Recently, reader Jessica wrote:
Hi guys, My gorgeous 12-year-old daughter’s body has changed dramatically over the last six months, and we are currently discouraged with finding her a cute, youthful bathing suit that would accommodate her figure (34D). She prefers two pieces with high-waisted bottoms and modest, supportive tops that let her have fun in the water and be a kid. I know this isn’t quite your area, but since you sometimes do kids’ fashion, as well as women’s bathing suits, maybe this will fit into your wheelhouse. Thanks — and I by the way I finally bought the Athleta Brooklyn joggers at Laura’s recommendation and am a big fan.
Side note, I’m so glad you love the joggers! Now let’s get to work on finding cute suits for your daughter! My best friend growing up had some of the same must-haves as your daughter, and every year, we’d go swimsuit shopping and have trouble finding something for her that worked. It was always a struggle to find supportive suits that weren’t too revealing, racy, too mature, etc., In my search, I looked for fun, bright suits that are youthful, but offer some modesty and fit your requirements. I hope she finds some she really loves!
Fun, Supportive Bathing Suits For Teens & Pre-Teens
These are all adult-sized swimsuits, but I honed in on fun colors and prints in brands and styles that I know offer really supportive tops. Some of my favorite style tops for good coverage are rashguards and high neck. The rashguards are different, good for sun coverage (and for overall coverage), and can be worn over any swim top or sports bra that provides nice support. The high neck styles are great for eliminating any unwanted cleavage and they’re comfortable. They also don’t slip around while swimming. They’re a great option for those of us that have trouble with straps slipping off, too.
I found a lot of great high-waisted bottoms to match many of the suits below, but threw in a few mid-rise for variety. Any of these could be mixed with a solid high-rise bottom from the same brand, too! Suits are selling fast right now, but I wanted to give a little variety in style and color and print here, so fingers crossed they stay in stock long enough for y’all to find the perfect one!
01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15
01/ Target Longline Bikini Top: Love this print and the longer top! Still good coverage on top, but less than a rashguard or high neck. I’ve always had great luck with Target suits — and for the price, you can get at least a few summers out of them!
02/ Target Leopard Print High-waist Bottoms: These have a nice high-rise, and together with the top make for a cute swimsuit with plenty of coverage and support.
03/ Aerie High Neck Striped top: This might be my favorite. It feels youthful, but these high-neck styles give such great coverage and support! LOVE the stripes paired with the red bottoms!
04/ Aerie Red High-Waisted Bottoms: A great high-waisted pair offered in a few different colors.
05/ Summersalt Colorblock Top: Summersalt suits are just so well-made and comfy. I love these colors and the color-blocking here. These are a great investment if you think she might be wearing the same size suit for a couple of summers.
06/ Summersalt Green Colorblock Bottoms: One of the more mid-rise options, but they do offer higher rise, as well!
07/ Summersalt Black & White Stripe: Black and white is always in! I love these tops that have adjustable straps for a good fit and good coverage.
08/ Athleta High Neck Top: Athleta makes my very favorite swimsuits. They’re very well-made and their return policy is great. This high-neck style is so great for swimming and having fun, and not worrying about things slipping and sliding.
09/ Athleta Rashguard: This would be fun and easy for added sun coverage, as well as support. Pop it on over any top.
10/ Athleta Orange Top: Many of Athleta’s swim tops are offered in bra sizes. SO great! It offers such a better fit. This is cute on its own or could be layered under the rashguard.
11/ Athleta Purple Bottoms: These are some of my favorite swim bottoms with full coverage from Athleta. I have them in black, but thought this bright purple was totally fun!
12/ Athleta Orange Short: These shorts are another great option for water play and would look super-cute with the rashguard.
13/ Summersalt Diagonal Stripe: Again, Summersalt suits are so great, and I love the body diversity on their site. LOVE this black and white striped set. One of my favorites, too.
14/ American Eagle Tropical Top: I had to include one fun print and THIS— is so fun! Selling fast, but how cute! This top has great wide straps that provide upper support and wouldn’t slide off while playing in the water.
15/ American Eagle Tropical Bottoms: These are cute and full-back coverage, but you could easily mix the top with any of the high-rise bottoms in a solid color, if that’s preferred!
Shop Cute, Supportive Swimsuit Tops & Bathing Suits For Teens & Pre-Teens
Feeling confident in a swimsuit is tough at any age, but very tough as a pre-teen while your body is changing. Thank you so much, Jessica, for writing in about this and letting us hopefully help with this difficult task. You’re a great mama, and I do truly hope these are helpful options for your daughter.
xo,
L
Check in with me over on Instagram @laurajansenstyle for more casual rocker chic fashion, kitchen dance parties, musings on how much I love food, and other shenanigans from Portland, Oregon.
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