Cute & Affordable Summer Clothes for Kids Under $20

If your kids are anything like mine, they seem to outgrow their clothes the second I buy them. Every new season brings a pile of things that don’t fit anymore, which means it’s time to refresh their wardrobes. I’m always looking for affordable and trendy summer outfits that don’t stretch our budget too thin. This year, I challenged myself to find stylish and comfortable summer clothes for kids for under $20 each. I was surprised by how many great options I found. From matching sets to simple dresses and everyday shorts, these pieces are both practical and cute.

Whether you’re shopping for vacation outfits, something for everyday play, or just trying to keep up with how fast your kids are growing, I’ve rounded up my favorite finds for both boys and girls. Everything is under $20 and perfect for summer.

Trendy Summer Outfits for Boys (Under $20)

1. Matching Graphic Tee & Shorts Sets
These are my go-to for my toddler and older boy. Lightweight, breathable, and the fun prints make them a hit. Most come in 2-piece bundles for under $15!

Click here to get the above graphic tee

Butter Yellow Camaro Graphic Tee for Boys

Godzilla Graphic Tee for under $10 here

Vintage Levi’s Hamburger Graphic Tee

2. Pull-On Cotton Shorts with Pockets
Perfect for park days or errands with mom. They’re comfy enough for play, but still look “dressed.” I found a few neutral sets for around $12 and I love that these summer clothes for kids come in every single color you could imagine.

Get the Blue Tapered Shorts by clicking here

Thigh Length Olive Green Drawstring Shorts

Cotton Pull-On Shorts in Every Color Under $5

3. Classic Polo Shirts
For summer dinners or church, I love these basic polo shirts. Pair them with khaki shorts and sneakers and you’re golden—for around $10–$12 a piece.

Plain White Polo Assn. Collared Polo

Striped Jersey Polo Assn. Polo

Affordable Summer Clothes for Kids for Girls (Under $20)

1. Breezy Tiered Dresses
Perfect for twirling (a non-negotiable if you ask my girls), and most are under $15. Add sandals and a sunhat and you’ve got an Instagram-worthy look!

Girls’ Summer Clothes for Kids Patriotic Dress

White Flowy Tiered Girls’ Summer Dress

Blue Tropical Tiered Dress

Light Pink to Dark Pink Ombre Dress

2. 2-Piece Tank & Short Sets
These have become a summer staple in our house. They’re lightweight, easy for the kids to move around in, and so simple to throw on during those busy mornings. The prints this year are adorable — lots of florals, rainbows, gingham, and even some fun retro vibes. What I love most is how well they mix and match. You can pair the tanks with denim shorts or switch out the tops for something different, and it still looks like a coordinated outfit. Most sets are between $12 and $18, which makes it easy to grab a few without overspending.

Giraffe Shorts and Tank Set for Girls up to 5T

Vintage Inspired Navy and White Nautical Shorts Set

Aesthetic Tan Girls Shorts Set

Sage Teal Linen Shorts Set with Embroidered 3D Flower Detail

3. Stretchy Biker Shorts + Oversized Tees
The older girls love this trend and I do too—it’s modest, comfy, and easy to style. Grab them in fun colors or neutrals for $6–$10 per piece.

Blue Biker Shorts and Tank Summer Clothes for Kids Set

Mom Tip: How I Stretch Our Clothing Budget on Summer Clothes for Kids

To make the most of our seasonal clothing budget, I try to:

Buy sets that mix and match so I can create more outfits with fewer pieces
Shop early in the season before sizes get picked over
Save the “good” outfits for outings and use hand-me-downs for messy play days
Let each kid pick one “fun” outfit they’re excited about wearing, it makes getting dressed easier in the mornings!

Summer Swim Wear for Boys and Girls

When it comes to swimwear, I always look for pieces that are both fun and functional. Brightly colored swim trunks are perfect for the boys, easy to spot at the pool or beach and usually come with built-in mesh liners for comfort. For the girls, I’ve been loving long sleeve bathing suits. They give a little extra sun protection without sacrificing style, and the patterns this year are so cute. I particularly love the gold polkadots. Most of these picks are under $20 and hold up well through all the splashing, sand, and sunscreen.

Girls’ Long Sleeve Summer Bathing Suits in Bright Colors

Brightly Colored Boys Swim Trunks Under $15

Kids Sandals for Summer Under $15

Shop my favorite finds by clicking any link or picture above

Whether you’re chasing toddlers through the sprinkler or heading out on a family vacation, these outfits are affordable, comfy, and kid-approved. And if you find something cute under $20, tag me @lovedbykait on every platform! I love seeing your finds!

Let me know in the comments:
🧺 Do you shop ahead for the next season, or wait until the kids really outgrow everything like I usually do?

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Get the Full Guide of Wellness Swaps for all your personal care products. My entire list of Non-Tox/Low-Tox products that will help you quickly clean up your home from toxic chemicals in your personal care products.