Residents of Cleveland can finally look forward to the warmer months and visits to lakes for swimming, boating and recreation. It’s never too early to search for the perfect swimwear to make the most of leisure time in the sun. Fortunately, there are numerous specialty shops nearby to choose from. Many shops even offer personalized fitting services. Shoppers should keep the type of activities they enjoy in mind when making selections. Swimwear can be designed specifically for swimming or geared more toward sports or sunbathing, as tan-through suits are popular for sunning.

California Spa & Imports
1697 Mentor Ave.
Painsville, OH 44077
(440) 357-6330
www.california-imports.com

Hours: Mon to Fri – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

There’s no better way to take the stress out of swimwear shopping than with a suit that’s custom fit for your every curve. California Spa & Imports is open seven days a week and appointments can even be made for custom fittings. The shop runs the gamut in the sizes it carries, ranging anywhere from extra small to plus 32, so there’s a suit for every body type. Children, pre-teen and teen suits can also be found in stock, in addition to cover-ups and summer dresses to complete your new wardrobe. Brands here include SUNSETS, Aeirn Rose, Coquina Beach, and SANTIKI.  The spa also features tanning beds, airbrush tans and body wraps, providing everything you need to get beach ready all in one location.

Flower Child
11508 Clifton Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 939-9933
www.flowerchildvintage.com

Hours: Mon, Wed to Thurs – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fri to Sat – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The spirit of the 70s is alive at Flower Child. If you’re looking for a genuinely unique suit to strut this summer, consider browsing the racks at Flower Child. In addition to a variety of other clothing and accessories, this vintage-only destination carries swimwear as part of its collection during the seasonal months. Keep in mind: This is no thrift store. All pieces are hand-selected and displayed to make sure that only the most interesting and high-quality items are sold. Find a suit here and you’ll be sure to have the most original piece on the block.

Swim ‘n Sport
26300 Cedar Road, Ste 2010
Cleveland, OH 44122
(216) 514-5007
www.swimnsport.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This is one for the fashionistas. Swim ‘n Sport offers a wide range of the latest in designer swimwear from Calvin Klein swimwear, Caribbean Joe, Diva and Kenneth Cole New York. New Profile suits by Gottex, featured in InStyle Magazine’s March 2012 issue, are now in the store as well. Other convenient offerings include separates available in large cup sizes. Shoppers can also find swimwear accessories, cover-ups, beach bags and Suit Solutions Swimsuit Rinse, which is specially designed to protect swimwear from the harmful effects of chlorine.

Related: Best Bargain Hunting In Cleveland

Catherines Plus Sizes
8247 Day Dr.
Cleveland, OH 44129
(440) 888-1300
catherines.com

Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Catherines specializes in large and plus-size swimwear and intimate apparel for beach-going ladies of the curvier variety. Sizes include 16W to 34W and 0X to 5X, so that every woman can find the perfect fit to fit their style. Comfortable swim dresses and swim tanks provide a flattering look for both swimming and active-wear. Swim skirts and shorts can also be purchased separately allowing for a variety of mix or match outfits.

Related: Best Plus-Size Clothing Stores In Cleveland

Get Wet Swimwear
1112 N. Court St.
Medina, OH 33256
(216) 926-8044

Hours: Mon to Fri – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Get Wet Swimwear carries a range of swimsuits and accessories. Looking for something perfectly tailored? Made to order bikinis are their specialty. In addition to beach and pool wear, custom-made lingerie is also offered. The store is designed for adult shoppers, so don’t come here expecting to find something for the little ones.

Related: Best Sporting Goods Stores In Cleveland

Barbara Aguirre received a certificate in Automotive Mechanics and an Associate of Science degree in Engineering Technology. She worked for many years in the construction industry and does plumbing and electrical work. She works as a freelance writer under the pen name B. Leslie Baird and runs a web-based business. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.