It was another sweltering summer day when my daughter burst out of her room, eager to hit the pool. “Where’s your swimsuit?” I asked, while helping her older sister adjust her straps. “I don’t want to wear it!” she declared, arms crossed defiantly. “I want swim trunks!”
My middle daughter, Zoe, adores everything superhero-related, with a strong preference for colors like black, blue, and red. She plays the drums and is quite the basketball player. And don’t even think about asking her about her favorite animated princess — she’s not interested!
While some parents express frustration over their children’s clothing preferences, I’m grateful for Zoe’s decisiveness. She sticks to superhero or basketball tees, gray joggers or workout shorts, and sneakers from the boys’ section. She knows exactly what she likes, who she is, and what she feels comfortable in.
The first time she showed interest in swim trunks, we were shopping for her older sister at an outlet store. While her sister was torn between sparkly pink and purple one-pieces, Zoe’s eyes were drawn to the swim sets across the aisle. You know the one—the aisle that divides boys’ clothing from girls’.
The color contrast is glaring. The boys’ section features dark or neon outfits adorned with pirates, superheroes, and sports themes, while the girls’ section bursts with vibrant colors, dominated by shades of pink and decorated with unicorns, gymnastics motifs, and cute animals.
As a mother of four, I recognize that each child has their own unique tastes. I have no qualms about a kid enjoying stereotypical clothing, but I also fully support my daughter’s preference for items typically marketed toward boys.
Zoe tugged at my hand, leading me to a shark-themed swim top paired with turquoise and navy shark swim trunks. “Wow,” I said, “how awesome are these?” Her eyes brightened, and we began searching for her size.
Just then, a store employee approached us, looking directly at Zoe. “You don’t want those,” she said, gesturing toward the girls’ suits where my oldest was standing. “The girls’ swimsuits are over here.”
“We’re good, thanks,” I replied curtly.
Most of Zoe’s friends are boys. Just last year, I received a call from school because she had nipped her cheek while racing down a spiral slide during a game of tag with her male friends. The swim trunk conversation began after a pool day with her boy cousins, where she directly told me she wanted swim trunks.
As a woman, I completely understand her perspective. Let’s discuss women’s swimsuits for a moment. First, why does it seem like you need an engineering degree to put one on? I can’t count the number of times I’ve tangled myself in a suit like a cat caught in yarn, calling for help just to get everything in place. Who thought getting into a swimsuit was a two-person job?
Moreover, the variety of styles is overwhelming: ruching, cut-outs, straps galore, and countless other design features that trickle down from juniors to toddlers. Swim trunks, however, are straightforward. There’s no tugging or adjusting to navigate.
And let’s not forget about sun protection. It’s essential to apply sunscreen liberally, but what kids wear can also shield their skin. Swim trunks and a swim shirt provide far more coverage than a tiny bikini.
For kids like Zoe, swim trunks just make sense.
Sure, some people raise eyebrows at our decision to let her wear swim trunks. Perhaps they are the same individuals who discourage their sons from playing with dolls or painting their nails. Occasionally, we’ve even had strangers mistake Zoe for a boy, and when corrected, they often say, “Well, she is wearing swim trunks…”
Their opinions are of no concern to us. The majority of our family and friends are supportive, especially those who know Zoe’s unique style. She’s confident and embraces who she is. Isn’t that what every parent wants? For their children to be comfortable in their own skin, proud of their identities, and to enjoy life?
In the end, all kids want to do is splash around and have a good time. They don’t overthink societal expectations; it’s the adults who impose those issues. We need to let go of our insecurities and allow our children to just enjoy the water. Because really, it’s summer.
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Summary
Zoe, my daughter, confidently chooses to wear swim trunks instead of traditional girls’ swimsuits. Her preference reflects her personality—strong, unique, and free-spirited. Despite some societal pushback, we fully support her choices, believing that children should feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. Ultimately, all kids want to enjoy their summer days splashing in the water.