What Swimwear Should a 13 Year Old Wear?

Choosing swimwear for a 13 year old can feel surprisingly tricky. At this age, many girls are transitioning from kids sizes into tween and teen swimwear, and their preferences are changing quickly. They want styles that feel more grown-up, but parents often still want swimwear that provides comfort, support, and age-appropriate coverage.

The good news is that the right swimwear can help 13 year olds feel confident, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the beach or pool.

Why 13 Is a Unique Age for Swimwear

Thirteen is a stage where many girls are experiencing rapid growth and becoming more aware of their bodies. Swimwear that once felt perfect can suddenly feel too childish or too revealing.

Because of this, the best swimwear for 13 year olds usually sits somewhere between kids swimwear and adult styles. This is often referred to as tween or early teen swimwear, and it focuses on balancing style with coverage.

Features that tend to work well include:

• Slightly more mature colours or prints
• Comfortable stretch fabrics that move with growing bodies
• Designs that offer coverage without feeling overly childish
• Supportive tops and adjustable straps

Choosing swimwear that meets these needs can make a big difference in how confident a teenager feels at the beach or pool.

One-Piece Swimsuits for 13 Year Olds

One-piece swimsuits are a popular choice for many 13 year olds because they offer both comfort and confidence. Modern one-piece styles often feature open backs, cross-back straps, or fun prints that feel stylish while still providing good coverage.

A well-designed one-piece swimsuit can be perfect for swimming, beach days, holidays, or water sports. Many parents also prefer one-pieces because they stay secure while teens are active.

Bikinis for 13 Year Olds

Many 13 year olds begin showing interest in bikinis, especially as they move toward teen fashion trends. The key is finding bikinis that are age-appropriate and supportive.

Good bikini options for this age often include:

• Crop-style bikini tops
• Higher-waisted bottoms
• Adjustable straps
• Full coverage designs

These styles allow teens to feel stylish without sacrificing comfort or confidence.

For more on confidence see our blog here

Long Sleeve Swimwear for Extra Coverage

Another great option for 13 year olds is long sleeve swimwear or rash guards. These styles provide additional sun protection while still looking modern and stylish.

Long sleeve swimsuits are especially popular for:

• Surfing
• Swimming lessons
• Beach holidays
• Sensitive skin or sun protection

Many designs now feature bright colours and flattering cuts that appeal to teens.

Choosing Age-Appropriate Swimwear

When choosing swimwear for a 13 year old, it helps to focus on three key things:

Comfort
Swimwear should feel secure and comfortable when swimming, diving, or playing.

Confidence
The right style should help teens feel good about themselves rather than self-conscious.

Coverage
Age-appropriate coverage helps balance style with practicality for growing bodies.

Finding this balance is why many families look for brands that specialise in tween and teen swimwear, rather than simply buying children’s or adult swimwear.

Swimwear Designed for Tweens and Teens

Brands that focus on tween and teen swimwear understand the unique needs of girls around 13 years old. Designs often feature thoughtful details such as double lining, secure straps, and styles that feel fashionable without being overly mature.

For families searching for stylish yet age-appropriate swimwear, collections like Fernleigh Avenue’s tween and teen swimwear are designed specifically to support confidence during these transitional years.

With the right swimwear, 13 year olds can focus less on what they are wearing and more on enjoying the beach, the pool, and making memories with friends and family.

If you are still exploring options, you might also enjoy our guide to the best tween swimwear brands.

Also check out our blog for best swimwear for a 12 year old