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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Sweater Weather

Busy Austin venue for games and drinks debuts a Christmas sweater pop-up

Photo courtesy of Punch Bowl Social

If you're not buying an ugly sweater at 2 am the Saturday before Christmas, are you even celebrating?

It doesn't seem possible, but the first ugly Christmas sweater shop for the 2024 season is about to open: It's The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop, and it's coming to a surprising location for a sweater shop: inside Punch Bowl Social, the restaurant bowling entertainment destination at The Domain, where it will hold forth as a limited-time pop-up during the holidays.

The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop will run from Friday, November 15, to Tuesday, December 24, during Punch Bowl Social’s regular hours: Sundays through Thursdays from 11 am to 11 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 am.

Guests can peruse an assortment of upcycled and brand new holiday sweaters, ranging in price from $15 to $40, while sampling seasonal cocktails and shareable dishes, not to mention the venue's holiday décor and games including bowling, karaoke, darts, and arcade games.

Punch Bowl Social drinks sweaters If you can't win at bowling, you can win at finding the weirdest sweater.Photo courtesy of Punch Bowl Social

The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop was founded in 2013 by Dallas-based vintage clothing guru Jeremy Turner after he noticed a demand at his mobile thrift store. First covered by none other than CultureMap, his shop went on to become national news, influencing hordes of hipsters everywhere to embrace the sweaters in an ironic manner.

Turner took a multi-year hiatus during COVID but relaunched at Punch Bowl Social Dallas in 2023. In 2024, he'll expand to Chicago and Austin for the first time.

“Following the success of last year’s pop-up series at Punch Bowl Social in Dallas, we’re excited to continue our partnership with Jeremy and The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop to spread some holiday cheer in Austin,” said Jencey Keeton, chief marketing officer of Punch Bowl Social. “During this year’s activation, we’ll be showcasing a collection of over-the-top holiday-inspired knits that are guaranteed to bring an extra touch of merriment this season.”

“I’m thrilled to be bringing The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop back to Punch Bowl Social this year to inspire Austinites to get into the holiday spirit,” said Turner. “Together, we’ve created a whimsical shopping experience that will be a fun and memorable way to celebrate the holidays.”

Punch Bowl Social Christmas snacks The snacks rival any Christmas party.Photo by Punch Bowl Social

In addition to the sweaters, Punch Bowl Social will be pouring cocktails, zero proof and punch, including To Me, You are Perfect, a fruit-forward punch served by the bowl or single cup; We Slept In!, a twist on the classic margarita; I Triple-Dog-Dare Ya, an old fashioned served with Ralphie glasses and a pickled filthy cherry and Son of a Nutcracker, an espresso martini also available in a N/A version, along with a variety of eats.

games fashion christmas holidays pop-ups