Can't say I was thrilled when my teenage daughters insisted that they needed to drive all the way…read moreto Mona Vale to go shopping for bikinis, but I was feeling indulgent and it turned out Cozzie Shack was worth the extra effort. Their hit brand in our family is Heaven - tops and bottoms sold separately and at prices that mean two sets for the season is not out of the question. Hey, maybe they won't last as long as their pricier peers, but does it really matter when it comes to a swimsuit that's likely to get battered by chlorine and salt anyway? Cozzie Shack is actually an online business too - once you've tried the sizing in store (here or Bondi) you could probably supplement or replace that way, but I don't think I'd be that confident of swim fashion without and initial face-to-face. As well as the teen/adult range, the store has a sizeable collection of suits for small children (boys as well as girls) and even some for that dreadful hard-to-fit stage (10-14 yrs). Bring on summer!

If you're looking for a swimming costume for the upcoming summer, then look no further than The Big…read moreSwim. Unlike so many surf shops, I really like that The Big Swim stocks classy swimwear that can be worn for more than one season. In fact, if I hadn't eaten my way around Europe for seven months, I'd still be rockin' the bikini that my eighteen year old self proudly purchased there as a post-HSC present to myself. The Big Swim does offer trendy swimmers - last season's crochet look was readily available there this time last year, but it doesn't let itself fall into the trap that so many swimwear stockists do - offering kitschy patterned numbers and nothing else. Your sixteen year old cousin probably wouldn't shop at The Big Swim; but that's a good thing. It offers slightly more expensive - and much more beautiful - items from the giants in Australian swimwear. Seafolly, Jets and an assortment of other classy brands can be found here. There's no two ways about it - The Big Swim is expensive, particularly when examined on the amount of fabric to cost ratio. However, it's also of a good quality. I rarely find that my swimwear from here has gone pilly, stretched before its time or faded. As we previously discussed, it's also not trendy enough for teeny boppers, so the garments on offer tend to remain stylish after one season of wear and tear

Great place to find a swimsuit! There's plenty to choose from compared to big department stores…read morelike David Jones or Myer, and they cater for all body types. The ladies who work there are lovely, and very helpful.

I had such a pleasant shopping experience here! The ladies working there are so friendly and…read morehelpful, they know the product back to front and were so patient and attentive with me, A+ for customer service! Great selection of swimwear, really beautiful costumes both bikinis and one pieces, you'll get freedom of choice with what they have available. I definitely recommend this place, for the service and product.

There are two Bikini Islands within half a block of each other on Campbell Parade. One (this one!)…read moreis a clearance store and the other stocks the non-clearance stuff. In fact every third shop on Campbell Pde seems to at least stock swimwear if not a specialty beach gear shop. Bikini Island has a really good range, with tops and bottoms sold separately- for those of us who don't fit the pre-set size standards imposed by swimwear designers or who like to mix & match. The clearance store stocks some of my favourite swimwear designers (Zimmerman, Tigerlily etc) as well as Bikini Island's own label which is decent and pretty cheap! If you end up at the beach without swimmers it's not going to break your wallet to pop in here and pick up a new costume and they also stock towels, goggles - most things you'd require for a day frolicking on Bondi Beach.

I really don't like shopping for swimsuits but stopped in for a hat and noticed the high quality of…read morethe material on suits and returned next day. SO thankful I did! I literally walked in, told lovely Tess sales woman, exactly what I was looking for, and in less than 5 minutes I had the best looking and fitting bikini I have ever owned! Not only that but she taught me how to fit the fabric to work for me!!! It was truly the best shopping experience I have had in the longest time! I'm sending all my friends to see her now! Thank you!!!

I received my swimsuit this week from Curvysea and just want to say how pleased I am with the fit…read moreand quality etc. It fits beautifully and I love the colour and style, I was also pleasantly surprised at how quickly it arrived. I will be coming back and buying more in the future.

From the owner: Curvysea brand delivers an inspiring new take on traditional plus size swimwear for full figured…read morewomen. The unique one or two-piece bathing suit styles will increase self esteem for real women at the beach. We also offer selected plus size lingerie and sleepwear. The simply elegant swimwear for plus size range has been designed with quality care and it will flatter a plus size woman. We also offer selected sexy plus size lingerie and sleepwear.

The sign said 'nothing over $20' which was mostly true except for 2 racks that were $50 - still, a…read morebargain for seafolly!! The warehouse stocks all the basics, bikini tops, bottoms, sarongs, kaftans, childrens bathing gear, bags, hats (lol the hats deserve their own review), thongs etc etc.. What I love most about seafolly is that their collections are all mix and match!!! I bagged 2 bikini bottoms and a little set for my niece - $40 thanks... Practically free. Ohhh here's where it stings though - not a single Seafolly item is chlorine resistant... Yep these babies are not designed for the pool - who would have thought right?

Togs Swimwear in Crows Nest is the only place I will shop for a cossie and I've sent many of my…read morefriends there. I even took a risk and bought my sister a swimsuit (she lives in Melbourne and hadn't swum for nearly 20 years). She loved it and has asked me to buy her more. Now that's trust. The staff at Togs are wonderful, especially Rosie who is just delightful, with a great eye and impeccable manner. Buying a swimming costume can be a daunting and intimidating experience but as soon as I entered the Togs store any insecurities were immediately put to ease by the down-to-earth, friendly and helpful staff who have decades of experience in dressing women. Not all of us are interested in prancing about in bikinis and the many styles and shapes at Togs suit all body-types. The stock is fashionable and in-keeping with current trends. From a sexy two piece to maillot, classic and retro. I guarantee you will find your ideal swimsuit at Togs. There are hundreds to choose from with sarongs and accessories to match. Best of all, Togs have regular sales with fashionable and gorgeous swimwear half price. Summer is just around the corner so what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to visit Togs.

Don't let the sight of walking frames at the entrance put you off. The shop is a must for any…read morewoman who is looking for the 2 most important words in swimwear. No, not 'Brazilian Cut'. I'm talkin' 'Tummy Control'. Believe me, as one who has produced life, 'Tummy Control' is my best friend. Selling exclusively the TOGS brand of costumes, some of the more lurid designs in this store are a bit 'Granny Goes Wild in Bris-Vegas' but honestly, in amongst the chaos are some seriously wearable designs at seriously affordable prices. I just scooped myself a red and white striped nautical number with the all-important 'Tummy Control' for only $120 - which is about half the price of the boutiques in the area. The bouffant haired vision who chants 'It looks divine on you dahhhlll', to young and old, just adds to the charm of this unassuming outlet. On a more serious note, they also sell Mastectomy Swimwear and bouffant lady is just the gal to make anyone feel like a million dollars. Love it.