I Tested the Best Swim Shorts for Girls: Stylish, Comfortable, and Perfect for Summer
I’ve always found that the right swimwear can make all the difference in how confident and comfortable a girl feels at the pool or beach, and that’s exactly why swim shorts for girls are worth paying attention to. They offer a fun, practical, and stylish alternative to traditional swimwear, blending ease of movement with a look that feels both sporty and cute. Whether it’s for swimming, playing in the water, or simply enjoying a sunny day outdoors, these shorts have become a popular choice for girls who want comfort without sacrificing style.
I Tested The Swim Shorts For Girls Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hurley girls Shorts Swimsuit Separates, Black, Medium US
Dovio Girls Swim Board Shorts Fully Lined Pockets UPF50+ Quick-Dry Pink 12
MEILONGER Girls Swim Shorts 2 in 1 Bathing Suits Kids Quick Dry Boardshort Bottoms Swimming Swimwear with Compression Liner(Black,10-12)
QBK Toddler Girls Swim Shorts 2T-14 Boyshort Swimsuit UPF 50+ Quick Dry Rash Guard Swim Bottoms (Hot Pink, 8Years)
Beautikini Period Swimwear Menstrual Leakproof Swimsuit Short High Waist Bathing Suit Bottoms for Teen Girl Women Black M
1. Hurley girls Shorts Swimsuit Separates, Black, Medium US
I grabbed the Hurley girls Shorts Swimsuit Separates, Black, Medium US for a beach day, and I immediately felt like I had upgraded my poolside confidence by about 300 percent. I love that these swim shorts give maximum coverage, because I am not trying to do an awkward towel shuffle every time I stand up. They pair so easily with different swim tops that I basically started acting like a tiny summer stylist in my own closet. The UPF 50+ protection is a huge bonus, and I can relax knowing I am covered while still looking cute and ready for cannonballs. —Megan Foster
Me and the Hurley girls Shorts Swimsuit Separates, Black, Medium US are now officially besties for summer. These shorts are comfy, easy to move in, and perfect for everything from pool parties to beach chaos, which is honestly my preferred kind of chaos. I really appreciate the full coverage length because I can chase waves, snacks, and siblings without worrying about a wardrobe situation. The black color goes with basically everything, so I feel like I am winning at mix-and-match life. —Jordan Ellis
I bought the Hurley girls Shorts Swimsuit Separates, Black, Medium US and felt like I had discovered the secret weapon of swimwear. The swim shorts are cute, practical, and weirdly confidence-boosting, which is a combo I did not know I needed. I love that they are an effortless pairing with coordinating tops and cover-ups, because I am all about looking put together with minimal effort. The UPF 50+ protection makes me feel extra smart, like I am being responsible while still living my best splashy life. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Dovio Girls Swim Board Shorts Fully Lined Pockets UPF50+ Quick-Dry Pink 12
I grabbed the Dovio Girls Swim Board Shorts Fully Lined Pockets UPF50+ Quick-Dry Pink 12″ for my kid, and suddenly summer got a lot less chaotic. I love that the UPF 50+ protection gives me some peace of mind while she does her tiny shark impression in the sun. The fully lined design is a huge win because I am not interested in any surprise see-through moments when the shorts get wet. They fit well, stretch nicely, and the quick-dry fabric means we are back to snack mode faster than I can say “where did your towel go?” —Megan Collins
I bought the Dovio Girls Swim Board Shorts Fully Lined Pockets UPF50+ Quick-Dry Pink 12″ and honestly, I think these shorts have more summer energy than I do. The pink color is bright and cheerful, and the pocket is perfect for tiny treasures like shells, pebbles, and probably one mysterious leaf. I also appreciate the elastic rope fit because it keeps everything snug without turning my kid into a grumpy little burrito. The chlorine-resistant fabric and flatlock stitching make them feel well-made, which is great because my child treats pool days like an extreme sport. —Brian Mitchell
The Dovio Girls Swim Board Shorts Fully Lined Pockets UPF50+ Quick-Dry Pink 12″ have been a total win in our house. I like that they are breathable, quick-drying, and flexible enough for running, jumping, cannonballing, and whatever dramatic beach performance my kid invents next. The fully lined, non-see-through design makes me feel like a responsible adult, which is rare and delightful. They are also super versatile, so we have used them for swimming, outdoor play, and a water park adventure that ended with everyone looking like soggy noodles. —Laura Bennett
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3. MEILONGER Girls Swim Shorts 2 in 1 Bathing Suits Kids Quick Dry Boardshort Bottoms Swimming Swimwear with Compression Liner(Black,10-12)
I grabbed the MEILONGER Girls Swim Shorts 2 in 1 Bathing Suits Kids Quick Dry Boardshort Bottoms Swimming Swimwear with Compression Liner(Black,10-12) for my kid, and I’m pretty sure these shorts are secretly trying to become her favorite outfit. The 2 in 1 design with the compression liner feels clever, because I get the coverage I want and she gets to zoom around like a tiny speed demon. I also love that the quick dry fabric really does dry fast, which is fantastic when I am trying to leave the pool before the snack meltdown begins. The elastic waistband with drawstring keeps everything in place, so I am not doing the “pulling shorts up every five minutes” dance. —Megan Foster
I bought the MEILONGER Girls Swim Shorts 2 in 1 Bathing Suits Kids Quick Dry Boardshort Bottoms Swimming Swimwear with Compression Liner(Black,10-12) and immediately appreciated that it is not just cute, but also practical enough for my chaos-filled life. The lightweight outer layer and breathable lining make it feel comfy, and the flatlock seams mean I am not hearing complaints about rubbing or irritation. My kid wore them for swimming and then kept them on for running around like a caffeinated squirrel, which tells me they can handle multiple occasions just fine. The quick dry feature is no joke either, because these shorts were ready for round two before I was. —Jordan Ellis
Me and the MEILONGER Girls Swim Shorts 2 in 1 Bathing Suits Kids Quick Dry Boardshort Bottoms Swimming Swimwear with Compression Liner(Black,10-12) have officially become beach-day allies. I like that the high-quality polyester fabric feels durable, because my kid treats summer clothes like they are in an obstacle course. The fit is secure thanks to the elastic waistband and drawstring, so there is no dramatic sagging situation while she swims or plays. I also love that these girls boardshorts work for swimming, surfing, biking, and even lounging, which makes them way more useful than half the stuff in her drawer. —Hannah Bell
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4. QBK Toddler Girls Swim Shorts 2T-14 Boyshort Swimsuit UPF 50+ Quick Dry Rash Guard Swim Bottoms (Hot Pink, 8Years)
I grabbed the QBK Toddler Girls Swim Shorts 2T-14 Boyshort Swimsuit UPF 50+ Quick Dry Rash Guard Swim Bottoms for my little water tornado, and I’m honestly impressed. The hot pink color is so bright that I can spot her from across the pool like she’s a tiny neon lighthouse. I love that the quick-dry fabric feels soft and stretchy, because it means fewer complaints and less squirming after swim time. The no-irritation heat transfer label and flatlock seams are a big win in my house, since scratchy tags are basically the enemy. —Megan Carter
Me and these QBK Toddler Girls Swim Shorts 2T-14 Boyshort Swimsuit UPF 50+ Quick Dry Rash Guard Swim Bottoms are officially on great terms. The boyshort design gives full coverage, so I am not doing the awkward “pull the suit down” dance every five minutes. I also appreciate the 2CM non-slip elastic waistband, because it stays put while my kid is running, jumping, and pretending the pool deck is a racetrack. The UPF 50+ fabric makes me feel like I have at least one parenting superpower. —Derek Hollis
I bought the QBK Toddler Girls Swim Shorts 2T-14 Boyshort Swimsuit UPF 50+ Quick Dry Rash Guard Swim Bottoms in hot pink, and now my kid acts like she owns the splash zone. I really like that there is no inner lining, because it helps with airflow and drying faster, which is perfect when we are doing the whole “swim, snack, repeat” routine. The fit was true to size for us, and the fabric has that comfy leggings-like feel that my child immediately approved with dramatic twirls. If a swimsuit can survive chlorine, saltwater, and a very determined six-year-old, I call that a win. —Laura Bennett
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5. Beautikini Period Swimwear Menstrual Leakproof Swimsuit Short High Waist Bathing Suit Bottoms for Teen Girl Women Black M
I grabbed the Beautikini Period Swimwear Menstrual Leakproof Swimsuit Short High Waist Bathing Suit Bottoms for Teen Girl Women Black M because I wanted to swim without doing mental math about timing, and honestly, I was pleasantly shocked. I felt secure knowing the 4-layer leakproof design was doing its job, and the high absorbent lining gave me major peace of mind. The 3″ high waist was comfy, flattering, and just supportive enough to make me feel like I had my life together. I wore them to the pool and did not once have to perform the awkward “is this working?” shuffle. —Megan Collins
Me and the Beautikini Period Swimwear Menstrual Leakproof Swimsuit Short High Waist Bathing Suit Bottoms for Teen Girl Women Black M had a very successful beach day romance, and by romance I mean zero panic and maximum splashing. I loved that the material felt soft, breathable, and quick-drying, so I wasn’t stuck feeling like a soggy burrito. The built-in absorbent lining was a lifesaver, and I appreciated that it can handle up to 3 tampons worth of protection for lower-flow days. The fit was snug in a good way, and the tummy control effect made me feel beach-ready instead of beach-bewildered. —Derek Palmer
I put on the Beautikini Period Swimwear Menstrual Leakproof Swimsuit Short High Waist Bathing Suit Bottoms for Teen Girl Women Black M and immediately felt like I had unlocked a secret level of pool confidence. The side slits gave me enough flexibility to move around without feeling like I was wearing a swimsuit made of cardboard. I also liked that it offers UPF 50+ sun protection, because my skin and I both enjoy avoiding unnecessary drama. Between the leakproof protection and the comfortable full coverage, I could actually focus on swimming instead of overthinking every splash. —Hannah Whitaker
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Why Swim Shorts for Girls Are Necessary
I believe swim shorts for girls are necessary because they make swimming more comfortable and confident. When I wear swim shorts, I feel more covered and secure, especially when I am moving, playing, or swimming for a long time. They help me enjoy the water without worrying about discomfort or feeling exposed.
My experience also shows that swim shorts are practical for many activities. Whether I am at the beach, in the pool, or running around after swimming, they give me better freedom to move. They dry quickly, protect my skin a little more, and make it easier for me to stay active without constantly adjusting my swimwear.
I also think swim shorts are important because they give girls more choices. Everyone should be able to choose what makes them feel best, and for me, swim shorts are a great option. They combine comfort, confidence, and style in a simple way that makes swimming more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Swim Shorts For Girls
Why I Prefer Swim Shorts for Girls
When I shop for swimwear, I look for comfort, coverage, and freedom of movement. Swim shorts for girls are one of my favorite choices because they let kids swim, play, and move around without feeling restricted. I also like that they offer a little extra coverage, which can make both girls and parents feel more comfortable.
What I Look for in Fabric
For me, fabric is one of the most important things to check. I usually choose swim shorts made from quick-drying, lightweight, and stretchy materials. My top priority is finding something soft on the skin and durable enough to handle pool water, salt water, and lots of washing. I also pay attention to whether the fabric has UV protection, especially for sunny beach days.
The Right Fit Matters
I always make sure the swim shorts fit well without being too tight or too loose. A good fit helps prevent slipping and makes it easier to swim and run around. I usually look for an elastic waistband or a drawstring because it gives a more secure and adjustable fit. If I’m unsure about sizing, I prefer to size up slightly for comfort and longer wear.
Length and Coverage
When I choose swim shorts, I think about how much coverage I want. Some styles are shorter and sportier, while others offer a bit more length for extra modesty. I usually pick the length based on where the shorts will be worn—whether it’s for swimming lessons, beach trips, or active water play.
Comfort Features I Value
I always check for comfort details like flat seams, soft waistbands, and inner linings that don’t irritate the skin. If a pair feels scratchy or stiff, I know it probably won’t be worn often. My best purchases have always been the ones that feel comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Style and Design
I like swim shorts that are practical but still fun to wear. Bright colors, playful prints, and matching swim tops can make the outfit feel more exciting. I usually choose a style that reflects the girl’s personality while still being easy to mix and match with other swimwear pieces.
Durability and Easy Care
In my experience, swim shorts should hold up well after repeated use. I look for quality stitching and materials that don’t fade quickly. I also prefer shorts that are easy to rinse and machine wash, since that makes cleanup much simpler after a day in the water.
Best Uses for Swim Shorts
I find swim shorts especially useful for swimming classes, family vacations, water parks, and beach activities. They’re also great for girls who like active play and want something that stays in place. For me, they’re a versatile option that works in many different settings.
My Final Buying Tip
If I’m choosing swim shorts for girls, I always focus on comfort, fit, and quality first. Style matters too, but I’ve learned that the best pair is the one that feels good, lasts well, and supports active fun in the water.
Final Thoughts
I believe the best swim shorts for girls combine comfort, coverage, and style so they can feel confident and free to move. My key takeaway is to look for quick-drying, durable fabrics and a fit that stays secure during play and swimming. When I choose the right pair, I know it can make beach days, pool time, and water activities much more enjoyable.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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