12 best boys’ swimwear pieces that they’ll love to wear all summer

Best: Overall

Rating: 10/10

• Size range: Six months to four years

We simply can’t fault the brilliant range of unisex swimwear from Kidly’s own label, and this sun suit was a standout piece for us. It’s made from recycled fabric, offers the maximum UPF 50+ protection and comes in a range of vibrant colours, making it great for swim safety.

For a reasonable £20, the fabric feels as soft, stretchy and hardwearing as any other brand out there, maintaining its colour and shape through several 40C washes. Thanks to the front zip and flexible fabric, we had no problems getting our wriggly 11-month-old tester in and out of it, and the fabric zip cover at the top – to protect little chins – is a thoughtful touch.

Also check out Kidly Label for other reasonably priced additions to your little one’s water wardrobe, including sun hats and jelly shoes.

Best: For twinning with Dad

Rating: 10/10

• Size range: Six months to five years

As swim shorts go, independent label Galago Joe is one of our all-time favourite places to shop – not just because of its cool and colourful animal-themed prints and practical yet super-comfy designs, but because it’s a brand doing good for the planet and its inhabitants, too.

The shorts are made from recycled fabrics that are soft, lightweight and quick-drying, and 10 per cent of Galago Joe’s profits from each sale go towards named animal charities.

This turtle-print pair is part of the new marine range where the charity of choice is – quite fittingly – Local Ocean Conservation. The colours are vibrant and last wash after wash, and the fit is true to size. Invest in a matching pair for Dad, too, and you’ll be the coolest duo on the beach.

Best: For newbie swimmers

Rating: 8/10

• Size range: One to five years

Foam floats are expertly integrated into the front and back of this colourful one-piece suit, making it part swimsuit, part swimming aid. They’re also removable, so you can adjust the buoyancy as your child becomes more confident in the water.

Our two-year-old tester got on well with this and particularly enjoyed the freedom of movement it allowed in the arms and legs, making it great for fun water-based activities and, of course, eventually learning to swim.

It washes up well (remember to remove the floats before putting in the machine) and dries quickly. Plus, there’s a zip at the back to get kids in and out quickly. If your child is between sizes, we’d recommend sizing up on this one. As expected, it is bulkier than the average boys’ swimwear, so take that into account when packing for the pool.

Best: Sustainable buy

Rating: 9/10

• Size range: Six months to 12 years

You’d never be able to tell (since they’re so gorgeously soft), but these colourful board shorts have been cleverly made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

The fun surfboard print and quick-drying fabric make them perfect for the beach, and there’s a great range of extras to coordinate your child’s holiday look, including a sun-safe rash vest and swim hat.

The lining inside is a lightweight mesh, and wasn’t made up of loads material as some designs can. And while we found the sizing to be spot on, the elastic waistband and organic cotton drawstring make them easily adjustable if needed.

Best: For babies

Rating: 9/10

• Size range: Newborn to three years

Protect your baby from top to toe as they splash about in the water in this playful whale-print rash suit made from breathable, sun-safe materials. The front zip allows for easy dressing and the suit has a good level of stretch to get your little one in and out quickly and easily.

Keep in mind that there’s no UPF rating (so keep the sun cream to hand), but unlike many other wetsuit styles on the market, this one has long arms and legs to ensure they’re completely covered, with a high neck to ensure the sensitive skin around the neck and shoulders is protected, too. Plus, it’s machine washable, which – as anyone with a young baby will testify – is non-negotiable.

Best: For comfort

Rating: 10/10

• Size range: One to 10 years

Famed for its leopard and lightning bolt clothing and vibrant, Instagram-worthy designs, Scamp & Dude is here to ensure your super-splasher not only looks the part but is sun-safe too – all the brand’s swimwear has a UPF 50+ rating, which means covered areas are fully protected.

These shorts have a comfortable elasticated waist and handy, non-inflating pockets at the side seam. The mesh lining is super-soft, light and roomy, and didn’t seem to irritate our three-year-old in any way.

The palm print is beyond cool and the attention to detail is second to none, with neon coral stitching and the brand’s signature embroidered lightning bolt. Boys will love these, whether they’re two or 10.

Best: For cosy cover-up

Rating: 9/10

• Size range: Two to seven years

If you’re looking for a lightweight beach or poolside cover-up, this practical hooded robe is made from organic muslin cotton and hands-down beats lugging around heavy towels all day. The super-soft, breathable material means your child will feel cosy yet cool between dips, and it zips up so they can run around without the worry of it falling off or coming undone.

Our three-year-old tester found it incredibly comfortable – the sizing is generous, too, so they’re unlikely to grow out of it any time soon (though size up if you’re unsure). It’s machine washable and reversible, featuring two timeless prints (we love the pinstripe), and it really does feel beautifully made.

It comes with its own cotton drawstring bag for easy packing and can be personalised with a child’s name or initials if you’re giving it as a gift.

Best: For retro style

Rating: 10/10

• Size range: One month to seven years

For years, this Nordic label has been adorning our children’s nurseries and wardrobes with its aesthetically pleasing unisex prints and designs, and the beautifully made swimwear is no exception. Admittedly, the brand’s pieces are at the pricier end of the scale but you certainly get what you pay for…

This adorable one-piece – made with recycled fabrics and with built-in UV protection – is both sun-safe and practical while scoring high in the retro style stakes, too.

It’s also of wonderful quality – there’s a very subtle lining that makes this swimsuit feel extra durable, yet it’s stretchy and has a sturdy zipper for easy changing. Our nine-month-old tester found this onesie very comfortable to splash around in.

Best: Luxury purchase

Rating: 8/10

• Size range: Six months to 10 years

If you love a classic boyish look that’ll never date, these luxury swimmers are adorable.

Being so light in both colour and fabric, we thought these had the potential to go see-through – but we were wrong! The soft mesh lining does a great job of covering everything up, while the elasticated waist with lace tie ensures a perfect fit every time.

You’ll find a range of charming prints online, including sailboats and teddy bears, but we were bowled over by this blue elephants design. The product arrives beautifully packaged too – so they make a great gift.

Best: For water sports

Rating: 10/10

• Size range: Six months to eight years

In our book, rash tops are essential for active young boys. Not only do they provide extra protection from the sun, but they also prevent abrasions to their delicate skin from sand or hard surfaces. Protective clothing is something this brand has always done well – and this season’s swimwear collection is no exception.

This long-sleeve top is lightweight, quick-drying and has a high UPF rating of 50+ to block out harmful rays. The top is designed to sit as close to the skin as possible, helping it move with the body for maximum comfort, so be sure to refer to the brand’s sizing guide to get the best possible fit.

We love this shark print – designed in collaboration with Swedish author and illustrator Sarah Sheppard – and our tester trialled this with the matching swim shorts (£26, Polarnopyret.co.uk), both of which survived numerous machine washes, with zero fading, stretching or shrinking.

It’s a sustainable choice too, having been made from recycled PET plastic bottles that have been rescued from landfill.

Best: Fun print and details

Rating: 9/10

• Size range: Three months to 10 years

These featherlight shorts will have your child looking the business on the beach, that’s for sure. The woven, water-resistant fabric feels super soft, and the sizing and lining inside are generous, offering a relaxed fit for playtime on land or in the water.

As always with Rachel Riley’s standout designs, the devil is in the detail and these shorts have the kind of extras that make them a premium product – a covered, elasticated waistband with herringbone cord tie, plus a button-down pocket on the back. And in a world of sailboats and whales, who could say no to this quirky lobster print? Not us.

Best: For older boys

Rating: 9/10

• Size range: Six to 16 years

Finding swimwear for older kids and soon-to-be teens is no mean feat, but that’s where high street favourite M&S comes into its own.

These Minecraft board shorts proved to be a hit with our nine-year-old gaming fan – not just thanks to the print but because they were incredibly comfortable too.

There’s a partial mesh lining, which was soft and roomy, and the drawstring fastening allowed for a good fit. The sizing is generous – as we find in general with M&S clothing – and the slightly longer length appealed to our tester. They did comment that they’d prefer some shorts with pockets but for the £14.50 price tag, you can’t really go wrong.