It’s that time of year again! No, we don’t mean trimming trees… we’re talking about exposing some skin, getting sun-kissed, and cooling off in the water. With the coming warmer temperatures, we think some fresh threads are in order of the swimsuit and beachwear variety. So before you dip your toes in the water, cast your eyes on our list of where to buy the best swimwear looks for the beach or pool for women, men, and kids in Hong Kong.
Vipop
Vipop is a sustainable brand curator with an emphasis on Latin American designers. On top of swimwear in avant garde designs, they also offer sunglasses, sun hats, and beach cover-ups. As you would expect from the balmy environs of Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico, these countries have formed an entire culture in itself of beachwear and resortwear. Vipop’s ever-refreshing collections reflect this, with tasteful one-pieces and designer bikinis that are only available for a short period, in keeping with their commitment to low waste as well as their belief that your piece should be unique among brands-driven Hong Kong.
Baobab is one such designer Vipop works with that walks the walk and talks the talk in its eco-conscious focus. The Colombian brand’s trendy suits are made with ECONYL, or eco-nylon, which repurposes synthetic waste like industrial plastic, unused fabric, and fishing nets. For every swimsuit Baobab sells, one tree is planted and part of the profit goes toward restoring the San Andres Coral Reef.
Online or in store: Artezano, 52-54 Graham St, G/F, Soho, Central | vipop.doc@gmail.com
Ozzie Cozzie Co.
A trusty go-to for swimwear for everyone in the family, Ozzie Cozzie is a swim and resortwear store in Hong Kong. Those with hard-to-shop-for body types will breathe a sigh of relief knowing sizes come in 8-20 (AU/UK), and ladies, swimsuits are equipped with booster bras all the way up to E-cups.
Online or in-store: 503 Tak Woo House, 1-3 Wo On Lane, 17-19 D’Aguilar St, Central | +852 2810 1356
Vilebrequin
The Saint-Tropez-inspired swimwear from Vilebrequin will instantly put you in the holiday mood, with colourful bikinis to brightly-patterned swim shorts offered at four physical swimsuit shops in Hong Kong. And if you’re the kind of family who likes to stand out at the beach, their swim attire comes in matching prints and styles for mums and daughters, dads and sons for a bit of fun.
Online or in-store:
Tung Chung: Unit 228, 2/F, 20 Tat Tung Rd, Citygate Outlets, Lantau Island, Tung Chung | +852 2869 9455
Admiralty: Shop 140, Level 1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty | +852 2918 0263
Central: Shop 3092A, Podium Level 3, ifc Mall, 8 Finance St, Central | +852 2295 1883
Tsim Sha Tsui: Shop 2611, Level 2, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 2111 4585
Decathlon
Dress the entire family in head to toe beachwear for that upcoming tropical getaway without putting a dent in your bank account. We like to fill our carts with the short and long-sleeved UV protection shirts for adults and kids Decathlon carries, and accessories from hats to sunglasses, beach bags to sandals to outfit everyone.
Online or in-store in Causeway Bay, Central, Kowloon Bay, Ma On Shan, Mong Kok, Sha Tin, Tseung Kwan O, Tuen Mun
Eres
For women who prefer to skip the crowded racks of budget bikinis at chain stores, French brand Eres offers high-end swimwear in Hong Kong that looks great in the water, and stylish outerwear for wrapping up in poolside. You’ll be amazed how chic you can look in a one-piece when you try on a sophisticated number from their latest swimwear collection.
Online or in-store:
Four Seasons Hotel: 8 Finance St, Central | +852 3196 8888
The Oriental Spa: The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Landmark 15 Queen S Road Central, Central | +852 2132 0011
Lane Crawford Canton Road: Shop 308, 3/F Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Rd Central, Central | +852 2118 2288
Lane Crawford ifc Mall: Shop 308 Landmark Atrium, 15 Queensway Rd Central, Central | +852 2118 2288
Culture Cove
The woman behind Mer Culture, Natasha J. Cotton, grew up on Hong Kong’s beaches, so she ought to know a thing or two about what looks and feels good in all things swimwear. The brand’s vibrant swimsuits and resort wear (plus accessories and plush towels) for women and men can be snagged at boho store Culture Cove, where various eco-friendly, bohemian beachwear and accessories can be found.
Online or in-store: G/F, 67 Hollywood Rd, Central | +852 9817 5387
Marie France Van Damme
Another talented Hong Kong-based designer, Marie France Van Damme is known to many local women for her luxury resortwear and fashionable swimwear. You’ll want to snap up one of each from the metallic range of bikinis and one-pieces in bold copper and silver. Talk about getting noticed by the water.
Online or in-store: Shop 3088, Podium Level 3, ifc Mall, 8 Finance St, Central | +852 2882 9088
Calzedonia
You may have seen Julia Roberts prancing about lately in Caldezonia tights to promote the Italian brand, but they also do some attractive swimsuits. You won’t find many adventurous patterns, but classic bikini tops in bandeau, push-up and cute ruffle designs, with assorted mix and match bottoms from tame boy shorts to a revealing ‘Brazilian’ cut.
Online or various locations around Hong Kong
Sheer
Looking for a sexy little number for the pool? This swimwear shop and lingerie boutique in The Landmark has gorgeous designs from top names like Stella McCartney and Melissa Odabash, whether you’re looking for a figure-enhancing cut-out one-piece or a revealing strapless bikini.
Online or in-store: Shop 310, 3/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Rd Central, Central | +852 2388 2876
Māzŭ Resortwear
Mazu’s swim shorts for men and boys are inspired by Hong Kong’s maritime history – this is evident by the traditional colours and local motifs that decorate their designs, like the blue and red ‘Junk Twilight’ shorts. Dad and son can get kitted out in matching pairs, and each one comes with its own canvas ditty bag that can be used later at the beach or on the boat.
Online and stocked at various locations in Central, Causeway Bay, Happy Valley, etc.
Float Captain
Local brand Float Captain is for the surfer who likes to look good on their board, in more ways than one. The swimwear store well stocked in cool surf accessories, patterned board shorts for men and the odd women’s singlet, plus unisex tees with amusing designs – the ‘Board Bowl’ tee, featuring a traditional Chinese rice bowl stuffed with surfboards, is a fun fit.
Online or in-store: Shop 1, G/F, Marina Tower, 8 Shum Wan Rd (next to Jumbo pier) | aloha@floatcaptain.com
Seed Heritage
The popular Australian children’s clothing brand has six shops in Hong Kong, where you’ll find unique swimming garb for kids aged 1 to 10, and teens (girls only) aged 8-16. Babies are covered too, with darling sun hats and rashies to keep them safe under the hot HK sun.
Online or in-store:
Tsim Sha Tsui: G17 Ocean Terminal Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 2375 7948
Central: Shop 3022B, Level 3, ifc Mall, 8 Finance St, Central | +852 2543 6331
Causeway Bay: Shop 219-220, Lee Gardens Two, Yun Ping Rd, Causeway Bay | +852 2577 0721
Repulse Bay: Shop 201 A & B, 29 Beach Rd, Repulse Bay | +852 2803 1677
Petit Bazaar
We love Petit Bazaar for so many things: wonderful toys, funky home decor, and clothing, including charming swimwear for babies and kids. Wait until you see your toddler scampering about the sand in a Breton striped swim overall (with UPF 50+) or a banana-emblazoned one. They are simply adorable, and comfortable too!
Online or in-store:
Wan Chai: 80 Queen’s Rd East, Wan Chai | +852 2528 0229
Central: 41 Queen’s Rd Central, Central | +852 2544 2255
Causeway Bay: Shop 214, Lee Garden Two, 28 Yun Ping Rd, Causeway Bay | +852 2528 3212
Repulse Bay: Shop 201H, Level 2, The Pulse, Repulse Bay | +852 5988 8307
Zalora
Careful, you may be on this site for hours scrolling through the many choices of swim and beach attire from a slew of brands like Rip Curl, Sea Folly, Jack Wills, and Superdry. Women’s tankinis, long-sleeved swimsuits and post-beach tunics, men’s surf shirts, trunks and swim shorts, not to mention sandals and flip flops for both genders in various styles will make for one bursting beach bag.
MAMÉDIO
You just know someone from Rio de Janeiro is going to produce some sizzling swimwear. MAMÉDIO – Bianca Mamédio to be exact – grew up near Rio’s beach scene, but now calls Hong Kong home. However, her luxury range of swimsuits for women is locally produced in Brazil, so you’ll get a feel of Copacabana when you’re frolicking in a pretty crocheted bikini or a hot one-piece.
Victoria’s Secret
The US lingerie giant doesn’t sell their swimwear in stores, but no worries, as a flirtatious string bikini or modest high-waisted style is just a click away. Victoria’s Secret Pink range has an endless line of bikini bottoms and tops to create your favourite look. Remember to check out their collection of on-sale looks, so you can cheaply pile up and stash some away for next season.
Baby Central
Baby Central has all the swim-related clothing and accessories your kiddies need, with next-day delivery service in Hong Kong, so you’ll never have to break out the pram again for a hectic mall visit. This swimwear store truly has everything for beach babies and older kids, including durable sunglasses for young eyes, swim shoes, wet suits, swimming diapers, assorted UPF 50+ swim suits and beachwear, and even pool and beach toys, because making sand castles is the best part.
Header image credits: Siraphol Siricharattakul’s Images via Canva
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