Summer holiday clothes your kids will want to wear on repeat
As any parent knows, shopping for children’s summer clothes isn’t just about finding pieces that look cute in holiday photos. The best summer clothes for kids need to survive long beach days, ice cream spills, endless scooter rides, hotel breakfasts and the inevitable “I’m too hot” complaints before 9am.
This year, we trialled some of the most talked-about children’s brands on holiday with children aged 4, 8 and 10 to discover which pieces genuinely deserve a place in your packing list. From practical UPF swimwear and podiatrist-approved sandals, to elevated everyday basics and pyjamas that help children sleep comfortably in the heat, these are the summer buys we’d recommend without hesitation.
1. Bobux
Bobux’s Harbour and Roam sandals were standout performers for us. What makes Bobux stand out is that every design feels genuinely engineered for growing feet without compromising on aesthetics. A rare combination.
The Harbour Sandal in particular has a slightly more elevated feel with soft premium leather, supportive soles and adjustable straps that make them ideal for all-day wear. We loved the bronze green colourway which somehow worked with everything from swimwear to smarter evening outfits. They felt sturdy enough for active children while still looking stylish and modern.
The Roam Sandal was the instant favourite with our 4-year-old tester. Lightweight, flexible and incredibly easy to get on and off independently, they’re exactly the kind of shoe children gravitate towards in summer. The retro colourways feel fresh and playful while still being practical enough for everyday wear.
2. Muddy Puddles
Muddy Puddles continues to absolutely nail practical children’s clothing that still feels fun and stylish enough for holidays. Their striped UV protective surf suit in age 4-5 was one of the most worn items across our trip. The zip-front design made changing quick and easy, the fabric dried surprisingly fast and the UPF 50+ protection meant less constant sun cream battles throughout the day. The multi-stripe print also photographs beautifully without feeling overly babyish.
For older girls, the striped long-sleeved swimsuit in age 8-9 was another huge success. The longer sleeve design gave excellent coverage for full beach days and water sports, while the fit felt sporty enough for active swimming rather than purely decorative. The colour palette feels timeless and slightly Scandinavian in style, exactly the kind of swimwear older children still happily wear.
The matching striped UV protective sun hats completed both looks perfectly. Lightweight, protective and genuinely wearable, they stayed on far more willingly than most sun hats usually do.
3. Dubs Universe
There’s something refreshing about finding children’s footwear that feels genuinely cool while still being practical enough for everyday life. The Flex Shoe from Dubs Universe became the go-to travel trainer for our older testers. Lightweight, breathable and flexible enough for long sightseeing days, they worked brilliantly as an all-round summer trainer.
The design has a slightly retro sporty feel that older children particularly loved, and unlike many trend-led trainers, these still prioritise comfort and movement. They’re also impressively easy to wipe clean after inevitable summer adventures. If your children refuse to wear anything that feels too “little kid”, these hit the sweet spot between fashion-forward and functional.
4. JoJo Maman Bébé
JoJo Maman Bébé continues to quietly produce some of the best practical summer staples on the high street. Their printed co-ords and lightweight cotton summer sets really stood out to us this year. Perfectly bridging the gap between comfort and looking properly dressed on holiday; something every parent appreciates when moving from the beach to lunch and evening strolls.
The fabrics felt soft, breathable and genuinely durable after repeated washing, while the fits allowed enough movement for active play without looking oversized or sloppy. What JoJo consistently gets right is designing children’s clothes that feel age-appropriate without being overly childish, always striking a balance between timeless and playful.
5. Ergopouch
Holiday sleep can be unpredictable enough without uncomfortable nightwear adding to the chaos, which is why the Ergopouch pyjamas ended up becoming one of our unexpected holiday essentials. Made from beautifully soft organic cotton with a breathable stretch fabric, they were ideal for warmer evenings and air-conditioned hotel rooms alike.
Unlike many children’s pyjamas, these genuinely regulate temperature well, helping little ones stay comfortable through the night. The quality also felt noticeably premium with thoughtful details that make them ideal for sensitive skin. Most importantly, they still looked lovely after being repeatedly stuffed into suitcases and washed mid-holiday.
6. Love Brand & Co.
For elevated family holiday style, Love Brand & Co remains one of the chicest childrenswear brands around. Their Wilderness swimwear collection feels distinctly luxury without losing the practicality children need. Inspired by nature and conservation, the prints are sophisticated, timeless and noticeably different from the louder designs dominating many children’s swimwear collections. And perhaps one of the most exciting features - Dad and son can get matching ones!
The quality immediately stood out to us too. The fabrics feel substantial, comfortable and designed to last beyond a single summer season. Our older testers especially loved the more grown-up aesthetic. These are the kinds of pieces you pack for special holidays and keep passing down between siblings.
7. Junona
Junona’s dresses effortlessly combine special occasion elegance with the practicality needed for family summers. Perfect for destination weddings, summer celebrations and evenings abroad, they are beautifully lightweight, breathable and comfortable enough for warm-weather wear.
Delicate details, flowing silhouettes and soft seasonal colours give each piece a timeless feel, while the quality craftsmanship ensures they are durable enough to withstand the realities of family life. Despite their luxurious appearance, these are dresses designed to be worn, enjoyed and treasured. For parents seeking children's occasionwear that travels beautifully and feels every bit as special as the moment itself, Junona strikes the perfect balance between style, comfort and quality.
8. Ducky Zebra
The Under The Sea Organic Cotton Short Dungarees from Ducky Zebra were, without doubt, the most-loved item of clothing amongst our four-year-old tester. Lightweight, breathable and durable enough for everything from playground adventures to family dinners, they quickly became his go-to holiday outfit.
The fun under-the-sea print is playful without being overly loud, while the organic cotton fabric kept him cool and comfortable throughout the day. Most impressively, he received compliments everywhere he wore them. Cute, practical and designed for real childhood adventures, these are exactly the kind of holiday pieces parents will reach for again and again.
