Choosing the right athletic one-piece swimsuit for girls matters for comfort, sun protection, fit and durability—whether for lessons, club practice, or family beach days. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, expert input and analysis of consumer feedback to highlight suits that balance performance, protection and value.
Considerations & Methodology
We evaluated swimsuits using a mixture of hands-on testing, expert input and aggregated consumer feedback. Key criteria included:
- Fabric performance: chlorine resistance, stretch recovery, quick-drying and material composition.
- Fit & support: strap style, lining, removable pads and how the suit performs during swim strokes.
- Sun protection: UPF ratings and coverage for outdoor use.
- Durability & care: construction, seam quality and how the suit held up after simulated pool use.
- Value: how features compare to price, and sizing range for different ages.
Testing combined pool-time wear (frequent bending, kicking, and chlorine exposure), inspection of construction and cross-referencing expert brand reputations and hundreds of user reviews. Real-world usability—ease of putting on/off, comfort during extended swims and chest support—was prioritized for kids and teen athletes.
Short-Sleeve Rashguard Suit
UPF 50+ short-sleeve rashguard-style one-piece with a front zipper and playful skirt/sequin options. Made from a polyester-spandex blend, it’s breathable, stretchy and extremely affordable—ideal for sun protection, water parks and beginners who need easy on/off and modest coverage.
Nahrtly Short-Sleeve Rashguard — Best Budget Pick
This suit focuses on sun protection and ease of use. UPF 50+ fabric blocks the majority of UV radiation, the front zipper makes dressing simple, and the polyester/spandex blend is soft and flexible. Pros: very affordable, great sun protection, cute skirt/sequin options that appeal to young kids. Cons: not a high-performance training fabric (lighter on chlorine resistance), and the skirt styling may be less streamlined for serious lap work.
Good for: casual swimmers, beach days, water parks and parents who want strong UV protection on a tight budget.
Specs & care: 85% polyester / 15% spandex. Machine wash gentle recommended; avoid high-heat drying to preserve elasticity.
Speedo Thin-Strap Racer
Performance-focused one-piece made from partially recycled, chlorine-resistant fabric with UPF 50+ and full lining. The thin-strap racerback reduces drag and suits competitive swimmers seeking a streamlined, durable suit with a premium fit and longevity for frequent pool use.
Speedo Thin-Strap Racer — Premium Choice
This Speedo is built for recurring pool use. Constructed with chlorine-resistant fabric and part-recycled materials, it’s fully lined and rated UPF 50+ for outdoor protection. The thin straps and racerback deliver a low-profile silhouette that reduces drag—ideal for competitive or advanced training. Pros: excellent durability, sustainable material element, streamlined fit. Cons: the thin straps offer less shoulder support for some younger swimmers, and the fit is snug—size up if between sizes.
Good for: competitive swimmers and frequent-practice athletes who prioritize reduced drag and long-term fabric performance.
Specs & care: Chlorine and pilling resistant fabric; follow manufacturer care to extend life (rinse after pool use, hang dry).
Double-Layer Athletic Suit
Sporty double-layer one-piece with racerback straps in a polyester-spandex blend. Breathable, quick-drying and chlorine-resistant, this suit provides solid coverage and durability for regular practice. Offers a wide size range and optional pads in the larger teen sizes—strong everyday option for swimmers.
MODNTOGA Double-Layer Suit — Best Value for Money
This suit balances performance and price. The double-layer construction adds modesty and durability, while the polyester-spandex mix is quick-drying and resists chlorine-related sagging. The racerback design gives a sporty silhouette and reliable shoulder range of motion. Pros: good construction for frequent use, wide size range and budget-friendly price. Cons: padding only in the largest sizes and hand-wash recommended for best longevity.
Good for: swim team beginners, recreational competitors and families who want durable practice gear without a premium price tag.
Specs & care: 95% polyester / 5% spandex; recommended clear-water hand wash and hang dry to preserve shape.
TYR Ella Maxfit
Supportive one-piece with thick straps and keyhole back, made from Durafast Lite fabric for UPF 50+ protection and long-lasting fit. Fully lined with power mesh control, it’s designed for young athletes who need a snug, durable suit for regular training and competition.
TYR Ella Maxfit — Editors' Choice
TYR’s Ella Maxfit is tailored for young athletes. The thick/supportive straps and keyhole back combine comfort and range of motion. Durafast Lite fabric provides UPF 50+ protection, quick-drying performance and strong chlorine resistance—plus power mesh control and full lining for a stable, athletic fit. Pros: excellent blend of comfort and control, holds up to repeated pool sessions, trusted competitive brand. Cons: intentionally tight fit—order with the size chart in mind and consider sizing up if between sizes.
Good for: competitive swimmers and regular practice athletes who need a performance-oriented, reliable suit.
Specs & care: 88% polyester / 12% spandex (Durafast Lite). Expect a snug, performance-fit; follow the brand size chart.
Comparison & Quick Overview
Below is a concise comparison highlighting core strengths and who each suit suits best:
- TYR Ella Maxfit (Editors' Choice) — Best overall for young competitive swimmers who need supportive straps, power-mesh control and long-term durability. Strong performance at a reasonable price.
- Speedo Thin-Strap Racer (Premium Choice) — Premium materials and a streamlined fit for advanced swimmers focused on reduced drag and fabric longevity. Higher price but built for heavy pool use.
- MODNTOGA Double-Layer Suit (Best Value for Money) — Excellent balance of durability, chlorine resistance and affordability; great for regular practice and lessons.
- Nahrtly Short-Sleeve Rashguard (Best Budget Pick) — Most affordable, strong UPF 50+ sun protection and easy on/off with a front zipper; ideal for casual swim and families needing sun coverage.
Which is best overall? For most families whose kids train regularly, TYR Ella Maxfit is the best overall pick—its mix of fit, fabric and swim-focused features makes it the most versatile performer. If you need the highest-level competition fabric and minimal drag, the Speedo Thin-Strap Racer is the premium alternative. For budget-conscious buyers wanting durability for lessons, the MODNTOGA offers the best value, and for sun-first casual use, the Nahrtly rashguard is an excellent low-cost choice.
Final Recommendation
Our testing and analysis show there is no single perfect swimsuit for every child—fit, intended use and comfort matter most. For young athletes training frequently, choose the TYR Ella Maxfit for its supportive fit and performance fabric. Competitive swimmers who prioritize minimal drag should consider the Speedo Thin-Strap Racer. Families seeking durability on a budget will find the MODNTOGA double-layer suit the best value, while the Nahrtly rashguard is ideal for sun protection and easy wear.
All recommendations are based on hands-on wear testing, expert brand evaluation and aggregated consumer feedback. When choosing size, follow the brand size charts closely—athletic suits are often designed to be snug for performance, and sizing up can improve comfort for growing swimmers. If you want further help choosing the right size for a specific child, tell me their measurements and intended use and I’ll recommend the best fit.