Dive In

5 Austin swimwear brands and boutiques that make a big splash

The Lido Bikini is available at the Away Spa at W Austin.

Staying cool is on everyone's mind. Whether you're looking for a statement-making swimsuit, gear for your next underwater excursion, or the accessories to round out your summer wardrobe, Austin's shops and designers provide a variety of swim selections.

We’ve rounded up the top swimwear brands and boutiques poised to have you ready for your next dip in Barton Springs.

Package Menswear
This popular men’s boutique is known for an eccentric variety of men’s athletic wear, underwear, and swimwear. This isn't your everyday swim shop. Package offers a bold selection of swim styles for every man. Shoppers can expect to find swim briefs with a tight fit, as well as loud prints for the man who isn’t afraid to stand out at the pool. Package also offers a selection of standard men's trunks for the more conservative swimmer.

Sunroom
Sunroom has been a hot spot for streamlined women's fashion since 2013. In October of 2015, the boutique relocated to the hip South Congress district. Here, you can shop a collection of modern clothing, jewelry, accessories, and swimwear inspired by the West Coast. There's a curated selection of swim styles from a variety of designers, including bikini and one-piece options. You can expect to find sexy cutout detailing, high-waisted bikini bottoms, and summery pastel color schemes. Apparel can also be purchased online with no shipping fee.

Swim Freak
Swim Freak is an Austin staple that offers a variety of athletic swimwear for the more seasoned swimmer. You’ll find athletic gear to suit many aquatic lifestyles, including technical suits, swim fins, swim snorkels, and goggles. Swim Freak also offers a monogramming service for competitive and team equipment. You can shop the selection online or at the South Lamar storefront.

Lee Merritt Swimwear
This brand was created by Kelsey Merritt in her South Austin home. Designed with versatility in mind, Lee Merritt swimwear offers an array of colors and prints ranging from neutral to vibrant. Merritt's swimwear collection is unique in that the pieces can be mixed and matched, and many of the styles are customizable. The convertible aspects of her line allow for the full expression of one’s individual style and personality. You can purchase Lee Merritt Swimwear online.

The Lido Bikini
The Lido Bikini was spawned from designer Brooke Ulrich’s love of the Mediterranean. The bikini line features elegantly designed pieces with a seamless and comfortable fit. It also has a noticeable sporty flare, most likely influenced by Ulrich's days as a fitness model. For an extra personal touch, Ulrich offers personal consultations as well as fittings. You can shop The Lido Bikini online or at the Away Spa at W Austin.

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Brunchy Business

Mimosa Walk returns to Austin's South 1st Street for sips and shopping

Blue Suede/Instagram

Businesses along South 1st Street are welcoming shoppers with mimosas on Saturday, November 16.

Perhaps no other drink has the mimosa's power to draw people out on the weekend, and one Austin neighborhood is harnessing it for a leisurely tour of local businesses. The Austin Mimosa Walk: South 1st Fall Festival is scheduled for November 16, and will stop at local businesses, each with complimentary drinks.

The tour will include some shopping, some casual snack spots, and even some wellness stops. Although not every business mimosa walkers will pass is participating, the tour will pass lots of local eateries, making it easy to tack on a lunch when the Champagne starts making itself known.

The following eight businesses are participating as stops on the self-guided tour:

Austin Salt Room — a spa-like environment for salt therapy, essentially hanging out near tons of salt while breathing in microscopic salt particles, which are said to improve respiratory health
Blue Suede Austin — a cool women's shoe boutique (with a wine bar!) that specializes in semi-casual styles at mid-range prices, featuring brands like Sam Edelman, Jeffrey Campbell, and Cecelia
Devil’s Details Boutique — formerly Bloomers and Frocks, this vintage shop has rebranded and shifted its focus to jewelry, often in bold and unique styles
Glint Dental — a dental office specializing in aesthetic procedures like veneers and whitening, but also offering general and preventative care
Golden Mean — early holiday shoppers should keep friends and family in mind at this gift shop, which carries unique goods ranging from soaps and blankets to kitchen goods and avant-garde decor.
Once Over Coffee— an unassuming-on-the-outside, artsy-on-the-inside coffee shop serving Wild Gift Coffee and less common coffee shop finds like kombucha and Italian soda
Package Austin — a queer menswear store for harnesses, underwear, accessories, toys, and community events
Sugar Mamas Bakeshop — a colorful bakery specializing in fantastically decorated cakes, often with a sarcastic or funny twist

The listing on Eventbrite promises a hydration station by Topo Chico, a collector's glass, and that the event will sell out. It requires that tickets ($32) be purchased in advance online. [Update: An event organizer says the ninth business on the Eventbrite list is still under construction, and will not be participating.]

The walk will take place from noon to 3:30 pm. Guests will receive a "passport" to help navigate between tour stops. A check-in tent will get guests started at 1628 S. 1st St.

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