Shopping for swimwear can be both exciting and expensive, especially if you’re eyeing high-quality bikinis or one-pieces from top brands. Luckily, there are specific times of the year when swimwear prices drop significantly, allowing savvy shoppers to snag their favorite designs at much lower prices. Whether you prefer trendy bikinis or classic one-pieces, timing your purchase strategically can lead to big savings. This article explores the best times to find discounted swimwear and the strategies that can help you secure the best deals on bikinis and one-pieces without compromising on style or quality.
End-of-Season Sales
One of the most reliable ways to score discounted swimwear is to shop during end-of-season sales, which typically take place in late summer or early fall. As the warm weather winds down and retailers prepare to stock their shelves with fall and winter clothing, many swimwear collections go on clearance. Retailers want to clear out inventory from the current season to make room for new styles, which often results in major markdowns on bikinis and one-pieces.
This is an ideal time to shop for swimwear, as you can find steep discounts—sometimes up to 70% off—on designer brands, popular styles, and high-end materials that would normally be out of reach for budget-conscious shoppers. While the selection may be limited in terms of sizes and styles by the time the sale hits its peak, it’s still possible to find high-quality pieces at a fraction of the price. Additionally, classic designs like solid-color one-pieces or neutral-toned bikinis are less likely to go out of style, making them smart buys during end-of-season sales.
For example, major retailers like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and ASOS often have summer clearance sales in August and September, where their swimwear collections are heavily discounted. Online stores such as Revolve and Shopbop also offer deep discounts during this time, making it worth the wait for shoppers who are willing to stock up on swimwear for next season. The key to successful end-of-season shopping is patience and flexibility, as you might not find the exact piece you had your eye on earlier in the season, but the savings are usually worth the trade-off.
Holiday Sales
Another excellent opportunity to find discounted swimwear is during major holiday sales events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Memorial Day, and even Labor Day. These sales often feature substantial discounts across a wide range of product categories, including swimwear. Retailers take advantage of these shopping holidays to offer markdowns that entice shoppers with deals they can’t resist.
During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, online retailers like Amazon, Zappos, and eBay often have swimwear from various brands at reduced prices, making it a great time to purchase swimsuits without paying full price. Department stores such as Target and Kohl’s also participate in these sales, often slashing prices on swimwear collections that didn’t sell out during the summer months.
Memorial Day and Labor Day are particularly strong candidates for swimwear deals because they bookend the summer season. Memorial Day sales in late May mark the unofficial start of summer, and retailers often kick off the season with big sales. Similarly, Labor Day in early September marks the end of the season, making it an opportune time for last-minute clearance sales.
Holiday sales tend to attract large crowds, so it’s important to shop early and have a game plan in place. Be sure to compare prices across different retailers, use coupon codes if available, and consider joining loyalty programs for even deeper discounts. Planning ahead can help you make the most of these short-lived sales events and ensure that you grab the best swimwear deals before items sell out.
Early Spring Discounts
Spring is a transitional season in the retail world, and it’s during this time that many swimwear brands release their new collections in anticipation of summer. While the latest styles may come with a higher price tag, early spring is also an excellent time to find discounts on the previous year’s collections.
Retailers often offer slight markdowns on last year’s swimwear to make room for the new arrivals, providing shoppers with the chance to score stylish bikinis and one-pieces at lower prices. These discounts might not be as steep as those found during end-of-season sales or major holiday events, but they’re still worth considering for anyone looking to refresh their swimwear wardrobe without waiting for summer to end.
In addition, some retailers offer “buy one, get one” promotions or bundle deals during early spring to encourage shoppers to stock up before the peak summer season. For example, brands like Aerie and Victoria’s Secret often have early spring sales where customers can buy multiple swimwear items at a discount, allowing them to save while still getting new styles.
The advantage of shopping in early spring is that you’ll have access to a wider range of sizes and styles than you would during the end-of-season sales. If you’re someone who likes to stay ahead of trends, early spring sales offer the perfect balance of fresh designs and discounted prices.
Clearance Sections
Clearance sections are a hidden gem for year-round swimwear savings. Both in-store and online retailers maintain clearance sections throughout the year, where they mark down items that haven’t sold. These sections can be gold mines for finding high-quality bikinis and one-pieces at significantly reduced prices.
Major retailers like Target, Old Navy, and H&M always have clearance sections that are worth browsing regularly. Many online retailers, including Nordstrom Rack and ASOS Outlet, also have designated clearance sections that offer swimwear at deeply discounted prices. The selection in these sections is often limited to the last few sizes or out-of-season items, but if you’re not concerned with having the latest trend, you can score incredible deals.
One strategy for shopping clearance sections is to check them after major holidays or at the end of each season when retailers are trying to clear out unsold inventory. These sections are updated frequently, so it’s worth visiting them regularly to spot new additions. Additionally, signing up for email notifications from your favorite stores can alert you when they update their clearance stock.
Brand Newsletters and Promotions
Staying informed about promotions and sales is key to finding the best deals on swimwear. One of the easiest ways to stay in the loop is by signing up for newsletters from your favorite swimwear brands. Many brands offer exclusive promotions, early access to sales, and even discount codes to subscribers, which can give you a competitive edge when shopping for discounted bikinis and one-pieces.
Brands like Lululemon, Athleta, and Summersalt often send out email newsletters announcing upcoming sales, special promotions, and new collection launches. By subscribing, you can be among the first to know about discounts and limited-time offers. Some brands also offer a discount just for signing up, which can provide immediate savings on your first purchase.
Following swimwear brands on social media is another great way to stay updated on sales and promotions. Many brands use Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to announce flash sales or post promo codes for their followers. Keeping an eye on these platforms can help you jump on deals as soon as they’re available.
Outlet Stores
For year-round swimwear savings, outlet stores are a fantastic option. Outlet stores typically carry past season’s inventory or slightly imperfect items at reduced prices, making them a go-to destination for shoppers looking for bargains on bikinis and one-pieces.
Brands like Nike, Under Armour, and Tommy Hilfiger all have outlet locations where you can find discounted swimwear. Outlet malls are especially popular for finding designer brands at lower prices, and many outlets offer additional discounts during holiday weekends or special events.
Shopping at outlet stores requires a bit of patience and flexibility, as the selection may be limited, and sizes can sell out quickly. However, the savings are often significant, and you can find high-quality swimwear at a fraction of the original price. Many outlet stores also offer additional markdowns on clearance items, allowing you to maximize your savings even further.
Maximizing Your Savings
Combining Discounts for Maximum Savings
Maximizing savings by combining offers such as store credit cards, cashback, and coupon codes can significantly reduce your final purchase price. Be on the lookout for promotions that allow you to stack savings for the best deals.
Shopping for Last Season’s Styles
Buying last season’s swimwear styles often leads to huge discounts without sacrificing fashion or quality. Retailers are keen to clear out older stock, making it possible to find trendy options at prices that won’t break the bank.
Conclusion and Call to Action
By timing your swimwear purchases around key sales events and utilizing clearance sections, newsletters, and outlet stores, you can significantly reduce the cost of bikinis and one-pieces without sacrificing style. Whether you’re shopping for designer swimwear or budget-friendly options, the strategies outlined in this article can help you snag the best deals and build your swimwear collection without breaking the bank.
Start shopping smart today and take advantage of these tips to find discounted swimwear for your next beach getaway or poolside adventure. Happy shopping!
