When do swimsuits come out in stores? (and go on sale?)

Swimsuits are mainly considered seasonal wear. But are they really? Sure, we hunt them down come Summer, but what about the other 9 months of the year? The truth is that swimsuits are designed, sold, worn, and thoroughly enjoyed all year round. 

But still, everyone knows that one day to the next, every year anew, swimsuits appear in stores where they weren’t before. And if you’re not paying attention, it can be hard to know exactly when these swimsuit releases happen – very frustrating if you plan on doing some swimsuit preparation for Summer. As well, just as fast as they appear, they also go on sale. 

All of which can leave you scratching your head, asking, “when do swimsuits come out in stores?” and “when do they go on sale?” Well, ask no more! We’ve done the research, and we have both answers (and more) for you below – enjoy!

When do swimsuits usually come out in stores?

Designers, both high-end and high-street, know that when Summer’s around the bend, so are customers seeking out summer-ready swimwear. 

To prepare, they perfect their swimwear designs from January through March. And collection by collection, we see their creations appear on shelves, racks, tv ads, magazine editorials, and billboards in April. Come May, the year’s swimsuit bonanza is in full swing as customers stock up in preparation for the Summer months. 

In short: swimsuits usually arrive in stores in April or May. 

Prices are high, and demand is higher. In fact, it’s during this time that pricetags are at their most expensive. And customers are more than willing to pay the high prices to land the bikini or swimsuit that’ll make their Summer. Bikinis, in particular, fly off the racks, so retailers tend to keep prices high throughout June and July. 

If you’re keen to land the latest styles for Summer – now’s your chance! 

But for those working with a budget, hopping on the first releases isn’t always an option – and that’s more than okay, especially since swimsuits undergo some of the steepest price reductions of any attire. Sound good to you? If so, you’ll probably want to know … 

When do swimsuits go on sale?

As the swimsuit shopping frenzy dies out and demand drops, stores set their sights on Autumn-Winter styles. And, there comes a time around the middle of August when they decide it’s time to get rid of their Summer inventory to make room for wooly jumpers and coats.

Cue clearance sales. Swimsuits of all styles, from bikinis to monokinis, are sold off at a fraction of their initial price. 

Some stores and brands may hold off until September or October to drop their prices. And other brands, particularly the more well-known swimwear brands, may shun sales altogether. 

Either way, if you’re swimsuit shopping on a budget or eager to prepare for next year’s Summer at a fraction of the cost – now’s your chance! 

And while August, September, and October are usually the months when swimsuits first go on sale, they have a habit of staying on sale until Winter. Speaking of which … 

Where to buy swimsuits in the Winter?

As soon as temperatures drop, most retailers quickly get rid of any swimsuits left in stock to make room for those Autumn and winter essentials. But, some shops don’t succeed in selling all of their swimsuits, meaning sales can last well into the colder months. 

But what if you don’t want a swimsuit that’s on sale? What if you plan to escape to sunnier shores this Winter and have your dream swimsuit in mind? Fortunately for you, there are plenty of options to choose from! Overall, if you’d rather not battle the winter elements while shopping, we can’t recommend looking online enough. 

Where to buy swimsuits all year round

A simple fact is that people swim 365 days of the year. Consequently, there’s always demand for swimwear – albeit a fluctuating one. Nonetheless, some brave retailers are willing to take the risk and cater to the swimmers of the world in rain, wind, or sun.

Swimsuit stores & boutiques 

Some brands are entirely dedicated to swimwear and they usually hove shops or boutiques dedicated to their collections. Most recently, Kylie Jenner debuted a number of pop-up swimwear boutiques across the USA.

Online 

For your 24/7, 365 days a year swimsuit needs – the internet. With hundreds if not thousands of swimwear brands offering their collections online, you’re spoiled for choice. What’s more, you can fulfill all your swimwear needs on the go or without even leaving the comfort of your home. Type the description of your dream swimsuit into the search bar, and watch it appear before your very eyes! The only downside? You may have to wait some amount of time for your package to arrive.

Sports stores 

Athletes don’t stop just because the seasons change. So, where do they go that caters to their every swimwear need? Sports stores, of course! These stores cater to all your sporty needs all year round. They may not be the best spot to find a bikini or the latest trendy swimwear styles, but if what you need is a high-quality swimsuit that goes the distance – this is the option for you!

Department stores 

Unlike boutiques or small shops, department stores have plenty of square footage to dedicate to a variety of products. What that means is, though you may have to hunt it down and ask for directions, you will certainly find a swimwear section within these expansive stores. 

Resorts and Indoor Swimming Pool Stores

With indoor facilities, resorts and swimming pool centers don’t pay any heed to the changing seasons nor their members or visitors. As a result, there’s always a demand for swimsuits in these establishments that see swimmers enter and exit their doors daily. So, why not take a visit? Usually, they’ll either have a dedicated shop for swimwear or you’ll see them displayed front-of-house, near reception. If not – be sure to ask! 

Best time to buy a swimsuit

If you’re wondering when the best time of year is to buy a new swimsuit for any budget, the best prices happen toward the end of Summer. However, if you’d prefer to be ahead of the curve, some shops release swimsuit collections early (around April) for a relatively low price. 

However, most savvy shoppers would say that mid-late September through mid-October, is the best time to stock up on swimsuits. This is when the swimsuit summer sales begin to cool down, and prices drop lower than ever. 

If you’re keen to get your hands on the latest styles, be sure to check when stores or designers plan on releasing their first Summer swimwear collections. The exact date varies from store to store, but mid-April to mid-may is always a good bet. 

Tip: follow swimwear brands and stores online to be the first to know about new releases or sales. 

Swimsuit wrap-up 

And there you have it! The yearly schedule of swimsuits. Now you know when swimsuits come out in stores and go on sale. Be sure to mark release and sale dates on your calendar to ensure you’re the smartest swimsuit shopper around. Swimsuit shopping doesn’t have to be a frustrating mystery; now, you can shop your favorite styles for a price and at a time that suits you! 

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