Austin can be a swimmer’s paradise.
With community pools, the iconic Barton Springs, local swimming holes, secret beaches and a few hours' drive to the Gulf Coast, there are many opportunities to get wet and wild in or out of the city.
But no one wants to show up at Barton Springs wearing the same catalog swimsuit as everyone else — right? Avoid that fishy faux pas by shopping at one of these local boutiques for your summer swimmy.
Not sure where to wear your new swimsuit? One of these Swimming Holes is calling your name.
Contributed by Emily Gibson
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Photo via SUNROOM
1603 S Congress Ave
While South Congress might be famous for its strip of quirky shops and live music, it can also be your gateway to the water. This boutique inside of South Congress Hotel sells a variety of upscale clothing items, including swimwear.
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Photo via Yelp
524 North Lamar Blvd
S Congress Ave
This homegrown Austin boutique can outfit you for a day on the lake or chilling out at one of the many area swimming holes. Serving Austin since the ‘70s, ByGeorge can help you embrace your Austin roots while purchasing a luxurious swimsuit to enjoy the city’s waterways.
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Photo via Yelp
1318 S. Congress Ave
Those looking for something unique can find it at this South Congress boutique. Featuring bikinis patterned with clouds, flowers and other whimsical colors, the Cove swimwear line can put colorful fun into your summer sun.
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Photo via Yelp
4032 S Lamar Blvd Ste 500
Found throughout San Antonio and Austin, “Texas’s favorite swim shop” offers swimsuits at a wide variety of styles and price points. Whether you’re interested in a longer wetsuit, a one-piece, a bikini or board shorts, you can find it at SwimFreak.
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Photo via Yelp
7739 Northcross Dr Ste M
Petticoat Fair specializes in lingerie and swim. The shop’s swimsuit line offers a variety of styles and colors, ranging from a sexy bikini to a more modest and fun one-piece. They also sell beach gear including bags, hats and coverups.
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Photo via Yelp
1114 W 5th St #202
An iconic Austin queer shop in Austin, Package offers underwear and swim trunks and a variety of other sex goods. Their swim trunks come in a variety of styles, from those that cut off at the knees to those that are shorter. Promising a safe space to browse and find your fit, Package is a good option for anyone wanting swim shorts.
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Photo via Yelp
2904 Guadalupe St.
Those who don’t mind looking second-hand for their cool swimsuit should look at the Austin location of the nationwide buy-and-sell chain Buffalo Exchange. Though they don’t have a large selection, they usually have a few unique options for those who want something different.
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Photo via Yelp
3211 Palm Way
This nationwide swim boutique sells a variety of designer swimwear in many different colors, patterns and styles. With its Domain Austin location, those looking for beach-day gear or poolside loungewear can start at Everything But Water for all their needs.
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Photo via TripAdvisor
Honorable Mention: Buc-ee's
2760 IH 35 N. New Braunfels, TX
OK, sure. Every single Buc-ee’s requires a bit of a drive, and it’s also a beloved cult gas station chain. But consider this: you can buy a swimsuit with the Buc-ee beaver logo covering it, and while you’re there you can pick up some famous Beaver Nuggets.
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Where'd you get your swimmy?