The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
Summer is approaching faster than ever and one thing I always look forward to is buying a few new bathing suits. However, this year’s tariff implementation may change the prices of summer’s go-to retail brands.
Shopping online is a gamble always, but what happens when the gamble gets to be over $300 for a single bathing suit? That may be the case when shopping on some of your favorite websites such as Triangl or Shein. These quick and easy online brands are not based in the United States, which is why your next bikini order may seem a bit more expensive than normal. In fact, Triangl announced that as of April 30th, “orders from US-based customers will include tariff charges at checkout”. Is it worth it to pay the extra money, or is it time to find a wider range of options? Personally, I do not want to be spending more than a utilities bill on a piece of cloth, so here’s my recommendations for where to get your next couple of summer finds!Â
Local businesses
Luckily, there has already been a movement in place to encourage people to shop locally rather than globally. Supporting your local small businesses is the best way to support your community. Not only are you stimulating the local economy, but you are also helping a person or business who is in competition with ethical brands. The best part about supporting small businesses is the people you meet along the way. Back in my hometown, I absolutely love stopping in all of the small shops on a summer day and talking with the owners. They deserve far more recognition than they receive. Here in Santa Barbara, there are also a number of local businesses to shop from when finding your next summer look. Next time you’re in a shopping mood, you might want to stop by the Bikini Factory. This small business has been a part of the Santa Barbara shopping scene for about 54 years and has been voted the best swim store in Santa Barbara by the Santa Barbara Independent. Another great spot to check out is ZoĂ« Bikini also located in Santa Barbara. ZoĂ« Bikini takes pride in contributing to the local garment industry and economy, designing and manufacturing all of their suits in San Francisco. Ditch the tariffs this summer and take the time to support your local businesses!Â
thrifting
Thrifting can be a bit controversial if you’re looking for a bathing suit. I know some people don’t like the idea of it, but I’ve never minded finding a cute bikini top or some vintage board shorts on my thrift days. The key is to stay sanitary and mindful about the pieces you are buying. Thrifting is a great way to avoid any unnecessary taxes or costs. These clothes are simply being recycled within the community, meaning there’s no reason for the items to be taxed. There are countless thrift stores scattered throughout the Santa Barbara area waiting to be explored. Where better to thrift for a bathing suit than a coastal town?Â
In relation to the thrifting theme, there’s also always Depop! I’ve really come to love some of the sellers that I’ve interacted with on that platform. Because Depop is a little more catered to the younger crowd, you may be more likely to find the perfect bathing suit that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Depop is all about finding the seller that’s right for you. Make sure the prices are reasonable, the seller has good reviews, and that you yourself are also conducting business in a respectful manner. Thrifting online is a great way to recycle clothes without actually going to the thrift store and possibly finding nothing. I can safely say that I’ve found a few good bathing suits on Depop that I still wear today.
revamping
Let’s say you haven’t found anything locally. Is the search over? Do you now officially have nothing to wear this summer? No, because you can always revamp! Bathing suits are an especially easy project to take on when revamping because they’re smaller articles of clothing and can be made from anything. Take an old bathing suit and use the material to make something new for yourself. Try on pieces you already have and see what you can add to them to cater them to your current style. I am a firm believer that you can revamp anything in your closet if you have the mindset for it. Revamping is another great way to avoid the complicated tariff situation and still be ready to hit the beach in style.Â
I am so excited to find some new looks locally this summer and save money while doing it! Take a step out of your routine and go to a shop you haven’t yet. You never know where your next go-to boutique will be. This is the summer of supporting small businesses, make it happen! Have a wonderful summer in your new (or pre-loved) bathing suit!