10 Summer Beachwear Must-Haves for Tweens and Teens

When the whole family’s heading to the beach, your tween or teen might be most concerned with how they’ll look in their all-important Instagram pics. Behind the scenes, however, mom and dad are likely thinking about a slew of other factors—from sun protection to comfort and fit—to make sure everyone has fun in the sun.

We’ve rounded up some beachwear your tweens and teens will love that also gets the parental stamp of approval.

1. Kanu Surf Karlie Flounce Bikini

Flounce tops are big with the tween set, and Kanu Surf’s Karlie Flounce Bikini comes in a slew of colorful prints, including tropical florals, polka dots, and chevrons. The fully lined, nylon/spandex tricot fabric offers UPF 50-plus sun protection, and the Kanu Surf brand also offers coordinating board shorts and rash guards to complete the look.

2. Girls’ BeanSport Short Set Swimsuit

If paddleboarding, surfing, and other watersports are on the vacation agenda, pack the Girls’ BeanSport Short Set Swimsuit from L.L. Bean. A racerback, scoop-neck bikini top and shorts with an attached brief offer both comfortable coverage and easy movement no matter the activity. Plus the chlorine-and seawater-resistant stretch fabric provides UPF 50-plus sun protection.

3. Techcity Swim Trunks

They may come in cool camo prints, but Techcity’s Swim Trunks will do anything but fade into the background. The lightweight, above-the-knee board shorts have a mesh lining, two side pockets, and an adjustable elastic waistband. Made of quick-drying fabric in a dozen different colors and patterns, they’re available up to size 18/20.

4. Geek Lighting 2-Piece High Waisted Bathing Suits

The high-waisted look is totally in right now, so your teen daughter will “heart” Geek Lighting’s two-piece sets that offer that retro, fuller-coverage look. She can go for classic stripes in black and white with a sports bra–style top or a flouncier top paired with botanical bottoms. Low-cut legs and ruching flatter a variety of figures.

5. iDrawl Coverup

Help your tween stay on trend with iDrawl’s coverup. The lace jacquard, off-the-shoulder beach dress comes in a variety of bright solid colors plus a rainbow-striped option. Quick drying and breathable, it features a pretty front ruffle, hits at the knee, and can go from beach to pool to cruise ship deck.

6. L.L. Bean Boys’ Sun-and-Surf Shirt

Got a forgetful teen or a sunscreen-averse tween? Get them L.L. Bean’s Boys’ Sun-and-Surf Shirt as some extra protection against sunburns. The long-sleeve rash guard comes in subtle, gray or blue color-block patterns that would coordinate with a lot of different swimsuits. The seawater-resistant stretch fabric also keeps its shape and is UPF 50+ rated.

7. Limeapple Trish Reversible Two-Piece Swimsuit

Help your budding fashionista pack light while still being able to mix up her look with Limeapple’s Trish Reversible Two-Piece Swimsuit. The tie-back crop top and classic bikini bottoms boast two different but complimentary red, white, and blue nautical-type prints that your tween or teen can change up depending on her mood.

8. Hobie Flor All Nothing One-Piece Rashguard Swimsuit

If it’s hard to get your tween or teen daughter out of the water or off the beach, outfit her in Hobie’s Flor All Nothing One-Piece Rashguard Swimsuit. The vibrant, tropical-print, long-sleeve one-piece will keep her covered up in style for hours of fun in the waves or on the sand—and you won’t have to worry as much about her shoulders or back getting sunburned.

9. Volcom Kids Aura Board Shorts

The Volcom Kids Aura Board Shorts offer lots of the things tween and teen boys look for in swim trunks—stretch fabric, a surf-tie front, and a rear pocket with a hook-and-loop closure. But this bathing suits boasts an extra cool factor, since it’s made from a fabric produced from recycled plastic bottles. It’s also got a water-repellent coating to help it dry faster.

10. DII Mermaid Jute Beach Bag

What do you get when you combine the ever-popular color purple with a fin-tastic print? The totally tween- and teen-friendly DII Mermaid Jute Beach Bag. Stash sunnies, a book, towel, and other must-have beach gear inside the roomy bag with a snap-top closure. And if mermaids aren’t your daughter’s thing, the bag also comes in stripes and other stylish options.

Beth Luberecki is a Florida-based freelance writer who writes about travel, business, and lifestyle topics for a variety of publications and websites. She enjoys exploring destinations close to home and farther afield with her husband and tween-age daughter. Visit her website at bethluberecki.com or find her on Instagram at @bethluberecki.