2025 Kids Swimwear Trends You Can Sew at Home (Plus Fabric Tips & Safety Must-Knows!)
Summer 2025 is heating up, and that means it’s time for bright colors, playful prints, and stylish handmade swimwear! If you’re a sewing mom looking to create something adorable, functional, and on-trend for your kiddos, we’ve got you covered.
In this post, we’re diving into:
- The top kids swimwear trends for 2025
- How to sew your own swimwear at home
- Which fabrics to choose for swim safety and comfort
Top Kids’ Swimwear Trends for Summer 2025
We scanned top retailers like Maisonette, Snapper Rock, and Hanna Andersson to bring you this trend report!
1. Retro Stripes
Bold horizontal stripes in classic navy, rainbow brights, or even muted tones are making a splash. This vintage-inspired trend is easy to recreate with stripey swim knits.
2. Tutti Frutti Prints
Pineapples, watermelons, and cherries—oh my! Fruity prints are sweet, summery, and super fun for kids’ suits.
3. Highlighter Hues
Neon pinks, oranges, and greens are everywhere—and bonus: they improve visibility in the water!
4. Florals & Frills
Delicate blooms + ruffles = a match made in summer heaven. Think flutter sleeves, peplums, and bow-tie backs.
5. Textured Swim Fabrics
Ribbed, seersucker, and shirred fabrics are trendy and functional, giving a boutique look with comfortable stretch.
6. Color-Blocked Styles
Bold blocks of contrasting color are all the rage. This is a great way to use fabric scraps or let your child help design their own combo!
Choosing the Right Fabric for Sewing Swimwear
Swimwear needs to stretch, hold shape, resist chlorine, and feel great when wet. Here’s what to look for:
Best Swimwear Fabric Types
- Nylon-Spandex or Polyester-Spandex blends: Look for 4-way stretch, at least 10–20% spandex.
- UPF-rated fabric: Choose fabric with UPF 30+ to protect kids from harmful UV rays.
- Swim lining: Use lightweight, stretchy linings to add coverage and support.
- Chlorine-resistant fabric: Ideal for pool swimmers and longer-lasting suits.
Helpful Fabric Tip:
Always order a little extra—swimwear requires precise cutting with the stretch running in the correct direction.
Swimsuit Safety: Why Color Matters
Studies show some swimsuit colors are harder to see underwater—especially dark shades like black, gray, and blue.
Best visible colors for swim safety:
- Neon Yellow
- Bright Orange
- Hot Pink
- Lime Green
Pro tip: Choose these hues for both fashion AND function—especially for lake or pool swimming.
Tips for Sewing Kids’ Swimwear at Home
- Use a stretch or ballpoint needle
- Choose polyester thread for durability
- Use a serger or zigzag/stretch stitch on your sewing machine
- Test your stitch on scrap fabric first
- Use swimwear elastic (not standard elastic—it won’t hold up in chlorine)
Even if you’re a beginner, swimwear is totally doable with a little practice and patience!
More Swimspiration Awaits
Ready to dive in? You’ll find more resources below to help you sew the perfect 2025 swimwear look:
- Explore our Swim Pattern Library
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel for tutorials
- Join the community in our Facebook Group
Question for you: Which swimwear trend are you excited to try this summer? Let us know in the comments or share your handmade look in our SLPco Family group!
