Matching Father and Son Swimwear Guide

There's something about a dad and his little one turning up to the beach in the same shorts. It's a bit of fun, it makes for great photos, and kids love being twins with their dad. If you're looking at matching father and son swimwear, this guide covers how to choose sizes for both of you, which colourways match, and when a matching pair really comes into its own.

The easy option: the Dad & Mini set

The simplest way to get matching dad and son swim shorts is the Dad & Mini matching swim shorts set. It's one men's pair and one kids' pair in the same colour, so there's no guesswork. The set comes in three colourways: Purple to Blue, Orange to Yellow and Blue to Green.

Both pairs are printed with a thermochromic (heat-reactive) pigment, so a splash of water or heat changes the colour instantly, and cool water switches it back. Warm sun shifts it too. You're not just matching on the walk down to the water. You're both changing colour once you're in it.

Because the change depends on where the water and sun hit, your two pairs won't always shift in exactly the same pattern. Dad might have a splash across one leg while the kids' pair has changed all over from a cannonball. It's part of the fun, and it gives kids something to compare every time they climb out of the pool.

Building your own matching pair

If you'd rather choose the shorts separately, match by colourway name. Our kids' colour-changing swim shorts come in Purple to Blue, Orange to Yellow and Blue to Green, and all three colourways are also available in the men's range.

• For the closest match: pair The Original men's shorts with the kids' shorts in the same colourway.
• For a coordinated look: pair the Geometric men's shorts, with their triangle print, with kids' shorts in the same colourway. Same colours, slightly different style.
• For the easiest match: the Dad & Mini set puts both pairs in one order, in any of the three colourways.

If your child has a favourite colour, let them choose. They'll be far more excited to wear it, and that excitement is half the reason to match in the first place.

Picking the right size for dad

Men's shorts come in sizes S to 3XL, with a full elastic waist and drawcord, quick-dry four-way stretch fabric and a mesh inner liner.

The most important thing to know: the shorts run slightly small. If dad is between sizes, size up. The drawcord can pull in a little extra room at the waist, but it can't add room that isn't there.

A good way to check is to measure a pair of shorts he already wears and likes, then compare against our size guide. If it's a surprise, borrowing his favourite pair for a quick measure beats guessing.

Picking the right size for kids

Kids' shorts are sized by age, which makes shopping for them easier:

• S: 3-4 years
• M: 5-6 years
• L: 7-8 years
• XL: 9-10 years
• 2XL: 11-12 years

The same rule applies: they run slightly small, so if your child is between sizes, size up. Kids grow fast, and the elastic waist and drawcord help keep a pair with a little extra room sitting where it should. If your child is tall or solid for their age, check the size guide rather than going on age alone.

What if the fit isn't right?

Every order is covered by our 30-Day Happiness Guarantee. If the fit isn't right, within 30 days of delivery you'll get a one-time code for 25% off your next order. Faulty or damaged items are replaced or refunded.

When matching swim shorts really shine

Beach holidays

A family trip to the coast is the classic time for matching swimwear. The shorts dry quickly between swims, and the colour change gives kids something to watch every time they go in and out of the water.

Christmas

Christmas in Australia lands in the middle of summer, so swim shorts are a gift that gets used straight away. A Dad & Mini set under the tree means a matching pair for the Boxing Day beach trip. Delivery within Australia usually takes 6-10 business days from the day you order, so it pays to order early. Our shipping page has the details.

Father's Day

Father's Day in Australia falls in September, just as the weather starts to warm up. A matching set is a gift from the kids that dad can look forward to wearing all summer.

Keeping both pairs looking good

Heat wears the colour-changing effect over time, so rinse both pairs in cool fresh water after swimming, dry them in the shade, and skip hot washes, tumble dryers and the iron.

Ready to find your match? Take a look at the Dad & Mini collection and choose the colourway you'll both be happy to wear. Orders over A$100 ship free Australia-wide.

FAQ

How much is the Dad & Mini set?

The Dad & Mini set is A$119.95 for one men's pair and one kids' pair in the same colour. That saves A$14.95 compared with buying the two pairs separately.

Which colours can dad and son match in?

Purple to Blue, Orange to Yellow and Blue to Green. All three come in The Original men's shorts, the kids' shorts and the Dad & Mini set.

Do the shorts run true to size?

They run slightly small, so size up if you're between sizes. Men's come in S to 3XL and kids' are sized by age from 3–4 to 11–12. We don't offer size swaps, so it's worth checking the size guide before you order.

How long does delivery take in Australia?

Orders leave within 1–2 business days and usually arrive 6–10 business days from when you order. Tracked shipping is free on orders of A$100 or more (A$7.95 below that).