Toddler Summer Clothing: 10 of the Best 2021 Finds

It’s almost officially summer, and I’ve been on the hunt for some budget-friendly pieces that will grow with our now 39.5 inch (!!) girlie. Tried to fit her into some of my favorites from last summer…and sent her off to daycare wearing a romper that was hilariously too short in the crotch area. Didn’t realize just how bad it was until later that night, and our provider, the sweetest woman on the planet, opted not to mock me. Oh well. Cutting myself all kinds of breaks as we emerge from pandemic times. Here are 10 of the best toddler summer clothing pieces I’ve found.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

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1) Reversible Sundress

I absolutely love the quality of clothes from Primary, and this reversible dress ($28) is awesome for summer play + romping about. We actually have this from last summer and now we need to size up.

Also: all new customers on Primary save 15%. Yes, please.

2) Kids Watercolor Star Tee (Toddler Summer Clothing Staple)

Didn’t mean to go with the same tealy-blue color, but this $18 all-gender tee is so sweet and a staple in the toddler summer clothing closet. We love these tees because they aren’t destroyed or shrunken after one wash. Also these are part of an entire family-matching series Primary has going on, and I’m about it.

3) Short Sleeve Tunic Tee

We sized up in this (again, tall child) so that this tunic tee dress is truly loose-fit. And this is one I always reach for because it’s just so simple and cute. A steal for $16.

4) Chambray Top

Everyone needs a durable & versatile chambray top to pair with shorts, skirts, skorts, white jeans…any and all bottoms. This one is $24 with a cute button closure on the back. And we like it because the arm sleeves aren’t too tight for toddlers who haven’t quite mastered arm/body control.

If you’re looking for the long-sleeve version (boardwalk or bonfire?), it’s here. Also if you have a little who’s under 2, highly recommend this matching chambray shortie.

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5) White Denim Short

Speaking of what to wear with the chambray top above, these sustainable $24 shorts have adjustable cuffs and snap closure in sizes 2 – 5. So fresh and so clean clean. And they actually wash really well, even though they’re bright white. And if you’re on the hunt for non-white shorts, we also love the Light Wash Jean Shorts, all the bike shorts, and the Union Stripe beach shorts.

6) Swing Dress (Summer Toddler Clothing Bold Pop of Color)

We usually choose clothing and toddler items that are more neutral (whites, tans, browns, whites, creams). But, similar to the teals above, I couldn’t resist this toddler summer clothing pop of color for $28 in this very bold raspberry. Makes me think of berry picking.

7) Long Sleeve Rash Guard in Stripe (Toddler Summer Clothing a la Plage)

Anyone else ready for a post-vaccinated trip to some water??? Same. We love this striped $22 UPF 50+ rash guard for safe sun-play.

8) Pocket Romper in Stripe

Toddler summer clothing should always include a good romper. Also a romper with an adorable drawstring and POCKETS, perfect for hiding secret summery things like beach treasures. And sand.

8) Flutter Sleeve Top in Sunwashed Rainbow

Okay so apparently we’re into stripes this summer. But love the muted tones here, the flutter sleeves, and that this cute top is a bit on the longer side (#tallpplproblems).

9) Legging Tee with Pocket Graphic

After the dreariness of winter and the total chaos of a pandemic, toddler summer clothing should feel summery. This $16 white tee + rainbow detail spells SUMMER to me.

10) Summer Dress in Union Stripe (Toddler Summer Clothing Classine

Now for some stripes in the other direction. Last but not least, this $34 summer dress is perfect for nicer family outings or casual BBQs and made of crinkly gauze PLUS pockets. Would look so cute with these toddler Chucks in white.