Swimwear

Where to Buy Swimwear in the US: Top Collections, Stores, and Smart Shopping Tips

Why the Right Swimwear Store Matters

Buying swimwear isn't just about picking a pretty pattern — it's about fit, fabric, and confidence. The store you choose can shape the experience: whether you need size-inclusive cuts, designer labels, budget-friendly basics, or trend-driven pieces. Think of swim shopping like choosing a good pair of shoes: the right match makes every walk on the sand feel effortless, while the wrong one can ruin the day. In this guide we'll spotlight notable stores featured in recent collections — including Cerqular and Drestige — and pair them with well-known U.S. retailers so you can find the perfect suit for every occasion.

Cerqular: Boutique Swimwear with a Modern Twist

Cerqular is a boutique brand that leans into contemporary shapes and playful textures. If you like swimwear that blends fashion-forward details with everyday wearability, Cerqular's pieces — like the Monica Deep Plunge one-piece and the Zoe Blush Velvet — are great examples. These designs often focus on visual details such as plunging necklines, velvet finishes, and reversible styles like the Amalfi Four-way one piece. For shoppers who want something that feels unique but still practical, Cerqular offers options in several sizes and finishes to suit resort days and poolside parties alike.

Drestige: Designer Swimwear and Luxury Labels

Drestige curates high-end, designer swimwear from labels like Trussardi, Moschino, Dsquared2, and Sundek. Expect bold logos, distinctive prints, and playful motifs — for instance, Moschino’s logoed pieces or a whimsical "costume underbear" motif. Designer swimwear typically uses premium fabrics and construction, which translates to longevity and a polished finish. If you’re chasing trend-driven statements or a luxury resort look, Drestige and similar boutiques that stock label-driven pieces are go-to destinations.

Top National Retailers for Everyday Swimwear

If you want breadth of choice, easy returns, and frequent sales, national retailers dominate the swimwear landscape. Chains like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Target, and Old Navy each serve different needs: from fashion-forward and mid-priced to budget-friendly staples. These stores often carry a mix of in-house brands and designer collaborations, so you can shop basic bikini sets and more elevated pieces without hopping between a dozen independent sites.

Target and Old Navy: Budget-Friendly Basics

Target and Old Navy are great for shoppers who want reliable basics at accessible prices. These stores deliver solid-fitting bikinis, tankinis, and one-pieces that work for pool days and family vacations. Expect classic silhouettes, simple colorways, and supportive sizing that’s easy to mix and match. If you’re shopping for kids or packing multiple suits for a long trip, these retailers are hard to beat for value.

Nordstrom and Macy’s: Department Store Selection

Department stores like Nordstrom and Macy’s combine a wide size range with curated designer and private-label collections. They’re ideal when you want one place to compare brands, fits, and price points. Look for staff fit guides, in-store try-ons (where available), and premium options from both domestic and international designers. These stores often highlight trending silhouettes each season, from retro high-waists to modern cut-outs.

Specialist and Size-Inclusive Brands

Size inclusivity has reshaped the swimwear market, and several U.S. brands lead the charge with extended size ranges, adjustable constructions, and thoughtful cup support. If fit and comfort top your list, consider specialist brands that design around the body first and the trend second.

Summersalt and Aerie: Fit-First Options

Brands like Summersalt and Aerie emphasize fit and fabric performance. Summersalt is known for a fit-first approach with a strong focus on broadsizing and a size chart that leans on measurements in inches. Aerie has helped normalize diverse body types with extended sizing and real-model campaigns. When you measure for swimwear, you'll often use bust, waist, and hip measurements in inches to match the precise size charts these brands provide.

How to Choose the Right Style: Bikini vs. One-Piece vs. Monokini

Choosing a style comes down to lifestyle and comfort. Are you swimming laps, lounging on a beach chair, or attending a poolside cocktail hour? Bikinis offer freedom and versatility for mix-and-match looks. One-pieces give more coverage and support — ideal for active days in the water or when you want a sleek silhouette. Monokinis strike a middle ground with cut-outs and fashion-forward shapes that make a statement. Think of your swimwear as an outfit: choose by activity first, then by how it makes you feel.

Bikini, One-Piece, Monokini — What Fits Your Life?

If you’re active and need unrestricted movement, a sporty bikini or a performance one-piece with racerback straps will serve best. For sunbathing and social settings, a plunging one-piece or a fashion bikini with high-cut legs creates that long-line look. Monokinis are the costume jewelry of swim style: they catch attention and photograph beautifully but sometimes sacrifice a bit of practicality for the visual impact.

Measuring for the Perfect Fit (Inches)

Measure the following in inches to get a reliable fit: bust (around the fullest part), waist (at the natural narrowest point), hips (at the widest part of the hips), and torso length for one-pieces (from shoulder down through the crotch and back up). A typical torso length for many women ranges from about 28 to 33 inches, but this varies. Use these inch measurements to match size charts — a 34-inch bust is vastly different from a 38-inch bust, and that difference should guide your choice, especially with structured or underwire suits.

Fabric, Construction, and Performance

Fabric choices determine how a suit wears and performs. Most swimwear is made from blends of nylon and elastane (Lycra or spandex), which offer stretch and quick-drying properties. For chlorine resistance, look for suits labeled with higher quality blends or specialized treatments; they tend to hold color and shape longer. Construction details like double-lined fronts, sewn-in cups, and sturdy straps signal a suit built to last. If you swim often, prioritize quality construction over flashier but flimsier options.

Styling Tips: From Pool to Resort

Styling swimwear is where the fun begins. Pair high-waisted bottoms with a cropped tee or a linen shirt for an easy lunch look. One-piece suits double as bodysuits under sheer skirts or lightweight trousers — a smart trick for resort dinners. Accessorize with a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and a straw bag for instant polish. Want to elevate a logoed designer piece? Keep the rest of the outfit simple so the suit remains the focal point.

Care and Longevity: Keep Your Swimwear Fresh

To keep a swim suit looking like new, treat it gently. Rinse in cool water right after wearing, and hand wash with a mild detergent. Lay suits flat to dry in the shade to avoid stretching and fading. Avoid sitting on rough surfaces — pool decks and concrete can snag delicate fabrics. These small rituals protect fit and color, helping premium pieces retain their value longer so you get more seasons of wear.

Where to Shop Based on Budget and Taste

Your price point should guide where you start searching. For budget-minded shoppers, Target, Old Navy, and online fast-fashion retailers deliver functional suits at low prices that are perfect for vacations or kids. Mid-range shoppers will find great value at Nordstrom, Macy’s, Revolve, and Summersalt with better fabrics and curated styles. If you want statement pieces and designer details, boutique stores and boutiques like Drestige offer curated designer lines from labels such as Moschino and Trussardi for that elevated, show-stopping feeling.

Final Picks: Best Stores for Different Needs

Here’s a quick match-up to help you decide: choose Cerqular if you want fashion-led boutique finds and reversible options; choose Drestige for designer swimwear and bold logos; choose Summersalt or Aerie for fit-focused, size-inclusive pieces; pick Target or Old Navy for practical, budget-friendly suits; and go to Nordstrom, Macy’s, or Revolve for a broad selection that spans budget to designer. Each store serves a particular shopper type, so match the retailer’s strengths to your priorities — fit, price, sustainability, or designer cachet.

Shopping Checklist: Quick Tips Before You Buy

Before you hit purchase, run through this quick checklist: have your bust, waist, and hip measurements in inches ready; know your typical torso length if you favor one-pieces; check fabric content for stretch and chlorine resistance; look for adjustable straps or ties for a better fit; and read product imagery and model measurements so you can visualize fit. A little prep saves returns and disappointment later.

Conclusion

Shopping swimwear in the U.S. means choices — from boutique labels like Cerqular and designer curations at Drestige to mainstream retailers that balance price and performance. Understanding your body measurements in inches, knowing the activities you'll be doing, and prioritizing fabric and construction will turn shopping from a chore into an enjoyable hunt. Whether you want a luxe logoed swimsuit, a reversible resort piece, or a budget-friendly set for an active summer, there’s a store tailored to your needs. Dive in with a plan and you’ll come up with a suit that fits, flatters, and lasts.