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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Fashion, Shay's Closet ·

Tuesday Talk: Swimsuits!


Today is Tuesday Talk where once a month, I link up with Ashley and Erika who host this fun little blog link up.  Every month, you are supposed to chat about anything and everything.

So far this year, we’ve chatted about this…

In January, we chatted about our verses of the week.

In February, we chatted about quality time with our kids.

In March, we chatted about canning.

In April, we chatted about family fun ideas.

And today, we’re going to chat about…swim suits!

I would say that in the last week, I’ve had at least 10 emails about where I get swimsuits for myself and my kids.

Easy peasy.

This is where I get our stuff, but if you have a place where you love to get swimsuits for your family, PLEASE SHARE!  I’m such a creature of habit when it comes to suits, and can always use new suggestions.

When it comes to my kids, my very favorite place to buy their swimsuits is Old Navy.

Easy as that.

Now, sometimes, I’ll get the girls suits from Nordstrom (like the one above), but the MAJORITY of the time, they come from Old Navy…

…Smith’s is from Old Navy (here) and Kensington wore 3 Old Navy suits on our Disney cruise, but of course, I didn’t get any fantastic pictures.  The one day, she wore a suit from Nordstrom, is when I took the most pics.  Sigh.  I do love this suit though 🙂 .

I like to buy them at Old Navy because I feel they wash well (I never dry them, I hang them up), don’t fade, are at a great price and last all summer.  My kids swim every.single.day during the summer, so they need suits that last.

Outside of Old Navy, I’ve been known to buy their suits at Nordstrom, Gymboree and Boden too…but seriously, Old Navy is my go-to for kids…

…like this one.

Side note for all of you new mamas to little girls…don’t buy them one pieces if they wear a flotation device.  If you buy them a one piece and then put on the flotation device, then you have to remove the floatie in order to change their diaper/take them potty.  And in my opinion, nothing is worse then taking off and then putting back on a wet floatie.  I buy the two pieces (like tankinis) and life is so much easier.  You learn this kind of stuff by your third daughter 😉 .

So, where do I buy all of my swimsuits?

I have a few from Boden and a few from Nordstrom too…but I would say that 95% of the swimsuits in my drawer are from ATHLETA.

Yesssssssssssssss.

I started wearing Athleta swimsuits like 7 years ago and haven’t looked back.

They have a more athletic fit (so your bootie isn’t hanging out of the back of skimpy bottoms), they make one pieces, tankinis and bikinis, they wash to perfection and LAST year after year after year.  They are my absolute favorite!

Over the summer, I pretty much wear swimsuits and workout clothes every day (because I always want to be dressed to play!), so I like it when they are durable and can be worn many seasons in a  row.

Okay, what brands do you love for swimwear?  I’m always interested in trying something else!  Please comment and share!

And don’t forget this…

…if you missed my post on waterproof makeup and SPF, click HERE.

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Comments

  2. polly peterson says

    It seems like you do way more pool swimming than lake/ocean swimming, so good to know what suits hold up to all the pool chemicals!

  3. Nicole says

    I love Athleta too! The best! What will your gym/work out schedule look like during summer with your big kids home?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I always try to be flexible during the summer. I still aim to go to the actual gym twice a week, but if that doesn’t happen, then I either do something at home or just let it go.

  4. Mindy Tierney says

    I am having the worst time finding appropriate ones for my 13 year old daughter. For several years Justice was our go-to store and they held up great. She is now in Junior sizes and so many are cut so skimpy its crazy and not approved by me. Any suggestions for juniors sizes that are preferably tankini’s. We got one so far at JcPenny on Sunday while at my moms for mother’s day
    Need more though. Thanks!!

    • Mackenzie says

      I’d try Target or J Crew! They offer a lot of mix and match tops and bottoms separately.

    • Olivia says

      Have you tried Target? Also, Aerie/American eagle usually has cute ones that are less skimpy than most!

    • TrishR says

      Have you looked at Athleta? I think they have a lot of options that are pretty but also could be Mom approved 🙂

      • Jocie says

        I agree with the Kortni Jane suggestion for tween/teen suits that are mom approved!

    • Jen says

      My 15 yr old wears athleta swim short bottoms. We got her tankini tops at JCPenney & Kohl’s. My 13 yr old loves Nike Suits. Suits can be so hard during the teen yrs.

    • Misty S says

      I had the same problem when shopping for my 13 yo for Spring Break. She picked out some really cute tankinis from Venus Swim and we got her favorite one (sports bra-like top and shorts bottoms) from Athleta. She is super modest and the “bikini” she picked from Athleta is her absolute favorite!! So hard to buy for that age-for anything!

    • Christina W. says

      Mindy- Aerie’s bathing suits are great! I just bought the ribbed one piece. It covers everything appropriately, it’s super soft and is really durable! Right now they are 50% off(mine was $27)

    • Kami says

      My daughter is 12 so we have the same issues finding suits. I loved the Carrie Underwood suits from Dick’s, sporty strappy tops and full coverage bottoms all while being super cute!

    • Courtney says

      Athlete makes girls swimsuits too. My daughter is 7 so I’m not sure about junior sizes but check online!

    • Heather Roecker says

      Try Lands End. My go to for my daughter. Darling swim skirts and tanks. Great coverage, cute and flattering while modest.

  5. Erika Slaughter says

    We pretty much shop at the same spots for swim suits probably because we’ve discussed this exact topic over and over again in real life! ?? I must say that every single year I order suits from Victoria’s Secret and every single year they don’t work. Why do I do this??? Next spring, you should remind me I’m not 20, and should skip the VS order.

    • Melody Byrd says

      I love Athleta suits but I bought a couple from VS for our Mexico trip and they worked great. But they were more for lounging by the pool/laxy river and not being active in the water with my kids so I’ll save those for trips and stick to my Athleta ones at home all summer in the pool! I need everything to stay in place while I’m out with the kids! 🙂

  7. Marcie says

    I love athleta swim suits too! I will check out old navy for my kiddos.
    They each need at least one more bathing suit for this summer. I know you love athleta. Do you like their running shorts for daily wear? Thanks!

  8. Christina Cuda says

    You should do an updated post on your backyard. I would love to see it now! Looks beautiful!

  9. Sheaffer Sims says

    I need 1 or 2 new suits for myself this year, I’m going to check out Athleta!

    • Kim Kauffman says

      I know you’ve said you don’t wear bikinis, but I got their wrap top this year and it is sooooooo flattering. Love!!

  10. Michelle says

    How do you wash your suits? My athleta ones were fading terribly. The majority of the time I was only wearing my athleta suit to my son’s swimming lesson and that pool is a salt water pool.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I wash all of my suits with normal Tide and then hang dry them all!

  12. Christy says

    I love buying my daughter’s swimsuits at Target and Old Navy. They both hold up great and we swim most days also. Now I like to buy my son’s swimwear at Target, Old Navy and OshKosh.

  13. Sandy says

    I am a big Lands End fan for suits. I love that I can get slims for my kids that will actually stay on them. For myself I love I can mix up pieces from different years. And, I love their skirted bottoms. The old lady in me comes out.

    • Carol says

      Yes Lands End! Love the slim option for my daughter. I got a ton of tankinis super on sale at the end of the year. Great quality.

  15. Narci Dreffs says

    I love Old Navy for our kids too! They have the best selection of cute suits, and they hold up so well!!

  16. Julie says

    My absolute favorite place to buy swimwear for my kids and myself is Lands End! They have so many cute styles and designs and hold up so well year after year! I highly recommend!

  17. Kristen Walters says

    YES!!!! Completely agree 2 piece bathing suits are the way to go with little girls who are in a swim diaper/newly potty trained!! Even my older girls find 2 pc suits easier when they have to go potty!

  18. Erin Port says

    I love Lime Ricki as well for me, they wash up great. I agree with tankinis for little girls…the less time I have to spend in the pool bathroom, the better ;)! xoxo ERIN

  19. Janique says

    Hi Shay. Most of your photos the past few weeks in the pool shows y our beautiful garden. Would you perhaps do a post about what plants you have in your garden|pots as well as what you planted in your veg garden? I know you sometimes do a post about the veggies but more towards the end of the season so would be great if you can do an earlier post for inspiration 🙂

  21. Ramona says

    Thank you for the ideas! I’ve had good luck with Academy, it’s a store with outdoors and sports items. And if you catch the sales, you can really win! Love your posts!

  22. Mother Henn says

    I learned the two-piece vs. one-piece suit thing the hard way with my daughters….completely agree with you! A wet floatie is a pain, and so is trying to wrangle a wet one-piece suit off of a kid that has waited too long to tell you they need to go potty (and they’re dancing around saying they can’t hold it another second), and then trying to pull that cold, wet thing back up on them in a bathroom stall! Ugh!

  23. Brooklyn says

    I have 3 daughters also. Target’s Cat and Jack line carries girl swimsuits that snap on the bottom like a onesie. Game.Changer for one pieces. They wash and wear well too!

  24. Ashlan Zurbriggen says

    This is for all the TALL LADIES out there- I have looked high and low for a cute but practical one piece this year and finally found this gem at Boden. They have one specific suit in LONG and it is perfect! It covers your bum entirely and the cups are molded perfectly. I’m a huge fan. Will definitely be ordering a second suit. I’m 5’11 so for all you tall ladies out there, this suit is for you! I linked it below 🙂
    http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/womens-swimwear/swimsuits/s0018-nvm/womens-folk-pop-wrap-front-swimsuit

  25. Megan says

    We are big fans of Swimzip!! SPF 50 and the tops zip all the way, not just from the chest up! Great company!!

  26. Julie says

    Every single swimsuit I own is from Athleta. I love their bra-sized swim, and especially that they have underwire in the tops. So, when I read your post this morning I decided to check and see if there were any new ones I couldn’t live without. Ewwwwww…..I think all of their new styles and prints are disappointing. Last summer they had at least 5 suits that I wanted, but I didn’t see a single one this morning. I loved that most of their suits were athletic in nature (hence their name) but all of the new ones are too trendy. And there aren’t any fun, colorful prints…..just blah monotone. Anyone else think this?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I agree!!! They need to bring their bright and fun colors/prints back!!

    • Sara says

      I agree! I buy AT LEAST one suit from Athleta every summer and was so let down by the offerings this year. I ordered 2 or 3 but returned them. I hope they return to form next year because my past purchases are all favorites.

  27. C Croft says

    I swear by Lands End bathing suits. I’ve used them for close to 20 years now and they last for years and years and you can mix and match!

  28. Laura @ Fantastically Four says

    Thanks for the suggestions! I need a new suit but I’m in a small town and I do a lot of shopping online. I’ll have to check out Athletica. ?

  29. Alysha Oneill says

    We get our swimsuits from UV Skinz. They are UPF 50+. My son actually where is a swim hoodie on the beach because he’s horrible about keeping a hat on and super fair skinned. They also have adult swim suits and clothes as well. It makes me feel better about long days at the pool and beach and not having to worry about constantly reapplying sunscreen.

  30. Colleen says

    With my second daughter I realized the benefit of the two piece! Also though, I found a one piece rash guard with buttons for diaper changing! Ruffle Butts has some super cute swim. My youngest has super sensitive skin too, so I love the long sleeved SPF rash guards to avoid the extra sunscreen/sun on her arms.

  31. Jenna says

    Old Navy is our go-to place for suits. Not only do they last, but you can usually find them on a great sale.

  32. Tiffanie says

    Land’s End! Love their little boy suits and they hold up so well and come in slim or regular!

  33. Courtney C says

    Athlete. All day. Every day. Period. The end.

    Great styles, mix and match, hold up forever, great in pool/lake/ocean and —most importantly — they cover the booty and I’m not constantly tugging it back into place.

  34. Rebecca @ Every Piece Fits says

    Old Navy has great clothes for kids! They’re affordable and in style, and by the time they’re worn out the kids have outgrown them anyway. I’ll definitely need to check out Athleta, but I tend to get mine from Target most of the time. I also love Vix Swimwear and find them on RueLaLa.com or Gilt.com. But, over the past 5-6 years I’ve become more hesitant to wear some of those skimpy bottoms. =/

  35. Katie says

    I have a newfound love for Hanna Andersson for little girls suits! I found a set that is modest and super cute and age appropriate. It arrived yesterday and isn’t very well made and fully lined

  37. Ella says

    What system do you have for hanging laundry to dry?
    I’m asking since we hang dry a lot of our laundry (socks, dresses, swimsuits, pants etc.) and we just bought a new drying rack. They do not make drying racks like they used to.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Hahahaha! A poor one! I hang stuff all over my laundry room on the cabinet door knobs. I need a new system too!

  38. Alison Trauger says

    I wear a lot of Athleta but have never bought a swimsuit from there until last month. And I am loving it! It might be my new go-to for swimwear. Previously, I’ve usually gotten suits from J Crew. I’ve found they hold up well to washing, last for multiple seasons and they always have classic designs. Because I’m a mom and don’t have the flair to sport the trendy look each year. 😉

  41. Regi says

    I love Athleta suits too! They last FOREVER, with no stretching out or fading. My other go-to for my suits is Title Nine. Very similar quality to Athleta. Old Navy is perfect for kids, since they outgrow them so quickly and seem to be much harder on swimwear than adults!

  42. Adina says

    Lands End are the best – they wash great and don’t fade. They also every few weeks hv coupons for 40 or 50 percent off. Try it out!

  45. LeeAnn says

    You’ve mentioned Athleta many times before and I think I’m ready to give them a try! I’ve been buying swimsuits from Jcrew for years. They are very pretty and well made. However I’m busty with a small frame so finding the right fit is a challenge! Thanks for all the tips!

  46. Kerry L Dorman says

    I love Athleta and Albion Fit for my suits and my two boys wear gap or abercrombie kids. the playground to pool shorts are awesome… they love them!

    • Sara says

      We have 2 Albion stores where I live and I LOVE their stuff! Really cute swimming suits and I finally just bought my first one-piece romper from them and never want to wear anything else!

  47. Chrystianne says

    I am a Target girl. I don’t think I own any matching bikinis. I just mix and match them all and I love that they have solids and prints. Super easy to wash and dry and they don’t fade! Highly recommend.

  48. Andrea in MN says

    Land’s End! My daughter is now 11, and no longer likes their prints, so she has moved on to Athleta Girl.
    As a mom, I am right with the rest…. mix and match from Athleta and Land’s End.

  49. Andrea koehler says

    Check out Hapari swim. Awesome fit and styles for this 40 year old momma of 2. Covers all the right places ?

  51. Kelley Herrin says

    Mindy! Just had to reply! I’m in the exact same boat. I have two girls — 14 and 12 — and the skimpy bathing suits being sold in Juniors at Department stores is honestly kindof shocking. Macys almost exclusively sells “cheeky” bathing suit bottoms to juniors!! (Meaning, they’re meant to show lots of rear end! ) We bought a suit at Dillards by Hobie that was really cute and not so skimpy. I wish moms would join in protesting the junior bathingsuit problem! Good luck!

  52. Raquel Howes says

    Athleta now has a little girls line! It has swim wear as well as athletic clothing, it’s called Athleta Girl! Super cute and sporty 🙂

  53. Meagan says

    I just bought our whole family kortni jean suits this year! My daughter loves that she has a matching suit with mom!

  54. Arika says

    I love, love Hapari. I was skeptical about buying a suit online that I couldn’t try on but I have never looked back. I find them true to size and their customer service is great.

  55. Dana Dinerman says

    I am a swimwear designer and I make custom swimsuits here in San Diego. I was inspired by my personal battle with breast cancer. I needed the suit to fit me not the other way around. So I created this line to help everyone feeling thb same way!

  56. Beth Miller says

    Hands down my favorite suits for my girls are Land’s End! They are high quality and modest! One of my girls needs a long sleeve swim shirt bc her skin burns SO quickly. I can get coordinating suits for my girls without them matching. I always buy at the end of the swimming season for the next year so I can get them super cheap. We swim every day bc of swim team and the Land’s End suits don’t stretch or fade. Couldn’t love them more!

  58. Erin says

    Hanna Andersson is the best! So many bright colorful styles and easy to mix and match. My little girl can get two seasons wear out of them. The quality is excellent. They are pricey but Hanna is always having sales. Highly recommend!

  59. nicole says

    This post makes me so excited for summer! Shay & all, do you recommend any flotation device that has worked well for your little ones? I am not even sure what is good and I have 2 year old twins. Thanks in advance for your (or anyone’s) advice!!

  61. Jan Weatherford says

    Check out Swim Suits For All, they have has some really cute swim suits. I have some from there that have lasted for several years. They are from size 4 to 34. Hope everyone enjoys their summer!

  62. Lanea W says

    ZerosApparel.com has some comfy new designs with the right amount of comfort and style for active beach goers.

  63. Rhonda berttomcini says

    Rhonda Bertoncini well i discovered Vix swimwear bia in the triangle tops it fits my mid 40s body well and has muture look and feel to it and match it with a j crew bottoms has i discovered that it has that coverege i need in the butt and has that all classy look. Both brand are soft fabric and has last a long time.

  64. Amanda says

    Love Athleta swimswear! ❤️

    Have you ever covered how you stay cool while out and about with the kiddos during summer? I took my 2 littles to the park today and nearly died at 92 degrees here in Houston. And it’s only gonna get worse!

  65. Kami says

    Love all the swimsuit tips. Does anyone have the pineapple tee Shay wears, if so does it run really big? Thanks!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I find that it runs true to size. It also doesn’t shrink when it dries!

  67. Kiely says

    My kiddos have delicate skin and I LOVE Carters for their adorable swimsuit options and rash guards that offer max coverage. They always have 50% off sales (plus additional coupons/points) and they LAST! I find they stretch far less than the Old Navy ones I’ve purchased, although Old Navy is an easy 2nd for us ?

  68. Sejal Shah says

    Costco! Am I the only Costco mom here? ? Costco always has a few different styles each year for the little ones including the rash guards and UV protection suits and you can’t beat the price!

  69. Faith says

    Hapari has awesome swimsuits! I had a hard time finding swimsuits that covered the girls for my daughter and myself and this place is awesome for those that are well endowed!

  70. Kelly says

    May I second the garden tour request? I’d love to know what are flowers are in your planters:).

  71. Sarah Parsons says

    I just discovered Title Nine and their bathing suits. I got 2 this year and they have a great athletic fit!!

  72. Grace says

    The suits are so cute! We get ours at either Janie & Jack or Lands End and have had good luck with both.

    Totally unrelated but I was reading a past post that said “Andrew planted trees along our wrought iron fence to keep the backyard more private.” Would you please share which trees you chose and why? Was it difficult to plant these himself or did you hire someone? Looking to have more privacy in backyard as well. Thanks!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yeah…that’s all Andrew. He loves planting trees. There is always a new one in my yard. Hahahaha! We have a local tree farm just north of McKinney and buy the trees from there. I have no clue what they are. I’m going to need to ask him…

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yup! Love them! Nope, didn’t spray them. AND bonus, they haven’t stretched out! Sometimes, I think Toms can stretch out too much, but these haven’t! The only down side is that I don’t want them to get yucky, so I avoid wearing them on rainy days. Still love them!

  74. Judith says

    I have 3 girls and for the last 5+ years they have all either been in the ocean, lake or pool most of the Summer and warm months. Hands down, Hanna Andersson is my go to. I have passed all the suits down to my younger 2 from my older daughter, save a few that were in the lake too much (like EVERY SINGLE DAY). I also wash mine on cold and hang dry them. The rash guards are comfortable and cool and I don’t have to spray their arms. I highly recommend their suits!

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