Children’s swimwear design isn’t just about making miniature versions of adult boardshorts. It must meet strict safety standards, cater to sensitive skin, and balance fun designs with practical features. Here are the 7 most important things to get right — whether you’re developing a private label, launching a new kids’ brand, or updating a seasonal collection.
Fabric Safety and Softness
Children have thinner, more sensitive skin than adults — so choosing the right fabric is absolutely critical.
Key considerations:
- Use OEKO-TEX® or GOTS-certified fabrics — free from harmful chemicals
- Favor soft, lightweight microfiber polyester or poly-spandex blends
- Avoid rough textures or stiff coatings that can cause rashes
Expert Tip:
Pre-wash testing is essential — untreated or poorly dyed fabric can bleed in chlorine or saltwater and irritate the skin.
Fit and Inseam Length
Kids need freedom to move, squat, run, and swim — without discomfort.
Best practices:
- Use shorter inseams (2–4 inches depending on age)
- Provide ample thigh and hip room to avoid restriction
- Ensure waist-to-rise ratios are age-appropriate
Manufacturing Insight:
Kids’ bodies grow unevenly. Offer a slightly looser fit with adjustable waist features to allow room for growth spurts.
Waistband Safety (Elastic + Drawstrings)
Waist design needs to prioritize safety and comfort.
Recommended designs:
- Use full elastic waistbands with inner mesh lining
- If using drawstrings, follow EU and US CPSC safety guidelines:
- No free-hanging cords over 14 cm
- Prefer tacked-in, non-removable drawcords for safety
Expert Tip:
Avoid metal tips or toggle stoppers on drawcords — they can bruise or injure kids during active play.
Quick-Drying and Chlorine Resistance
A key pain point for parents is how long kids’ swim shorts stay wet.
Choose fabrics with:
- Quick-dry finishes (DWR coatings or moisture-wicking treatments)
- Chlorine and saltwater resistance for longevity
- Colorfast properties to prevent fading after repeated washes
Pro Tip:
Use dope-dyed yarns for deeper, longer-lasting colors — especially for dark blues, reds, and blacks.
Built-In Mesh Brief or Liner
While some kids prefer liner-less shorts, most parents prefer a supportive mesh brief inside.
Liner options:
- Soft micro-mesh liners (anti-chafing and breathable)
- Fully lined short with built-in stretch brief
- Removable mesh liners for added versatility
Important Note:
Flatlock or hidden seams should be used in liner stitching to prevent leg chafing or friction.
Fun, Age-Appropriate Prints and Colors
Kids love bold colors and graphics — but they also need to meet parental approval.
Popular 2025 trends:
- Ocean animals, dinosaurs, safari themes
- Tie-dye, comic-style characters, island vibes
- Repeating patterns vs. oversized single images
Expert Tip:
For licensing, ensure you have proper rights to any character or artwork — IP violations in kidswear can be costly.
Durability and Washability
Parents need swim shorts that last beyond one summer and survive frequent washing.
Design for durability:
- Double-needle stitching on high-stress seams
- Bar-tack reinforcements at pocket corners and waistband joins
- Machine-wash-safe care labels and minimal shrinkage after wash
Manufacturing Insight:
Add a care label with symbols and plain English. Parents want to know if it’s dryer-safe, bleach-safe, etc.
Final Thoughts
Designing children’s swim shorts means balancing safety, comfort, fun, and durability. Each detail — from waistband design to mesh lining — affects how kids move and how parents feel about the product. With these 7 expert-backed considerations, you can design kids’ swimwear that sells, lasts, and delights both parents and little ones.
Need Help Developing a Kids’ Swimwear Line?
With 15 years of swimwear manufacturing experience, I’ve helped brands from concept to final production — including fabric sourcing, child-safe pattern development, lab testing, and bulk manufacturing.
