Where to Find Affordable Swimwear in South Carolina

South Carolina's best deals on swimwear come from outlet malls, off-season sales at department stores, and discount chains scattered across the state's coastal regions and inland shopping centers.

Beachwear prices drop most sharply in late August and September, when retailers clear summer inventory before fall arrives. The same happens in January and February after the holiday season ends. If you can time your purchase to these windows, you'll find one-piece suits, board shorts, and cover-ups marked down 40 to 60 percent from their original tags.

Beyond seasonal sales, certain stores consistently stock affordable swimwear year-round. Discount chains like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross carry brand-name suits at lower prices than department stores charge full retail. Outlet malls in Myrtle Beach and Charleston stock Nike, Adidas, and Tommy Hilfiger beachwear at reduced prices. Local thrift shops and consignment stores in beach towns sometimes carry gently used swimwear for a fraction of new prices.

Key Takeaways

• Shop in late August through September or January through February when retailers mark down summer and holiday inventory most steeply.
• TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross carry brand-name swimwear at consistently lower prices than department stores.
• Myrtle Beach and Charleston outlet malls stock Nike, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, and other brands at outlet pricing year-round.
• Thrift and consignment shops in coastal towns often carry used swimwear in good condition at significant discounts.
• End-of-season clearance racks at Target, Walmart, and Kohl's sometimes hold swimwear marked down 50 to 70 percent.

Outlet Malls Near the Coast

Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach Factory Stores both house outlet locations for major swimwear brands. You'll find Nike Factory Store, Adidas outlet, and Tommy Hilfiger outlet in these centers. Prices at outlets run 20 to 40 percent lower than department store full retail, and outlet locations often run their own clearance sales on top of that discount.

Charleston's Tanger Outlets on Highway 17 carries similar brands and runs frequent promotions. The outlet mall model works because manufacturers sell last season's styles and overstock directly to the outlet store, bypassing the markup that department stores add. Visit these malls in late summer or winter for the deepest discounts, when outlets are clearing space for new seasonal stock.

Discount Department Stores and Chains

TJ Maxx and Marshalls buy overstock and returned merchandise from department stores, then resell it at 20 to 60 percent below original retail price. Both chains receive new swimwear shipments throughout the year, so inventory changes weekly. The catch is that sizes and styles vary by location and week—you may find a great deal one visit and nothing the next.

Ross Dress for Less operates similarly but focuses on deeper discounts, often 40 to 70 percent off. Target and Walmart clear their swimwear sections aggressively at season's end, sometimes marking items down 50 to 70 percent to make room for new merchandise. Kohl's runs frequent sales and accepts Kohl's Cash rewards, which can stack additional savings on top of already-reduced prices.

Thrift and Consignment Shops in Beach Towns

Coastal communities like Charleston, Beaufort, and Hilton Head have consignment shops that carry gently used swimwear. Pieces are typically inspected for damage and priced at 50 to 75 percent below retail. Inventory rotates constantly, so visiting regularly increases your chances of finding your size and style.

Goodwill and Salvation Army locations throughout South Carolina also stock swimwear, though selection is unpredictable. Prices run $2 to $8 per item. These shops work best if you have flexibility on style and don't need a specific fit—you're hunting rather than shopping for something particular.

Online Retailers and Flash Sales

Websites like Overstock, Shein, and Amazon Basics sell new swimwear at lower price points than traditional retailers. Shipping costs can offset savings, so compare the final total before checking out. Zappos and Nordstrom Rack (Nordstrom's outlet site) run clearance sections where you can find brand-name suits at reduced prices.

Sign up for email lists from major retailers—Target, Kohl's, and department stores send notifications about upcoming sales and often include discount codes for first-time subscribers. Flash sale apps like Rue La La and Gilt occasionally feature swimwear deals, though inventory is limited and sales end quickly.

Timing Your Purchase for Maximum Savings

The absolute lowest prices appear in late August and early September, when summer inventory must clear before fall merchandise arrives. January and February bring the second-best deals as retailers liquidate holiday stock. Black Friday (late November) and Cyber Monday offer discounts, though selection narrows as popular sizes sell out quickly.

Avoid shopping in June and July when demand peaks and retailers have no incentive to discount. Spring break season (March and April) also sees higher prices. If you're flexible on timing, waiting two to four weeks often means finding the same suit marked down an additional 20 to 30 percent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find swimwear under $20 in South Carolina?

Goodwill, Salvation Army, and consignment shops regularly stock swimwear in this price range. Walmart and Target clearance racks sometimes have items under $20, especially in late August and January. Shein and Amazon Basics sell new swimwear starting around $15 to $20, though quality varies.

Do outlet malls have better prices than TJ Maxx and Marshalls?

Not necessarily. Outlet stores and discount chains use different sourcing models—outlets sell overstock and last season's styles, while TJ Maxx buys returns and overstock from department stores. Prices overlap significantly. Check both to compare what's available in your size and style.

When is the best time to buy swimwear in South Carolina?

Late August through September offers the deepest discounts as summer inventory clears. January and February bring the second-best sales. Avoid June, July, and spring break season (March–April) when demand is high and prices are full retail or close to it.

Can I return swimwear bought on clearance?

Return policies vary by store. Most retailers accept returns on clearance items within 30 to 60 days with a receipt. TJ Maxx and Marshalls have shorter windows (typically 30 days). Check the store's return policy before buying, especially if the suit is for a specific trip.

Are consignment shop swimsuits sanitary?

Reputable consignment shops inspect all items for damage and cleanliness before accepting them. Most swimwear is machine-washable—run it through a hot wash cycle when you get home. If you're uncomfortable with used swimwear, stick to new items from discount chains and outlets.