Pre-teen Swimwear

Look at justice. They have great suits for preteens that are coveted. They run 20 - 40 and every fabric has a tankini a bikini and a one piece so different coverage levels

I can't stand most of the clothing at Justice, but, they have great quality bathing suits. Nicely lined, a little more grown up, but not too skimpy either. I think they go up to size 18/20 in girls, which has to be a 3 or 5 in juniors.

I just went through the same thing. It was exhausting. And where we live (deep south, it is hot and swimming starts early, plus we have a backyard pool and my kids both need several suits for the season, one or two isn't enough).

I also have an issue spending upwards of $80 on a kid's swimsuit (that's what "women's suits" go for, when you aren't buying at Target.

I eventually found some in various places. I got a designer suit for my daughter at TJMaxx for $40. It is a size 0 and the cup size matches (inserts for coverage, but no true "cups"). I found her 2 more pieces (not matching set, but individual pieces that will go together) at Nordstrom Rack (clearance rack, for total of $40 for both pieces). Then, we went ahead and got another tankini 2 pc from Target (total price--you guessed it-- $40). All of them are tankini style, without actual "cups" but with the needed inserts, and all the bottoms are navy blue. I add this last bit, because the bottom pieces dry faster than the tops, do, and I was able to snag her another tankini top (top only) at Belk, on sale, that on sale was only $12. It is a print that matches navy blue... so she can wear it with any of her bottoms.

You really have to hunt and be patient. My daughter can get by with the small size top from Belk in that particular tankini top. But the others, small is too big for her, and she needed sizes 0 or 2 or 4, depending on the maker. And those are really difficult to find in standard stores. Your discounters, however, tend to have a few, you just have to pick through and keep going back to see what new items have come in on the latest delivery truck.

Ross, TJMaxx, Bealls, etc.
Good luck.

To make my chore even more difficult, my daughter doesn't like one piece suits, nor does she like bikinis. Even if I find one I would think is acceptable (and one or two did cross my path)... she doesn't like them and won't wear them. :/ I hope your child is more flexible than mine. ;)
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By the way, my daughter is 12 (13 later this month) and is small in height, but not thin and needs some coverage (at LEAST a double layer of material, but inserts are ideal).. so NONE of the kids suits work for her anymore.. even if they fit size-wise. Yet, she is still not developed enough to wear a true adult fitting suit (no cups.. they will just gape). Justice, Gap, Old Navy--- we tried all of those places. They had nothing that worked for her size. That in between size is reallly a challenge. And not just in bathing suits. I went through a similar dilemma a few months ago shopping for a dress appropriate for a piano recital. Ugh. :(

JC Penneys is having a huge sale right now. They even have mix and match suits.

Justice, Gap, or Old Navy

I went with tankinis with my daughter. They range from the flat chested varieties to ones that can be worn with boobs. She is 13 now, begging for a bikini, not happening sweetie!! She pouts but is happy with her current one piece that is a traditional speedo. Ya know, makes everyone look flat chested. That girl will be the death of me!

Anyway, I have bought all her suits in the past four years from Costco.

Try Justice. I know there is an age when girls feel like they are too old for all the glitter and peace signs BUT, honestly, you can still find the best pre-teen swim suits there. If you look, there are always a few styles that aren't too young-childish. Some will be too little-kid like, but some will not. They have a big selection. There was a point my girls did not want anything to do with the Justice clothes, but I could get them to admit for basics, such as plain tank tops, leggings, and swim, they could still get just those items at Justice, even if they won't touch the featured outfits hanging in the window or walls.

I actually saw some cute "sporty" suits at DICKS sporting goods this weekend. Not sure of the price but it might be worth a look.
Good Luck!

I just took my 12 year old yesterday and we found the same - juniors/kids sizes too small; adults way too adult.

We did have luck at Burlington. We actually found 4 suits to try on and thankfully one that we both liked! 1 piece.

Gap, Old Navy, JC Penney.

How old is she?

Old Navy

Gap

Macy's

LL Bean

http://www.surfoutlet.com/girls-7-16-swimwear-c2671/

Old Navy has all kinds of 2 piece and 1 piece swimsuits. Or tankinis.
My daughter is 11, and this is where I get her swimsuits. Which she likes.

Popular in my State is the "Roxy" brand. www.roxy.com
They have various swimsuit styles and 1 piece suits and tankinis.

Try Justice... The only suits I can find to fit my 5'3" 10yo come from there. They do half sizes and they have a variety of cute, age appropriate one-pieces, tankini's and bikini's if your daughter perfers a 2 piece.

Old Navy or Land's End. I order Lands End suits on- line every summer. They are pricy but last longer and the fit is wonderful. Sears also keeps some Land's End suits in stock.

Happy swimming!

How are the target bathing suits too childish? My target has a ton of bikinis in very pretty colors (i.e. no characters/drawings etc). If you have issue with bikinis, they also have tankinis in very pretty colors/patterns. I'm not quite sure what you are looking for if those aren't it.

Speedo has many colors/patters with good coverage options. Check the sales page for discounted suits.

http://www.speedousa.com/family/index.jsp?cp=3124328.1190...

Lands End Tankinis.

Justice. Occassionally there are some older looking ones at Gymboree.