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The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
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Where to Shop for Swimwear In the City

If you’re someone who can order a bathing suit online and have it fit perfectly, well done. 

The rest of us need to touch the fabric and witness the brutal honesty of fitting room mirrors —  especially when it comes to swimwear. In New York City there’s tons of places to shop for swimwear, from boutique stores with unique brands to chains that have something for everybody.

Here are eight stores with great swimwear options:

swimwear

Azaleas at 104 Second Ave. at East 6th Street in the East Village

The brands at Azaleas aren’t the cheapest, but if you get a suit there, it’s almost certain you won’t encounter someone on the beach wearing the same thing. The store’s curated collection of brands — from Basta Surf to Unprotected to Acacia — are always right on trend.

swimwear

Malia Mills in Midtown, the Upper West Side and Upper East Side

Malia Mills is a unique swimwear store because its sizes are based on bra sizes. Rather than stocking only itsy bitsy sizes, Malia Mills has a large range to flatter everything from A cups to E cups. Tops and bottoms are sold separately, so you can jump on a trend from the last few seasons by updating only one half of that two piece.

swimwear

Parke and Ronen at 176 Ninth Avenue at West 21st Street in Chelsea

For gentlemen after the smaller suits typical of a European look, turn to Parke and Ronen. They also stock board shorts and Speedo-style men’s briefs in fun colors and patterns.

swimwear

Monif C. at 23 W. 36th Street, 2nd Floor in Midtown

For those in search of plus-size swimwear, Monif C. is New York City’s go-to shop. Monif Clarke, founder and owner, designs for the larger woman, so no piece is an afterthought. There are plenty of bold patterns and bright colors in a range of styles, from high-waisted bikinis to cut out designs.

swimwear

Zimmermann at 55 Mercer St. in SoHo

Trust the Aussies to do swimwear well. The Australian brand has made waves since opening its New York store in 2012. The swimwear is mostly in line with Zimmermann’s feminine style, with plenty of floral prints, pastel colors and ruffles.

swimwear

Athleta in Union Square, Upper East Side and Upper West Side

If you prefer surfing and beach volleyball to just lying on your towel, Athleta has some sporty options. There are sturdy one pieces, bikinis and rash guards in solid colors or in patterns. You can also shop by bra size and mix and match bottoms and tops.

swimwear

Blue & Cream at 1 East 1st Street in the East Village

Similar to Azaleas, Blue & Cream stocks some unique brands that tend to be harder on the wallet. The store has a good range of bikinis and one pieces. Try on an ultra sporty suit with a zip-up halter in military green or a one piece with a panda bear emblazoned on the front.

swimwear

Vilebrequin in SoHo and Midtown

This chain has a good selection of men’s and women’s swimwear. Women can shop bikinis and one pieces that have a simple and elegant design. Men have a huge range of swim shorts that vary in length, offered in single colors or a variety of bold prints.