Best Swimwear Shops In Chicago
By Candice Silva
Summer is just around the corner, ladies. Or, as a personal trainer might tell you, it's beach season. As you are most likely working on your abs, toning your legs and strengthening your arms, you could be forgetting one key ingredient: your swimsuit. If you're reading this and starting to freak out, take a deep breath. This list will help you find the perfect suit before you can even say "poolside."
Londo Mondo
1100 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 751-2794
www.londomondo.com
Hours: Mon to Fri – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun - 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Londo Mondo is located in Chicago's Gold Coast and specializes in women's designer swimwear, as well as women's active wear, jeans and accessories. This store has the widest selection of swimwear in Chicago, offering a variety of styles from a Brazilian cut to full coverage. You can also find a range of one-piece suits with sexy cutouts or options with more sophisticated coverage. Londo Mondo is a great shop for your swimwear needs because it is one of the few shops located in Chicago that sells swimwear year round.
Related: An Outfit For Under $40
Windward Boardshop
3317 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 472-6868
www.windwardboardshop.comHours: Mon to Sat – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
If you are looking for a cute swimsuit for a cheap price, Winward Boardshop is the place to go. With well-known brands such as Billabong, Roxy and Vans, this is the ultimate surfer, snowboarder and skater shop in the city. The store boasts a knowledgeable staff that will help you find the perfect suit for your vacation needs, as well as a comfy sofa in case you need to relax after shopping so hard. If you are in need for a swimsuit fast but you're low on cash, this should be your go-to.
Isabella Fine Lingerie
840 W Armitage
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 281-2352
www.shopisabella.comHours: Mon to Fri - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun - 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
While Isabella's main mission is to outfit every Chicago area women a perfectly fitted bra, the lingerie shop also carries swimwear. Beach bums and pool loungers will love the Freya Supernova line, and since this is a lingerie store first, you'll be sure to find the perfectly fitted suit no matter what size top you need. Isabella even sells a great line of "soak wash," perfect for quilted fabrics, lingerie and hand washable swimwear.
Play Posh Fine Lingerie
3721 North Osceola Ave.
Chicago, IL
(773) 942-1175
www.playposh.com
Play Posh Lingerie is an online local business backed by the Chicago Apparel Industry Board of Chicago, and it's an internet go-to spot for everything from bras and sexy camisoles to beachwear and activewear. Find brands by Jezebel, Prelude Bandeau and Jolidon Designer Swimwear. Play Posh carries everything from one pieces and tankinis to bikinis and monokinis. Shoppers will also love the selection of beach skirts and blouses, perfect for use as stylish cover-ups.
Kiefer Swimwear
2747 Pfingsten Road
Glenview, IL 60026
(847) 400-5360
www.kiefer.com
Hours: Mon to Thurs - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
With two locations in the Chicago area in Zion and Glenview, Kiefer Swimwear is the perfect place to pick up swimsuits and gear for the whole family. The store carries both competitive and fitness swimwear for women, men and kids, including apparel, footwear and triathlon gear. Find brands from Speedo, TYR, Dolfin, blueseventy and even Kiefer's own line of suits. This company even offers lifeguard and safety classes in CPR and lifeguard certification.
Egoist Underwear
3706 N Halsted St.
Chicago IL 60613
(773) 281-5137
www.egoistunderwear.com
Hours: Mon to Sat - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun - 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Any list would be incomplete without offerings on where to get your man outfitted in a stylish swimming trunks. Here you'll find board shorts, trunks and, for the more outgoing men in your life, square cuts and bikini bottoms. Designs from Calvin Klein, Andrew Christian, Baskit, Gigo, Joe Snyder and the newest trend in men's swimwear from Australia, Teamm8, grace the shelves here. This is also a great option for men looking to throw out those old hole-ridden boxers and pick up some new underwear.
A soon-to-be grad from DePaul University, Candice Silva enjoys spending her time writing, reading, blogging and hanging out with people she loves. From Chicago, Illinois, Candice knows all the "in's and out's" of the city, and where to find the most delicious cupcakes in the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
