how old does your daughter have to be to wear a bikini?

[Anonymous]

My dd (8) really wanted a mermaid tail and this two piece swimsuit for Christmas.

http://www.finfunmermaid.com/swim-suits-and-sets/bikini-sets/bikini-set-purple-sky.html

I would rather she wear a one piece, but it was the main thing she wanted for Christmas this year. She loves wearing it with her mermaid tail, so I'm ok with it. I still think she looks better in her swim team swim suit, but she feels like a mermaid with her two piece on.

[Anonymous]

I don't think of bikinis as being universally more or less sexy than one piece suits. The extra fabric covering someone's belly adds little to make a suit more or less sexy/modest/appropriate. I'm much more concerned about a proper fit and a bathing suit that allows the wearer to be active without worrying about their suit staying on regardless of their age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My dd (8) really wanted a mermaid tail and this two piece swimsuit for Christmas.

http://www.finfunmermaid.com/swim-suits-and-sets/bikini-sets/bikini-set-purple-sky.html

I would rather she wear a one piece, but it was the main thing she wanted for Christmas this year. She loves wearing it with her mermaid tail, so I'm ok with it. I still think she looks better in her swim team swim suit, but she feels like a mermaid with her two piece on.

See I let my daughters wear bikinis without blinking an eye, but I'd NEVER let them get that one because it's accentuating the boobs (or lack of, in the case of most 8 yr olds).

[Anonymous]

Told DD (7 y/o) that she can have a bikini next summer. I'll find one that is cute but also sturdy and provides enough coverage (maybe land's end).

[Anonymous]

Mine is 12. She likes to go off the diving boards and have a suit that does not come off while doing so. She hasn't asked to wear a bikini yet. She can wear one when she wants. I don't have any issues with it. I wore tiny bikinis when I was a teen and young adult. I still would if I would be even remotely attractive in one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My dd (8) really wanted a mermaid tail and this two piece swimsuit for Christmas.

http://www.finfunmermaid.com/swim-suits-and-sets/bikini-sets/bikini-set-purple-sky.html

I would rather she wear a one piece, but it was the main thing she wanted for Christmas this year. She loves wearing it with her mermaid tail, so I'm ok with it. I still think she looks better in her swim team swim suit, but she feels like a mermaid with her two piece on.

See I let my daughters wear bikinis without blinking an eye, but I'd NEVER let them get that one because it's accentuating the boobs (or lack of, in the case of most 8 yr olds).

Well it looks a lot like the top these mermaids wear, so that's why she was so enamored with it.

[/img]http://www.tv.com/shows/h2o-just-add-water/[img]

[Anonymous]

10:48 here -- forgot to say that my DD (10) much prefers to wear a rashguard top and boy-short or bikini bottoms. I think she likes the unemcumbered feel of the shirt (no straps cutting the shoulders, not tight).

I think little (like preschool and younger) girls can wear bikinis just fine. And the older teens can wear them. But, frankly, I don't like to see the elementary girls wearing bikinins b/c they just seem so flimsy since there is nothing to anchor them in place. Bikinis on these girls make me nervous. Be functional... don't dress for what you think others will be impressed with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:47.

Count me as one of those who sees way too many bikinis that aren't cute, but instead seem to be a little flirty or provocative. DD can wear a rashguard and bottoms or a tankini where maybe only a little bit of her tummy shows. Otherwise, 1-piece all the way.

I agree.

There is no age that's right for a bikini. In fact, as a girl goes through her teen years, the less attention she attracts on a physical/sexual level, the better. Teen years don't need to be spent promoting her sexuality (I realize many people disagree and think that it is fine for their teenage daughters to begin engaging in sexual behavior, but I suppose that's another conversation altogether).

Anyway, as long as she lives at home, she wears a one piece. I don't see bikinis as something that you "graduate to", or suddenly become "old enough" to wear. For the most part, bikinis are immodest and I don't think any women should wear them. (yes OF COURSE I realize there are degrees of modesty within the bikini category - I'm just saying in general). Obviously if my adult daughter chooses to wear one once she is completely independent, then that is her business.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:47.

Count me as one of those who sees way too many bikinis that aren't cute, but instead seem to be a little flirty or provocative. DD can wear a rashguard and bottoms or a tankini where maybe only a little bit of her tummy shows. Otherwise, 1-piece all the way.

I agree.

There is no age that's right for a bikini. In fact, as a girl goes through her teen years, the less attention she attracts on a physical/sexual level, the better. Teen years don't need to be spent promoting her sexuality (I realize many people disagree and think that it is fine for their teenage daughters to begin engaging in sexual behavior, but I suppose that's another conversation altogether).

Anyway, as long as she lives at home, she wears a one piece. I don't see bikinis as something that you "graduate to", or suddenly become "old enough" to wear. For the most part, bikinis are immodest and I don't think any women should wear them. (yes OF COURSE I realize there are degrees of modesty within the bikini category - I'm just saying in general). Obviously if my adult daughter chooses to wear one once she is completely independent, then that is her business.

Hey, I saw some girls in swim dresses with leggings under them at our pool. Do you want me to ask them where they got them? Modesty and all that.

[Anonymous]

It's ridiculous to have this debate every year: should little girls wear bikinis, should older women wear bikinis, blah blah blah...

Just wear whatever you like and demand respect, and extend that same courtesy to others.

I'm French. Women of any age are often topless at the beach - from little girls to grandmas. No one stares, no one cares.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:47.

Count me as one of those who sees way too many bikinis that aren't cute, but instead seem to be a little flirty or provocative. DD can wear a rashguard and bottoms or a tankini where maybe only a little bit of her tummy shows. Otherwise, 1-piece all the way.

+1. Kinda kidding, kinda not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
It's ridiculous to have this debate every year: should little girls wear bikinis, should older women wear bikinis, blah blah blah...

Just wear whatever you like and demand respect, and extend that same courtesy to others.

I'm French. Women of any age are often topless at the beach - from little girls to grandmas. No one stares, no one cares.

That's France. Less Puritanical than Americans and don't have the obsession with huge boobs that Americans both male and female have.

[Anonymous]

Something like this, I'm Ok with (in fact my daughter has this exact suit):
http://www.target.com/p/girls-2-piece-ruffled-bandeau-bikini-swimsuit-set/-/A-15099599#prodSlot=medium_1_6

This, not so much. Just a little to skimpy for my tastes:

http://www.bunniespicnic.com/collections/swimwear/products/kate-mack-water-sprite-skirted-bikini

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's plenty of girls younger than that running around in bikinis. They look pretty silly, in my opinion, but she won't be the only one. Interestingly, my 10-year daughter has always felt comfortable with more fabric. But she's slender and athletic - and blonde! - so I can guess what's coming!

Don't get the point with your last sentence. If she was not slender, athletic, or blonde, she wouldn't be dating as soon?

[Anonymous]

Just because so many young children wear bikinis doesn't make it good, right, etc. It's not necessary to put young children in bikinis. As a fact the only reason to wear a bikini is to look sexy for guys - so yeah. Might want to keep that in mind when thinking about what age to start