Poolside Style"> clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Where to Find Great Swimwear for a Sun-Filled Summer

View as Map

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

With the weather soon peaking and the prospect of a summer romance on Chicago's lakefront (or any one of our rooftop pools) you're going to need a swimsuit. A new one. And it's got to be great. But it's difficult to find great swimwear in Chicago, so we've done the leg work for you, listed them all and dropped them into a handy dandy map for your shopping pleasure.


· All Seasonal Shopping Guides [Racked] Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

La Perla

Copy Link
On Michigan Ave at Illinois La Perla is carrying 15 styles of swimwear this season with 5 one-piece suits. Most styles come in 2 color options. Prices range from $250-900.

Cram Fashion

Copy Link
Lakeview's go-to for trend fashion and trusty brands has added a large section to the store dedicated exclusively to swim and sport. Cram is Chicago's first stockist for the very first season of 2X(ist) made of fast drying fabric ranging from $90-139. You'll also find the area's largest selection of Penguin and Diesel starting at $69.

Londo Mondo

Copy Link
Londo Mondo in Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast has been Chicago's primary destination for swimwear and beachwear for more than 25 years. Celebrating their 15th year in Lincoln Park and their 21st year on Dearborn at Elm in the Gold Coast we feel a piece for your beach wardrobe is definitely coming from Londo Mondo. Hot brands this year for the store are Becca, LSpace, Trina Turk and Vitamin K. While you're there, maybe you should look at the sandals - hot sellers in that category are Reef, Ipanema and Havianas.

Windward Boardshop

Copy Link
Known for snowboards and accessories in the winter months, Windward on clark magically transforms during the summer months into Lakeview's one and only board shop. They sell mostly big surf-inspired brands like Athena, Big Surf, LeiLani and Raisins and you'll also find a cool range of shades and flip flops.

Nordstrom

Copy Link
Yes we want you to absolutely find what you want this season and we know it's hard to find swimwear - especially something that fits. Not only does Nordstrom carry cute suits by a ton of brands, the cater to plus sized and pear shaped women as well. Nordstrom will have the largest selection on this list weighing in with 112+ styles this season.n

Everything But Water

Copy Link
Everything But Water opened last year in Shaumburg, Deerfield and Oakbrook and it's already making... a splash on the North Shore. Score the season's must-have suits and sundresses, cover-ups, and sophisticated summer hats. By partnering with the most exciting names in swim and resortwear, including L*Space, Michael Kors, Trina Turk, Nanette Lepore and Becca, they create and offer some outstanding carefully curated looks.

Athleta

Copy Link
We were so excited to see Athleta open their first Chicago store last year. If you want solids, you'll find several colors but your best bet here is color - it's summer, you might as well brighten it up a little. The racks are brimming with paisley prints and geodesic gemstone patterns priced between $25 and $89.

Sports Authority Elite

Copy Link
SA Elite is the higher end concept from Sports Authority and is located on level 4 in Water Tower Place and in Northbrook. The selection of swimwear is heavy in Nike for men; for women, Carve and Hard Tail are well represented. Colors can go from flashy oranges, blues and purples to muted greens and pinks and are surprisingly not as sporty as one might think.

La Perla

On Michigan Ave at Illinois La Perla is carrying 15 styles of swimwear this season with 5 one-piece suits. Most styles come in 2 color options. Prices range from $250-900.

Cram Fashion

Lakeview's go-to for trend fashion and trusty brands has added a large section to the store dedicated exclusively to swim and sport. Cram is Chicago's first stockist for the very first season of 2X(ist) made of fast drying fabric ranging from $90-139. You'll also find the area's largest selection of Penguin and Diesel starting at $69.

Londo Mondo

Londo Mondo in Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast has been Chicago's primary destination for swimwear and beachwear for more than 25 years. Celebrating their 15th year in Lincoln Park and their 21st year on Dearborn at Elm in the Gold Coast we feel a piece for your beach wardrobe is definitely coming from Londo Mondo. Hot brands this year for the store are Becca, LSpace, Trina Turk and Vitamin K. While you're there, maybe you should look at the sandals - hot sellers in that category are Reef, Ipanema and Havianas.

Windward Boardshop

Known for snowboards and accessories in the winter months, Windward on clark magically transforms during the summer months into Lakeview's one and only board shop. They sell mostly big surf-inspired brands like Athena, Big Surf, LeiLani and Raisins and you'll also find a cool range of shades and flip flops.

Nordstrom

Yes we want you to absolutely find what you want this season and we know it's hard to find swimwear - especially something that fits. Not only does Nordstrom carry cute suits by a ton of brands, the cater to plus sized and pear shaped women as well. Nordstrom will have the largest selection on this list weighing in with 112+ styles this season.n

Everything But Water

Everything But Water opened last year in Shaumburg, Deerfield and Oakbrook and it's already making... a splash on the North Shore. Score the season's must-have suits and sundresses, cover-ups, and sophisticated summer hats. By partnering with the most exciting names in swim and resortwear, including L*Space, Michael Kors, Trina Turk, Nanette Lepore and Becca, they create and offer some outstanding carefully curated looks.

Athleta

We were so excited to see Athleta open their first Chicago store last year. If you want solids, you'll find several colors but your best bet here is color - it's summer, you might as well brighten it up a little. The racks are brimming with paisley prints and geodesic gemstone patterns priced between $25 and $89.

Sports Authority Elite

SA Elite is the higher end concept from Sports Authority and is located on level 4 in Water Tower Place and in Northbrook. The selection of swimwear is heavy in Nike for men; for women, Carve and Hard Tail are well represented. Colors can go from flashy oranges, blues and purples to muted greens and pinks and are surprisingly not as sporty as one might think.