Swimsuit facts for kids

A swimsuit, also called a bathing suit or swimming costume, is special clothing worn for swimming or playing in the water.

In countries like New Zealand and parts of Australia, swimsuits are often called togs. Swimsuits usually have a special lining inside. This lining helps the fabric stay opaque and not become see-through when it gets wet.

Different Styles of Swimsuits

Swimsuits come in many different styles for both boys and girls. While new patterns and lengths appear, the basic types of swimsuits usually stay the same.

Unisex Swimsuit Styles

Some swimsuit styles can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender. These are often designed for specific water activities or for extra protection.

• Rash guard (also known as a rashie): This is a type of athletic shirt made from stretchy fabrics like spandex and nylon. Rash guards protect your skin from rashes caused by rubbing against things like a surfboard. They also offer protection from the sun's harmful UV rays. People often wear them instead of wetsuits when the weather is warmer.
• Wetsuit and Dry suit: These suits are designed to keep you warm in cold water. They are usually worn for activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, or surfing. Wetsuits are made from a material called neoprene. They work by trapping a thin layer of water next to your skin. Your body heat then warms this water, keeping you warm. Dry suits keep you completely dry inside.
• Drag suits: These are shorts or loose shirts worn over a regular swimsuit. They are designed to create more resistance in the water. This helps swimmers build strength and endurance during training.
• Racing suits: These swimsuits are made with very advanced fabrics. They are designed to help competitive swimmers go faster by reducing drag (the resistance from the water). The fabric helps muscles stay compressed, which can reduce tiredness and help swimmers keep their power. Racing suits come in different cuts, like full-body suits or knee-length styles.

Swimsuits for Girls

Girls' swimsuits come in several popular styles.

• One-piece swimsuit: This is a very common type of swimsuit. It covers the body from the chest to the hips in one piece. The name "tank suit" for this style might have come from the old term "swimming tank," which was another name for a swimming pool.
• Bikini: A bikini is a two-piece swimsuit. It has a top part that covers the chest and a bottom part that covers the lower body. Bikinis come in many different designs and styles.
• Burqini: This swimsuit covers the entire body and head, but not the face. It looks similar to a diver's wetsuit. Some Muslim women prefer burqinis because they follow traditional ideas of modest dress.

Swimsuits for Boys

Boys' swimsuits also come in various styles, each suited for different preferences or activities.

• Swim briefs: These are close-fitting swimsuits that look like underwear briefs. They have been popular since the 1930s. Modern swim briefs are often made from a mix of nylon and spandex. Many have a light-colored lining inside the front.
• Boardshorts: These are longer shorts that usually reach the knee or even past it. They often have a non-stretchy waistband and fit snugly around the waist. Boardshorts were first made for "board sports" like surfing and paddleboarding. Their looser design meant less fabric to get caught when getting on a board.
• Swim trunks: In the US, swim trunks are loose, mid-thigh length shorts. They are usually made of polyester or nylon fabric and have a mesh lining inside. Trunks were very popular in the 1990s, partly thanks to TV shows like Baywatch. While boardshorts are now more common among teenagers, trunks are still popular with older age groups and young children. In the UK, "trunks" can refer to any men's swimwear, including swim briefs.
• Jammer: This type of men's swimwear is mostly worn by competitive swimmers. Jammers look a bit like cycling shorts or compression shorts.

Images for kids

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  Cartoon by George du Maurier in Punch, 1877, showing men's and children's bathing suits

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  American 1920s woman's bathing suit

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  American swimmer Conor Dwyer at the 200m freestyle semi-final in Kazan.

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  1858 Woman's bathing suit

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  Annette Kellerman in her one-piece bathing suit

See also

In Spanish: Traje de baño para niños