Swimwear for body conscious pre-teen? Surf swimwear?!

Lunar_Eclipse

Forgot to say my daughter doesn't wear anything under her board shorts. The advantage of boys swimwear is the mesh inside, which she says is really comfortable. Cheaper swimwear, like the few pairs I bought at Peacocks last year for £2 in the sale often don't have this and she doesn't like them as much. I usually opt for a darker base colour though which helps with privacy.

iwannanicerlife

Thanks everyone. Lunar Eclipse, my daughter is also a massive tomboy so that has added to our problems of suitable swimwear. I really couldn't work out whether the board shorts needed something underneath or not! I've found a boy leg tankini cheap in sports direct, so I think the bottoms of that with a rash top will be the way to go!

Lunar_Eclipse

Just be aware that tankini bottoms and a rash vest will still be figure hugging, in case your daughter says she still feels 'exposed'. This is where I think board shorts win.

Although my daughter has worn shorts & tops for years out of preference and dislikes anything tight (she wouldn't wear leggings for instance), now she also doesn't want anyone to see her body. Sadly it's normal and whilst I'm pleased neither of my girls want to wear super short shorts & crop tops that are currently all the rage, it is a little sad to feel like this when they have lovely bodies they needn't be ashamed of.

fluffnutter

Tankini and bikini bottoms with board shorts over the top. She's not unusual - most girls her age are self-conscious about their bodies. All the usual shops (Primark, H&M, Newlook) will do them or you could treat her to a proper surfy look from somewhere like Fatface.

peachyprice

How about something like this

http://www.modestkini.com/en/products/semi-cover-swimsuits/253/3308

Not cheap, but designed not to be figure hugging and in proper swimming costume material.

z.n

Same at our house! Rash vest and board shorts over solid tankini.

gazebo

it's not just youngsters who are body conscious - I'm an adult and I also opt for a tankini and board shorts (I am female btw)