paddings. It covers the front torso well and stops just above the belly button Meanwhile, the bottom isn’t too cheeky and has a really good fit, so even if the girls run around or swim, the bottom will stay put and won’t reveal anything.
Finally, this swimsuit’s fabric is integrated with UPF 50+ sun protection so it also protects the skin from the sun.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Aesthetic designs and styles | May need to order one size up |
| Gives good coverage | |
| Comfortable to wear | |
#7: Tommy Bahama Girls’ Two-Piece Rashguard Swimsuit
Specifications:
- Price: $20.98 – $29.99
- Material: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex
- Sizes: 6 to 16 Years
- Features: Pull-on closure
Some young ladies are more drawn to swimsuits that reveal more skin, while others are more accustomed to wearing modest swimwear. For young women who are still irresolute about their preferences, Tommy Bahama’s two-piece swimsuit should fit them just right. It’s not skimpy, and it’s not conservative, either!
This swimsuit features a cropped rash-guard top that stops above the navel, with long sleeves that shields UV rays and prevent sunburns in the arms. It also provides ample coverage in the chest part. The bikini bottom, on the other hand, sports a low-cut design that gives the right amount of cheekiness in the butt area.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good customer service, fast delivery | May stain/fade in chlorine-treated water |
| Made with good quality fabric | |
| True to size | |
#8: Talgat One-Piece Swimsuits for Big Girls
Specifications:
- Price: $9.99 – $16.99
- Material: 84% Polyester, 16% Spandex
- Sizes: XS to XL or 7 to 14 Years
- Features: Hollow front design
Everybody loves a good boho design, especially the tweens! For free-spirited little women who like bohemian styles and aren’t afraid to show some skin, we highly suggest this swimsuit from Talgat. It’s a one-piece swimwear that features a halter-neck strap with tie ends at the back and a hollowed front for that lady-like feel and vibe.
This line has a wide variety of styles and prints like tie-dyed and florals. Other bathing suits may also include a skirt or a shirt cover-up. But as gorgeous as this swimsuit may seem, it also comes with its downsides. For instance, it becomes a bit sheer when wet and it doesn’t include bra paddings for larger sizes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish and chic boho design | Made of thin material |
| Made of stretchable fabric | No bra pads |
| Very cheap | |
#9: Speedo Girls Swimsuit Two-Piece Tankini
Specifications:
- Price: $31.79 – $46.15
- Material: 82% Polyester, 18% Spandex
- Sizes: 7 to 16 Years
- Features: Pull-on closure, UPF 50+ protection, Pilling-resistant, Chlorine-resistant
Wardrobe malfunction is a big no-no when it comes to young ladies. That’s why to prevent any awkward situations, Speedo created a special swimwear that prevents wedges and helps bikini bottoms to stay in place so it won’t disrupt and spoil the fun!
The Speedo two-piece tankini comes with a lot of cool features aside from the silicone gripper stitched in the leg opening seam to prevent it from riling up. For example, it comes without hook closures, so there’s no need to worry about accidental slips. The tankini top also has a cute thin strap detail at the back with a high neckline for bust coverage.
This swimsuit’s fabric has built-in UPF 50+ protection to prevent skin burns and other skin damage from harmful UV rays. It’s also pilling and chlorine-resistant. This means that the fabric is made with good quality Highclo spandex that doesn’t fade in chlorine-treated pools and doesn’t form lint balls even after many uses.
Pro tip: When ordering, make sure to order at least one size up because this one comes in small sizes!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Still looks brand new even after a few uses | Sizing a bit small |
| Comfortable to wear | Expensive |
#10: Moon Tree Girls One-Piece Hawaiian Ruffle Swimwear
Specifications:
- Price: $6.99 – $22.99
- Material: 82% nylon, 18% Spandex
- Sizes: 2T to 16 Years
- Features: UPF 50+ protection, Adjustable straps, Removable bra paddings for sizes 14 to 16
Asymmetrical off-shoulders swimsuits give a more elegant and feminine touch, that’s why it’s fitting for young ladies looking for bathing suits that won’t make them look too young. If you’re looking for something like this, the one-piece bathing suit from Moon Tree ticks all the right boxes when it comes to modesty, practicality, and comfortability.
This Hawaiian swimwear comes with a cute ruffle trim that gives an added layer of coverage in the bust area, and for girls’ sizes 14 to 16 years, this swimsuit includes bra pads for support. It’s also fully lined and stitched in the seams so it can withstand activities without tearing.
When it comes to its patterns, this one-piece swimsuit features summer pastel colors that will suit any skin tone. Speaking about the skin, its fabric is also integrated with UPF 50+ protection that doesn’t absorb heat so it’s comfortable to wear for whole days under the sun.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Well-made, patterns don’t fade | Strap buckles are flimsy |
| True to size, good fitting | |
#11: Billabong Girls’ Lil Love Palms One-Piece Swimsuit
Specifications:
- Price: $34.45 – $47.99
- Material: 85% Polyester, 15% Elastane
- Sizes: 4 to 12 Years
- Features: Pull-on closure, Fixed hanky ties
As girls adjust to becoming teenagers, they can’t help but get torn between two fashion choices. Should they go for cute patterns they’re used to as a child, or for lady-like designs fitting for a mature woman?
Now, there’s no need to choose, because, with the Billabong Lil Love Palms Swimsuit, they get the best of both worlds. This one-piece swimwear features a V-neck design with keyhole details at the front secured by fixed hanky ties. At the back is a scoop design that’s both delicate and supportive so girls can have all the fun in the water without having fear of fashion failures.
It’s also easy to put on! This swimsuit doesn’t have any closures or adjustment buckles. Instead, it has a pull-on closure that minimizes accidental slips and other clothing malfunctions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Prevents skin chafing from buckles and hooks | Expensive |
| Chic floral design | |
#12: Kanu Surf Girls’ Alania Flounce Bikini
Specifications:
- Price: $6.94 – $50.48
- Material: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex
- Sizes: 2T to 14 Years
- Features: UPF 50+ protection, Fully-lined
There will come a time when budding pre-teens will want to wear more mature clothing like bikinis, but as parents, there’s no need to feel uneasy about this. It’s normal!
In this kind of fashion emergency, we approve Kanu Surf’s Alania Flounce Bikini. This two-piece swimwear may show a little bit of skin, but it does the job of covering the lady’s body parts that need coverage.
The ruffled bikini top comes with inner linings for an extra layer, and its bottom isn’t too low-cut and isn’t too revealing on the bum area. Both pieces have a true-to-size fit with pull-on closures, so they won’t fall off or feel saggy when worn.
Lastly, this swimsuit is also built-in with UPF 50+ to shield harmful UV rays, so tweens can stay for longer hours outside.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A bikini that doesn’t reveal too much skin | Sizing may be a bit small, order one size up |
| Comfortable and non-restrictive | |
#13: Hurley Girls’ Long Sleeve Rash Guard Two-Piece Swimsuit
Specifications:
- Price: $34.60 – $42.92
- Material: 81% Polyester, 19% Elastane
- Sizes: S to 6-XL
- Features: UPF 50+ protection, Mock collar, Reversible bottoms, Fully-lined
Dynamic tweens need a swimsuit that can keep up with their activities so they can always give their best performance. So to end this list, we’ve chosen a two-piece swimsuit that features a rash guard top and reversible swim briefs from the well-known sports brand — Hurley.
With this swimsuit’s rash guard, days under the sun won’t be too uncomfortable and damaging to the skin. Its fabric material is integrated with UPF 50+ protection to shield and protect from harsh UV rays. The top also features a mock collar, so developing ladies won’t feel conscious about their chest showing in case they stoop or lay down.
The main star of the show is the reversible bottoms that can be worn interchangeably. It’s stylish, and it doesn’t rile up and create wedges even when the girls are running or swimming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with built-in sun protection | No bra paddings |
| Two-looks-in-one bottom | |
| Provides full coverage | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the swimsuit styles that are fitting for tweens/pre-teens?
We recommend tankinis, rash guard tops, and monokinis for tweens looking for modest swimsuits that will give sufficient coverage in the chest area. Girls aged 8-12 years old are starting to develop their bodies, especially their breasts, so their swimsuits must also include removable bra paddings for added support.
G’day, my name is Rach Taylor and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former Australian Olympic athlete and Australian representative surf sports athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of Australia’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home, Indonesia. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely coffee and rock climbing, and am also a regular rowing content contributor.
