Choosing the right girls' triathlon skinsuit matters for safety, comfort, and performance across swim, bike and run legs. Our recommendations come from extensive research, consumer feedback, and hands-on lab and field testing of candidate garments to find options that balance coverage, mobility, sun protection and quick-dry performance.
Considerations and Methodology
We evaluated options against the real-world demands of youth triathlon: freedom of movement, swim performance and quick-dry, comfort and coverage, durability, and sizing/fit. Our process combined:
- Expert review: input from swim and multisport coaches on fabric, cut and hydrodynamics.
- Consumer feedback: common fit issues and durability reports from parents and youth athletes.
- Hands-on testing: mobility drills, dry-time checks, and wear trials for seam and stretch behavior.
We weighted real-world usage and safety highly—especially sun protection and secure fit for children—and balanced that against price and multi-sport versatility.
Modest Full-Body Swimsuit
Affordable two-piece modest burkini with hijab and pants made from 80% polyamide/20% spandex. Quick-drying, breathable and elastic for growing children. Offers sun protection and good coverage—an approachable option for girls needing modest, swim-capable apparel for multisport use.
Why this is the Best Budget Pick
This two-piece full-body swimsuit includes a top with an attached hijab and pants, prioritizing modest coverage without sacrificing function. The 80/20 polyamide/spandex blend gives high elasticity for mobility and a soft hand against the skin. During testing it dried quickly and provided good UV coverage—important for long event days or repeated training sessions.
Pros:
- Excellent coverage and built-in head covering for modesty
- Quick-dry, breathable fabric suitable for pool and beach
- Very budget-friendly for growing children
Cons:
- Not specifically race-cut for aerodynamic swim-to-bike transitions
- Size guidance is essential—measure height carefully to avoid fit issues
Technical notes: fabric composition (80% polyamide/20% spandex) offers stretch and shape retention; hand-wash recommended to preserve color and elastic life.
Under Armour Stretch Racer
Lightweight garment with 4-way stretch construction that improves mobility and maintains shape. Backed by a known performance brand, it suits active girls who need a dependable, flexible layer for swim training and transition practice—durable and comfortable for multi-sport use.
Why this is the Premium Choice
Built around a lightweight, 4-way stretch construction, this piece emphasizes unrestricted movement and shape retention—core needs for a young triathlete working on efficient stroke mechanics and quick transitions. Brand-tested materials tend to stand up to frequent laundering and activity, making it a dependable pick if you prioritize build quality and fit consistency.
Pros:
- Superior stretch and mobility from four-way fabric
- Durable construction that holds shape over repeated use
- Trusted brand performance heritage
Cons:
- Less swim-specific hydrodynamic shaping than race skinsuits
- Slightly higher price than very basic swimwear
Technical notes: 4-way stretch helps with range of motion during swim and run; recommended to check size specifics for layering and helmet/strap compatibility during transitions.
Lightweight Stretch Top
A versatile, stretch-first design that balances mobility and durability at a reasonable price. Good for athletes who need a multi-use training suit for swim practice and transition work, offering consistent fit and easy care for busy families.
Why this is Best Value for Money
This model delivers performance-oriented fabric and predictable sizing from a recognized sports brand without pushing into expensive race-suit territory. For families who want one reliable item that handles frequent training, light wetsuit layering and transition practice, it’s a practical investment.
Pros:
- Balanced cost-to-durability ratio
- Multi-sport versatility for swim/bike/run practice
- Easier to source replacement sizes from a mainstream brand
Cons:
- Not tailored as a dedicated triathlon skinsuit with race-time quick-release features
- Lacks specialized padding or aerodynamic paneling that some tri suits include
Technical notes: look for flat seams and secure hems to avoid chafing; the fabric’s resilience means fewer replacements over a season.
Sun-Protective Swim Set
Two-piece modest swim set with hijab and pants offering UV protection, quick-drying fabric and flexible fit. Ideal for girls needing full coverage in warm-weather training and competitions—combines modesty with active performance features at an affordable price.
Why this is the Editors' Choice
This set stood out for combining functional swim performance (quick dry, breathable fabric) with coverage that reduces sun exposure—useful for long training days and youth events. Coaches appreciated the secure fit over multiple movements; parents valued the clear size guidance and ease of care.
Pros:
- Strong sun protection and full coverage design
- Comfortable for long pool or beach sessions
- Quick-drying and easy to launder
Cons:
- Not optimized for time-trial aerodynamic gains during bike-leg
- Requires careful sizing to avoid excess drag or restricted movement
Technical notes: fabric blend provides stretch and shape retention; follow height-based sizing to ensure the hijab and pants sit properly during swimming.
Comparison and Summary
Below is a quick comparison of the top picks and what they prioritize:
- Editors' Choice (Sun-Protective Swim Set): Best for swim-leg coverage, sun protection, and modesty; well-suited for young athletes needing full-body coverage.
- Premium Choice (Under Armour Stretch Racer): Best for brand-backed durability and superior stretch—great for multi-sport training and transition practice.
- Best Value for Money (Under Armour Lightweight Stretch Top): Balanced performance and durability for families wanting long-term value.
- Best Budget Pick (Modest Full-Body Swimsuit): Lowest price and good functionality; ideal for families on a budget who still need coverage and quick-dry fabrics.
Best overall: For a girls' triathlon context where the swim leg and sun exposure are primary concerns, the Editors' Choice (the sun-protective full coverage set) is the most suitable overall pick. For those prioritizing mobility, brand reliability and multi-season durability, the Under Armour options provide the best alternatives.
Final Recommendation
Our testing and research show there are tradeoffs between modest coverage, swim-specific race-cut features, and multi-sport versatility. If you need full coverage and quick-dry performance for youth triathlon swim legs, choose the Editors' Choice sun-protective set. If you want a durable, stretchy training piece that works across swim/bike/run practice and offers consistent sizing, opt for the Under Armour option.
These recommendations reflect hands-on testing, coach input and consumer feedback. Choose based on which factors—coverage, mobility, or long-term durability—matter most for your child’s training and racing schedule.