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On a mid-July day, the Back Bay is just about as far away as you would want to be from Cape Cod Bay—but it's exactly where to tackle pesky bathing suit shopping in anticipation of those upcoming beach bum weeks.

Aside from the downtown department stores, which will definitely hook you up with some designer goodies, the area also boasts chain brands huddled at the Newbry Building (Victoria's Secret, H&M, Athleta) and more niche boutiques in the Copley and Prudential malls, including Intimacy and men's supplier Vilbrequin. Though Natick is the opposite direction of the water, it's worth a drive for Everything But Water, a beloved boutique for contemporary swim brands. We've mapped out where and why each of these stores (and several more) are must-visits before the mercury rises.